APPLICATION ASSISTANCE FOR THE CANADA EMERGENCY STUDENT BENEFIT (CESB)

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne would like to inform post-secondary students and recent graduates attending a college/university in Canada or abroad (i.e. United States) that beginning Friday, May 15, coronavirus aid applications will be available for submission. Students are being asked to submit their applications for the new benefit program over four days, depending on the month of their birth. To be eligible, you must be a registered Indian through Indigenous Services Canada or a Canadian Citizen.

The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is aimed at assisting those students who are unemployed or making less than $1,000 a month due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible students and graduates include those who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution, have graduated since December 2019, or are enrolling in a post-secondary program that begins before February 1, 2021.

Students who have already applied and are receiving Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI) are not eligible to receive CESB. For those not eligible to CERB, they can apply for the student aid program through the Canada Revenue Agency to receive payments of $1,250 per month between May and August. Individuals who have disabilities, children under 12, or other dependents may be eligible for $2,000 per month. Applicants can expect their payments within three to five business days once deemed eligible if they are set up for direct deposit.

Akwesasne Career & Employment Support Services (ACESS) will be providing assistance to those who want to apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit. For assistance, please contact Youth Coordinator Nathan Sunday. Nathan will be available by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. To reach Nathan during those hours, phone 613-575-2626.

Please be advised that all students who make appointments must respect and follow all safety protocols for COVID-19.


For more information, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-student-benefit.html