May often marks the start of a summer job for post-secondary students. But with most businesses still shut down because of COVID-19, this spring and summer looks bleak for employment.
And students not yet employed before the pandemic don't qualify for CERB (The Canada Emergency Response Benefit) because they technically didn't lose their job.
Here's the latest the Federal Government is proposing in new aid for students.
Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
- This proposed benefit would provide support to students and new grads who are NOT eligible for CERB or EI or unable to work due to COVID-19.
- $1,250 per month to eligible students or $1,750 a month to students with dependents or disabilities.
- Benefit payable from May to August.
New National Service Initiative
- The newly proposed Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) would help students gain valuable work experience and skills while they help their communities during COVID-19.
- For students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new CSSG will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall.
Proposed changes to the CSLP would allow more students to qualify for support and eligible for greater amounts. Changes would include:
- Doubling the Canada Student Grans for all eligible full time students up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part time in 2020-21.
- Grants for students with permanent disabilities and students with dependents would also be doubled.
Find more info and an interactive director of all federal supports at: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/coronavirusbenefits/
To watch my recent CBC National segment on this topic, click here.