OSAP tips/advice/questions (Old)

[mr_toast]

Alright, just that I read some of your recent posts and I learned you had high school, adult school, and you mentioned professors in another post, so I assumed you had some form of post-secondary and would know what's up with OSAP.

Anyhow, you learn right away an estimated amount. Your application is updated about 5-10 working days later with an exact amount you're guaranteed, should your financial affairs not change, and your course load stays the same.

I apologize for my ignorance.

[Depeche_Girl]

sorry if this is a dumb question but how do you know if you have been overpaid by OSAP?

for example:
2 years ago, a week after they gave me the first installment I dropped a course, so my course load was reduced to 80%. they did a reassessment and lowered the amount of the 2nd installment.

last year, I dropped courses again which made it so I was taking less than the 9-credit minimum for the 2nd semester. I received my first installment at the beginning of school. when it came time for the 2nd installment, they reassessed me and said that I had enough funds to pay the rest of my tuition that year.

I hear OSAP forgives you for the overpayment for 1 year but if you have 2 overpayments you have to start paying them back before you can receive any more assistance. if you have been overawarded does OSAP notify you? or do they want you to figure that out for yourself? i may just make an appointment to clear this up but any help you can give me is appreciated. thanks

[asdisme]

So I have an overpayment which I must pay back to OSAP, is there a penalty or deadline to pay it back? I've kind of delayed the repayment for 2 months or so already :(. I hope there is no interest or anything.


Thanks!

[PhilRelgStudent]

Alright, just that I read some of your recent posts and I learned you had high school, adult school, and you mentioned professors in another post, so I assumed you had some form of post-secondary and would know what's up with OSAP.

Anyhow, you learn right away an estimated amount. Your application is updated about 5-10 working days later with an exact amount you're guaranteed, should your financial affairs not change, and your course load stays the same.

I apologize for my ignorance.

Thanks.

No apologize necessary. Its all good.

[beserk1]

what do i need to do to delay my osap payment? i recently graduated from uni

[mr_toast]

what do i need to do to delay my osap payment? i recently graduated from uni

You don't need anything. Get a job, and, if you don't find one within 5 months and you have documentable proof of applying for jobs, go to your school's financial aid office and get some sort of interest grace period form thingy.

[beserk1]

how do i document myself looking for jobs?

[AndrewShev]

I have a question about OSAP. I received my offer yesterday, and i have enrollment appointment July 9th, can you tell me when should i apply for OSAP, now of after the appointment with counselor?

[stevelam]

how do i document myself looking for jobs?

how in the hell did you graduate from uni?

[Professor Iris]

I have a question about OSAP. I received my offer yesterday, and i have enrollment appointment July 9th, can you tell me when should i apply for OSAP, now of after the appointment with counselor?

Apply as soon as possible, unless you don't know what your course load will be, but unless there is a reason where you would be taking less than a full course load just apply, if it changes you can update it later with your financial aid office.

[beserk1]

how in the hell did you graduate from uni?

what? you email about jobs, if they dont reply then tough luck. what is there to record and show as prove...

[AndrewShev]

Apply as soon as possible, unless you don't know what your course load will be, but unless there is a reason where you would be taking less than a full course load just apply, if it changes you can update it later with your financial aid office.

i have no idea what my course load will be, but i will be full time student and probably i will have many courses.

[Professor Iris]

i have no idea what my course load will be, but i will be full time student and probably i will have many courses.

If you are a full-time student, taking whatever is normally expected of a full-time student then you will have a 100% course load.

[mr_toast]

how do i document myself looking for jobs?

Some websites (Staplesville, LCBO) have career profiles that track what jobs you applied for and when, and if you were considered for each one. You can print those off. Then you can print out emails sent to HR reps. As a last resort, track down the person you gave your resume to and get them to sign a piece of paper saying you handed them your resume.

[beserk1]

ty mr.toast

one more question, so i finished uni this spring.

I have to start paying my OSAP back in 5 months?

Does the interest start RIGHT after i finish uni (as in right now)? OR does it start after 5months when i start paying back?

[Professor Iris]

ty mr.toast

one more question, so i finished uni this spring.

I have to start paying my OSAP back in 5 months?

Does the interest start RIGHT after i finish uni (as in right now)? OR does it start after 5months when i start paying back?

Interest starts accumulating immediately. I believe that the osap site says that for any new loans the provincial portion will not longer be charged interest during the grace period, but that doesn't help you. If you graduated in April (the end of the study period, not when the graduation ceremony was), your grace period will be up October 31st, (6 months after you last finished full time studies), and I believe that payment is due the last day of that following month, so the end of November, but the dates and amounts must be negotiated between you and the nslsc before the end of October.

[mr_toast]

Interest starts accumulating immediately. I believe that the osap site says that for any new loans the provincial portion will not longer be charged interest during the grace period, but that doesn't help you. If you graduated in April (the end of the study period, not when the graduation ceremony was), your grace period will be up October 31st, (6 months after you last finished full time studies), and I believe that payment is due the last day of that following month, so the end of November, but the dates and amounts must be negotiated between you and the nslsc before the end of October.

You should've also received a letter from the NSLSC noting the end of your grace period

[skoolll]

hello everyone,

so far its been a great thread.I have a general question. I just finished my 1st year(its a 4 year degree) in april 2010 as a fulltime student.I will be going into 2nd year this september(full time).I already have almost 8000$ osap loan.Now does interest accumulate during this 4 month summer period(may to august) when i am out of school?
if it does,then is there any way to stop it by applying for interest relief?or is it going to stop only when i pick up my loan document in september from school?

Thx in adavance

[emoci]

hello everyone,

so far its been a great thread.I have a general question. I just finished my 1st year(its a 4 year degree) in april 2010 as a fulltime student.I will be going into 2nd year this september(full time).I already have almost 8000$ osap loan.Now does interest accumulate during this 4 month summer period(may to august) when i am out of school?
if it does,then is there any way to stop it by applying for interest relief?or is it going to stop only when i pick up my loan document in september from school?

Thx in adavance

No interest accumulates as long as you're returning to school in September...

If you're applying and picking up OSAP for the next year...when you pickup your documents for OSAP in September you'll also sign the "Confirmation of Enrollment" that keeps the loan interest-free.

If you're not re-applying for OSAP for next year you need to fill and get this form stamped by the registrar and drop it off at the nearest Loans centre...(the registrar can explain where it needs to go) http://safa.uwaterloo.ca/forms/OSAP%20Forms%2009-10/CIFS.pdf

[garion]

You don't need anything. Get a job, and, if you don't find one within 5 months and you have documentable proof of applying for jobs, go to your school's financial aid office and get some sort of interest grace period form thingy.

Just contact the National Student Loan Service Centre and discuss repayment options. You can ask about interest relief (soon to have a new name). Your Financial Aid Office does not typically handle repayment as they are not the ones who actually give you the money. They may have some info and advice, but it is the NSLSC you have to make arrangements with so call them or go to canlearn.ca

[radicaltorque]

My problem is one that I have not seen yet and I'm going out of my mind. Through several errors made by the college, I ended up with 2 OSAP loans for a 8 month full-time course. Approximately half way through the course, I temporarily withdrew due to an ATV accident. The college said that the remaining loan was to have been applied to the courses still remaining, when I returned. Upon returning I was blended into another class that was at the point that I was when I left for medical leave.
The college informed me that they had no idea what happened to the loan, and OSAP said it never received any back during my withdrawal.
The result was I was told to sign more papers for a new loan to continue. Being under the gun and pressured to finish the course, I did as told.
I finished the course, and the college was "investigating" what they had done with all this money, but never found it.
I was told I had completed the course, given a document to state such, and was told the diploma would arrive in the mail later.
Well, no diploma, I get a job (casual) in my field, called the college for the diploma to be told I never graduated. When I said I wrote the exam in this woman's office, the co-ordinator, and the one who gave me the letter of completion, came down with serious memory loss.
I'm on the hook for two loans, no diploma, and a college that I'm ready to sue. I asked OSAP about debt relief and was told to produce medical letters from the doctors. I am in the process of doing such.
I'm angry and looking for accountability from a college that claims to be number one.
What can I do that I haven't thought of. I can not afford a lawyer and do not have time to waste. I am a single dad and ready to breakdown.

[tehsin123]

Hello forum
I have a question I couldn't find an answer in documentation. I am studying in Commerce at UTM. My 3rd year will start in September. Me and my parents are Canadian citizens but my parents are non-resident since Dec 2009. I didn't apply for OSAP in my year 1 and Year 2 of my undergrad. Now I need to apply as our resources are draining out.
My questions are:
1- Does it make a difference if my parents are non-resident?
2- Does it affect if I didn't apply during my first two years of graduation?
3- How should I answer on question "return trip cost to permanenet Canadian address". I don't have a Candian permanent address? My parents are overseas.
4- I this situation, do I need to know anything else?

Many thanks for your help

Tehsin

[lear]

Greetings;

I'm so glad this thread exists. I'm in a bit of a dilemma right now with OSAP and wanted to see whether I can resolve the situation and continue with my funding. Here's the problem:

About 5 years ago I applied for OSAP (I was receiving funding prior to this) and was disqualified on the basis of misrepresenting my income. I received some unsound advice from friends who claimed they received the maximum amount by stating that they worked part time, instead of their actual full time positions. I followed their example and reported a substantially lower income than what it actually was, for the period that they were asking.

From that time, I have been financing my part time education with my own money and various small scholarships. Needless to say , its difficult to do so. Despite my very high gpa, the scholarships have been difficult to obtain since one cannot apply unless you're enrolled in the upcoming semester and for that to happen the balance owing to the university must be zero. By the time I usually manage to pay off my balance from the previous semester, the deadline for scholarships has passed.

For the upcoming semester, I find myself unable to pay the outstanding balance on my school account (about $3000) and really want, almost desperatly, to resume
my OSAP funding somehow and graduate. Can this be accomplished given OSAP disqualified me 5 years ago for misrepresenting my income? If so, how should I proceed? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Dominiic]

Hi, I hope someone can help me, as this may be a question others wonder too.

I need to get a C+ in all my courses to continue; and in two of my courses, I didn't get the required C+. I wanted to know if OSAP will grant my a loan again for me to take the classes again?

*NOTE*
One of the classes, I received OSAP for in the past, and the other I paid for during the summer. So tech. OSAP only paid for the one.

Thank You for your help!

[djino]

Hi, I hope someone can help me, as this may be a question others wonder too.

I need to get a C+ in all my courses to continue; and in two of my courses, I didn't get the required C+. I wanted to know if OSAP will grant my a loan again for me to take the classes again?

*NOTE*
One of the classes, I received OSAP for in the past, and the other I paid for during the summer. So tech. OSAP only paid for the one.

Thank You for your help!

It maybe within the requirements of your degree to have a C+ in all of your classes (I suspect its more of a C+ average though), but OSAP funding isn't Dependant on your GPA. OSAP only requires that you have passed (ie, receive at least a D-) in 60% of a full course load.

But again, the school may not let you continue on this program/degree path if you have less than a C+ average which might place you on some sort of academic suspension (ie, make you some sort of Special Student) which then would affect any future OSAP funding until you are placed back into your degree program.

Regardless though, OSAP funding requirements are that you are in a full time program and have passed at least 60% of a full course load during your previous academic year. GPA isn't a requirement here.

djino

[Hugh Jass]

I'd imagine this has been asked before but with over 100 pages, it'd be hard to find so I'll ask anyway.

Stepson is going into Laurier Math next month, we have about $18k RESP saved. We will need OSAP at some stage for sure. So do you spend your RESP first and then apply for OSAP when that runs out, or do you apply for OSAP as soon as you're starting school?

There's one question on the OSAP form asking how much of your RESP you intend using this year, which kind of threw us off, as we presumed you'd have to go through your own funds first.


Thanks for looking.

[Professor Iris]

I'd imagine this has been asked before but with over 100 pages, it'd be hard to find so I'll ask anyway.

Stepson is going into Laurier Math next month, we have about $18k RESP saved. We will need OSAP at some stage for sure. So do you spend your RESP first and then apply for OSAP when that runs out, or do you apply for OSAP as soon as you're starting school?

There's one question on the OSAP form asking how much of your RESP you intend using this year, which kind of threw us off, as we presumed you'd have to go through your own funds first.


Thanks for looking.

Since RESP money is not your stepson's until you dole it out, I would take the application as you have; put in as much of it as he will be receiving this year. My RESP was much less (I had $1000 a year for 4 years) and this is how I did it. The other well informed people, including the starters of this thread disagree though.

[Hugh Jass]

Since RESP money is not your stepson's until you dole it out, I would take the application as you have; put in as much of it as he will be receiving this year. My RESP was much less (I had $1000 a year for 4 years) and this is how I did it. The other well informed people, including the starters of this thread disagree though.

So, for example, if we split the $18k into the 4 yrs, we'd give him $4.5k a year toward school and he'd apply to OSAP for the balance?

[Professor Iris]

So, for example, if we split the $18k into the 4 yrs, we'd give him $4.5k a year toward school and he'd apply to OSAP for the balance?

That's what I would do, but there are a lot of people who completely disagree about what that part of the application wants and you can get into trouble if you fill out the forms wrong. They may very well be right, but from my understanding of things that is what I would do as that is what I think they are asking. You can always call the nslsc and ask I guess.

[moon_man33]

I paid off what little osap was given to me last week, even though repayment begins Nov 1. On the nslsc/canlearn website, it was showing me the principal as well as the interest added that was due. After I paid off the principal, when I log on to the website it says there is no record of an outstanding loan. What happens to the interest? Am I off the hook, or do I still need to take care of it?

[silhuetto]

Hi everyone,

I am on OSAP, and I'm currently finishing my final year of undergrad at UofT. My degree is in Russian language and literature, and I want to become a translator. I never had an opportunity to study abroad, but it's commonly understood that to be a translator you must live in the country where that language is spoken for a fair bit of time.

Because of this, I am hoping to do one year studying Russian at Irkutsk State Linguistic University, starting next September. Prices for education are much lower there, but this is still a very good institution. My question is, would OSAP allow me to put off my loans while I study abroad, even if I've already graduated? Would they ever consider continuing to fund me for that year, or would I need to find another way to support myself? What if I am not studying in a particular program at the university in Russia (ie. not going for a degree), but simply taking intensive language courses to help me achieve my career goal?

Thanks to anyone who can give me some insight on this, and/or can tell me where I would go for more information from OSAP itself!

Emma

[scxo]

Hi,

I'm registered in as 60% course load for osap.
and i am considering dropping a class my first semester.
so i will go from 60 to 50% in course load which brings me to a part time student.
how much will osap give me if i do drop the class? (from jan. to apr.)

[thescore53]

Hi,

I'm registered in as 60% course load for osap.
and i am considering dropping a class my first semester.
so i will go from 60 to 50% in course load which brings me to a part time student.
how much will osap give me if i do drop the class? (from jan. to apr.)

if u drop that class osap will eat ur brain. seriously this would mess things up.

[Suhayb217]

I got denied OSAP for my 5th year even though I graduated. Do I redo the application? I am going to call them tomorrow to find out why specifically my application was canceled/closed. Do they usually give OSAP to 5th year non-degree students?

[mria8]

would OSAP allow me to put off my loans while I study abroad, even if I've already graduated?
No, bc the uni in Russia is not an eligible school (there's a list of those schools on the OSAP website

Would they ever consider continuing to fund me for that year, or would I need to find another way to support myself?
No, they won't. First of all, it's in Russia.

What if I am not studying in a particular program at the university in Russia (ie. not going for a degree), but simply taking intensive language courses to help me achieve my career goal?
Most definitely not.



Hi everyone,

I am on OSAP, and I'm currently finishing my final year of undergrad at UofT. My degree is in Russian language and literature, and I want to become a translator. I never had an opportunity to study abroad, but it's commonly understood that to be a translator you must live in the country where that language is spoken for a fair bit of time.

Because of this, I am hoping to do one year studying Russian at Irkutsk State Linguistic University, starting next September. Prices for education are much lower there, but this is still a very good institution. My question is, would OSAP allow me to put off my loans while I study abroad, even if I've already graduated? Would they ever consider continuing to fund me for that year, or would I need to find another way to support myself? What if I am not studying in a particular program at the university in Russia (ie. not going for a degree), but simply taking intensive language courses to help me achieve my career goal?

Thanks to anyone who can give me some insight on this, and/or can tell me where I would go for more information from OSAP itself!

Emma

[samsum]

Hi there,

I am on osap for the 2nd year, last year went smoothly.
This year I got almost half of the amount on sep. (loan + grant) but I right now my osap is on hold when I check online, and I must provide additional documents to support my osap application.
They stated: Check List:
1. Things to do:
Student must provide supporting documents
You have been placed on academic probation for OSAP purposes. Because you have not maintained satisfactory academic progress, you must provide a letter of explanation outlining your situation including the reason(s) you have not progressed........

2. Things to review
Income verification
Student's income-to be determined
Parent 1's income + Parent 2's income

For item 1 i am not very clear why i am under probation but i guess i have 2 reasons that they may consider I changed my program from one to other and I failed in one course 0.5 credit in the summer (49/100)?
What do you thing guys? Which one of those is the reason?
And any suggestions to the letter that i have provide?
For item 2 I totally don’t understand? What should I do? Shall i apply for income tax (actually i reported my income during 2008 & 2009 only $1000 each year) and it is true from baby-sitting.
But i turned 19 on March 2010 and did not apply to the income tax do they need us to apply??
Or this is normal procedure.

Thank you

[patricia257]

ok so im just really confused about this whole personal income issue.
so from january 2010 to may 2010, i made 1500
and from may to sep 2010, i made 1000
and from september 2010 to now i made roughly around 1500.
I was looking forward to working during christmas because thats when i make ALOT of money (lots of hours plus overtime and holiday pay) but i know how you can only make 103/week during study term. so do they look at your jan-may 2010 and sep-dec 2010 income or from sep 2010-april 2011 income (referring to the study term)? because from jan 2010 to now, i already made over 3500 and i really dont want to lose any money and i already got my loan installment so my next term, it'd be all grant and i dont want to be losing any grant (its free money)....
i guess im just really confused with all the "how much you can make." so technically, if you count only the "studying term" did i only make 3000 so i can still make 500 before i quit? is that what it is....?????? or do i also have to take into consideration of how much ill be making in second semester (jan 2011-april 2011) or would that just count towards next year OSAP application ???????????

[lav99]

Hi everyone,


I'm in the final year of my studies. I applied for OSAP last time in Sep 2010 and I got $12,000 (I'm married with 2 kids). At the time of application we had only 1 car (older car which is worth about $6000) and we listed the car as an asset.

Here is my question:

If we buy another car before I graduate (April 2011), is there a chance that they will count our 2-nd car as an asset and recalculate my OSAP funding???


Thank you!

[djino]

Hi everyone,


I'm in the final year of my studies. I applied for OSAP last time in Sep 2010 and I got $12,000 (I'm married with 2 kids). At the time of application we had only 1 car (older car which is worth about $6000) and we listed the car as an asset.

Here is my question:

If we buy another car before I graduate (April 2011), is there a chance that they will count our 2-nd car as an asset and recalculate my OSAP funding???


Thank you!

I don't believe so. I believe when they calculated your funding amount for Sept 2010 to April 2011 academic year, it was based on expected income/assets for the 2010 Calendar year.

Should you require further OSAP assistance coming Fall 2011, then this 2nd car asset may come into play.

djino

[Questionz]

I remember reading about some amount of salary (at whatever time interval) and you are still eligible for interest relief programs in OSAP. How much is that amount? is it less than 14000/year?

[champlinD]

Hi everyone,


I'm in the final year of my studies. I applied for OSAP last time in Sep 2010 and I got $12,000 (I'm married with 2 kids). At the time of application we had only 1 car (older car which is worth about $6000) and we listed the car as an asset.

Here is my question:

If we buy another car before I graduate (April 2011), is there a chance that they will count our 2-nd car as an asset and recalculate my OSAP funding???


Thank you!

Don't know why are registering a id and started you using this old thread since the new one (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/osap-tips-advice-questions-new-754804/) is very good. People should use it

Mods please combine these two.

[CdnBobbo]

So Im starting school this June at TriOS college because I live in Oshawa and there is no jobs. So why not go back to school and educate myself in a new field that is in demand. I chose triOS because it started the soonest and has a great reputation here in Oshawa. So my question is, Im getting $9300 from OSAP, my course is $6000. This leaving me with $3,300 for 6 months. I have to pay rent of $400 a month and $100 for a bus pass. This leaving me with $300 for all my food, school supplies and anything else I need. This isnt nearly enough and I know Im allowed to make $100 extra a week but even still that wouldnt be enough, even if I was able to find a part-time job here. So I want to know is there something I can do? Can I contact OSAP and explain my situation?

[CSK'sMom]

So Im starting school this June at TriOS college because I live in Oshawa and there is no jobs. So why not go back to school and educate myself in a new field that is in demand. I chose triOS because it started the soonest and has a great reputation here in Oshawa. So my question is, Im getting $9300 from OSAP, my course is $6000. This leaving me with $3,300 for 6 months. I have to pay rent of $400 a month and $100 for a bus pass. This leaving me with $300 for all my food, school supplies and anything else I need. This isnt nearly enough and I know Im allowed to make $100 extra a week but even still that wouldnt be enough, even if I was able to find a part-time job here. So I want to know is there something I can do? Can I contact OSAP and explain my situation?

Nope, your need is assessed using a complex formula. OSAP is need based, not want based. You're expected to liquidate your assets and have at least $3k in pre-study income saved to pay towards school...

This is a long dead thread that dealt with OSAP before the latest round of changes. The current OSAP thread is actually stickied in this forum. I will now lock this one...