Osap tips/advice/questions

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks to RandomSanity in another thread, its been brought to our attention that OSAP is changing their ways of repayment assistance.

Interest relief and Debt Reduction will be replaced with Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)

You can read more about it here:
http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/after/repaymentassistance/rpp.shtml

Positives is that the program overall is more fair to everyone, basically everyone pays what they can afford. But on the same token, you gotta pay what they think is affordable (20% of income), no more not paying for 6 months at a time.

It is especially beneficial after the 5 year mark where basically the goverment helps you pay off the portion the you cannot afford.

Gov't is basically guaranteeing that you will be debt free after max of 15 years.

I still have some questions myself about it like how they verify a change in your status if you don't tell them (like you just got a new job), do they do an annual check with CRA, or how do they regulate this. Anyone with answers or material to add is welcome.

Ive created another thread to segregate the old system from the new.


Hm....getting old, maybe I should retire from the thread since the inside info ive collected from before no longer applies anymore...:(


EDIT: Thanks to Mysteek and other supporters of this thread (and the old one), I will ask for those found the threads helpful to nominate/vote for us for "Most Helpful Thread Nominations". And I say us because I obviously share this honor with CSK'sMom ^_~

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=763768

[sunnyd71]

The province you have selected has not yet aligned with the proposed federal Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). Therefore please enter the loan information for your Federal loan (your Canada Student Loan). If you do not know this amount because your loan is from an integrated province (Ontario, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland/Labrador or New Brunswick) then you can estimate the Federal portion of your loan total by entering 2/3rds of your total loan (e.g. multiply your total loan amount by 0.66).

What does this mean?

Different provinces and territories have different repayment assistance programs. You are asked to enter this information so that the tool generates the most accurate repayment assistance information possible.

Please note that Quebec, the North West Territories and Nunavut do not participate in the Federal system and therefore are not eligible for Federal repayment assistance programs. Please consult your provincial or territorial student loan web site to learn about their repayment assistance programs.

So what does this mean for us Ontarians? Does it mean there are both interest relief for the Ontario portion and the new system for the federal portion?

[BBQPorkBun]

So what does this mean for us Ontarians? Does it mean there are both interest relief for the Ontario portion and the new system for the federal portion?

good question, but when i see 'have yet to align' i would think its just a matter of time. i would think its costly and inefficient and unnecessary to maintain 2 systems

[noxe2]

how does this affect students who are studying but not taking OSAP anymore and have some loan with them? (took OSAP 1st and 2nd yr)

[Setz]

When is the deadline for OSAP applications?

[Setz]

If you were eligible for the QE Scholarship the deadline was June 19th. If you weren't there really isn't a deadline other than 30 days before your study period ends. Either way, the sooner the better.

Alright, thanks. Will probably do my application sometime this week or next week. I actually started an application back in April or March, but I found out it was for the 2008 year; didn't find out until the last minute.

[aznblade]

Might as well post my question here, no idea if I should post it on the Old thread haha. Oddly, when I went to apply for OSAP today I couldn't find my program o_o. Is it cause it's not there yet or something?

[aznblade]

Is it a new program? Many of the schools have not yet updated OSAP with all the info needed. Things like tuition, book costs, etc. If it's a new program it may not show yet till the school get their updates into OSAP.

I don't think it's a new program, it's my second year into the Human Resources Management program w/ co-op at GBC. I guess I'll wait till next week and see if it's there~ Thanks! ^^

[aznblade]

LOL I'm sorry! I clicked on the 08-09 app T_T, I'm so stupid! Thanks for the help CSK :)

[BBQPorkBun]

how does this affect students who are studying but not taking OSAP anymore and have some loan with them? (took OSAP 1st and 2nd yr)

doesn't affect you, cuz you never had it the old school way. worry about it when you're done

[minttea]

Is there a way to change the program you're in online? or would I have to call in and ask them to update my profile? I am switching to a program with a considerably higher tuition fee, if that helps.

[sunnyd71]

So under the new repayment assistance program, is it that the government pays 100% of the interest and you make affordable payments strictly toward principle? I'm not entirely sure after reading about it on the website.

[sunnyd71]

Not quite from what I understand. Payments will be capped at 20% of your family income and the gov't will make the rest of your payment which may include principle and interest. If income is under $20k no payment in required at all. After 5 years on RAP (repayment assistance plan) principle starts to be forgiven. Repayment will also be capped at 15 years, 10 years if you have a permanent disability.

I thought so originally as well but then it mentions that your payment will go toward principal first.


For the first five years under the RAP, student loan borrowers who qualify will make affordable payments (or no payment) toward their loan principal. Paying the loan principal first reduces the total debt.

[BBQPorkBun]

Not quite from what I understand. Payments will be capped at 20% of your family income and the gov't will make the rest of your payment which may include principle and interest. If income is under $20k no payment in required at all. After 5 years on RAP (repayment assistance plan) principle starts to be forgiven. Repayment will also be capped at 15 years, 10 years if you have a permanent disability.

This is what I understand it to be, and please correct me if ive mistaken.

The example is monthly payment: 450 where 50 of that is interest (400 principle)

scenario 1 (first 5 years)
what osap calculates you can afford: 300
you pay 300 toward the 400, the 100 sits there, gov't pays the 50

scenario 2 (first 5 years)
what osap calculates you can afford: 450 (or higher)
you pay 450, of it 50 goes towards interest

scenario 3 (after 5th year)
what osap calculates you can afford: 300
you pay 300 toward the 400, gov't pays 150 to pay interest and lower principle

scenario 4 (after 5th year)
what osap calculates you can afford: 450 or higher
you pay 450, of it 50 goes towards interest
(same as scenario 2)

[sunnyd71]

This is what I understand it to be, and please correct me if ive mistaken.

The example is monthly payment: 450 where 50 of that is interest (400 principle)

scenario 1 (first 5 years)
what osap calculates you can afford: 300
you pay 300 toward the 400, the 100 sits there, gov't pays the 50

scenario 2 (first 5 years)
what osap calculates you can afford: 450 (or higher)
you pay 450, of it 50 goes towards interest

scenario 3 (after 5th year)
what osap calculates you can afford: 300
you pay 300 toward the 400, gov't pays 150 to pay interest and lower principle

scenario 4 (after 5th year)
what osap calculates you can afford: 450 or higher
you pay 450, of it 50 goes towards interest
(same as scenario 2)

This is also how I understand it and believe this is exactly what CSKsMom was saying as well. As well, people with permanent disabilities are in stage 2 right away. (typically what happens after 5 years for other people.)

How does the 6 month grace period factor into this now? Is full interest still charged and added to principal for these 6 months and then you can join RAP? I would assume so since your payment is $0 for those 6 months.

[BBQPorkBun]

This is also how I understand it and believe this is exactly what CSKsMom was saying as well. As well, people with permanent disabilities are in stage 2 right away. (typically what happens after 5 years for other people.)

How does the 6 month grace period factor into this now? Is full interest still charged and added to principal for these 6 months and then you can join RAP? I would assume so since your payment is $0 for those 6 months.

good question, but i think unless osap says otherwise, we'd have to assume its the same, you can only get RAP in nov give you grad in april, and interest accumulates during grace period

[BBQPorkBun]

No to scenario 1 IMO. The gov't would be paying $150. Essentially RAP makes the whole difference in payment, not just the interest like the old interest relief program. They are saying that after 5 years principle forgiveness grants come into play but there is really nothing out there about that yet.

Ugh, I wish they would get some real info up about this other than nice little blurbs that look nice in print but don't tell us jack squat!

i don't think so CSK, or else whats the diff between first 5 years and after the 5th year?

from the gov't point of view they are saying, ok if u can only afford that much go ahead and pay that while i help with interest (similar to interest relief), but after 5 years if i see you still struggle, i'll help you with principle as well to guarantee you will be debt free later

Stage I: This stage applies to the first five years of the Plan.

* For the first five years under the RAP, student loan borrowers who qualify will make affordable payments (or no payment) toward their loan principal. Paying the loan principal first reduces the total debt. ($300)
* The Government of Canada will cover the interest amount owing that the borrower’s calculated affordable payment does not cover. ($50)
* Borrowers will not make payments exceeding 20 per cent of their income towards loans covered by RAP.

Stage 1 says nothing about helping reducing principle at all so in my scenario, the 100 just sits there as debt still to be paid later on and the person makes what he can afford to it.


I know what you are saying in terms of they have to get to 0 balance by the end of 15 years. But I think what happens is at the 5 year mark and you enter stage 2, your monthly payment is recalculated and most likely increases if you haven't been paying all of your principle throughout the first 5 years.

so scenario is i make 19k and hence make 0 payments. my monthly payment is calculated to be 450, but can't afford it, hence my debt sits there and gov't pays interest for first 5 years (similar to IR). come the 5th year, monthly payment is recalculated to be 550, i still pay what i can, could be 0, and gov't pays the rest to ensure debt is 0 at the end of 15 years

[RandomSanity]

I think BBQPorkBun has the right of it. I believe the government makes the interest payments on your behalf for the first 5 years. Only then do they begin to make any payments towards the principle.

It is essentially the same as the old system except open to a wider variety of people and based on a percentage of income (which increases in proportion of your income, it is not a fixed percentage) instead of a percentage of your loan amount.

[BBQPorkBun]

I dunno BBQ, look at the quote in post 20. They specifically say they will make the remainder of the payment, not just the interest. The RAF specifically replaces the outdated interest relief and debt relief programs. They are not supposed to work anything like the old programs. There is no way they can only make the interest payments while capping payment required and still limit the length of the loan to 15 years. After 5 years they are saying additional "more genous" principle reduction grants in addition. It's also my feeling that when/if one enrolls in AF their payments are going to change year to year. They will use their tax returns to adjust the payment yearly...

this is what i added to my previous post to address the term issue.

I know what you are saying in terms of they have to get to 0 balance by the end of 15 years. But I think what happens is at the 5 year mark and you enter stage 2, your monthly payment is recalculated and most likely increases if you haven't been paying all of your principle throughout the first 5 years.

so scenario is i make 19k and hence make 0 payments. my monthly payment is calculated to be 450, but can't afford it, hence my debt sits there and gov't pays interest for first 5 years (similar to IR). come the 5th year, monthly payment is recalculated to be 550, i still pay what i can, could be 0, and gov't pays the rest to ensure debt is 0 at the end of 15 years

[BBQPorkBun]

Just adjusting my scenario to what I think happens, accounting for unpaid principle in first 5 years.

The example is monthly payment: 450 where 50 of that is interest (400 principle)

scenario 1 (first 5 years)
what osap calculates you can afford: 300
you pay 300 toward the 400, the 100 sits there, gov't pays the 50

scenario 2 (first 5 years)
what osap calculates you can afford: 450 (or higher)
you pay 450, of it 50 goes towards interest


After 5 years:
monthly payment has now become 480 because of unpaid principle to date where 30 (interest portion is less because you have been paying down principle up to this point) of that is interest (450 principle)

scenario 3 (after 5th year)
what osap calculates you can afford: 300
you pay 300 toward the 450, gov't pays 180 to pay interest and lower principle

scenario 4 (after 5th year)
what osap calculates you can afford: 480 or higher
you pay 480, of it 30 goes towards interest

[BBQPorkBun]

Maybe you're right BBQ. On this page http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/after/repaymentassistance/rpp.shtml it says:

Uhg, it almost seems like every different page says something different. And this all supposedly comes into effect on August 1st! And one has to specifically opt in or enroll in this program, it's not automatic. If one is on IR or DR now they will stay on those programs till their term of IR, etc expire. But they do say they can apply anytime after August 1st for the RAP.

Like I said in the other thread BBQ, we'll all muddle through these changes together, LOL! Anyone else notice the OSAP site is really void of any of this info. Heck the aid estimator isn't even updated to this year's programs. :| I can only assume the site will sit as it is till the "new and improved" site that was promised to deal with all of this comes online.

yes, muddle we shall do :lol:

[RandomSanity]

While you guys are on the OSAP topic I'd appreciate a quick point in the right direction.

On my original OSAP application (3 years ago?) I stupidly entered my last date of attending highschool as October 20th, 2004 (which is my birthday) instead of June 20th, 2004. Up to this point it has not affected my loans as I would have been considered dependent even though I'm living away from home, however this year I have been out of highschool long enough to be considered independent and I would like to change this information to the correct date.

When I attempt to change this it states that I need supporting documentation... do you have any idea what supporting documentation would be required for this type of change at this point in time? Would I contact the NSLSC or my schools financial aid office? I've been putting off applying for OSAP this year, as my parents are no longer willing to supply their information now that it should not be required of them.

Thanks!

[cassey48]

I applied for OSAP online and I still haven't received the supporting documentation they said they will send me. Should I just stop waiting and try to print one out instead? The QE scholarship deadline is coming closer and I am worried it won't send it in time.

[RandomSanity]

I would imagine a letter stating the error and your HS diploma and/or transcript would be enough for supporting documentation. I would think you could go through either NSLSC or your FinAid office. We've always dealt with the FinAid office for supporting documentation (tons of it) for our oldest as it's local and easy.

This is a problem, as I don't really have access to either of these. My highschool is quite a distance from where I am currently studying so I would have to request them to send me a copy of my transcript and I'm afraid it would not arrive on time for my OSAP application to be completed before my study period. Do you expect one of either is neccessary or would they be able to change this without?

[RandomSanity]

Hmmm... You may have to call them to try to straighten this out. I can't see them changing it without the documentation because of the fraud aspect to get independent status. Possibly your transcripts are still in the system from your original application though and maybe they will just take a letter. All speculation though as you're going to have to call them to find out specifically what they want....

Thanks for the help, I'll call the NSLSC tonight and find out what they require.

[trisle604]

yeah i also printed mines out after waiting 3 weeks .

[xiLLeNtz]

i just finished applying for osap for my second year of college and i was looking at my account overview and noticed that the program listed for my first year of college is wrong... i must've put the wrong program (the name is similar to the one i am actually on)....

is there anything i SHOULD be doing?

[canadianmom]

I applied for OSAP online and I still haven't received the supporting documentation they said they will send me. Should I just stop waiting and try to print one out instead? The QE scholarship deadline is coming closer and I am worried it won't send it in time.

My daughter's just arrived in the mail today

[mr jbb]

hey,
great thread! last year I was in school in israel and I recieved a$10,000 subsidy should I include this amount in the OSAP application where they ask your other institutions loans. will it be beneficial to state this(theyll lookat it and say Oh wow they need more loan cause of this) or will they look at it in a detrimental way(dangerous to lend more money to them)

any help is appreciated thanks!

[Setz]

What resources are there available to me to complete my application? I'm registering at Brock on July 9th as part of their SMART Start program, so I don't know specifics regarding my program (% of course load I am taking for example).


http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4066/oozap.jpg

[BBQPorkBun]

hey,
great thread! last year I was in school in israel and I recieved a$10,000 subsidy should I include this amount in the OSAP application where they ask your other institutions loans. will it be beneficial to state this(theyll lookat it and say Oh wow they need more loan cause of this) or will they look at it in a detrimental way(dangerous to lend more money to them)

any help is appreciated thanks!

last year is not this year

[JIV]

Hi, i just received my osap funding quote and i'm only going to get $4600, even though my dad has been out of work for 1 yr, i dont have any resp or income of my own and my moms income is only 50000, with 2 dependants both in university. With this info, shouldnt i have received more, if not the full $11,900 because i definitely cant pay 14000 tuition with 4600. Does anyone have any advice...should i call into the osap ppl and ask them why i am receiving so little?

Thanks
JIV

[applecheeks]

So I tried to fill out the estimator form... (how accurate is it?) and it gives me $0. I'm not surprised, but it's not that my FAMILY doesn't have money, but I really want to pay things off on my own and be responsible for part of my tuition/housing/etc.

Quick info about me:
-Going into second year at UWO, living in student residence
-Three dependent children in my family, two (including me) are in University
-Going to make a little more than $10,000 this summer on my own
-Parents are still married
-Household income is a little less than $250k
-Have RESP, but don't know how much is in there

So what about special cases where the FAMILY has money, but the parents are forcing the child to pay for their own things? Although that's not exactly my case and my parents don't care and don't mind to pay for me... I really want to pay the majority of things off myself, and even with $10k this summer, I know it's not enough.

[asaadmq]

OSAP Updates are rolling out, i just got mine, pretty close to the estimate.

[rage2021]

So I tried to fill out the estimator form... (how accurate is it?) and it gives me $0. I'm not surprised, but it's not that my FAMILY doesn't have money, but I really want to pay things off on my own and be responsible for part of my tuition/housing/etc.

Quick info about me:
-Going into second year at UWO, living in student residence
-Three dependent children in my family, two (including me) are in University
-Going to make a little more than $10,000 this summer on my own
-Parents are still married
-Household income is a little less than $250k
-Have RESP, but don't know how much is in there

So what about special cases where the FAMILY has money, but the parents are forcing the child to pay for their own things? Although that's not exactly my case and my parents don't care and don't mind to pay for me... I really want to pay the majority of things off myself, and even with $10k this summer, I know it's not enough.

Damn thats alot of money, your lucky. And what are you doing to make 10k a summer thats pretty decent and should cover most of it.

[BBQPorkBun]

So I tried to fill out the estimator form... (how accurate is it?) and it gives me $0. I'm not surprised, but it's not that my FAMILY doesn't have money, but I really want to pay things off on my own and be responsible for part of my tuition/housing/etc.

Quick info about me:
-Going into second year at UWO, living in student residence
-Three dependent children in my family, two (including me) are in University
-Going to make a little more than $10,000 this summer on my own
-Parents are still married
-Household income is a little less than $250k
-Have RESP, but don't know how much is in there

So what about special cases where the FAMILY has money, but the parents are forcing the child to pay for their own things? Although that's not exactly my case and my parents don't care and don't mind to pay for me... I really want to pay the majority of things off myself, and even with $10k this summer, I know it's not enough.

thats not a special case and it doesn't really matter what you want, osaps based on financial need and according to them, you don't need it even if your parents don't pitch in

suggest you let them pay for whatever you are short and them just pay them back. no need to take money away from someone who may genuinely need it.

[mr jbb]

last year is not this year

could you clarify further. I dont really understand what you meant.

[JIV]

To begin with, you'll never recieve the max amount if you live within 40km of your school. You're expected to live at home if that's the case which dramatically reduces what you'll qualify for. Your assets (bank accounts, etc.)can and do reduce funding as well as owning a car worth more than $5k. Afterall, you're expected to contribute to your education costs so they expect you to liquidate these assets. You can double check your application online and make sure you didn't make any mistakes to start with. After that you can talk to your school's FinAid office.

Well firstly i live just over 100km from the university and i wasn't able to find a job to help pay for school. Whats even stranger is that i received approx $2000 more last year, and at that time my dad had a job and there were still 2 of us in university at the same time. Could it be since my brother hasnt applied for osap yet that it could affect the amount i receive. I'll double check my application to see if i made any mistakes, but i dont think i have since this is the third year i have applied.

Thanks
JIV

[LegiT]

How does one get notified if they receive the OSOG or even check the status of it on the website(don't see anything other than income checking will occur in the fall)? Do we get a letter?

[samm]

How does one get notified if they receive the OSOG or even check the status of it on the website(don't see anything other than income checking will occur in the fall)? Do we get a letter?

You do get a letter.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, i just received my osap funding quote and i'm only going to get $4600, even though my dad has been out of work for 1 yr, i dont have any resp or income of my own and my moms income is only 50000, with 2 dependants both in university. With this info, shouldnt i have received more, if not the full $11,900 because i definitely cant pay 14000 tuition with 4600. Does anyone have any advice...should i call into the osap ppl and ask them why i am receiving so little?

Thanks
JIV

if you definitely can't pay 14000 tuition with 4600
how did you expect to pay 14000 tuition with 11900?

plus your long commute and other expenses, just curious

[help_questions]

You do get a letter.

when does this letter go out?

[SherryBerry]

I just got my funding summar from OSAP (I am going in first year university, an independent student):

Loans - $11550
Canada Student Grants (Middle-Income) - $768
Total - $12318

Here is the problem, my tuition alone will be around $11000 to $12000, plus residence and meal plan it will be around $20000 first year, I have around $2000 saved up, but it is definitely not enough to cover all expenses (not even including living expenses), what can I do? Right now the column for the Ontario Access Grants is empty, so does that mean I won't be getting any?

I made around $31000 last year, which puts me in the middle income family bracket I guess, but here is the problem. I am in a common-law relationship according to the CRA (12 months of consecutive cohabitation), but not according to OSAP (3 years), and unfortunately last year my common-law partner did not have any income, and I have to pay for his expenses as well, how and when do I let OSAP know that and have them re-evaluate my grant?

I know this is a long post, but please help me with this, I really don't know what to do, I am about $7000 short...

[Sman416]

Hey there, I'm a student whos going to university A right now but is trying to switch to university B but did not get accepted yet. What do i put down for my osap form, should I do the form and change it after when i get accepted? Most schools are going to be done accepting osap stuff right?

[SherryBerry]

I hope you don't mind if I probe for further information.


I'm going to steal one of my favourite lines from BBQ..

Just how did you expect to pay $20k with $11,900? Frankly OSAP doesn't give a hoot that you choose to live with someone that didn't or doesn't work.

Then why do they give a higher maximum loan to people who are married or in common-law relationships ($11900 vs. $18530)?


You made $31k last year, you should have banked money in anticipation of school expenses.

Yes, I made 31k last year, but I also only made 25k the year before, and 15k the year before that, and I used the extra money to pay back debts.


And if your in a CL relationship and living situation why on earth do you think OSAP should pay for residence?

I don't understand, because my university is 2 hours away from where I live right now?


You're already getting the max available, I don't think you have anything to gripe about, let alone re-evaluate.

I know I am already getting the maximum loan, I am inquiring about the grants.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey there, I'm a student whos going to university A right now but is trying to switch to university B but did not get accepted yet. What do i put down for my osap form, should I do the form and change it after when i get accepted? Most schools are going to be done accepting osap stuff right?

its still early, you can wait or apply for the first place then switch to the other place and get re processed, which i think is more troublesome

[BBQPorkBun]

I hope you don't mind if I probe for further information.



Then why do they give a higher maximum loan to people who are married or in common-law relationships ($11900 vs. $18530)?



Yes, I made 31k last year, but I also only made 25k the year before, and 15k the year before that, and I used the extra money to pay back debts.



I don't understand, because my university is 2 hours away from where I live right now?



I know I am already getting the maximum loan, I am inquiring about the grants.

you're not gonna get any more money from the gov't, so move on from that point, maybe your significant other should make this up to you by stepping it up and get a job to help you pay for all this, since he's been living off you for a while.

[omchow]

I had a question in regards to the number of times you can apply for OSAP and receive a loan for an undergraduate program.

Initially I went to a university and received OSAP for 1.5 years and transferred into another university for a different program. From there I didn't use OSAP for 1st year, but I applied and received OSAP for 2nd year. I am going into my 3rd out of a 5 year degree program. I have applied and will receive OSAP for 3rd year which is this coming year.

My question: Is there a maximum number of times you can apply and receive loans from OSAP? I plan to apply for 4th and 5th year meaning I applied for OSAP for a total of 5.5 years.

Also, the loan I received for 1.5 years in my first undergrad uni I fully paid it off, and when I applied for OSAP again for the 2nd university, its a new loan number (different from my previous loan) ... so I start from scratch again ... is there is a maximum number of times I can apply?

[Deuce22]

If anyone can answer this, that would be great.

I am going into 2nd year university and on the OSAP application it asked me to estimate my income during the school year. I put $0 because i dont have a job and i wouldn't know if i would be working during school.

My question is, if i DO get a job during the school year, do i have to report this to OSAP?

[trisle604]

^ you should just inform your financial aid about it if and when it occurs.

[BBQPorkBun]

If anyone can answer this, that would be great.

I am going into 2nd year university and on the OSAP application it asked me to estimate my income during the school year. I put $0 because i dont have a job and i wouldn't know if i would be working during school.

My question is, if i DO get a job during the school year, do i have to report this to OSAP?

yup

[samm]

when does this letter go out?

Should be in fall (October-ish?). I'm not exactly sure when because I don't have the letters infront of me at the moment.

[hypnosheep]

If I made a mistake filling out my application (for example typed the wrong number) how do I go back and edit it?

[TechRock]

If anyone can answer this, that would be great.

I am going into 2nd year university and on the OSAP application it asked me to estimate my income during the school year. I put $0 because i dont have a job and i wouldn't know if i would be working during school.

My question is, if i DO get a job during the school year, do i have to report this to OSAP?

just a follow up question, say i keep my summer job into the fall/winter term, working 2 days per week and making around $350 per month, how much does OSAp expect me to save for school next yr? will it affect how much money i will get in Jan 2010?

[BBQPorkBun]

just a follow up question, say i keep my summer job into the fall/winter term, working 2 days per week and making around $350 per month, how much does OSAp expect me to save for school next yr? will it affect how much money i will get in Jan 2010?

it won't affect anything, its too small an amount to, so go ahead

[hi-everyone]

IMPORTANT QUESTION: I applied for OSAP on the 29th. My friend told me that I should've printed some sheets, signed them and mail them by the 30th. Now, I didn't see any sheets that I needed to sign and thus I didn't mail anything...

What is going on? Am I screwed? What were those papers and what are they for, how come I didn't see anything? Am I still gonna get OSAP? PLEASE HELP!

[badmus]

If Osap gave you money previously for University and you decide to transfer to college where you would not be taking osap, would you still have to start making payments after six months or will payment and interest still be postponed assuming you would be going to college full time. Thanks

[canadianmom]

They have changed the wording on the OSAP application regarding the QE scholarships. Where it used to say you must of "graduated"in June 2009...it now says "attended" Good news for students that went back for that extra year of high school after graduation!

Here is what it says

Processing of this scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year will take place in early August 2009. Please check back later.

You may be considered for this scholarship if you:
attended an Ontario high school in 2009 and achieve academic excellence;
are an Ontario resident (as defined by OSAP);
apply to attend an Ontario university through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, or a college of applied arts and technology through the Ontario College Application Service, or apply to attend another Ontario postsecondary institution (e.g., a private career college) that is approved for purposes of this scholarship; and
will be a full-time postsecondary student in the 2009-2010 academic year at an institution approved for student loan purposes.

[BBQPorkBun]

If Osap gave you money previously for University and you decide to transfer to college where you would not be taking osap, would you still have to start making payments after six months or will payment and interest still be postponed assuming you would be going to college full time. Thanks

postponed, you need to prove it though, send them your record of enrollment

[murdoc2k]

If I made a mistake filling out my application (for example typed the wrong number) how do I go back and edit it?

I've had this problem on this recent submission. I called my financial aid office and well.. what happens is when you submit your parental and applicant signature pages, include a page stating the changes that you need to make and you should be fine.

Otherwise follow CSK'sMom's advice

[hi-everyone]

Yes there are 2 sets of documents that you and your parents need to sign. They need to be turned in to your school's FinAid office.

Log into your OSAP account and on the program page click on OSAP. On the next page you will see your OSAP application and a column on the right that is titled "things you can do". There you will see a link that says "print your signature pages". Click on it and follow the instructions. If you can't print them, try another computer. If you still can't print them you can click a link that says (snail) mail them to me.

As for deadlines, if you weren't applying for the QE Scholarship (4 year renewable worth up to $3500/yr) for the first time there are are none. If you were applying for the QES you missed the deadline which was June 19th. The only real deadline for the signature pages is when you want your funding as loan papers won't be released until those are in and processed. So it's better to get them in asap...

So what was that June 30th deadline. Was that the deadline which you needed to send your signed pages to your university??? Is it too late now?

[andrew2good4u]

I thought max osap capped off at 11,900 .
I just got quoted for about 13,500

[Professor Iris]

So what was that June 30th deadline. Was that the deadline which you needed to send your signed pages to your university??? Is it too late now?

I have no idea what the deadline you were told about is. It is not too late to submit signature pages, but the sooner the better. If you wait too long your application will not be processed in time to have your funding released as early as everyone else.

[trisle604]

did everyone get their total osap funding including grants etc? i only got OSOG $830 cause im slightly over the 7k mark by that amount.i also come from a low income family and dont seem to have any other grants except for that OSOG.

[andrew2good4u]

Technically it is but what you're seing is a result of the new grants implemented in the federal budget this year. A couple of the grants are payable in addition to your OSAP funding. They are set up in a way that the grants can exceed your funding and aren't capped at your funding level. For example, Joe Blow may only qualify for $2k worth of funding but qualifies for one of the new grants worth $3k. He will get the full $3k now where in the past the grants could not exceed the funding level OSAP determined.
Yes!!!

[Setz]

Where do I find out how much my program costs?

I was quoted only 6,600$, coming from a family with 3 dependents, both parents combined income is less than 40k. I can't afford it, so I was hoping and planning OSAP would have covered it all.

PS: Two of those dependents are permanently disabled (mentally or physically), and none of us are employed. I find it ridiculous.

[Setz]

Your school's website, the acceptance letter also usually has the full tuition listed....

As for your quote, the limited info you list means nothing. What about your assets, vehicle, etc? And let's not forget that OSAP expects you to contribute to your costs.

Without revealing much, I can say my family is a low income family without many assets (two vehicles, house, that's it. No secrets here.

What is this number anyways? Expected amount per year, or for the entire program? As you can tell I know zilch about this kind of stuff. Can't find the tuition cost on Brock's website, but according to Google, tuition is about 5k a year which sounds really wrong (I thought most if not all programs were 11-12k per year).

[Setz]

It only took me roughly 1 minute to find your exact tuition Setz, $5,382.19 including ancillary fees for the full year. ;)

$6600 from OSAP is pretty generous I'd say. You are expected to contribute so get a job. OSAP will pay your full tuition and some of your books but you're going to have to get off your duff and get some type of job pretty quick. OSAP is not a free ride...

Thanks for the help, CSK'sMom. Truly, I'd be lost without your help. ;)

Where do I send the declaration forms to?


When to submit
It is very important that you sign and submit your declaration and signature pages as soon as possible in order to allow sufficient time for them to be processed. Do not delay. The completed declaration and signature pages must be submitted before your OSAP loan certificate can be printed by the ministry and forwarded to your financial aid office (or mailed to you if you are studying outside Canada), which can take several weeks. As a reminder, loan documents will not be released until your study period starts.

In addition, there are deadlines by which you must provide the declaration and signature pages or funding will not be released. If you are planning to take a one-term program, the pages must be received by your financial aid office within the first 30 days of your study period. If you are planning to take a two- or three-term program, the pages must be received no later than 90 days before the end of your study period. In order to be considered for the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top Scholarship, your declaration and signature pages must be received by July 17, 2009.

This makes it sound as if I need to send it to my financial aid office. Can I just bring it to them instead of mailing it?

[Wall2Wall]

can anyone tell me what a "federal claim" is? They sent me a letter saying that based on this employment record reported, we have allowed you a fed claim of 1019 O_O. Does this mean I get that much? If so how do I file it or whatever? Good for savings for when im done my diploma if so :)

[Mysteek]

I'm starting to work a lot as of lately because I feel as though I definitely will not be covered from just my osap amount, but so I feel a bit concerned that I put:

Estimated total gross income for the year (Jan 01, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009): $5200

Is it risky if I'm over that figure by about $2,000? I mean, I know I am expected to contribute and that's exactly what I'm currently doing, but I wouldn't want to be re-assessed and be given $2,000 less - thus defeating the whole purpose of working. Well, that brings up my next question I guess, is $2000 considered significantly over? And by how much would they cut down on my funding?

[JaneSmith]

CSK'sMom: What would CSK do without you??

[BBQPorkBun]

It only took me roughly 1 minute to find your exact tuition Setz, $5,382.19 including ancillary fees for the full year.

.....

[kiniko]

hi, i got a question regarding OSAP procedures, i completed the signature part, it shows my stats completed when i click into it. now a new item updated on under my checklist
* Student must complete Confirmation of Enrolment form
when i click into it, it mention that the form will be available before my study period.
so do i have to wait?? and are there any thing else i needed to do?

[burnttoast]

did everyone get their total osap funding including grants etc? i only got OSOG $830 cause im slightly over the 7k mark by that amount.i also come from a low income family and dont seem to have any other grants except for that OSOG.

i got mine..osog + 2 other grants, one canada one and one ontario one.

[kiniko]

Thanks for the help, CSK'sMom. I'd be lost without your help.

[ansun]

I am filling out the tax credit section and can't seem to find one of the lines on my mom's tax return. It asks "What is mother's (parent 2) total tax payable as indicated on line 435 of her 2008 Canadian income tax return?".
Do I quote total tax payable or the return that she got?

[NoTime]

Hi

On my osap form in the assets section, it states "Information on Other Assets as of May 18, 2009" but it's already July now and I've already used a lot of my bank balance in repaying my loans, summer course textbooks etc...


-Is there some way I could get it so I can enter my asset amount as of today? (I've tried cancelling my form and trying a new one but it still states may 18)
-Would it be ok if I just enter my total bank balance as of today rather than the date stated?
-(to double check) Does my bank account balance count as assets?

Thanks

[ansun]

Look at her actual tax return. Line 435 is the total tax payable on the income she payed. It is not the amount of her refund!

thank you!

[trisle604]

i got mine..osog + 2 other grants, one canada one and one ontario one.

guess ill wait another month and see things through.i definitely should be getting at least a low income grant at the least.if nothing changes in a month i guess ill call up osap and ask why im not receiving the low income grant when my family qualifies for it considering i qualified last time and this year the income has been less.

[trisle604]

Uhmmm... just to clarify for anyone reading. The low-income grant is a brand new grant that just started for the 09/10 school year. There is no possible way you could have ever recieved it before trisle. ;)

i received the low income grant in january-aug 08/09 osap.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/918/asdfo.th.png (http://img39.imageshack.us/i/asdfo.png/)

as you can see it clearly shows it , or is there a different one?

[burnttoast]

No you can't fudge the May 18th date. Look up your May bank statement (really easy in online banking!) and use the balance close to the 18th. Yes, your bank account balance is an asset. Everything you enter will be verified, just so you know...

pardon my ignorance, but how exactly do they verify the amount in your bank account? like do they contact your bank and ask how much you have in there or what? again, sorry if its a stupid question lol.

[trisle604]

Trisle, that grant is no more, it's discontinued as are all the Canada Access Grants. It's been replaced with the Canada Student Grant for Persons from Low Income Familes which is worth $250/month of study or the Canada Student Grant for Persons from Middle Income Families which is worth $100/month of study. Both have very clear cut family income tables for qualifying based on family size and income and can be found on the www.canlearn.ca site.

aww i see , think i will qualify for that one too , considering my mom is a single parent with 2 dependents including myself and has less than 30k annually. ill just hang tight and wait patiently :twisted:

[NoTime]

Every interest bearing bank account is reported to the CRA for the purpose of interest income. Because everything you report to OSAP is verified through CRA they can indeed get access to that information quite easily if they choose to...

But isn't the interest reported yearly? so the they won't be able to check the monthly amount in your bank?

I asking this because I didn't apply for summer osap so I had to pay all the tuition + books out of my own pocket and now for the fall osap form, I didn't do that till after the date stated on OSAP so there is a about a $2000 difference in assets in just 1 week.

Is there anyway to report a change in assets?

[burnttoast]

They (OSAP) most certainly can check your assets for the given day (May 18th). When you apply you essentially give OSAP full powers to check anything and everything they want. I'll just warn you that if you lie on the application and OSAP audits you, your total loans can become due and payable at the time. They can also bar you from ever receiving funding ever again. You can certainly try going to your FinAid office and seeing if you can appeal based on that info after your application is assessed but if you lie on the application and you're caught you're toast.

then couldnt students just not keep money in the bank and not declare these assets :/

[BBQPorkBun]

then couldnt students just not keep money in the bank and not declare these assets :/

its advantageous to have as little money in your name as possible, especially from april to aug

[ansun]

does anyone know if you are automatically considered for UTAPS if you apply for OSAP?

[lyjinx]

That parental (in my case) mother consent form seems to be far reaching. Basically, they can contact anyone they want and snoop. What if we refuse to sign away all but the right for them to contact Revenue Canada. Will that effect our child's eligibility for a loan.

[sam123]

My daughter is about to start her 4th year at a university in Ontario about 100 km from us. For the last three years my wife and I have been paying her expenses above the 8 grand amount. She borrowed (I co-signed) on a student line of credit for $8 grand a year. I suggested she try OSAP this year as she is now 21. We also have another daughter that is about to enter second year at our hometown University.
Any chance Daughter #1 can get any $ from OSAP? When she was on the site she/we didn't understand what they wanted when asked for existing Student Loan amount. I told her to enter $0 but she wanted to enter her existing loan at the bank as she said that it was her Student Loan and elsewhere they ask/refer to Ontario Student Loan. ( Bank Loan is now $32,000 as we just did the paperwork and got this years advance ready to go. )
She is living out of town, in her own place (with a room mate) and was unable to get a job this summer .......... so she's back with us.
Can she claim to be independent for OSAP and how does she go about applying.
Thanks in advance for your help.

[umop]

So now that applications are being processed how is everyone finding the new grants? Are you getting more grant and less loan, the same or more loan and less grants?

I received more loans, less grants, and less overall funding.

*sigh*

[trisle604]

I received more loans, less grants, and less overall funding.

*sigh*

from the looks of it so far , i basically got 90% loan 10% for going over the 7k limit. overall i guess im pleased with the funds considering my last osap funding was 4k.i wanted more funding but was expecting the bonus of grants , but awells.

[atomicspacemonkey]

Hey all, I hope this hasn't been posted before. RFD needs a search function for threads.

Background info:
I got my OSAP estimate, and it's half of what I've been getting in the past. Although I'm making about 2k more than I did last summer, I'm living away from my parents this summer for this job and paying 2k just to live there. However, I couldn't figure out how to change that on the OSAP form (It wouldn't let me change my answer) so I figured I would submit it and get the university to change it. Now, I called my school's financial office and they said to write on my signature page that I'm not living with my parents for the summer and initial it. So I did, but I haven't sent in the forms yet (waiting for parents' signatures).

My question is:
Will changing this on my application automatically make OSAP reassess my loan, or will I have to call and negotiate? I canNOT make it through the year with what they gave me!

[canadianmom]

RFD needs a search function for threads

It has one. Right at the top it says "search this thread":cheesygri

[atomicspacemonkey]

It has one. Right at the top it says "search this thread":cheesygri

lmao! I was looking for a search bar where you could actually type something.. Selective sight I guess. :cheesygri thanks!

[baskiddball]

Okay, I already submitted my OSAP, but did not put anything on other assets, even though I have money in my account. Since I have been able to pay all of my schooling through grants and scholarships, I have kept all my OSAP money in the bank to gain interest, invested some in a GIC. Basically, I have a really high amount in my bank now but it is just the money that I am eventually going to use to pay back my OSAP.

Do I need to claim the entire amount as other assets? Also, I figured it would just be beneficial to wait till I finished to pay back all of my loans. Should I take it out of my account and pay back immediately so I dont need to claim this amount. Im worried because I already claimed 0 as other assets as I didnt know it would need to be included as other assets.

[rickyw]

i have a question.

i was told that i had to give them some supporting documents for osap to be able to calculate my funding.
i have given them these supporting documents 2 weeks ago to my colleges financial aid office and there has still been no update of my osap application when i check online.

how long does it usually take for the college or osap to process my documents? after i have given all my supporting documents will i have to sign any other papers before i begin school in september?

i will be leaving the country on the 13th of july and this osap application is taking forever to process. i want to make sure everything will be fine before i go.

[trisle604]

Was it just your declaration (signature) pages or did you have to submit more? I know last year for our oldest's first application he had to submit a ton of documentation for the permanent disability grant. It took just over a month till the grant was processed. If it was just signature papers it's whenever your school decides to process them. They may be waiting to do one huge batch for the QE Scholarship deadline which is July 17th. As for signing anything else, nope, just when you pick up your loan documents.

did your son get his full estimate of his loan and grants? if no ,keep us updated so i know when to expect a change if any at all. tia~

[Professor Iris]

Does anyone know anything about getting a refund from your school when you have osap? My loan is on hold/ineligible because of a large over payment. Okay, so I have to pay it with credit and I do. I also drop a summer course to get a full refund because I can't afford to take a class like that just for fun. They won't give me my refund because I am ineligible for osap - but next year's payments aren't due yet and I didn't get osap for the summer term, and I paid the over payment. My financial aid office said it would take probably two weeks to update my account so I am elilgible again. Meanwhile I am paying interest on paying my overpayment and the university gets to keep my money because apparently it is somehow owed to the NSLSC. Anyone else had a similar experience and gotten out of it or things moved along? I got a refund once before which they thought they owed to osap somehow, and then they checked and realized it was owed to me and gave it to me. I just don't know enough right now to try and do anything about it or if I can. Sorry for the long post/rant.

[rickyw]

Was it just your declaration (signature) pages or did you have to submit more? I know last year for our oldest's first application he had to submit a ton of documentation for the permanent disability grant. It took just over a month till the grant was processed. If it was just signature papers it's whenever your school decides to process them. They may be waiting to do one huge batch for the QE Scholarship deadline which is July 17th. As for signing anything else, nope, just when you pick up your loan documents.

i gave them my declaration pages also with some residency documents. this isnt my first time applying for osap either.

ok then, thanks.

[BBQPorkBun]

Does anyone know anything about getting a refund from your school when you have osap? My loan is on hold/ineligible because of a large over payment. Okay, so I have to pay it with credit and I do. I also drop a summer course to get a full refund because I can't afford to take a class like that just for fun. They won't give me my refund because I am ineligible for osap - but next year's payments aren't due yet and I didn't get osap for the summer term, and I paid the over payment. My financial aid office said it would take probably two weeks to update my account so I am elilgible again. Meanwhile I am paying interest on paying my overpayment and the university gets to keep my money because apparently it is somehow owed to the NSLSC. Anyone else had a similar experience and gotten out of it or things moved along? I got a refund once before which they thought they owed to osap somehow, and then they checked and realized it was owed to me and gave it to me. I just don't know enough right now to try and do anything about it or if I can. Sorry for the long post/rant.

just wait it out, nothing much you can do. you are responsible to give osap updated and correct information and obviously that didn't happen here so now the result is you are paying interest on an amount owing.

stop taking courses you can't afford for fun.

[lyrath]

Hi there, this is my first time to apply for OSAP, and my current status shown on OSAP website is:

Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan 10100
Low-Income Families 1860
OSOG 3100

At the time I filled my applicant form, I put $4100 in Estimated gross income during pre-study period (May 21, 2009 to Sep 09, 2009). But I just realized that if I keep working till Sep 04, I may make more than $7000 (before tax).

My question is, if I report this change to OSAP office now, is it going to seriously affect my applicantion? For example, I may only get $8000 for Student Loan and $1000 for OSOG. And that means I will lose $2000 free money which is even more than my monthly salary, right? Is it better for me to quit my current job, and find a pay-cash job or just enjoy the summer time, lol?

Thanks all you guys in advance! Really need your help.

[ansun]

I received a letter from OSAP saying that they overpayed my loan to the tune of $2000. When I called my financial aid office they said that it was because I understated my income. This is impossible since that year I didn't have a job. The lady at my financial office basically said that there is nothing I can do other than to pay the balance. When I told her that I couldn't have lied on my expected income she basically said nothing. What can I do?

[sld2009]

Was it just your declaration (signature) pages or did you have to submit more? I know last year for our oldest's first application he had to submit a ton of documentation for the permanent disability grant. It took just over a month till the grant was processed. If it was just signature papers it's whenever your school decides to process them. They may be waiting to do one huge batch for the QE Scholarship deadline which is July 17th. As for signing anything else, nope, just when you pick up your loan documents.
Hey, i was just wondering, what kind of supporting documents you have provide in order to be consider for the permanent disability grant? so far my friend has prepared a medical certificate, a report from his speech therapist on his progress... anything else he should prepare?

[sld2009]

In our oldest son's case he is diagnosed with several learning disabilities. We submitted his IPRC and IEP from his last year of highschool. We also submitted pretty much every assessment he'd ever had for every disability, going all the way back to grade 5.

He just really needs to make sure that some professional has included a definitive diagnosis in the paperwork.

just another thing, i understand that it may sound a bit crazy, but even though my friend did poorly in his high school year and his teacher raise the question about his learning disability in elementary school.... his parents didn't take him to do any IPRC and IEP assessment or even take him to a doctor to check out his speech disorder.... they simply think that he is born to be a slow learner which in another term "stupid". ( forgive my language)

it is only until his speech disorder affect his social life, academic performance and work... then his parents send him to the therapist to receive treatment....

so i am helping him through OSAP, and i have so much trouble trying to look for a place that could do an assessment for his disability. and do you think the disability coordinator at his college would have information where this assessment could be done?

[willyxjai]

Due to the current economy I wasn't able to make the money like I did before where i can pay my tuition and book fees. Im going to my third and final year of college, I applied for osap couple days ago to beat the deadline. Question is, how long does it usually take for them to process my application and grant my money? TIA

[freakyflow]

Hi,

I am in the process of applying for 6 months interest relief (just received my application) but was wondering if I can still making a lump sum payment during this application process or during the interest relief period?

Thanks a bunch!

[hypnosheep]

Did OSAP ask anyone else to provide proof you are living away from home by showing them a copy of your lease?

I am living away from home off campus but I haven't signed my lease yet. How else am I supposed to prove my living situation? Also, do I need to have all this information in before July 17th (QEII deadline)?

[Professor Iris]

Hi,

I am in the process of applying for 6 months interest relief (just received my application) but was wondering if I can still making a lump sum payment during this application process or during the interest relief period?

Thanks a bunch!

You can make lump sum payments whenever you like and it doesn't affect interest relief. The full details are on the osap site and shouldn't be too hard to find, just look for stuff about repaying loans and you should be able to find interest relief details. This program is however being replaced in August but it sounds like you have to apply to it if you are already paying back loans. Check it out on the canlearn website, I don't think it is up on the osap site yet.

[ansun]

I received a letter from OSAP saying that they overpayed my loan to the tune of $2000. When I called my financial aid office they said that it was because I understated my income. This is impossible since that year I didn't have a job. The lady at my financial office basically said that there is nothing I can do other than to pay the balance. When I told her that I couldn't have lied on my expected income she basically said nothing. What can I do?

I think it may have been because of scholarships that I got. Any hope for me?

[BBQPorkBun]

I think it may have been because of scholarships that I got. Any hope for me?

Look at your notice of assessment, what does it say? if it says 2000 for income then you might of filled it in incorrectly because i believe scholarships and bursaries is not considered taxable income. (under the line 'other income')

[umop]

I've sent in my app, but there's a good chance I'll be working this summer, making a couple grand maybe. There's also the chance I may continue working into the school year. So when should I report this to my school's financial office?

[BBQPorkBun]

I've sent in my app, but there's a good chance I'll be working this summer, making a couple grand maybe. There's also the chance I may continue working into the school year. So when should I report this to my school's financial office?

report it after you've made the money and its in your pocket. not good to jump the gun, you'd rather they pay u a bit more at the beginning then give a bit back then to be shortchanged just to know u got no job later

[james23]

So i found out last week that my osap application is on hold, as i have to write a letter explaining my situation (i drop out of nursing and taking a new program). Basically I was told im on academic restriction, even though i failed noting durng my two years of nursing and in fact did prtty ok. In my letter, i explained that im changing programs because i realized that it was not for me and i was not happy witg the program and ive lost interest. My question now, for those who have any experience, how likey will osap give me money? i worried that my application will be dismissed, what are ur thought bbq?

[trisle604]

So i found out last week that my osap application is on hold, as i have to write a letter explaining my situation (i drop out of nursing and taking a new program). Basically I was told im on academic restriction, even though i failed noting durng my two years of nursing and in fact did prtty ok. In my letter, i explained that im changing programs because i realized that it was not for me and i was not happy witg the program and ive lost interest. My question now, for those who have any experience, how likey will osap give me money? i worried that my application will be dismissed, what are ur thought bbq?

i currently switched programs as well , but still got fundings.hope that helps~

[mrdc]

This thread is truly epic. I really wish I could read every post, but unfortunately don't have the time. However, I'm hoping someone will be kind enough to offer some advice despite my failure to read up. =)

So here's my situation. I'm 25, and I returned to school last September. I'd been working for a few years and had saved enough to cover tuition as well as rent and other living expenses for the past year. Now, I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of my savings and I've recently moved back in with my folks to save money.

Is there any chance I'll be able to get some OSAP funding? I applied for OSAP when I was younger, but was always rejected because our household income was too high. But do they seriously expect my folks to help with my tuition at my current age? All I'm getting is a roof over my head. Any thoughts you guys would like to share would be awesome. Thanks!

[xfer]

Hey BBQ,

Thanks for all the sound advice. Just out of curiosity, does OSAP ever ask you to give grant money back down the road if they think there is a discrepancy between the income that you reported and what the CRA has. Thanks in advance!

[BBQPorkBun]

So i found out last week that my osap application is on hold, as i have to write a letter explaining my situation (i drop out of nursing and taking a new program). Basically I was told im on academic restriction, even though i failed noting durng my two years of nursing and in fact did prtty ok. In my letter, i explained that im changing programs because i realized that it was not for me and i was not happy witg the program and ive lost interest. My question now, for those who have any experience, how likey will osap give me money? i worried that my application will be dismissed, what are ur thought bbq?

you are not on probation because of switching, its for failing. it doesn't matter if you think you did ok. your likelihood of getting osap depends on your reason. would you loan money to someone who said, i lost interest and just failed

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQ,

Thanks for all the sound advice. Just out of curiosity, does OSAP ever ask you to give grant money back down the road if they think there is a discrepancy between the income that you reported and what the CRA has. Thanks in advance!

yes

[JaneSmith]

you are not on probation because of switching, its for failing. it doesn't matter if you think you did ok. your likelihood of getting osap depends on your reason. would you loan money to someone who said, i lost interest and just failed

She didn't fail. She said she failed nothing (assuming 'noting' means nothing) and did okay. In that case I think she'd just need to explain that she is in a different program now?

[james23]

She didn't fail. She said she failed nothing (assuming 'noting' means nothing) and did okay. In that case I think she'd just need to explain that she is in a different program now?

Sorry guys i think i used the wrong term here, i didnt fail anything, i dropped out of the program. The right term is academic restriction according to my financial aid advisor, apparently osap considers switching programs an academic restriction, hence, the need to explain why i switch and to outline my academic goal. I just hope that osap will loan me some money to atleast cover half of my tuition.

[Mysteek]

@BBQPorkBun:

Off topic... but...

I think it would be a great idea for you to edit the first post and request that we support you by nominating your thread for the current promotion.

''Most Helpful Thread Nominations - 3 Winners this year!''

Of all threads, I've definitely found yours to be the most helpful, and I'm sure many others would agree 100%. Thanks to you and CSK'sMom for your on-going help =]

[trisle604]

Sorry guys i think i used the wrong term here, i didnt fail anything, i dropped out of the program. The right term is academic restriction according to my financial aid advisor, apparently osap considers switching programs an academic restriction, hence, the need to explain why i switch and to outline my academic goal. I just hope that osap will loan me some money to atleast cover half of my tuition.

you dropped out of the program as in you ended up receiving DNC's for all courses?

[help_questions]

Uhmm... Changing programs does not result in academic probation. Failing classes results in academic probation, hence the term "academic probation". ;)


Wonders if BBQ and myself have the word "Stupid" tattooed across our foreheads?

what about dropping classes, such as "withdrawing without academic penalty"?
In this scenario, you get out of your classes but lose all your money, or some of your money if you drop some of your classes
what does this do to your OSAP?

[help_questions]

In that case you'll probably end up in overpayment status. Overpayments are repayable immediately and no further funding will be provided until the overpayment is payed in full. It will depend how many classes you dropped and if it moved you to part-time status (60% course load or 40% course load for those with disabilities) or fully dropped out and exactly how one "dropped out"... I have heard of a few that just quit going to classes without doing anything at the Registars office that ended up with a combo of overpayment and academic probation. Essentially they flunked out hence the academic probation status...

my question pertains to dropping a few classes, but remaining a full time student (60% course load or greater)....

so in that situation, what would happen?

[pacman99]

I have gotten into an eligible program internationally in Australia and so decided to apply for OSAP to see if I could receive any assistance from them. OSAP wants me to contact my university and have them fill out a form explaining how much my program will cost me, how long it is, etc. It also wants the institution's stamp and signature. Once that's done, OSAP is asking either me or the university to mail the documents to the Student Support Branch in Thunder Bay.

My question was, do the mailed copies have to be originals or can they be scanned/faxed to me and then mailed by me to the Student Support Branch? I'm asking since regular snail mail from Australia to Canada takes *at least* 2 weeks and I wanted to get the documents in as soon as possible. Apparently a photocopy is acceptable so wanted to confirm fax would be fine as well.

Also, is there another number I can call to speak to the Student Support Branch? The (807) 343-7260 that I have seems to always be busy.

Thanks~

[Setz]

When do I find out how much I'll really be getting? I got my estimate at 6600$ when I applied over a week ago. Went to Brock SMART Start and gave them my declaration forms + proof of permanent disability (various IPRCs, medical certificates, letter from doctors, etc), but this was last week. On the OSAP website it still says I need to hand these in.

If it matters, I gave the proof of disability to the students with disabilities office and the declaration papers to the registrars office.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7346/osapz.jpg

Also, let's say I end up not qualifying for extra funding for a permanent disability, does my funding then become only 4600$ from 6600$, or will the other amounts increase to again become 6600$?

I ask because I've never really utilized my status as a student with disabilities. I am entitled to extra time on exams/tests, and to work in a secluded area if need be, but I've never, ever used this. To be frank, I wasn't even going to put down I have a permanent disability but I decided to because of extra funding. I don't want OSAP to see that I've never used any help and decide then I don't need the funding.

[conbrio4]

Since I've changed majors twice and gone through documented medical absences my scheduling is a bit irregular. I've already been approved for funding for this fall. However, OSAP considers the fall and winter semesters to be the final year of study but it would be impossible to earn all remaining credits this year alone. Therefore, I would need to stay another year, which is fine for me.

Would I be able to apply for OSAP next year? Or is four years the maximum and hence I would have to find other sources of funding? Since I would still be in school I would not need to repay the loans yet, right?

Thanks

[JaneSmith]

Uhmm... Changing programs does not result in academic probation. Failing classes results in academic probation, hence the term "academic probation". ;)


Wonders if BBQ and myself have the word "Stupid" tattooed across our foreheads?

She said academic restriction (not probation)
she clearly stated she didn't fail
Not quite sure why you're bolding the word 'academic' for me. Perhaps you should bold the word 'restriction' for yourself.

[BBQPorkBun]

I have gotten into an eligible program internationally in Australia and so decided to apply for OSAP to see if I could receive any assistance from them. OSAP wants me to contact my university and have them fill out a form explaining how much my program will cost me, how long it is, etc. It also wants the institution's stamp and signature. Once that's done, OSAP is asking either me or the university to mail the documents to the Student Support Branch in Thunder Bay.

My question was, do the mailed copies have to be originals or can they be scanned/faxed to me and then mailed by me to the Student Support Branch? I'm asking since regular snail mail from Australia to Canada takes *at least* 2 weeks and I wanted to get the documents in as soon as possible. Apparently a photocopy is acceptable so wanted to confirm fax would be fine as well.

Also, is there another number I can call to speak to the Student Support Branch? The (807) 343-7260 that I have seems to always be busy.

Thanks~

if they can be photocopies, they can be faxes. you can have aussie fax them over while snail mailing back to you and you can tell them the originals are coming if you need them, just start processing first.

[BBQPorkBun]

Uhmm... Changing programs does not result in academic probation. Failing classes results in academic probation, hence the term "academic probation". ;)


Wonders if BBQ and myself have the word "Stupid" tattooed across our foreheads?

sometimes:cheesygri

[BBQPorkBun]

She said academic restriction (not probation)
she clearly stated she didn't fail
Not quite sure why you're bolding the word 'academic' for me. Perhaps you should bold the word 'restriction' for yourself.

bottom line, i don't get restricted in any way if i get all A's in one year, then decide to switch programs. theres more to the story, restriction is not from switching programs

[BBQPorkBun]

@BBQPorkBun:

Off topic... but...

I think it would be a great idea for you to edit the first post and request that we support you by nominating your thread for the current promotion.

''Most Helpful Thread Nominations - 3 Winners this year!''

Of all threads, I've definitely found yours to be the most helpful, and I'm sure many others would agree 100%. Thanks to you and CSK'sMom for your on-going help =]

Thanks. I am sure neither CSK'sMom or myself never sought recognition when we gave our time to the thread but i guess it would be nice. With the money, CSK'sMom and I can buy new financial calculators or something :razz:

[JaneSmith]

bottom line, i don't get restricted in any way if i get all A's in one year, then decide to switch programs. theres more to the story, restriction is not from switching programs

Well exactly. But since she's claiming she got decent marks and didn't fail anything, it's obviously not from being on academic probation. Which was my point. She, like most people who ask questions on this thread, need to do a bit of their own research and figure out what's going on.
(PS: this thread definitely gets my vote for most useful - I've learned a ton by reading through all these postings)

[Setz]

Good question Setz. Everyone we know that has applied for the permanent disability grant has recieved it but all were IPRC'ed and IEP'ed through highschool. So in that sense I wouldn't worry about them denying it as you were IPRC'ed. I think it's safe to assume that is exactly what your 2 deposits of your OSAP will be.

It doesn't matter if you've used what you've been entitled to in the past or not. Many, many highschool kids don't use what they are entitled to for various reasons (usually due to peer perceptions, etc). All that matters is that you are legally entitled to the accomodations. In uni and college you will be required to advocate for yourself if you do find you need to the accomodations, even if you only need them in 1 or 2 classes. For instance our oldest uses his for anything math related (one of his disability areas) and only 1 other exam last term as they were writing in an auditorium vs. the classroom. He can pick and choose when to use them...

Thanks again, CSK'sMom, I never knew RFDers could be so helpful. ;)

[sdm242]

Does anyone know what documentation, if any, I will have to submit to OSAP for child care costs?

I'm in the process of filling out my application and it asks me to give the child care costs for the school year. My husband will likely be able to watch our kids some of the time but his work hours and travel commitments are quite variable. My schedule will also be variable (I'll be in teacher's college so I have classes as well as practicums) so I have no idea how often I will need to pay someone to watch them. A friend has offered to watch the kids when need be and I was hoping to pay her in cash.

[bogota84]

I'm going to start my studies in the university this fall but I would like to get OSAP just for my first year, I've been told that if they give me more that 7k a year I will have to pay them back just 7k for every year, does this apply if I just want to get OSAP for one year?

[trisle604]

Trisle, just got off the phone with our son's college. His supporting documents are still not showing as not processed on the OSAP site. :mad: After talking to 3 different people in 3 different offices we now know why. Apparently at his college campus there is only 1 person authorized to actually input OSAP stuff into the system. Now get this.... She's on holidays from June 26th to July 20th! Everything that has come on the mail while she's been away has been opened and timestamped and is awaiting inputting when she get's back. OSAP says that supporting documents have to be received by July 17th for the QEII, not processed so he should still be ok. So at this point we don't expect his OSAP summary, which at this point shows his funding but all loans, to show his grants till at least sometime next week... <sigh>....

i just called my financial aid office and coincidentally i got the voicemail saying she was off untill the 20th too.your son wouldnt happen to be going to seneca king campus would he? :twisted: guess it will take another 3-4 weeks.

[DaShaggy]

Hey guys,
Just went through the posts, and there is definately a lot of useful information here. I had a question which hasn't been addressed yet, so was wondering if you guys could help me out.

Basically, around november of last year, parents bought a car, and in ownership, my mom put her name aswell as my name. Now even though my parents paid for the car, it's declared in their taxes, they pay for insurance, etc, I still have my name on the ownership as well, due to which, I'd have to add it to my OSAP application.

Now with that amount added, I barely get any funding. Which really sucks, since they aren't supporting me for university funding, and I've barely worked in the last 2 years. I have total savings of under $3500, everything combined.

Were I to get my name removed from the car ownership, would that consititute as fraud? Would it be better to write them a letter with the application explaining the situation, rather than removing my name from ownership?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, this is going to sound shady, but my mother paid for my computer, for which I said I'd pay her back. Now if I pay her at this point, would that also be looked at me reducing what I have in my account? (as in trying to fraud the system)

I feel that I am definately a geniunine applicant for funding, but I just don't want to do anything wrong/illegal or anything.

thanks for any help

[DrHoops]

Hey, I dont know if my question has been asked before, but I would appreciate it if I could have it answered.

Well, I'm thinking about applying to OSAP again this year but I'm wondering what the grant portion of it will be this year. Last year, about half of my amount was grant and the other was a loan. My situation is almost exactly as is it was last year.

Anyway, I'm wondering if being in my second year will change the amount of grant I recieve.

Thanks.

[bogota84]

Yes, the Ontario Student Oppourtunity Grant applies to every OSAP applicant. It caps your loan repayment at $7k per year. It doesn't matter if you use OSAP funding 1 year or 4 years, it's assessed on a year by year basis if you apply for funding...

Thanks CSK'sMom for your help, I just came to this country and I don't know too much about OSAP, as I said I'm planning to start on Sept/09 I applied as an International student and got accepted to UWO, I know the deadline to pay the tuition is August 17th but my status will change to a Landed Immigrant on August 6th, so basically I'll have 10 days to apply and qualify for OSAP, is this possible? thank you.

[bogota84]

Yes and No. You'll have to pay the deposit (usually reduced for OSAP applicants) out of your own pocket anyway. The first payment of OSAP isn't released and deposited till about 10 days after you negotiate your loan papers. The schools typically don't release loan papers till a couple of days before classes begin or even the first few days of classes. With the deposit question out of the way, yes you can apply on August 6th. If you're smart you will get the whole application filled out well ahead of time so that you can immediately submit it first thing on the 6th. If you can print your declaration pages off you can drop them off at your school's FinAid office (if in the same city) the same day which will move everything along quickly. If out of town you can get them in the mail the same day. Hopefully if you get everything done immediately on the 6th your loan papers will be ready on time but you should be prepared that they may be delayed by a week or two so have funds available to cover your expenses.

Thank you so much CSK'sMom I really appreciate your help, I was so confused!! :)

[raptors321]

Can someone tell me if its too late to apply for OSAP? and if not what is the deadline. Also, if I'm a Ontario high school student, are there any documents that I need to send if I am applying online?

[bogota84]

Yes and No. You'll have to pay the deposit (usually reduced for OSAP applicants) out of your own pocket anyway. The first payment of OSAP isn't released and deposited till about 10 days after you negotiate your loan papers. The schools typically don't release loan papers till a couple of days before classes begin or even the first few days of classes. With the deposit question out of the way, yes you can apply on August 6th. If you're smart you will get the whole application filled out well ahead of time so that you can immediately submit it first thing on the 6th. If you can print your declaration pages off you can drop them off at your school's FinAid office (if in the same city) the same day which will move everything along quickly. If out of town you can get them in the mail the same day. Hopefully if you get everything done immediately on the 6th your loan papers will be ready on time but you should be prepared that they may be delayed by a week or two so have funds available to cover your expenses.

If I can apply to OSAP on August 6th with my new status as a Landed Immigrant, would I be able to get any kind of Grant or Bursary? or is going to be too late for it? thank you

[trilowe]

First of all thank you for all the informative information.

I applied to osap for the first time this year and I was wondering if I could get some information about my application. I am considered an independent student because I've been out of high school since 2003. I went to Uni. Of guelph for 2yrs and then got a diploma at sheridan from 06 to apr. 08. After that I worked from June 08 to Feb. 09 to pay for my schooling at york which I started in march 09 because of the strike. I earned approx. 12k which I used for York. I ended up getting laid off in Feb. Now I've applied for osap and it seems my application in on hold. I applied before all the deadlines and sent my signature and declarations pages in about three weeks ago. I don't know if this matters but I put my approx income from jan to now at 1500 which is what I earned and I put the overall for the year the same amount because I cannot find a job. My application still say that the signature pages and declarations are not in but that may have to do with york taking their time. Another thing it says it that they are verifying my income with the cra. Is that normal for first time applicants? Its just making me a bit nervous. The estimate when filling out the application was approx. 13k which I know may change after everything is fully processed. Also, under the osog it says that income verification doesn't take place until fall 2010 which would be next year so am I ineligable for that for this year? Under income verification it said I may not get osap if the amounts I put on my application do not match the cra amounts but I know I put in the right amounts.

Sorry for the long post but I hope I provided enough information to determine what might be the problem. If you guys need more information I can provide it. Thanks.

[conbrio4]

Hi,

I'm sorry for the repost, but I was unable to find info for the following on the OSAP website. I posted it in the middle of the night so it may have been overlooked. Sorry for the inconvenience.


Since I've changed majors twice and gone through documented medical absences my scheduling is a bit irregular. I've already been approved for funding for this fall. However, OSAP considers the fall and winter semesters to be the final year of study but it would be impossible to earn all remaining credits this year alone. Therefore, I would need to stay another year, which is fine for me.

Would I be able to apply for OSAP next year? Or is four years the maximum and hence I would have to find other sources of funding? Since I would still be in school I would not need to repay the loans yet, right?

Thanks

[conbrio4]

There are lifetime maximums conbrio. You should be able to get funding for the extra year if you haven't hit the maximum number of week already. From the OSAP site...

Sorry about that! It hasn't quite been 340 weeks yet. Lol. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.

[DrHoops]

Hi,

I know that a bank account is an asset and OSAP can check it. But, for the other assets part on the application I put $0 even though I have about $4000 in my account.

This is because I recieved almost all of that from OSAP last year. If the remaining OSAP is an asset, is it possible to change my application to reflect this. If the remaining OSAP money is not an asset, how can OSAP determine that this is the money that I recieved from them last year?

Thanks.

[conbrio4]

You're welcome. It may be worth checking with your FinAid office about this as well because of your medical issues. There may be something available to extend your funding weeks. You may want to check into the permanent disability grant to see if your medical issues qualify. It's worth $2k/year and would extend your funding weeks if you need them...

Well it was a documented medical absence. Does a mental disorder count as a permanent disability? Lol. I do take meds aplenty and have a doctor I see regularly.

Update: After checking my school's financial aid website and looking over the application, although there is an applicable type of disability, I cannot think of any immediate education-related costs to be covered. Although extra funds would be welcomed and there would be no problem getting my physician's confirmation, it seems... unethical knowing that there may be others far deserving. Ultimately, I cannot really think of any education-related costs with regards to the illness, but with regards to educational costs in general, sure.

Thank you again.

[BBQPorkBun]

Well it was a documented medical absence. Does a mental disorder count as a permanent disability? Lol. I do take meds aplenty and have a doctor I see regularly.

Update: After checking my school's financial aid website and looking over the application, although there is an applicable type of disability, I cannot think of any immediate education-related costs to be covered. Although extra funds would be welcomed and there would be no problem getting my physician's confirmation, it seems... unethical knowing that there may be others far deserving. Ultimately, I cannot really think of any education-related costs with regards to the illness, but with regards to educational costs in general, sure.

Thank you again.

if i were you, id still go for it as a just in case/worse case scenario thing. because you never know when something may creep in unexpectedly and you suddenly need some cash, then you find yourself thinking if only you had that extra bit of funding. admirable to think to think from ethical point of view, but going for it would not be unethical so if possible, id go for the extra padded protection.

[conbrio4]

if i were you, id still go for it as a just in case/worse case scenario thing. because you never know when something may creep in unexpectedly and you suddenly need some cash, then you find yourself thinking if only you had that extra bit of funding. admirable to think to think from ethical point of view, but going for it would not be unethical so if possible, id go for the extra padded protection.

In the case that I do apply, wouldn't providing education-related costs pertaining to a mental disorder be difficult? I don't need anything from the list of eligible expenses, although the list isn't exhaustive. Psychoactive medication isn't free of side-effects, rather the opposite. But they do lead to physical and mental difficulties nonetheless. I'm going to see my doc tomorrow. If I do apply, perhaps I should attach a letter of explanation?

Thanks for your time.

[trilowe]

Ok. take a deep breath, it'll be ok. :) Yes it's completely normal for OSAP to verify last years income with CRA. As long as you put the right numbers from your tax return or notice of assessment you're fine. The OSAG income verification is normal as well. You'll still be eligible for it this year but it's normal for it to say they will verify your income next fall.

Now I'll ask, is your application processed? What does it say when you click on the check status link? Your funding should be listed there if your application is processed even if your supporting documents aren't processed yet. It may not show your grants though so don't panic about that. Many aren't seeing grants yet and we can only sumise it's because their declaration pages aren't processed yet to allow the CRA verifications.


Thank you very much for the quick response, you and bbq are helping so many of us :)

I don't think that it has been processed because it says this when i click on check status:

Current Status
Your application is currently on hold.
You must provide supporting documentation. See "Checklist" for details. If there are no Checklist items, your financial aid office is reviewing your supporting documentation. Check back in 2 to 3 weeks.

Checklist
Click on the link(s) for things that must be done:
Student must provide supporting documentation

Important Messages
Income Verification





When i click the link under checklist "Student must provide supporting documentation" it asks for the signature and declaration pages which i already sent in. When i click "income verification" it says this:


Date:
Jun 17, 2009

Income Verified:
Student's Income

Income Year Verified:
To be determined

Your income information will be verified with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If there is a discrepancy between the income reported to OSAP and the income information received from CRA, your application will be reassesssed using the CRA income amounts. If there is a significant variance between the amounts, you may become ineligible for any further financial assistance including the Ontario Sudent Opportuntity Grant.


There is no funding listed anywhere on these pages at all :( Thanks for all the help this is really making me worry because I am so new to this.

[omchow]

My brother applied and submitted his OSAP application on June 10 2009 (first time applying). The University received it but need additional supporting documentation, father's 2008 notice of assessment.

Unfortunately we didn't check the status of OSAp online til the end of June. I sent in my father's income summary (non knowing at that time I was sending the wrong documentation).

I get a letter back yesterday from the university stating they need the notice of assessment, realizing its basically the letter my father gets in the mail along with his income tax refund. So I quickly made photocopies of that and mailed it in the same day I received the letter.

My question is, will my brother still qualify for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship even though all the documentation was just sent in right before the July 17th deadline or is it just based on when he submitted the web application?

[auh26]

I'm receiving $6454 in Student Loans and $1919 from Canada Student Grants for low income families.

But...no Ontario Access Grants (I'm a first-year student)
I'm eligible to receive the Ontario Access Grant as I fit each criteria. Did this happen to any one of you guys? Could this be a mishap by osap?

[auh26]

It may not be fully processed yet. Give it a bit of time yet.

Thank You, will do

[trilowe]

You're correct trilowe, it hasn't been processed yet. If you signed up for email alerts you'll get an email when it is processed. Don't worry, it rarely is the 2-3 weeks they say on the site. Even if it is the full 3 weeks it shouldn't delay anything come Sept. When did you submit your application by chance?

Ok thanks for the information I guess I just have to be patient. You've clarified a lot for me thank you very much. I submitted the application on June 15 and sent in the supporting documents on June 22.

[daphnegh]

1. osap knows that i have a car and they say it is worth $10,800. the black book value is actually only 9600 so I have to get an appraisal done and submit to osap right?

2. i didn't think i would be getting my cst (resp) this year due to my credits being a bit off so i didnt put it in my application. turns out ill be getting around 2400 and i wonder if i need to say anything to osap about getting this money and willl it affect my funding??? by how much???

3. i wasnt sure when i filled up my application if i was considered to have a permanent disability but apparently i do (its legit, i promise). i am getting a letter from the disability office at school and ill send it in. by how much will the change from regular to disabled affect my funding?

thanks sooo much!

[timonwong]

Im receiving about $7000 from OSAP. I wrote that i will be receiving $2000 in RESP but I found out it is actually $1000. If I correct it, will it make a difference to the loan?

[BBQPorkBun]

Im receiving about $7000 from OSAP. I wrote that i will be receiving $2000 in RESP but I found out it is actually $1000. If I correct it, will it make a difference to the loan?

be ready to prove it. its alot easier for them to accept you saying you made more income than u put down for example than you telling them you have less access to funds now.

[sld2009]

thanks so much for your earlier reply,
another question, my brother borrow OSAP, and he receive some bursary from OSAP in 2007-2008 (millennium, Ontario access grant and textbook grant which he doesn't know ahead of time), but he didn't report those as his income on the term 2008-2009 since those money are form osap and has been used up from the last term, now he got a letter saying that the CRA income verify is different then what he claim ( he claim 0 income, but the bursary is about 5000, again not for the academic year he apply for, those are from the last academic year) ....
1) what will happen next, since he really didn't work that year and the income are basically all from osap
2) what should he do?
thz so much

[daphnegh]

lol the difference between 10,800 and 9600 is quite a bit more than $400, more like $1,200. that makes a difference to me, especially since i have a huge loan on this vehicle and need it for work. so technically i can't afford it, but thanks anyways.

my question was not whether or not i would hide the cst from osap. it was more whether i have to send in something or would osap get the information themselves, automatically so to speak.


$400 difference isn't going to make a difference. Anything over $5k value and it really hurst your funding. OSAP figures you should sell the car to pay for your education, poor students asking for funding shouldn't be able to afford a 10k vehicle. ;)


Yes you need to report it to OSAP. If you don't you could end up in an overpayment situation that is payable in full before you get any more funding. If they deem you to have lied on the application they can bar you from ever getting OSAP again. As for how much it will impact funding, only OSAP knows as it's dependent on so many things like income, etc.


You'll need to send in any assessments you've had done previously and they must contain a definitive diagnosis. Previous IEP's and IPRC's can also be used if the supporting assessments are also included. As for additional funding, none. But if you qualify you'll recieve the same funding but $2k will be grant. It will also make a difference when it comes to repayment of your loans as they are handled different with different criteria...

[skout]

Hey guys, just applied for osap and got denied. My dad is self employed and makes like nothing and my mom just got laid off this year so she got a bunch in severance which was the reason for the lack of approval. Do they take into account that my mom was laid off or do they just check the income for the year? and will i be able to get it if i call in about it?

thanks

[blazinpista]

Can you still summit OSAP application for the coming September?
I haven't submitted it yet because I had some problem with getting the supporting documents.

I do not understand what this saying? "If you are planning to take a two- or three-term program, the pages must be received no later than 90 days before the end of your study period."

Does this mean I should have submitted 3 month before September or can I still summit it?

[Betsk]

I have a question regarding assets cashed from an in-trust account. My son has been out of high school for more than 4 years and is not dependent on us. He applied for OSAP and received notice that he will be receiving around $14,000. We used to contribute to an in-trust account for him, but that money was mostly used for his undergrad. There was, however, approx. $8,000. worth of stocks left in that account that we never cashed when he needed the money because of the stock market being low. Instead, we gave him other money, with the understanding that the $8,000. from the in-trust would be our's when it was withdrawn. The withdrawal was made May 14th. I now find out that May 11th is the date they go back to for assets for him. He never reported this $8,000. in his OSAP application, as he had forgotten about it as it isn't his (and he thought I had withdrawn it before the 16-week period). Should he contact OSAP and explain the situation?

[BBQPorkBun]

lol the difference between 10,800 and 9600 is quite a bit more than $400, more like $1,200. that makes a difference to me, especially since i have a huge loan on this vehicle and need it for work. so technically i can't afford it, but thanks anyways.

my question was not whether or not i would hide the cst from osap. it was more whether i have to send in something or would osap get the information themselves, automatically so to speak.

shes saying that 4600 above the allowable limit and 5800 above the limit makes no difference and it doesn't. osap expects you to sell your car, get a job that doesn't require a car, and use what funds you have from that to go to school

[BBQPorkBun]

I have a question regarding assets cashed from an in-trust account. My son has been out of high school for more than 4 years and is not dependent on us. He applied for OSAP and received notice that he will be receiving around $14,000. We used to contribute to an in-trust account for him, but that money was mostly used for his undergrad. There was, however, approx. $8,000. worth of stocks left in that account that we never cashed when he needed the money because of the stock market being low. Instead, we gave him other money, with the understanding that the $8,000. from the in-trust would be our's when it was withdrawn. The withdrawal was made May 14th. I now find out that May 11th is the date they go back to for assets for him. He never reported this $8,000. in his OSAP application, as he had forgotten about it as it isn't his (and he thought I had withdrawn it before the 16-week period). Should he contact OSAP and explain the situation?

no, don't open a whole can of worms for nothing.
the 8k was planned to go back to you, so transfer it to an account with your name and just leave it.

[parthc007]

Okay so I have a question, I have been getting OSAP last three years...and now I am taking a year off for an internship. The question I am wondering is if I apply to OSAP next year, I will be out of high school for four years, can I qualify to apply as an Independent student?

[parthc007]

Yes you can. You'll be given the option on the renewal application to change your status. Just a word of advice though, watch how much you make as you may disqualify yourself from any funding when you do go back to school. So save every penny you can with the assumption that you won't qualify the following year...

Thanks CSK's Mom, that takes a load off my mind because my parents are moving overseas and considering being a non-resident for tax purposes... and well if they declare their foreign income, then I am pretty sure I would get nothing...

[Betsk]

no, don't open a whole can of worms for nothing.
the 8k was planned to go back to you, so transfer it to an account with your name and just leave it.

Thanks for your input BBQPorkBun!

[fyre]

wait wtf, i was reading back a few pages

previous osap grants count as your income?

[fyre]

Okay thanks that's good, cause I put 0 for some income parts and was worried cause I had a few grants from last year

[pepsi_dude]

hey i have a few questions regarding osap

according to the funding summary table, i will receive a total of around 13200. Then I have entrance scholarship and bursary from laurier for total of 4k. Im also hoping to receive something from QE II scholarship (92ish top 6 average and I submitted everything within the appropriate deadlines).

will this cover all costs throughout year?

is the entrance bursary, entrance scholarship and QEII scholarship used to reduce the loan portion of my OSAP funding or is it given to me seprately?

[Jordan81]

man, i wish i did better in highschool so i could've got all these scholarships. Being in 2nd year now, i realize how much an extra $3500/year could have helped.

[Jordan81]

I have a question. So last year i had a grant for Low-Income families. This year, they changed my grant to Middle-Income families instead. My mothers income did not change, if anything shes making less. I did have a job last year which i made probably $1000. What prompted the change from low income to middle income?

[pepsi_dude]

Ok, one thing at a time. Did you report the scholarship and bursary from Laurier on your OSAP application? You should have. If you didn't then you need to call your school's FinAid office and report that to OSAP. It should trigger a reassessment of your application. If you don't report it OSAP will find out and you may end up with an overpayment that is repayable immediately. No further OSAP will be released until it is repayed. I do believe the entrance scholarship and bursary from the school goes directly to reduce tuition, confirm with your school. You don't actually get the money.


yes i reported it while i was filling up the OSAP application.




QEII is payed directly to the school to reduce tuition as well. It's calculated by all your marks submitted through either post secondary application center, not just your top 6.


My average is different if i take into account all grade 12 courses that i did since i did a total of 9. So are u sure its not just top 6? Can you give me your source for this information?




Will it be enough to pay for all your expenses? Who knows. It will be dependent on your tuition, books costs, other mandatory costs, living expenses, etc. Be prepared to live cheap and live by a budget and maybe. OSAP does expect you to pay for some of your educational expenses though. Use the budget tool on the www.canlearn.ca site to get a rough idea of just how tight dollars are going to be...

I'll check it out thanx.

[pepsi_dude]

It's all on the OSAP site pepsi.


As you can see all marks submitted is the criteria. Top 6 means nothing other than to some uni's. Colleges do not use use 6 marks at all which would make college students pretty much ineligible which wouldn't be fair...


oh man this is bad, this means college students could easily take majority of the scholarships valued at 3500 besides a lot of other bad things.

so much for recognizing "academic excellence", the main purpose of the scholarship may not be fulfilled in many cases.

[help_questions]

Not sure how you figure that. Those heading to uni tend to just concentrate on and get good marks in their required top 4 or 6 and slack off in the others. College students don't have that option and have to work their butts off in all their courses. Merit Scholar Certificates are awarded for 11 and 12 marks, regardless of the stream one studies. Uni courses don't trump college courses KWIM? Heck our 17 yr old who just graduated with both the Honor Stole and Merit Scholar Certificate worked his butt off to attain his 90+% average across all his college level courses to get into his program of choice...

how do college level high school courses differ from university level high school courses?

[Jordan81]

Ok, to begin with the grant you got last year was a Canada Access Grant. Those grants are now gone and no more. Replacing the Canada Access Grants are the new Students from low/middle income grants. You can't compare the old/new as they are 2 different criteria. The new grants are very straight forward, with very clear cut family income tables (on the www.canlearn.ca site). The low income grant is $250/month of study and the middle income grant is $100/month of study.

So basically... there was no "change" other than a total revision of the grants from the federal gov't to a fairer and more equitable set of grants.

Thank you for answering that. Another quick question if i may ask.

Do i have to notify OSAP if i get a job during my 2009-2010 study period? Because if i do get a job, my income information will be inaccurate. When i registered for OSAP last year (2008), i got a job and didn't bother telling OSAP. I just got a letter that said my 2008 income information was inaccurate by about $4000. They reassessed my OSAP this year to a smaller amount. I was just worried they would stop giving me loans.

[Jordan81]

Thanks again. Also, does money i claim from my university's Dental insurance count as Income?

On osaps website it says "You must provide all taxable and non-taxable income from all sources." Does all sources really mean all sources?

[iceman86]

Hello!

I received a letter today from OSAP with a Verification of Income Form.

I have a variance of $3,725. What are my options here to fix this problem? And what are my penalties if anything?

1) Should I and if I am able to find supporting document(s) to prove I did make the amount CRA claims I did?

Would that clear out the variance? Would I need to pay for before I recieve my 09-10 loan from OSAP?

2) If the approx. I guess was incorrect... Will I need to pay the variance?

I am not quite sure what to do at this point... :cry:

[iceman86]

To begin with, find your notice of assessment for the year in question. It's your final income tax statement for the year, not your return. CRA will fix any errors on your return and they will show on the NOA. You can also call CRA or use the online account option if need be.

If they reassess your OSAP for the year in question, yes it could result in an overpayment. If that's the case, overpayments re usually repayable in full before any more funding is issued.

Okay, I found the notice of assessment.

Do I complete the Verification of Income Form and attach a copy of my notice of assessment before I mail it back to them?

Is that what you mean CRA will fix any errors? I am still a little confused :cry:

[iceman86]

Slow down a bit. Is the income amount on the NOA the same as what OSAP is saying? If OSAP has your income right (due to lack of reporting on your part I assume?) then yes you'll send in the NOA with the forms they sent you. That should trigger a reassesment of your OSAP for that year and may put you in overpayment status which you'll need to pay back...

Yep, its the same.

So if you I get a reassessment and will have to pay back the variance... how long do I have to pay that amount? Because I do not have enough at the moment and I still trying to find a summer job.

My main income job is seasonal and doesn't start till the Leafs start playing! Can I delay the repayment till early October maybe?

[iceman86]

Alright, thanks a lot for your help CSK'sMom. You really answer all my questions and relieve the stress is gone for now. Now I just have to worry about finding the funds I need to repay back OSAP.

Thanks alot again CSK'sMom! You're the best mom!

[myster]

Another question:

I have a summer job for this year which I reported on my OSAP application.

However, I also trade stocks on the side. I'm not sure how much I should report since I don't know how much profit (or loss) I would get this year from doing stock trading (or any job with variable income, e.g., commission-based jobs). How do you think I should approach this problem?

[Jordan81]

Hello!

I received a letter today from OSAP with a Verification of Income Form.

I have a variance of $3,725. What are my options here to fix this problem? And what are my penalties if anything?

1) Should I and if I am able to find supporting document(s) to prove I did make the amount CRA claims I did?

Would that clear out the variance? Would I need to pay for before I recieve my 09-10 loan from OSAP?

2) If the approx. I guess was incorrect... Will I need to pay the variance?

I am not quite sure what to do at this point... :cry:
Wait, i got the exact same letter today as well. I thought the Variance was the difference between what we reported, and the actual Income we made?
Why are you paying anything back?

This is what my letter said:
When you applied for financial assistance through the OSAP you agreed that the ministry may verify your income information with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The income information that you provided in relation to your OSAP file, for the academic year indicated above, has been compared to the income information provided by CRA. There appears to be a variance as indicated below. The variance was determined based on the following information:

2008 Income information from CRA: $3900
Information from OSAP File: $200

VARIANCE = $3700

As a result the ministry has reassessed your OSAP funding using the income information provided by CRA. Information on the result of the reassessment is available by going to the "Check Status" section on OSAP web site.


So my options are to: 1) do nothing 2)complete a verification of Income form with supporting documentation

I know I inaccurately reported my 2008-2009 income. Will this affect my 2009-2010 OSAP funding? Are they reassessing my 2008 funding which i already recieved or my up and coming year 2009-2010?

[iceman86]

Wait, i got the exact same letter today as well. I thought the Variance was the difference between what we reported, and the actual Income we made?
Why are you paying anything back?

This is what my letter said:
When you applied for financial assistance through the OSAP you agreed that the ministry may verify your income information with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The income information that you provided in relation to your OSAP file, for the academic year indicated above, has been compared to the income information provided by CRA. There appears to be a variance as indicated below. The variance was determined based on the following information:

2008 Income information from CRA: $3900
Information from OSAP File: $200

VARIANCE = $3700

As a result the ministry has reassessed your OSAP funding using the income information provided by CRA. Information on the result of the reassessment is available by going to the "Check Status" section on OSAP web site.


So my options are to: 1) do nothing 2)complete a verification of Income form with supporting documentation

I know I inaccurately reported my 2008-2009 income. Will this affect my 2009-2010 OSAP funding? Are they reassessing my 2008 funding which i already recieved or my up and coming year 2009-2010?

Good point Jordan81!

I think I am gonna stick with no further action on this one. Because this is the only option that applies to me:


No further action is required by you if you are aware that you did not accurately report your actual income for your pre-study and study period as listed above. If you did not accurately report this information, the reassessment of your OSAP file due to income verification was appropriate.

So what can we expect from the reassessment?

[myster]

For the people who are getting these "variance letters"..

Is the variance based on what you put for the 2008-2009 OSAP application last year or the 2009-2010 OSAP application that was just submitted?

In other words, for example the 2009-2010 OSAP application, would they check with the CRA regarding the 2008 income you reported right now or would they check next year regarding the 2009 income you estimate right now or would they do both?

[BBQPorkBun]

For the people who are getting these "variance letters"..

Is the variance based on what you put for the 2008-2009 OSAP application last year or the 2009-2010 OSAP application that was just submitted?

In other words, for example the 2009-2010 OSAP application, would they check with the CRA regarding the 2008 income you reported right now or would they check next year regarding the 2009 income you estimate right now or would they do both?

you have to compare apples with apples. it compares your estimated amount you gave to osap compared to what you actually made within the same time period.

[iceman86]

For the people who are getting these "variance letters"..

Is the variance based on what you put for the 2008-2009 OSAP application last year or the 2009-2010 OSAP application that was just submitted?

In other words, for example the 2009-2010 OSAP application, would they check with the CRA regarding the 2008 income you reported right now or would they check next year regarding the 2009 income you estimate right now or would they do both?

the variance letter is referring to 08-09 OSAP application for me.

[myster]

Income is verified for the year before the school year myster. So income for 08 is verified for the 08/09 school year and so on. If you think about the way we file income taxes (April for yr before) this is the only way it makes sense as 09's income can't be verified till '10 when we file. Eventually it all comes out in the wash if you're a multiple yr OSAP user...

I know that...

So next year, they would verify the 2009 income information with the 2010-2011 OSAP application AS WELL AS the 2009-2010 application?

What if the student doesn't file a 2010-2011 OSAP application for some reason (e.g., graduated the previous year)..? Would they still check your 2009-2010 application with the 2009 income?

[omchow]

Ok so I finally got the funding figures for the upcoming school year ... but nothing yet under Queen Elizabeth Scholorship (going into 1st yr). Even though it says its going to be assessed in the beginning of August, should it say someone where that I am currently being assessed for it?

Also I got all the supporting documents into the university and its confirmed they got it on Friday July 17.

[argoblue]

Anyone know how OSAP works for those going into a graduate program, having earned full-time income in the last two years (yet little to show for it), and with an existing undergraduate OSAP loan of about $4,000?

Do they tend to give funding in this scenario?

[Jordan81]

They are going to go back and reassess what you were actually entitled to with the new income information (08 for jordon). If the new assessment is less then what you actually got you are going to have an overpayment. They can ask for the overpayment to be payed back immediately and they can refuse any further funding until it is payed back. Check the status of your loans on the website and see if they have done the reassessment yet...

I hope you 2 have learned something by this though. I also hope you realize that if OSAP suspects fraud in any way they can call in police to investigate and criminal charges can be laid. Again, read the actual OSAP documents you sign.

Thanks for clearing that up. I've looked at my 2008-2009 funding summary and it seems to be the same still. I guess they haven't reassessed it yet.

But no matter, i will definately make sure to notify my financial aid office of any changes to my income during the upcoming year.

[BBQPorkBun]

Anyone know how OSAP works for those going into a graduate program, having earned full-time income in the last two years (yet little to show for it), and with an existing undergraduate OSAP loan of about $4,000?

Do they tend to give funding in this scenario?

osap works the same way pretty much. your income may be a factor that prevents you from funding depending on what the income is, but your current osap loan amount will not have an impact on your current amount eligibility if it is in good standing.

[Setz]

I received my estimate on July 6th when I did my application, and there's a checklist that says what I need to hand in.



Checklist
Click on the link(s) for things that must be done:

* Student must provide supporting documentation
* Student must complete Confirmation of Enrolment form


I handed supporting documentation in on the 9th (date might be wrong) when I went to SMART Start at Brock University, and I gave them my declaration forms on the 14th.

Why does the checklist still say I need to hand in supporting documentation? When will I find out my actual (not estimated) funding?

I was thinking maybe my income needs to be verified, but how long does this take? I'd like to know my funding sometime early August.

[robman_rob]

I just got "Adjustment to principal" for several thousand (all of a sudden I owe OSAP several thousand more)... anyone have any ideas what would cause this?

[TechRock]

so when they say we will reassessed your OSAP funding, did they do it already back around June 28 2009 or are they going to do it again?

[Jordan81]

so when they say we will reassessed your OSAP funding, did they do it already back around June 28 2009 or are they going to do it again?
i was wondering this myself.

[BBQPorkBun]

I just got "Adjustment to principal" for several thousand (all of a sudden I owe OSAP several thousand more)... anyone have any ideas what would cause this?

something triggered a reassessment of your case and before when you got some grant/scholarship money that went toward your debt, you are not longer getting that anymore

[MangoSlice]

Hey,

I filled out my OSAP application during the beginning of June and it's still currently on hold. As well when I try to get an estimate it prompts some "estimate is currently unavailable message and to try again in 24/hrs." I've been doing so and it still prompts the same message. Should I give my financial office a call or should I just wait it out?

[robman_rob]

something triggered a reassessment of your case and before when you got some grant/scholarship money that went toward your debt, you are not longer getting that anymore

Thanks for the reply, does anyone know how many times you can be reassessed in one particular study period?

[Professor Iris]

Just a quick note for those who's income varied from what they told osap; when you are sent a letter saying that there was a variance and you can do nothing as an option it means that you did receive an overpayment but usually the first overpayment is forgiven, if you continue to make mistakes and not update osap then you may have to immediately pay your overpayments and no further funding will be released until you do so/you may end up in collection. The forgiveness of the first overpayment is documented in the old thread, the osap website and talking to the financial aid office.

[robman_rob]

I just got "Adjustment to principal" for several thousand (all of a sudden I owe OSAP several thousand more)... anyone have any ideas what would cause this?


something triggered a reassessment of your case and before when you got some grant/scholarship money that went toward your debt, you are not longer getting that anymore


Thanks for the reply, does anyone know how many times you can be reassessed in one particular study period?

Hi they explained to me what happened - i basically screwed myself over.

ex (figures made up):

loan = 20k
I paid 12k
got gov'n grant of 8k
owe 0k
next day NSLSC added 6k to my loan
me (wtf!)
owe 6k

only 2k of the grant got applied because only 2k of my loan was provincial... 6k was fed gov'n...

any idea if the prov gov'n will use the 6k to pay off the fed portion of my loan?

ps. don't screw urself over like me.

thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for the reply, does anyone know how many times you can be reassessed in one particular study period?

as much as needed

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi they explained to me what happened - i basically screwed myself over.

ex (figures made up):

loan = 20k
I paid 12k
got gov'n grant of 8k
owe 0k
next day NSLSC added 6k to my loan
me (wtf!)
owe 6k

only 2k of the grant got applied because only 2k of my loan was provincial... 6k was fed gov'n...

any idea if the prov gov'n will use the 6k to pay off the fed portion of my loan?

ps. don't screw urself over like me.

thanks!

theres more to the story, it doesn't happen like that, surprise you owe more money.

[robman_rob]

theres more to the story, it doesn't happen like that, surprise you owe more money.

that's the whole story, or what they told me.

the grant was a provincial grant that would only get applied to the provincial portion :( they said there maybe a chance that the provincial grant would apply to the fed portion... but it was up to them, them being osap.

i was hoping you'd say that that was the norm :)

[mozillar]

I'm going to school overseas, one that is approved for the Canada portion of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan. Now i went to university in Canada, got OSAP, didnt finish my degree and got into the overseas university without telling them about my Canadian education. will i be screwed if i apply for OSAP, i.e. will the overseas school find out about my lies? any help would be appreciated.

[auh26]

I gave my institution a call last week and the counselor told me that they will reprocess my profile since I didn't receive the First Year Grant. My signature pages just got processed a few days ago so I gave them a call today (a week after i Called before). Now, this other counselor is saying that I may not be eligible for this grant (I went online and checked and I'm eligible). What I don't understand is that I received a Low-Income Family Grant of $1919 but no First Year Grant. Also, my loan was $6454. The cost for my program is $10,534.34 - much lower than the total of $8,373 I'm getting from OSAP. I asked some of my friends and they're receiving both first year grant and middle-income family grant. I don't understand why I didn't get the First Year Grant. Anyone know???

[rocheapplied]

Just wondering, can I still apply for OSAP for this F/W 2009-2010???

[auh26]

I can only assume, based on what we're experiencing with our younger son's application. Currently his processed application shows 100% loan and not a single grant. His signature pages were just processed on Monday and showed up in the sytem as completed on Tues. I know for a fact he should be getting the low income grant and the first year grant based on our oldest son's completely processed application.

Now with that said, I am assuming it's because the signature pages were just processed. They can't do the parents income verification until the consent pages are in and processed. The CRA verifications may be really backed up at this point as it seems lots of FinAid staff take extended holidays and are just coming back to work. They are inputting a month's worth of declarations in a short period of time. We're personally holding out till next week to see what happens with our younger son's app before we bug FinAid again...

Thank You So Much I'll call and bug them next Thursday lol

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm going to school overseas, one that is approved for the Canada portion of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan. Now i went to university in Canada, got OSAP, didnt finish my degree and got into the overseas university without telling them about my Canadian education. will i be screwed if i apply for OSAP, i.e. will the overseas school find out about my lies? any help would be appreciated.

applying for osap without finishing a degree does not affect anything, people change schools/programs all the time. im not sure what lies you are referring to.

[Professor Iris]

applying for osap without finishing a degree does not affect anything, people change schools/programs all the time. im not sure what lies you are referring to.

From reading the post I would say that it is clear that they lied to the overseas school about having attended university before. I can't see a reason that osap would have for informing your school of this. Also for purposes of osap funding changing your program a lot or dropping out without finishing may affect your eligibility for funding but that is not usually a problem unless you are changing quite often or a lot of times or have actually dropped out.

[trisle604]

so i spoke to my financial aid today and they said everything on my OSAP status is the correct amount i will be receiving.i asked the kind lady if she was sure that amount was correct and she said yes , and said is that not enough? the money is better than 08/09 , but i basically got no grants.i come from a family with just a mom that was making under 30k when working (she is now laidoff indefinitely) and has 2 kids including myself.i dont understand why im not getting any grants really , i would rather have my loan be reduced by 3-4k if that meant that i would receive a couple of grants with the loan , im just not understanding why i dont qualify for low income.are they basing this under the circumstances that my moms assets are a house and a car? what a pooper~ :mad:

[mozillar]

From reading the post I would say that it is clear that they lied to the overseas school about having attended university before. I can't see a reason that osap would have for informing your school of this. Also for purposes of osap funding changing your program a lot or dropping out without finishing may affect your eligibility for funding but that is not usually a problem unless you are changing quite often or a lot of times or have actually dropped out.

Thats exactly what i meant. Well the thing is that i wont be finishing my degree in Canada before leaving. technically thats dropping out, so would that be a problem then?

[Professor Iris]

Thats exactly what i meant. Well the thing is that i wont be finishing my degree in Canada before leaving. technically thats dropping out, so would that be a problem then?

If you're status already shows that you are getting osap then I don't see you have any problems as far as that goes or your new university finding out you went to university. By dropping out I meant stopping during your program, I assume that you went and completed your year opposed to dropping out/withdrawing from the program during the regular school year.

[lookingforstufffff]

What is the point of having two threads on the same topic?

[Professor Iris]

What is the point of having two threads on the same topic?

OSAP has changed a lot for this year so a bunch of the info in the old thread doesn't apply and it would be especially confusing for new applicants.

[eugeneo]

Hello!

I'm going to Brock University for Accounting, and I applied to OSAP like very one else here. When I first completed my application I had gotten an estimate of $12,100 and after it was processed it was about $12,700 which is alright. So I start budgeting on that figure. (How much I need to work/save, textbooks, living, etc)

Well to my dismay, this morning I just check my online profile on OSAP because I was bored (my one day off from work), and find out that it has been reduced to around $8000?! In the past month, I have started working more hours, I have applied for credit card, and have applied for a Student Line of Credit for just in case purposes. My parents make a combined income of $22,000 (according to their 2008 taxes).

Any ideas on what I should do? is this an error, or is this really the amount i'm going to recieve. :confused:

Thanks!

-if it means anything, signature pages were sent the first day registration was open via XpressPost to the University

[trisle604]

i dont know if its a bug , but for my 09/10 osap funding it says on my status they released the first installment fundings to me already.i thought those funds were suppose to be released sometime in the fall , since thats when my semester would begin.is anyone else getting the first portion as released under my status?and god damn osap!still havent updated my grants , i dont want to accept those funds and then for 10/11 osap have an overpayment due to negligence on osaps part .i have spoken to them a few times stating that is probably the incorrect amount , as i should be receiving funding in the 4-5k area and not 8k area.

[cmuzikova]

Hello,

This is my first time applying for OSAP... can never seem to get a question answered from them, so needless to say, thank goodness I came across this forum!
I was checking on the status of my application yesterday and it finally told me how much I will be receiving september 1st, but I noticed that it said it was still waiting on my declaration and signature pages. I sent the signed papers a little over a week ago and photocopied them for my own records. I noticed on the OSAP website the address I am supposed to send the papers to had a PO box number, but on my actual declaration page, in the upper right corner where it says 'mail to', there was no PO box number included in the address. I sent the papers to the address on my declaration page... the one with no PO box number. Are they not going to receive it? Has this happened to anyone else?

[bvbdort]

Hi, I am new here. I am just wondering if I will be receiving schoarship for my study this year, do I need to report it on my osap? because I read on osap website that the school may report it for you already. Also what is the different between a merit scholarship? and a need-based scholarship? and I will also be doing TA work, so I am just wondering do I need to report my TA income at school too on OSAP application?

Oh, also I have one more question. If I will be living on my own( away from parents) for this coming year, am I eligible to be considered for the low-income family grant? because I have checked that my income is less than the amount stated on the low-income family grant table on the osap website. But I just don't know if I fall into the category of being a "family"?

thanks

[zyphere]

Hi, I am new here. I am just wondering if I will be receiving schoarship for my study this year, do I need to report it on my osap? because I read on osap website that the school may report it for you already. Also what is the different between a merit scholarship? and a need-based scholarship? and I will also be doing TA work, so I am just wondering do I need to report my TA income at school too on OSAP application?

Oh, also I have one more question. If I will be living on my own( away from parents) for this coming year, am I eligible to be considered for the low-income family grant? because I have checked that my income is less than the amount stated on the low-income family grant table on the osap website. But I just don't know if I fall into the category of being a "family"?

thanks

Yes, you do need to report scholarships on your OSAP as they are considered income. If you are sure of how much you're going to get form your scholarships, you may as well include that on your OSAP application.

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic merit/performance (i.e. your grades, extra-curriculars, etc.). Need-based scholarships also look at your financial need.

And yes you will need to report your TA income for OSAP (under the fields for income during the school year). Also, just as a FYI, your income from your TA-ship and scholarships also need to be filed on your taxes next April.

As long as your family income is below the limit, you are eligible for the low-income grant. It does not matter if you are living away from home or at home.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hello!

I'm going to Brock University for Accounting, and I applied to OSAP like very one else here. When I first completed my application I had gotten an estimate of $12,100 and after it was processed it was about $12,700 which is alright. So I start budgeting on that figure. (How much I need to work/save, textbooks, living, etc)

Well to my dismay, this morning I just check my online profile on OSAP because I was bored (my one day off from work), and find out that it has been reduced to around $8000?! In the past month, I have started working more hours, I have applied for credit card, and have applied for a Student Line of Credit for just in case purposes. My parents make a combined income of $22,000 (according to their 2008 taxes).

Any ideas on what I should do? is this an error, or is this really the amount i'm going to recieve. :confused:

Thanks!

-if it means anything, signature pages were sent the first day registration was open via XpressPost to the University

first you have to make sure whats happened, call the nslsc. if it was one amount first then another amount, theres notes and documention on why if that is really the case.

all the things you done like get LOC should have no impact on your loan

[trisle604]

Not a bug trisle. Fairly normal actually. Essentially as soon as the loan papers are printed and forwarded to the school the website will show it as funding released. It doesn't mean that you can actually get at that money yet though, it can't actually be released until you pick up your loan papers. As for the amount they've assessed you as needing, don't worry about it. Don't forget that these new grants mean that many, many students will now be getting more funding. The new grants are doing their job. ;)

And just to update, no grants showing on our younger son's app. yet either. We did get his confirmation of registration though yesterday from his school and confirmation that he got into res last week. We haven't decided if we're going to bug his FinAid office this week or not yet. QEII results should be soon hopefully.

oh , well im not complaining about the amount they are giving me , it is basically covering all my expenses and more if that is the correct amount.im just afraid that if that is the correct amount and i spend it all , come next september when im looking for my loan they will be saying i had an overpayment.cause my tuition fees atm are at 2200 , textbooks possibly 1000 , and the rest if correct goes towards budgeting for clothes , bus passes , and food.i understand they changed how the system works now and people are getting more ,or less funds than previous years , its just from my understanding osap really doesnt care about completely covering all cost , which in my case it is and by a large margin.but if all goes well ill be thankful for the larger amount of OSAP and have more money to burn :twisted:

[happy28]

hi,
im in my 3 year in college.. i havent been working since 2007.. i been support myself from the leftover student loan, and my visa. i been living with my step brother for 2 years...and because he knows im a student and im not working- he doesnt give me a set amount to pay for renting my room. how do i explain that to OSAP? is it okay to tell them i get help for rent sometimes from the step brother? and i never asked him for a receipt since i been living there... "this is the first time OSAP has asked me for supporting documents and a letter" so they can do a calculation.

please help

thanks,

[BBQPorkBun]

hi,
im in my 3 year in college.. i havent been working since 2007.. i been support myself from the leftover student loan, and my visa. i been living with my step brother for 2 years...and because he knows im a student and im not working- he doesnt give me a set amount to pay for renting my room. how do i explain that to OSAP? is it okay to tell them i get help for rent sometimes from the step brother? and i never asked him for a receipt since i been living there... "this is the first time OSAP has asked me for supporting documents and a letter" so they can do a calculation.

please help

thanks,

just tell them you live with you step brother. you are applying as if you are living at home right? then no need to get into rent and all that.

[bvbdort]

Yes, you do need to report scholarships on your OSAP as they are considered income. If you are sure of how much you're going to get form your scholarships, you may as well include that on your OSAP application.

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic merit/performance (i.e. your grades, extra-curriculars, etc.). Need-based scholarships also look at your financial need.

And yes you will need to report your TA income for OSAP (under the fields for income during the school year). Also, just as a FYI, your income from your TA-ship and scholarships also need to be filed on your taxes next April.

As long as your family income is below the limit, you are eligible for the low-income grant. It does not matter if you are living away from home or at home.

Hi, thanks for your answer. But I just find out that the low-income grant is only eligible for first-time, first-year student arghhhhh, so yeah I am not eligible for that. Also just wondering why do I need to report my scholarship or TA ship on the coming April? Isn't scholarship or TA-ship not taxable?

Oh sorry just one more question. How do I know if I am a dependent or indendent student? If I have been out of high-school for 4 years, then am I independent?

thanks

[johnmikes]

Hi, thanks for your answer. But I just find out that the low-income grant is only eligible for first-time, first-year student arghhhhh, so yeah I am not eligible for that. Also just wondering why do I need to report my scholarship or TA ship on the coming April? Isn't scholarship or TA-ship not taxable?

Oh sorry just one more question. How do I know if I am a dependent or indendent student? If I have been out of high-school for 4 years, then am I independent?

thanks

Not true...i'm going into my 4th year and i got a low-income family grant :-)

[willyxjai]

I need some advices, I applied for osap at the beginning of the month so I waited about a week to get my approval email but little did i find out my acceptance was withheld cause my application wasn't fully complete. And just last week I received a letter saying I need to sign this letter to prove my info given is correct. So what im asking is, should I sign the paper and mail it out or should i wait till when school starts and talk to the people at the financial office? Thanks in advance.

[Gofishus]

How does OSAP work if you are taking an internship for 16 months but taking a part-time course in the fall. I received a letter in April saying the interest will build up after May but its not due until Dec. What if I can't pay it off by then? What if I'm going back to school part time? How does this procedure work?

[BBQPorkBun]

How does OSAP work if you are taking an internship for 16 months but taking a part-time course in the fall. I received a letter in April saying the interest will build up after May but its not due until Dec. What if I can't pay it off by then? What if I'm going back to school part time? How does this procedure work?

going to school part time won't change anything, same as being out of school. interest will accumulate till dec. in dec apply for the RAP program (will have same affect as interest relief depending on how much you make) then when you start full time school again, go back on non repayment status.

[skyblue12]

Does the amount of credit cards I hold and my credit limits affect my osap funding?

[Raptors4Life]

Quick question here regarding the signature and declaration pages.

My sister misplaced (lost/can't find) her signature and declaration pages. When we logged on to the OSAP website and want to print the signature and declaration pages we get this message "All Required Declaration and Signature Pages have been received and processed by the ministry".

So we don't have access to them and need to print them again. In order to regain access would we have to call the financial aid office of York (where my sister is going to be attending Sept) or the The National Student Loans Service Centre to get access once again?

Thanks :)

[OpportunityChaos]

ok so while checking on my current application for the 09-10 year i decided to check my total funding recieved to date. when i looked at my 07-08 academic year i saw a loan of $1100 that i was suppose to recieve on dec 07. however i don't remember ever recieving such an amount.

i checked with my bank account books to the dates near dec 07 and i confirmed that i never got $1100 in my bank account.

on the osap website where we click to check total funding recieved to date it shows that i got $1100 in loans during dec 2007, but i never recieved this money. should i contact my university or call the nlsc?

and does anyone know what will happen with this amount of $1100? am i still entitled to it or are they just gonna drop this amount from my total loans recieved?

thanks!

PS: ryerson is closed from aug 1st to 15th so i can't show up at the osap office until after the 15th :(.

[OpportunityChaos]

Check your Jan bank statements. That would have been your 2nd semester payment. It could have been a cheque(OAG) or a direct deposit.

i checked all the months in between dec to april 08 and there were no deposits of $1100 by electronic transfer or cheque deposits.

[skyrink]

Is it normal to have about $11,000 as an estimate even though my family and I are kind of well off?

This is my 5th year applying, I only got $4200 in my 3rd year. Got $0 all the other years. The application didn't ask for my parents financial info even though it has changed significantly (for worse).

The only thing that was different from all the other applications is that I have been out of high school for at least 4 years from the start of the school year. So do you think that did it? Or is the estimate always wrong.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[OpportunityChaos]

Do you remember picking up your loan papers second semester at all? If you didn't then call your school's FinAid office or drop in after school starts to sort it out. They'll be able to tell you if you picked it up.

Just out of curiousity what does the funding summary say for this payment? Is is part loan, part Ontario Access Grant? If it is the loan part would have been direct deposit and the OAG amount would have been a cheque.

it was definately a loan. do you think i can sitll get this loan or are they just gonna drop it since it's been 1.5 years now?


edit: and when i picked up my loan papers they only gave me one for the amount of $483, i never got a loan paper for the amount of $1100.

[Raptors4Life]

When she logs into her OSAP account what does it say under the "checklist" section? If it doesn't say she needs to hand in her and your parents declaration pages then I'm willing to bet they were mailed in already. ;) Could someone else in the household have put them in the mail?

Only thing is says on the checklist is:

Checklist

Click on the link(s) for things that must be done:
Student must complete Confirmation of Enrolment form


So i'm going to assume someone mailed it out but forgot to tell my sister and me.

Thanks!

[trisle604]

Is it normal to have about $11,000 as an estimate even though my family and I are kind of well off?

This is my 5th year applying, I only got $4200 in my 3rd year. Got $0 all the other years. The application didn't ask for my parents financial info even though it has changed significantly (for worse).

The only thing that was different from all the other applications is that I have been out of high school for at least 4 years from the start of the school year. So do you think that did it? Or is the estimate always wrong.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

that would be the reason as you are now considered an independent student and not a dependent of your parents.

[BBQPorkBun]

it was definately a loan. do you think i can sitll get this loan or are they just gonna drop it since it's been 1.5 years now?


edit: and when i picked up my loan papers they only gave me one for the amount of $483, i never got a loan paper for the amount of $1100.

call the nslsc, they have a record of where this amount was disbursed to if it was indeed disbursed.

always amazes me how students don't know when their money is suppose to be disbursed and then don't know when they don't get it

[the_cure]

Quick question, I re-applied for OSAP and they told me I was qualified for maximum but then they saw that I still still in first year (after completing a year of uni) and asked me to send in my transcript and write a letter explaining. Although I was 1 course (3 credits) shy of going on to 2nd year, I was in good academic standing (no academic probation or anything) according to my university and I stated that my reason was homesickness and bouts of depression. I was just wondering what are the chances of them giving me osap now after sending that stuff in and having them evaluate it. Cheers.

[OpportunityChaos]

call the nslsc, they have a record of where this amount was disbursed to if it was indeed disbursed.

always amazes me how students don't know when their money is suppose to be disbursed and then don't know when they don't get it

ok i called. they said i never picked it up during the start of winter semester. but wtf, i was never given the loan paper for $1100 when i picked up my osap during winter semester. this is messed up.

o well, the guy at osap says that i don't have to pay back the amount of $1100 since it was "never picked up" by me to be processed.

[BBQPorkBun]

Quick question, I re-applied for OSAP and they told me I was qualified for maximum but then they saw that I still still in first year (after completing a year of uni) and asked me to send in my transcript and write a letter explaining. Although I was 1 course (3 credits) shy of going on to 2nd year, I was in good academic standing (no academic probation or anything) according to my university and I stated that my reason was homesickness and bouts of depression. I was just wondering what are the chances of them giving me osap now after sending that stuff in and having them evaluate it. Cheers.

should be ok, its all you can do anyways. they just need something to press the GO button.

[fbb50]

should be ok, its all you can do anyways. they just need something to press the GO button.

hello! i have a question,need advice.................

problem (1) i was applying for sc, but i still have to go back to my advisor this Aug 31, to give my missing papers, and then hopefully if it is ok, she told me my next step is to vpi but im she said thats where the waiting time and it will take 6 to 8 weeks waiting, so maybe if im qualified i'll be attending school for next year,

but i cant find job and my EI is finished since june,i have no money

problem (2) so i apply for OSAP and my application is under process, i was wondering if i dont get approve for OSAP still have changes for my sc, do you think they can see that i apply for OSAP? because i change the course, for sc my course will be Medical Laboratory Tech.... and at OSAP is Pharmacy Assistant..can you do both, my Pharmacy start this AUG and my sc is next yr..Pharmacy 1 yr, Medical 8 month......

Advice........ do you think i should just do sc or continue OSAP, just think about if i'll wait for sc i wasted my time,and not sure yet if im qualified, and at OSAP by next year im half way of my course............and the only thing is im going to attend the orientation already im not sure if im approve at OSAP whats going to happen if i dont get approve at OSAP and im attending school already and i dont have money to pay for it..... please let me know what to do................................ thank you

[moneylover]

just to confirm.....can/do osap check your bank statements? (I dont think they do)

[BBQPorkBun]

hello! i have a question,need advice.................

problem (1) i was applying for sc, but i still have to go back to my advisor this Aug 31, to give my missing papers, and then hopefully if it is ok, she told me my next step is to vpi but im she said thats where the waiting time and it will take 6 to 8 weeks waiting, so maybe if im qualified i'll be attending school for next year,

but i cant find job and my EI is finished since june,i have no money

problem (2) so i apply for OSAP and my application is under process, i was wondering if i dont get approve for OSAP still have changes for my sc, do you think they can see that i apply for OSAP? because i change the course, for sc my course will be Medical Laboratory Tech.... and at OSAP is Pharmacy Assistant..can you do both, my Pharmacy start this AUG and my sc is next yr..Pharmacy 1 yr, Medical 8 month......

Advice........ do you think i should just do sc or continue OSAP, just think about if i'll wait for sc i wasted my time,and not sure yet if im qualified, and at OSAP by next year im half way of my course............and the only thing is im going to attend the orientation already im not sure if im approve at OSAP whats going to happen if i dont get approve at OSAP and im attending school already and i dont have money to pay for it..... please let me know what to do................................ thank you

thank god for CSK'sMom cuz i didn't bother trying to understand

advise you learn to put together some coherent sentences before posting. i can't help when i don't know what im reading.

[the_cure]

should be ok, its all you can do anyways. they just need something to press the GO button.

thanks dude, i figured much but it' s always good to have that unnerving 2nd opinion, cheers.

[nightwalker]

has anyone applied for the RAP yet?
is the application form available somewhere online or do you have to call them to get it???

[neha007]

Hi everyone, I can't seem to get the signature pages printed :(

I have just finished filling out my osap application a little while ago, but can not print out the Signature pages (404 page not found error)

Is there another place where I can print these? Do not want to request them to be sent as I have heard they take a few weeks to be mailed.
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On the page with instructions to print (this shows only after trying to print)

[Professor Iris]

I understand that but what boggles me is that they should know that 3/4th of what i made in the 4 month co op is for last years osap loan that I got which I have to pay soon, leaving nothing much for this upcoming year. I might need to get a bank loan if they deny me :(

Wish me luck, and thanks :)

Why do you have to pay back last year's osap if you going back to school full time?

[ParamedicPeter]

Hello everyone. I'm entering my second year at UTSC and I'm a little bit on the worried side.

So here are my questions/concerns:

3 weeks ago (July 14th), I submitted my application and mailed my supporting documentations. I just got some news on the OSAP site, telling me that I require more documentation:

"A letter and supporting documentation from your parent(s) indicating how your family's daily living costs, such as rent or mortgage and food, are being met."

First, what exactly am I including in this letter and what supporting documentation do I have to include? My oldest sister helps my parents, I included this in the original OSAP application. I guess they need her signature or something?

Here's where the problem starts. Assuming I get that letter and supporting documentation ready to go, what am I going to do about the fee deferral deadline (August 14th)? If I mail the letter in by today/tomorrow, I can't rely on them to process the documents by the fee deferral deadline.

I plan on calling the Financial Office still, only that it's 2:15 AM right now and I'm stressing out like crazy.

[ZeroFlares]

Hey everyone, I'm in my fourth year of university and every year they ask to input my parent's income and whatnot but this year it doesn't. Is that going to be a problem?

[ParamedicPeter]

Keep the letter short and sweet with just the facts. Obviously OSAP is taking issue with a very low income for the family size. That would be a red flag that they need to clear up. Send it to your school's FinAid office.

As long as you've applied for OSAP you can apply for the deferral of tuition. Pay the deferral fee by the deadline and you'll be good to go. All the deferral does is allow you to register, etc. without paying your full tuition. OSAP loan papers aren't distributed till the first few days of school and then it takes about 10 days or so before the funds are direct deposited into your bank account. You will be required to sign on your loan papers that the school gets your tuition directly from OSAP and you will get the left over funds...

I get the gist of your response (thanks for the help by the way), but my problem lies in the fact that UTSC states that I can only apply for a fee deferral when I have received my notice of assessment from OSAP. I can't get my notice of assessment by the time of the fee deferral deadline.

What is this "deferral fee" you mentioned in your post (bolded)? Are you saying I can apply for a fee deferral even if I haven't gotten my notice of assessment from OSAP?

Edit: Here's exactly what the UTSC site tells me:

"Before you proceed with this application ensure:

You have received an OSAP assessment (NOT the estimate that is given when you applied for OSAP).

If you have not received your OSAP assessment, continue to monitor your OSAP account. Should you receive your OSAP assessment by the fee deferral deadline date you may come back to this system to apply."

[MangoSlice]

Hey guys, So I checked if my OSAP has processsed yet and it states that I need to required supporting documentation of my dad's Notice of Assessment for CRA, more specifically his total net income. I don't have a problem providing this document, but I was just wondering, wouldn't they have access to this kind of information to verify the info I filled in?

[lookingforstufffff]

Will OSAP give me less than my estimate if I apply and got approved for scholarship(s)?

[BBQPorkBun]

I get the gist of your response (thanks for the help by the way), but my problem lies in the fact that UTSC states that I can only apply for a fee deferral when I have received my notice of assessment from OSAP. I can't get my notice of assessment by the time of the fee deferral deadline.

What is this "deferral fee" you mentioned in your post (bolded)? Are you saying I can apply for a fee deferral even if I haven't gotten my notice of assessment from OSAP?

Edit: Here's exactly what the UTSC site tells me:

"Before you proceed with this application ensure:

You have received an OSAP assessment (NOT the estimate that is given when you applied for OSAP).

If you have not received your OSAP assessment, continue to monitor your OSAP account. Should you receive your OSAP assessment by the fee deferral deadline date you may come back to this system to apply."


firstly stop calling it a notice of assessment and just call it an osap assessment

secondly, write the letter now and fax it to them. call in to ensure that they have it and things are being processed. if i were you id even just drive to mississauga today and put it in their hands.

tell them you need an assessment by the the 14th to get a deferral to put a fire under them. also tell your school its being processed and maybe they will extend the deadline (alot of these deadlines are soft deadlines and just meant to make u hurry up and not wait till the last minute, though im not saying thats necessarily the case here)

then wait...

[petertelos]

I am in my last year of school and I need money and a car. Osap has given me my assessment, if I now go get a car what will happen? My aid office suggested keeping silent because they already checked, do you think this will work. When does Osap do its reassessments? Thanks in advance.

[MangoSlice]

Chances are the info you provided on your application doesn't match with what the CRA is providing. That's why they are asking for the NOA. The NOA is the actual income tax statement for the year as CRA will correct any errors on the return if there are any. If T4's were lost in the mail or forgotten about they will add them in when the return is filed and assessed as well.

Hmm, if the NOA from CRA different from Income Tax and Benefit Return Form (T1) ? Because that is what I am basing my info from. Also when providing my supporting docs, should I send them a photocopy or original copy? Sorry for the trouble.

[cell567]

Very informative thread guys!

I had a question or two of my own. I am contemplating to study abroad and am going to be in need of financial assistance. The university that I plan to attend is recognized by OSAP on their website. I am looking at Tuition + Residence to cost me about $15,000 - $16,000 CAD.

What is the maximum amount of financial aid OSAP offers for students in my situation?

Does OSAP offer any grants for students wishing to study abroad?

Thank you for your time and attention.

Cheers!

[BBQPorkBun]

I am in my last year of school and I need money and a car. Osap has given me my assessment, if I now go get a car what will happen? My aid office suggested keeping silent because they already checked, do you think this will work. When does Osap do its reassessments? Thanks in advance.

its always up to you whether you want to commit fraud or not adhere to the rules set for you. were you really expecting a yes/no answer?

[BBQPorkBun]

Very informative thread guys!

I had a question or two of my own. I am contemplating to study abroad and am going to be in need of financial assistance. The university that I plan to attend is recognized by OSAP on their website. I am looking at Tuition + Residence to cost me about $15,000 - $16,000 CAD.

What is the maximum amount of financial aid OSAP offers for students in my situation?

Does OSAP offer any grants for students wishing to study abroad?

Thank you for your time and attention.

Cheers!

max is approx 13k
no special grants to my knowledge (and why would they really, for helping drive some other countries economy)

[the_cure]

Alright, so I think I'm in a bit of trouble and I'd like a really knowledgeable answer if possible, here's what I previously wrote:



Quick question, I re-applied for OSAP and they told me I was qualified for maximum but then they saw that I still still in first year (after completing a year of uni) and asked me to send in my transcript and write a letter explaining. Although I was 1 course (3 credits) shy of going on to 2nd year, I was in good academic standing (no academic probation or anything) according to my university and I stated that my reason was homesickness and bouts of depression. I was just wondering what are the chances of them giving me osap now after sending that stuff in and having them evaluate it. Cheers.


well, it turns out they received my transcript and forms but they said it might take upto 6 weeks for them to process this. i need to make travel and housing arrangements (meaning signing a lease) if i plan to attend school next year and i won't be able to do so without a loan so i just really want to know what my chances of it getting approved are.

also, on that note, if it were to get approved by say after school starts, how long does it take for them to send the files to my school's financial aid office so i can start paying for tuition/etc.

i rarely get tense but my head feels like it's gonna explode now, i'm nervous as **** and i really hope this loan gets through but i really just need an honest opinion so i can decide whether to purchase flight tickets and perhaps even put my name on a lease, cheers.

[BBQPorkBun]

Alright, so I think I'm in a bit of trouble and I'd like a really knowledgeable answer if possible, here's what I previously wrote:



well, it turns out they received my transcript and forms but they said it might take upto 6 weeks for them to process this. i need to make travel and housing arrangements (meaning signing a lease) if i plan to attend school next year and i won't be able to do so without a loan so i just really want to know what my chances of it getting approved are.

also, on that note, if it were to get approved by say after school starts, how long does it take for them to send the files to my school's financial aid office so i can start paying for tuition/etc.

i rarely get tense but my head feels like it's gonna explode now, i'm nervous as **** and i really hope this loan gets through but i really just need an honest opinion so i can decide whether to purchase flight tickets and perhaps even put my name on a lease, cheers.

the good news is, they have to tell u 6 weeks cuz its in their script and cuz it covers themselves, i would think it would be alot sooner realistically, they always overshoot.

secondly, its likely to go through, as i said, they just need something to move things along.

your real issue now appears to be cashflow, apply for any payment deferrals if you can.

if i were you, id just book and go, but then again, thats me

bad news is, ur gonna have to judge how knowledgeable this response is

[the_cure]

the good news is, they have to tell u 6 weeks cuz its in their script and cuz it covers themselves, i would think it would be alot sooner realistically, they always overshoot.

secondly, its likely to go through, as i said, they just need something to move things along.

your real issue now appears to be cashflow, apply for any payment deferrals if you can.

if i were you, id just book and go, but then again, thats me

bad news is, ur gonna have to judge how knowledgeable this response is

oh, alright. i understand. you've been a god send bbq, i wish there was a rep system along with the trade/seller feedback cause you deserve countless amounts of it for helping people out. i'm signing for a student line of credit for 5 thousand as well this week so i guess that'll allow me to finance myself until i get there then. thanks again for helping me out and setting these questions down, cheers.

[shoubie]

Hello! I've applied for OSAP and I've received an assessment, which is not enough to cover my tuition. Is it possible to ask OSAP for additional loans? Thank you.

[eugeneo]

Hello! I've applied for OSAP and I've received an assessment, which is not enough to cover my tuition. Is it possible to ask OSAP for additional loans? Thank you.

Generally, no. But you can ask the financial aid office. You should consider applying for a student line of credit, if money is tight.

[Eminson]

The tuition fees are due on Sept 11, but my OSAP account said that the fundings are gonna be release after Sept 8, so am I gonna make it? Like can I make Ryerson's deadline?

And about the "Confirmation of Enrolment form", do we go to our financial aid office on the first day of school and complete the form, then they will release our funding right away? Or they need a few business days something like that?

How do they release our fundings? Do they directly put the money to our bank account or they give us a cheque/cash or they first apply it to RAMSS for our balance...etc? How does this whole thing works? Cuz me & many of my friends are so confused!

What my fd told me that about what he did last year for the confirmation of enrollment form thing...... he said requested it during the summer and they mailed it to him.....and he paid like 10$ for it...something like that.
Is that true?Isn't the form are avalible in the financial aid office?You can guys mail it to us?Like when?After or before school starts?

[BBQPorkBun]

oh, alright. i understand. you've been a god send bbq, i wish there was a rep system along with the trade/seller feedback cause you deserve countless amounts of it for helping people out. i'm signing for a student line of credit for 5 thousand as well this week so i guess that'll allow me to finance myself until i get there then. thanks again for helping me out and setting these questions down, cheers.

np, LOC was a good move. good luck

[BBQPorkBun]

The tuition fees are due on Sept 11, but my OSAP account said that the fundings are gonna be release after Sept 8, so am I gonna make it? Like can I make Ryerson's deadline?

And about the "Confirmation of Enrolment form", do we go to our financial aid office on the first day of school and complete the form, then they will release our funding right away? Or they need a few business days something like that?

How do they release our fundings? Do they directly put the money to our bank account or they give us a cheque/cash or they first apply it to RAMSS for our balance...etc? How does this whole thing works? Cuz me & many of my friends are so confused!

What my fd told me that about what he did last year for the confirmation of enrollment form thing...... he said requested it during the summer and they mailed it to him.....and he paid like 10$ for it...something like that.
Is that true?Isn't the form are avalible in the financial aid office?You can guys mail it to us?Like when?After or before school starts?

read the osap and canlearn website, come back if you're still confused

[Professor Iris]

The tuition fees are due on Sept 11, but my OSAP account said that the fundings are gonna be release after Sept 8, so am I gonna make it? Like can I make Ryerson's deadline?

And about the "Confirmation of Enrolment form", do we go to our financial aid office on the first day of school and complete the form, then they will release our funding right away? Or they need a few business days something like that?

How do they release our fundings? Do they directly put the money to our bank account or they give us a cheque/cash or they first apply it to RAMSS for our balance...etc? How does this whole thing works? Cuz me & many of my friends are so confused!

What my fd told me that about what he did last year for the confirmation of enrollment form thing...... he said requested it during the summer and they mailed it to him.....and he paid like 10$ for it...something like that.
Is that true?Isn't the form are avalible in the financial aid office?You can guys mail it to us?Like when?After or before school starts?

You need to check with your financial aid office for these details. The money that you owe the school will be taken off immediately, as in only the remainder is released to you. You need to be prepared with a void cheque or your banking information as the money is deposited directly into your account, though some schools will offer book vouchers, things like that. For osap purposes you don't pay for a confirmation of enrollment form, it is handled when you pick up your loan papers. The exact date for that varies, at my school for instance it starts the first day of school but only for 3 year and up, the next day second, and the last 1st year students. My tuition is due August 14th, but those who are receiving osap don't have to pay by then so long as they negotiate their loan within 10 days, so basically no one here can tell you, check your school's website or call their financial aid office with these questions. I believe once you negotiate your loan it is 10-14 business days before the money will be in your account.

[conbrio4]

I applied to change my major several months ago. During the time I was waiting for that to be approved, my OSAP app was approved and processed. Several days later my request to change majors was approved by the dean. I sent a course load update form attached to a letter explaining the shift to the FinAid office (my course load hasn't changed, the form was just to indicate my information). I emailed them to ask if they received it and they said yes and that my file was updated.

As of now though, the change isn't reflected on the OSAP website. Is this normal? Will the site reflect the correct information by the time it comes to claim OSAP in September?

Thanks again. Your help is invaluable.

Update: I just went to my school's finaid website and it says that they have a new process, releasing OSAP as early as mid to late August:


The first round of emails will go out to any student whose loans are received by our office with a funding issue date of August 16 or earlier on August 18 . Students can confirm that their OSAP funding has been issued by logging into their account on the OSAP Website > Check Status > If there is an amount indicated under 'Released to Date' as of August 17, then expect to receive an email from our office with on-line appointment booking information.

I sent my app late June, but got the sig papers in before July. I think I was given the amounts on Jul 9, but when I check the status, it doesn't say "Released as of Aug xx", it just says "Released to Date". If it doesn't indicate the date now, is it too late for early release?

[civ@uw]

Hello! I've applied for OSAP and I've received an assessment, which is not enough to cover my tuition. Is it possible to ask OSAP for additional loans? Thank you.

You can file an appeal with your school's financial aid office.

[samm]

I've been assessed and the signature forms have been in for more than 2 weeks. Is it safe to put more money into my TFSA?

[Free Willy]

I didn't think I'd have to apply for OSAP this year, but it looks like I was wrong. =/ This is my first time applying, so I've got a stupid question (searching the thread didn't provide any answers). What do I put down for "percentage of a full course load"? What is a full course load anyway? I'm at UofT. Is a full course load 5 credits? I'm planning on taking 4 credits worth of courses, so does that mean it's 80%? Ugh, looks like I won't get my assessment in time for August 19th. =(

[samm]

You do realize that when you sign your declaration forms you agree to update OSAP immediately with any changes to income or assets right? You're considering fraud... just so you know.

Thanks, then I'll report it. Is an extra 2000 into a TFSA a big problem?

[auh26]

I'm back :P

I gave OSAP a call today once again and the same counselor from last time picked up the phone. She didn't ask me my SIN # or anything. I asked her about why I didn't recieve the First Year Student grant and she said that I may not of been eligible for the provincial grant. This seems weird because I received a Low-Income Family grant of $1919 but no First Year Grant. Also, I received a loan of $6454 which accumulates to $8373 in total with the grant and loan. My program costs $10534.34 with everything included. My parents are concerned and are wondering how I'll pay off the extra $2000. I was also wondering if I had difficulty paying this amount do I contact UTAPS? In addition, should I keep on calling them or just speak with them at their office?

[BBQPorkBun]

You can file an appeal with your school's financial aid office.

not enough is not grounds for appeal, don't bottleneck the process

[mrdc]

I have a question concerning the "previous postsecondary studies" portion of the application form. This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but a few years ago I signed up for a couple of courses, but ended up getting 0's on them because I didn't manage to drop them on time. I took a few years off to work and when I continued my studies last year, I got a 3.8 GPA. Now, my question is, do I need to mention that awful year in my application? The form lists "first/second/etc postsecondary year." Does this mean I need to list all periods I happened to be enrolled? Is that terrible year likely to affect decisions on my application? On (I guess) the bright side, I only wasted my own money on those courses, as I've never received OSAP funding before. Stupid past mistakes really do come back to bite you in the butt. :(

[kubrat]

Thanks, then I'll report it. Is an extra 2000 into a TFSA a big problem?

they cant check your bank accounts, they're private. you're throwing away potential osap/grant money if you report it.

[kubrat]

I have a question concerning the "previous postsecondary studies" portion of the application form. This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but a few years ago I signed up for a couple of courses, but ended up getting 0's on them because I didn't manage to drop them on time. I took a few years off to work and when I continued my studies last year, I got a 3.8 GPA. Now, my question is, do I need to mention that awful year in my application? The form lists "first/second/etc postsecondary year." Does this mean I need to list all periods I happened to be enrolled? Is that terrible year likely to affect decisions on my application? On (I guess) the bright side, I only wasted my own money on those courses, as I've never received OSAP funding before. Stupid past mistakes really do come back to bite you in the butt. :(

it shouldn't affect your funding. I was on academic suspension before I dropped out of uni 2 years ago. I've applied for osap at my new school and I haven't had any problems.

[mrdc]

it shouldn't affect your funding. I was on academic suspension before I dropped out of uni 2 years ago. I've applied for osap at my new school and I haven't had any problems.
Thanks for the response. Your experience does give me some peace of mind, but I have to say I'm very surprised that they wouldn't take it into consideration. But it's good news for me if they don't. I'll cross my fingers. :)

Edit: Does anyone have any inside info on my sort of situation? Personal anecdotes are great and appreciated, but I'd really like to know what OSAP's official take is on a situation like mine.

[Eminson]

The tuition deadlines are always different for OSAP students. Take a deep breath and don't panic. You should have filled out the OSAP deferral paperwork at your school. What this does is defer your tuition payment until OSAP comes in and then it's payed directly to the school.

Your confirmation of enrollment is filled out by the school and signed when you pick up your loan papers, never before. You will be told when you can pick up your loan papers from the school. At that time you will have to provide a void cheque or all the transit info for your bank account. You will also have to update your summer income info accurately. You will sign the papers and about 10 days later the remaining OSAP payment (minus outstanding tuition) is direct deposited into your account.

Just for future referance, this info is quite easy to find on the OSAP site. I fact, there is a link to it on the main page. ;)

I don't think our sch have something like OSAP deferral paperwork, so we have to come up with the money first?
And do you mean that I have to bring all the transit info for my bank account
with me on the day where I sign the confirmation enrollment form/pick up my loan papers?
After we have pick up the loan papers/complete the confirmation enrollment form, how many business days it takes to get the money to our bank account/School account?

[Free Willy]

Call your school's FinAid office and check with them. Not knowing which school and how many courses/credits are required for fulltime vs. part time we can't really say...
I tried calling, but couldn't get through. I ended up googling a bit more and I do believe my first guess was correct. Thank you for replying. =)

[Eminson]

Every single school has some form of OSAP deferral. It may have been in your initial accceptance package with the deposit info. It may be on your school's website. Seeing as you have never said which school no one can really tell you exactly where it is/was. ;)

Yes, you need to take all your banking info (everything needed for direct deposit or a void cheque) with you when you pick up your loan papers. The remaining OSAP amount will then be direct deposited roughly 10-14 days later.

My school is Ryerson. I tried to find the OSAP deferral thing on Ryerson's website and I just can't find it, it's not in my acceptance package...

[Professor Iris]

My school is Ryerson. I tried to find the OSAP deferral thing on Ryerson's website and I just can't find it, it's not in my acceptance package...

It might not be as explicit as that, for example I had never heard of it before but knew of my university's policy. Try checking around on their pages about tuition fees and deadlines as well as financial aid and accounts.

[domokun2009]

Every school offers osap deferral. I suggest you go down to your University (ryerson in your case) and talk to their registrar/ student fee's booth. They will be happy to tell you where to fill out the form. Avoid calling at this time of the year. You could end up waiting thirty minutes for a short 5 minute conversation.

[mrdc]

Hmm, the OSAP app wants to know how I'm meeting my daily living costs because my income is apparently too low. Well, I'm living off past savings, but they want supporting documentation. What sort of documentation will they want from me? Bank statements? Credit card bills? Old pay stubs? Rent receipts? (I think I've lost my receipts for 2008, and I haven't received the ones for 2009 yet.) How far back should the documentation go? I'll have to do a lot of digging.

[mrdc]

Keep it short and sweet. Write a letter explaining exactly how you are living and on what. Provide a bank statement supporting your claim. I will add though that I hope you were 100% upfront about your assets when you initially applied or this could bite you in the butt.
Do I write the letter in the Daily Living Costs box provided by the online application? How do I provide supporting documents? I can't find a way to attach anything (I haven't submitted my application yet). I thought that they'd let me know what documents they wanted once they received my app? And my assets have been slowly dwindling these past few months. I'm being completely honest with them about what I have in the bank. I did just file my tax return, though, so I'm expecting some more money in the future. But I wasn't sure if I should include that? It's not exactly income. Also, I'm subletting my apartment, but I wasn't sure what to do about that either, seeing as I don't think that's income either. Thank you for taking the time to help! =)

[Eminson]

Every school offers osap deferral. I suggest you go down to your University (ryerson in your case) and talk to their registrar/ student fee's booth. They will be happy to tell you where to fill out the form. Avoid calling at this time of the year. You could end up waiting thirty minutes for a short 5 minute conversation.

Thanks....but I just got told my someone that unfortunately Ryerson doesn't have a deferral form for students waiting for OSAP money to come through...

[mrdc]

What you'll do is explain the subletting, living on savings in the box provided on the application. If they want more they will let you know and you'll send it (bank statement, etc.) directly to your school's FinAid office, along with your declaration pages. Tax refunds aren't considered income so don't report that. Subletting shouldn't be income either.
Thanks! I'll do that. =)

[mrdc]

Huh, I just noticed that there's an estimator on the site. I put in my numbers, but I noticed something strange. No matter what I put down for expected summer income, I still get the same estimate. How come? Shouldn't the estimate vary based on how much I expect to make this summer?

[trisle604]

does anyone have their date of release for Septembers portion of osap? also no grants yet :(

[soggychicken]

Quick Question:

7 years after highschool and a couple of degrees later, I am once again applying for OSAP. How will my OSAP funding be affected if I declare that I am living with my parents?

I have been living on my own since I was out of HS and I have been regarded as independent by OSAP for the last few applications. I do not expect much financial assistance from my folks aside from living under their roof. If I declare "living with parents" on my application, will they automatically assume that my parents will be helping out with money?

[auh26]

Go into your school's FinAid office and talk to them in person. There are different income thresholds for Ontario Access Grants so just because you got one doesn't mean you'll get the other. You do know you're expected to contribute to your expenses right? ;) When all else fails, get a job. You should have been working this summer and banking everything if you weren't working.

The only reason why I'm confused is because my brother recieved this grant and I didn't >:(

[TheRed]

Hello,

I have some OSAP questions related to Program transfer; I was in ITM of Ryerson U last year and transferred to BM recently. I have been taking the same mandatory courses (with 100% courseload) for both programs' requirements, since they're very similar for first year, so when I applied OSAP for my second year, I put in Business Management -- 2nd Year student, basically, because technically I will be 2nd year attending university.

Now I am just wondering, since I just got transferred to this new BM program, the majority of the credits got transferred automatically, but then there are some that requires a transfer credit request, as well as few BM-only courses that I need to take to satisfy BM 1st year.

So now, is it fine the way I did my OSAP, or do I need to inform OSAP my situation? Please advise, thank you!

[Rishi]

Are you a 1st year student who also applied for the QEII and made all the deadlines for it? If you are, many are experiencing grants not showing up yet on their summaries. One of my own son's is experiencing it with not a single grant showing as of yet... We're hoping that it gets straightened out when the QEII is processed hopefully this coming week...
FWIW I got a letter confirming that my QEII had been deferred (I'm on an internship this year and not returning to school until September 2010).

[soggychicken]

No they won't. The criteria to be classed as an independent student is 4 years out of highschool. Once you hit that mark it never changes and you'll always be considered independent for OSAP purposes. In reality, that means that your parents are nver again expected to help with your costs and their income is never again required on the app.

Thanks for your answer. This question actually got me curious... how do the government know if I am living on my own or with my parents? Even when I was still a dependent, I don't think I ever showed OSAP any evidence that I no longer lived at home (rent receipt). Is this because I went to school in a different city?

If someone is fresh out of high school, goes to university in the same city as their parents but decides to move out, will they then need to show proof?

[TheRed]

At this point I would say leave it alone. The school will notify OSAP of the program change anyway...

Will this pose a problem on paper during the Confirmation of Enrollment signing when on OSAP report it states Business Management - 2nd Year, but School record states Business Management - 1st Year?

[auh26]

Are you a 1st year student who also applied for the QEII and made all the deadlines for it? If you are, many are experiencing grants not showing up yet on their summaries. One of my own son's is experiencing it with not a single grant showing as of yet... We're hoping that it gets straightened out when the QEII is processed hopefully this coming week...

Yes I made all the deadlines. Thank you for all the help, greatly appreciated

[Broozes]

.

[Professor Iris]

I was on the fence whether to apply or not for OSAP, and now I am thinking of doing it, however I just realized that on the website they are saying you should apply in June for September.

Can I/Should I, apply for OSAP now, seeing as it is beginning of August?

And if I do, is there a good chance I will receive it before the academic year starts or not?

You can still apply. Since you didn't apply until now there is a lot less chance that it will processed by the beginning of September. The likelihood I'm not sure at all but considering when it is now and how long it takes (plus others have waited too obviously) I wouldn't count on it at all.

[TheRed]

It shouldn't. Lots of people change programs right before school starts or shortly after. If OSAP has a problem with it they will let you know if they need any additional information or supporting documents...

Got it. Thanks for your answers. :D

[mrdc]

In a nutshell you are expected to contribute to your educational costs and you aren't penelized for doing so. On the flip side you aren't rewarded with more funding for being lazy and not working during the summer. :)
Hah, that makes perfect sense. :)

Quick Question:

7 years after highschool and a couple of degrees later, I am once again applying for OSAP. How will my OSAP funding be affected if I declare that I am living with my parents?

I have been living on my own since I was out of HS and I have been regarded as independent by OSAP for the last few applications. I do not expect much financial assistance from my folks aside from living under their roof. If I declare "living with parents" on my application, will they automatically assume that my parents will be helping out with money?
I'm almost certain that your assessment will be lower if you declare you'll be residing with your parents. I'm in the same boat. I've been independent for several years, with my own apartment, etc., but going back to school means I'm trying to cut back on my expenses, so I've recently moved back with my parents. If you declare you're living with your parents, OSAP will probably assume that you won't be paying rent, which means less funding.

[P0rkchop]

I'm going into my third year of University and am just learning about OSAP as I have never had a need for it. This summer however I was not able to work as much. (I lost the job I should have had because of the York strike) My parents told me they would loan me the money for school (They will pay interest on it) or is it better for me to apply for OSAP. I'm not even really sure what the advantages of OSAP is really. I read a fair bit and am still confused. Sorry and thanks for the help.

[P0rkchop]

It costs you nothing to apply so do it. You can play with thr estimator on the OSAP site as well. You won't really know though if you qualify until you fill out the app. and submit it. There are new grants available this year as well which could really make a big differenc depending on your family income.

From a financial standpoint OSAP is better than your parents taking a loan and paying interest on it. OSAP is interest free until you are done school. With the new repayment plans it also makes more sense than a loan...

Thanks for the quick feedback! Is there a rule of thumb or something for how much your parents make if you are eligible(A kind of set in stone maximum or is it YMMV). It is kind of unfair for the people whose parents make over the minimum and still don't help them :(

[Setz]

The Brock fee calculator was updated as of two days ago so I decided to check it out. The fees and all that are fine, but it says on my fee "invoice" that I need to pay 3950.00$ by Aug 19th; the problem is, OSAP doesn't release the funds until September, right? Signing into OSAP and checking my status shows that funds will be released 6 weeks after I begin classes. How can I pay this to Brock by Aug 19th if I don't get the funds until 1+ month later?

edit; actually, OSAP tells me some 2200$ has been "released to date" to me, but I haven't received any funds. Is this handled completely by the universities?

[Setz]

Everything you need to know is on this page Setz.
http://www.brocku.ca/finance/studentfinance/undergraduate/payments.php

Everything regarding OSAP payments and when that happens in on the OSAP site. There is a link on the left hand side...

I still don't get it. Upon reading into "Getting your Money" section of the OSAP website, it says 6 weeks after confirmation of enrollment, which, on the same website, says will happen the first or second day of classes.

On the Brock URL you linked, it says if I expect OSAP funding then I just need to pay 500$ as my confirmation of enrollment? Does OSAP cover this 500$?

[eugeneo]

I still don't get it. Upon reading into "Getting your Money" section of the OSAP website, it says 6 weeks after confirmation of enrollment, which, on the same website, says will happen the first or second day of classes.

On the Brock URL you linked, it says if I expect OSAP funding then I just need to pay 500$ as my confirmation of enrollment? Does OSAP cover this 500$?

I was in the same boat as you, when I first got my estimate I thought how I am supposed to pay for this. But all you have to do is call the Financial Aid Office/Registrar's office and request to deffer the payment as you are a OSAP student. ($75 Fee Applies)

No, OSAP does not release funds early to pay the $500. Rather you pay it now with whatever means and when OSAP funding is released on Sept 8th, you can use that to make up the $500 you have already paid.

Hope that helps

[samsum]

hi , just want to ask if osap will pay more if i enrolled in 100% course load instead of 80%.
i insdicate in the application 80% while i actually go for 100% should i revise?

thanks

[Professor Iris]

Nope, both are considered full time. It's only full/part time status that changes funding.

I should add that this is true as long as your university is charging you the same amount of money for 100% as they would for 80%.

[JoeDoe]

If I owe 2 separate collection agencies money amounting to under 1k will I be approved for OSAP? I'm independent from my parents and on ontario works.

What do you think?

[highvelocity]

I got reassessed for my loan based on my 2008 income, not going to dispute it.
How long does it take for the revised loan amounts to show up on OSAP?

The amount currently showing is about the same as my estimate when I applied.

[samsum]

I should add that this is true as long as your university is charging you the same amount of money for 100% as they would for 80%.

No, not the same fees there will be an extra charges $499.10 if i go for the 100%.

[Setz]

A friend of mine is having trouble with his OSAP application. He submitted his application before I did (so early July/late June) but made a mistake on his application about how long he lived in Ontario. He contacted OSAP and had to send them his "history of Canadian residency" via mail. This was way back when, and he still hasn't gotten his quote or anything. He needs to make his deposit like I did on the 18th, but the university he is going to requires an OSAP quote to pay the deferral fee (500$ vs. 4000$). He can't afford the 4000$ deposit, but he can't do anything because OSAP still hasn't sent his quote to him.

For comparison, I got my initial quote on the same day I sent my application, and my real funds a couple of days after I sent my declaration papers. He applied back in June and sent his declaration papers soon after, and it's been 4-6 weeks with no contact from OSAP regarding his quote.

Any idea what the problem is?

[JoeDoe]

The same thing I posted in the other thread...


OSAP does check your credit rating as it's a loan. Whether that will automatically disqualify you is one of those questions that no one really knows but bankruptcy does in certain circumstances. It doesn't cost anything to apply for OSAP so you have nothing to loose by doing it. Applying is the only way you'll know if you can get approved.

I am thankful for your reply but would prefer if the thread starter(who said he works there) or someone else with inside knowledge can offer their advice/opinion. It would really help put my mind at ease because at this point I'm worried.

[Setz]

Setz, has he called them? He really should call them to make sure that they at least recieved the documents. From there they can tell him if they are processed and what the hold up is. It could be a million reasons why it's not processed, from not getting the paperwork to a problem with his paperwork to a backlog. He really needs to call them to get it straightened out asap...

He says he called them in early August and that the representative he spoke to said he "needs to find alternative ways to pay it". Is it possible that they're still trying to get him a quote? What's the deal when you don't get your quote until after the deposit is needed?

edit; nevermind. He checked this morning and it was processed. Was quoted 13k.

[fresh meat]

Hi,

I am a 3rd year university student and for the past 3 years I have been getting Osap without a problem. My dad is in the car business (buys them here and ships them to other countries etc) I applied for Osap this year and when i checked my status it says I have 3 cars :O I don't have any, I dont even drive. My dad must have put 3 of the cars under my name, but I dont have them, the cars already got shipped overseas, I did not sell them or did I get any profit.

Because of that I may not even get Osap :( what do I do? SOmeone please give me some sort of advice.

FM

[pacman99]

I just got my OSAP application processed and was wondering if it's possible to appeal for a larger loan? Can these appeals go both way (i.e. the possibility of my funding increasing OR decreasing)?
The estimate I received was pretty good but I was approved for about $3000 less than the estimate. So I was hoping some sort of appeal process could help me get another $1000-$2000. This extra loan would really help straighten out my finances for my school year.

Thanks~

[fizzbitch]

I'm looking at getting a car for school, and I'm just wondering if anyone else had/has OSAP and a car. I know that a car valued at less than $5000 has no effect on your OSAP estimate, but how is the car's value assessed? I know they use the "blue book" suggested price, but what exactly do they take into consideration? Mileage, trim level, features? Retail, trade-in, or private-party value?

Any idea what happens to your OSAP funding as the value of your car increases past 5 grand? Is it like every $1 over $5000, you lose $1 of your OSAP funding (presumably the grant portion, if eligible)?

Thanks in advance.

[Setz]

I just got my OSAP application processed and was wondering if it's possible to appeal for a larger loan? Can these appeals go both way (i.e. the possibility of my funding increasing OR decreasing)?
The estimate I received was pretty good but I was approved for about $3000 less than the estimate. So I was hoping some sort of appeal process could help me get another $1000-$2000. This extra loan would really help straighten out my finances for my school year.

Thanks~

OSAP gives you not what you want, but only what you need.

[BBQPorkBun]

If I owe 2 separate collection agencies money amounting to under 1k will I be approved for OSAP? I'm independent from my parents and on ontario works.

What do you think?

do try, but collections is a really bad thing, damage has been done, the fact that its under 1k won't have much affect.

[BBQPorkBun]

No, not the same fees there will be an extra charges $499.10 if i go for the 100%.

change it to 100% in case. little work just to be safe

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm looking at getting a car for school, and I'm just wondering if anyone else had/has OSAP and a car. I know that a car valued at less than $5000 has no effect on your OSAP estimate, but how is the car's value assessed? I know they use the "blue book" suggested price, but what exactly do they take into consideration? Mileage, trim level, features? Retail, trade-in, or private-party value?

Any idea what happens to your OSAP funding as the value of your car increases past 5 grand? Is it like every $1 over $5000, you lose $1 of your OSAP funding (presumably the grant portion, if eligible)?

Thanks in advance.

they use all the typical factors to determine the value of the car.

no, its not 1 dollar over 5k is 1 dollar less, its a big picture evaluation. if you live 15 min bus from your school and you have a car valued at $4500, you obviously don't need the car and will affect your osap, treat 5k as a guideline.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,

I am a 3rd year university student and for the past 3 years I have been getting Osap without a problem. My dad is in the car business (buys them here and ships them to other countries etc) I applied for Osap this year and when i checked my status it says I have 3 cars :O I don't have any, I dont even drive. My dad must have put 3 of the cars under my name, but I dont have them, the cars already got shipped overseas, I did not sell them or did I get any profit.

Because of that I may not even get Osap :( what do I do? SOmeone please give me some sort of advice.

FM

give your dad an ultimatum, fix it now fast or you'll fix it for him and he'll probably get in trouble in the process. this is no joke, get it fixed asap.

[sunnyd71]

Was it ever figured out whether the RAP starts right after graduation or after the initial 6 months of interest free. Is that 6 months even still around?

[Sherman90]

Hi CSK,

Thanks for pointing me to this thread. I just wanted to ask where you get your knowledge/information re: OSAP from? Any specific credentials, or just experience?

Also re: car ownership (from my previous thread), are there any foreseeable issues with transferring ownership at this stage back into my father's name? A bit off-topic, but do you have any sense how long this might take/how involved the process is? Cheers.

[Setz]

Do I need to inform OSAP that I received an award? When I applied, I told them I did not receive anything because I did not think I did, however I received in the mail this morning an "Ontario Scholars award" for 2,500$.

[Setz]

Yep.

I'll have to do it later this month. I got to put my deposit in by the 19th, but Brock requires that I have an OSAP quote before I do so. I don't want to change my application and not have a quote until after the 19th.

[sunnyd71]

Uhmm, there is no 6 months interest free period and never has been. The first 6 months after graduation you make no loan payments but interest does accumulate. Nothing has changed with this. RAP kicks in at the 6 month mark when you must start making payments if you apply for it. It's not automatic enrollment so people need to be aware of this. People could start enrolling in RAP on August 1st.


The canlearn.ca site now has updated it's pages reflecting RAP in the repayment section.

Sorry was typing faster then thinking, I meant payment free not interest free. Thanks for the information, I'll check the website now that it is updated.

Is RAP going to be used for the full loan or is it still only on the federal portion as they originally said?

[pacman99]

You were approved for a lesser loan for one of several reasons. You either have a large bank account, RESP's, a car, high income or high family income. It's all based on the numbers. Appealing "just because" is as BBQ says "a waste of everyone's resources and pretty fruitless"...
I have no RESPs, my car is not worth much, bank account + investments will all cover a very small portion of my tuition cost, and they didn't ask for my family income. I also have had no income for the past year. This is why I wanted to appeal but if it's not possible I guess it's not possible.


OSAP gives you not what you want, but only what you need.
I was approved for <20% of my tuition cost so I definitely need more :) But sure if it's not possible to appeal for more, what can you do. Time to go through a bank I guess.

Thanks~

[kajan23]

Hi There,

Thanks for a great thread.

I am in a little dilemma, I've decided to take an year off being a full time student, and I will be working for an year but taking 1 credit for the whole year through correspondence. Now that I am not a fulltime student, do I have to pay back my osap? And when do I start? I am going back to school may of 09 on a full time basis. I was also fulltime up until june 09. Do I get a 6 month grace period? and after that i believe in december, how much/what do i have to pay back? What are my next steps? Is there any way i can get interest relief since i am returning to school.

Thank you so much.

[BBQPorkBun]

I have no RESPs, my car is not worth much, bank account + investments will all cover a very small portion of my tuition cost, and they didn't ask for my family income. I also have had no income for the past year. This is why I wanted to appeal but if it's not possible I guess it's not possible.


I was approved for <20% of my tuition cost so I definitely need more :) But sure if it's not possible to appeal for more, what can you do. Time to go through a bank I guess.

Thanks~

The point was not that you can't or its not possible, the point was that theres no point to do so, theres no factor that you mentioned that osap doesn't already know, coming back and saying, 'its not enough' will change nothing.

time to sell the car, use all the assets you have and get a job.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi There,

Thanks for a great thread.

I am in a little dilemma, I've decided to take an year off being a full time student, and I will be working for an year but taking 1 credit for the whole year through correspondence. Now that I am not a fulltime student, do I have to pay back my osap? And when do I start? I am going back to school may of 09 on a full time basis. I was also fulltime up until june 09. Do I get a 6 month grace period? and after that i believe in december, how much/what do i have to pay back? What are my next steps? Is there any way i can get interest relief since i am returning to school.

Thank you so much.

Firstly, i hope you are forced into this situation because its a bad decision financially.

July 09-Dec 09 - you will owe interest but not have to make payments in your first 6 months.

Jan 10-Apr 10 - depends on income. if income high enough, you have to make payments based on what they think you can pay, if low you can possibly not have to pay interest.

so in making this decision, you're going to owe 6 months of interest at least plus the income you make this year will negatively affect your osap application in may 10.

like i said, hope you have no choice, because anyone would just continue getting interest free loans.

[Nagii]

What is the limit you can make a year before being denied OSAP? I know when you make less then 6200, they want a letter describing how your making ends meet.

Thanks.

[kajan23]

I am kind of forced into this situation. As OSAP will not provide me funds for this year so i cannot afford it. I am just wondering if i am not going to take OSAP next year, how much can I expect to pay a month? Until i am back on fulltime status? Being a parttime student does not help me one bit?


Firstly, i hope you are forced into this situation because its a bad decision financially.

July 09-Dec 09 - you will owe interest but not have to make payments in your first 6 months.

Jan 10-Apr 10 - depends on income. if income high enough, you have to make payments based on what they think you can pay, if low you can possibly not have to pay interest.

so in making this decision, you're going to owe 6 months of interest at least plus the income you make this year will negatively affect your osap application in may 10.

like i said, hope you have no choice, because anyone would just continue getting interest free loans.

[kajan23]

There is a repayment calculator on the www.canlearn.ca website. It takes into account the new RAP as well...

So would my best bet be amortize for 114 months at a floating rate. Then when i go back to school in may as a fulltime student, my loan status changes and I don't have to pay anything? Or would it be smarter to get a creditline at a really low rate and then pay my OSAP with that and then use my job to pay off the creditline. Just FYI. my loan is at $27, 000 and my salary for the year is 29,000. I start school at a fulltime basis may 09. Any advice to make it financially better sounding for me? Also they have not decreased my loan to 7000 a year through grants. When does that happen? Sorry im just a little confused with all this nad stressing out and i appreciate all your help!

[kajan23]

Yes, i mean may 2010.

Thank you so much!!!! I will read up on the new repayment information.


First off, do not ever take a loan to pay off gov't student loans. You'll pay a higher interest rate, loose the new RAP benefits and also loose the tax deduction.

Now just for my own clarification, do you mean go back to school in May 10? You keep typing May 09 and it gets really confusing? Now I'll tell you to go to the canlearn site and read up on the repayment program that came into effect this month. Payments are now capped at 15 yrs and payment is geared to income. There are other changes as well that you need to read up on. I'll also tell you that when you get your consolidation papers you need to specifically enroll in RAP. When you go back to school you will be back in full time status and you won't have to make payments again. A quick run of your numbers says you're going to qualify got phase 1 of RAP and will have a reduced payment till you go back to school...

[sassymiss]

Thank you for your knowledgeable answers and maintaining a great thread!

I have recently been reviewing my OSAP application and I have noticed that I missed filling in the amount I paid as rent (~$4500) to my parents (living at home). I have already received my assessment (loan amount=$4960)and was wondering if I could receive a higher amount in either loan or bursary because I also reported low income (~2250 for the year) and my tuition will cost me $11,000 for two terms. Is there even a possibility I can go back to change my application w/o cancelling and re-submitting another application?

[BBQPorkBun]

So would my best bet be amortize for 114 months at a floating rate. Then when i go back to school in may as a fulltime student, my loan status changes and I don't have to pay anything? Or would it be smarter to get a creditline at a really low rate and then pay my OSAP with that and then use my job to pay off the creditline. Just FYI. my loan is at $27, 000 and my salary for the year is 29,000. I start school at a fulltime basis may 09. Any advice to make it financially better sounding for me? Also they have not decreased my loan to 7000 a year through grants. When does that happen? Sorry im just a little confused with all this nad stressing out and i appreciate all your help!

being part time does nothing

my advice to you is if you can handle it, take 3 courses to become full time. 6 months interest at 27k is no small amount.

[BBQPorkBun]

Thank you for your knowledgeable answers and maintaining a great thread!

I have recently been reviewing my OSAP application and I have noticed that I missed filling in the amount I paid as rent (~$4500) to my parents (living at home). I have already received my assessment (loan amount=$4960)and was wondering if I could receive a higher amount in either loan or bursary because I also reported low income (~2250 for the year) and my tuition will cost me $11,000 for two terms. Is there even a possibility I can go back to change my application w/o cancelling and re-submitting another application?

why are your parents making you pay rent despite this period in your life where you need money most?

well if you can prove it you can make a case. rent receipts, signed lease, fixed monthly withdrawals, income tax claims by you and tax paid to gov't on rental income received by your parents.

[canadianmom]

Have a phone call into financial aid office but it says could take up to 3 business days for return phone call so I thought I would ask here and see if anyone has any thought or ideas about this...
DD OSAP loan was to be aprox $4000.00 (according to website and letter recieved July 28) Also to recieve $1500.00 commuting Grant
Today recieved letter stating that changes have been made to her file and that OSAP amount is now $0. Still recieving the commuting grant.
Checked status on website and it still has the original $4000.00 listed:confused:
We have no idea what those changes could be! We were completly honest with application so its not like they found something we were trying to hide.
Anyone have any idea as to what could be going on??

[kajan23]

If I can get a letter from my faculty stating i will return to school in 2010, and make it an internship kind of deal. Would that save me? I used the new RAP calculator and it says i will only have to pay $279 a month from january to april. The 6 months interest will just be added to my total loan amount in december. So I only have to start paying in janurary of 2010.


being part time does nothing

my advice to you is if you can handle it, take 3 courses to become full time. 6 months interest at 27k is no small amount.

[canadianmom]

Out of curiosity, is her funding released? When logged in it should show if it is and when. Our son's was apparently released on Aug. 8th. so that could be the email about changes as well...

No her funding is not released. Hopefully it has something to do with the QEII but the most you can get from that is $3500 I believe. Her OSAP dropped $4000. Not sure if any other grants are yet to be determined:confused:I thought she would get the families with low income grant as I am a single disabled Mom but nothing showing under that either.
Guess we just have to wait and see. Thanks for your reply CSK's Mom

[Mansech]

Have a phone call into financial aid office but it says could take up to 3 business days for return phone call so I thought I would ask here and see if anyone has any thought or ideas about this...
DD OSAP loan was to be aprox $4000.00 (according to website and letter recieved July 28) Also to recieve $1500.00 commuting Grant
Today recieved letter stating that changes have been made to her file and that OSAP amount is now $0. Still recieving the commuting grant.
Checked status on website and it still has the original $4000.00 listed:confused:
We have no idea what those changes could be! We were completly honest with application so its not like they found something we were trying to hide.
Anyone have any idea as to what could be going on??

This happened to me as well, received a notice of reassessment yesterday. I am receiving QEII, which I guess is the reason why from CSK'sMom post, but it covers just about half of my tuition and I still needa pay for transportation/books/etc. I'm gonna go to my fin aid office tomorrow to see what they say.. this sucks :(

[canadianmom]

This happened to me as well, received a notice of reassessment yesterday. I am receiving QEII, which I guess is the reason why from CSK'sMom post, but it covers just about half of my tuition and I still needa pay for transportation/books/etc. I'm gonna go to my fin aid office tomorrow to see what they say.. this sucks :(

Can I ask how you know your recieving QEII? Is it showing on the OSAP website?

[canadianmom]

This kid worked his butt off to graduate near the top of his class with well over a 90% average, an Ontario Scholar (min. over 80% average in 11 & 12)

Same with my DD. They certainly deserve something for all that hard work. No return call here yet>:(Will post when I find out whats going on

[trisle604]

i also have not received any grants either yet.im assuming something may be wrong , but i am hoping for the best.i still have the estimated amount that osap calc calculated , which was the max .i questioned it from day 1 as the calculator stated i would receive 60-70% of the amount needed , but instead was shocked to see the full 100% amount needed. the only thing i could think of that would possibly bring into question would be i put it would cost 12 bucks a day to take the bus back and forth. 2.75 for ttc , 3.25 for a viva / yrt bus .still waiting to see my grants ~_~.

[Professor Iris]

Trying to plan ahead - does anybody know what the NSLSC is using as a definition of resident of Canada? The old interest relief criteria said reside in Canada but the RAP doesn't, it says 'resident of Canada' Is resident for the RAP the same as resident for tax purposes? I ask because I think that teaching overseas for a school year may be my best bet to be able to pay back loans - but I wouldn't be able to make the payments without the RAP.

Also, I checked out the websites but I couldn't figure out if Ontario is going to be going with the RAP, or will it be interest relief and debt reduction for the provincial portion and RAP for the federal portion?

[crackheadpakman]

Omg its professor Iris on RFD
or someone that idolizes her....

[Hsurreality]

I've made a mistake while filling out the OSAP form. For the "other income" section on the form, can I highlight it and add the amount myself? Or does it have to be done by someone in the financial aid office?

hope someone can answer this.

[Professor Iris]

I've made a mistake while filling out the OSAP form. For the "other income" section on the form, can I highlight it and add the amount myself? Or does it have to be done by someone in the financial aid office?

hope someone can answer this.

I assume that you made the mistake after you submitted your form, in which case it does need to be corrected by your financial aid office and they may require documentation.

[skyrink]

well, my school received the forms and outlined how I'm gonna get my $11K.

I'm still shocked at how much they give you once you become independent....should I expect to qualify for many bursaries too when I apply?

[BBQPorkBun]

If I can get a letter from my faculty stating i will return to school in 2010, and make it an internship kind of deal. Would that save me? I used the new RAP calculator and it says i will only have to pay $279 a month from january to april. The 6 months interest will just be added to my total loan amount in december. So I only have to start paying in janurary of 2010.

nope, that will not save you

[BBQPorkBun]

Grrr! Hubby just got off the phone with our one kid's FinAid office. The drop in his processed assessment is the QEII. He's getting $2966 which is more than his tuition. It dropped his total assessment a total of $354. As for not a single grant showing it's a royal fup. The woman in the FinAid office is trying to tell us it's because we filled out his application with his permanent address being at home and his mailing address the same. She says we should have filled out the app with his mailing address being in Timmins. Now how the hell were we supposed to do that when we didn't even find out that he got into rez till a couple of weeks ago. :confused: She's saying he's going to have to go into her office once school starts and do a crap load of paperwork and then *maybe* he will get the grants he's entitled to (both the OAC for 1st yr and CAC for low income). I know fr a friggin' fact that he qualifies for both as his older brother got both and they are family income based only. I am furious at this point and it's not helping that the school is 10 hrs from here.

BBQ, what do you think of this permanent address/mailing address thing? I am baffled as we did fill out the app. that he would be living away from home during his study period.

This is surprising to me because i never once used my school address and everything went fine. I did what you did, just say im living away from home.

Call the NSLSC directly, ask the call to be escalated if you have to get to some clear answers. I wouldn't just accept what financial aid says

[BBQPorkBun]

Trying to plan ahead - does anybody know what the NSLSC is using as a definition of resident of Canada? The old interest relief criteria said reside in Canada but the RAP doesn't, it says 'resident of Canada' Is resident for the RAP the same as resident for tax purposes? I ask because I think that teaching overseas for a school year may be my best bet to be able to pay back loans - but I wouldn't be able to make the payments without the RAP.

Also, I checked out the websites but I couldn't figure out if Ontario is going to be going with the RAP, or will it be interest relief and debt reduction for the provincial portion and RAP for the federal portion?

not in country = no RAP

[SherryBerry]

Question about the QEII scholarship. I checked my OSAP status and it said that I am not eligible for this scholarship? Can I appeal it? I did graduate in 2009 at the top of my graduating class, even received the Governor General's award. But am I disqualified since I went to adult day school instead of a regular high school? It didn't say anything about that on the OSAP website though. Seems rather unfair since I worked very hard to achieve my average.

[canadianmom]

It does specifically say you had to attend a regular highschool, sorry. Those who do a victory lap (12B) are also disqualified as well. The QEII is the only OSAP program that is so tightly rule bound as it's grade based where every other grant is financial need based.

My DD did the "victory lap" and recieved the full $3500. from QEII. When reading on the site it states must of graduated in 2009 but on the actual OSAP application it says "must of attended a high school" in 2009

CSK'sMom my DD spoke with finacial aid office today and she was told that OSAP website is experiencing many "glitches"and to ignore the recent letter she recieved about getting $0 for OSAP--she would be recieving another one shortly. She was also told about the QEII but I see it now has it online.
Hopefully your son's situation is one of those "glitches" and it gets straightened out soon!

[SherryBerry]

My DD did the "victory lap" and recieved the full $3500. from QEII. When reading on the site it states must of graduated in 2009 but on the actual OSAP application it says "must of attended a high school" in 2009

If that is the case, who can I speak to to ask for more information or to have this appealed? If OSAP allows a high school graduate like canadianmom's daughter to upgrade her mark and then apply for this scholarship, I don't see why I am not qualified? Please help.

[canadianmom]

If that is the case, who can I speak to to ask for more information or to have this appealed? If OSAP allows a high school graduate like canadianmom's daughter to upgrade her mark and then apply for this scholarship, I don't see why I am not qualified? Please help.

My daughter didn't repeat any classes to upgrade her marks. All classes she took last year was the first time taking them and she did a Co-op. Not sure if that would make a difference or not?
But did find this info about appealing the decision on the OSAP website for you:
Review Deadline
If you are not a successful candidate and you would like to request a review, your request for a review must be received at your financial aid office by November 13, 2009. Reviews related to missing the program's deadlines will not be considered.

Good luck!

[JaneSmith]

Very interesting...

[gamer123]

i successfully applied for a tuition fee deferral at uoft. does that mean when i sign the osap documents, the loan/grant automatically goes to the student account, and send the remaining (if any) balance to my bank account?

[samsum]

Question about the QEII scholarship. I checked my OSAP status and it said that I am not eligible for this scholarship? Can I appeal it? I did graduate in 2009 at the top of my graduating class, even received the Governor General's award. But am I disqualified since I went to adult day school instead of a regular high school? It didn't say anything about that on the OSAP website though. Seems rather unfair since I worked very hard to achieve my average.

checked OSAP status and it said that not eligible for this scholarship?so far my daughter meet all the requirments even recived a merit award but she study in offshore canadian ontario school approved by the education ministry.anyone know what is the resoan?

[nonilla]

Well this sucks. I timed out and my entire post disappeared!

Anyways, hello!

I'm twenty one and heading to first year university. I've applied to OSAP and I'm going to receive approx. 8200 for the school year. My mom lives within 40km of the school distance which means OSAP believes I live with her. That however is not the case.

I've moved out since last May. I've been working and made approx. 20k (of course it went towards my living expenses). My course selection is coming soon and I'm going to pick up OSAP on Sept 1st. I've called and spoken with my financial aid's office in person in regards to an appeal. They told me when I pick up the OSAP I can make an appeal however it will not be processed until two to three weeks later! Is this a normal procedure? (A month into school year with no idea if I even get an approved appeal is completely nerve wrecking especially when living on your own with no other financial aid elsewhere!) No other information was provided to me until recently. I know for an appeal I need proof of rent (my lease, rent receipts) and proof of transportation (my monthly metropasses). Is there anything else I need? Apparently when I go to the office in Sept is when they'll provide me more information (I would prefer to be prepared beforehand).

Also I know if I am to work during the school year while on OSAP there is a maximum of 15 hours to work. Is this correct? My job after taxes and benefit deductions will pay me about $766 monthly. My rent alone is $775, metropass is $96, phone bill is $50 and I usually budget for food at about $200 a grand total of $1121 per month. Clearly going to school and can only work 15 hours means I'm not making enough. I cannot ask my mother for help and my father lives in BC divorced since I was a baby.

Please if someone has had experience with OSAP and appeals, and/or experienced similar situations advise me of what I can do. What else do I need for an appeal if I'm missing any? Any tips is greatly appreciated!

Thank you and I appologize for the long post!
nonilla:confused:

[BBQPorkBun]

Well this sucks. I timed out and my entire post disappeared!

Anyways, hello!

I'm twenty one and heading to first year university. I've applied to OSAP and I'm going to receive approx. 8200 for the school year. My mom lives within 40km of the school distance which means OSAP believes I live with her. That however is not the case.

I've moved out since last May. I've been working and made approx. 20k (of course it went towards my living expenses). My course selection is coming soon and I'm going to pick up OSAP on Sept 1st. I've called and spoken with my financial aid's office in person in regards to an appeal. They told me when I pick up the OSAP I can make an appeal however it will not be processed until two to three weeks later! Is this a normal procedure? (A month into school year with no idea if I even get an approved appeal is completely nerve wrecking especially when living on your own with no other financial aid elsewhere!) No other information was provided to me until recently. I know for an appeal I need proof of rent (my lease, rent receipts) and proof of transportation (my monthly metropasses). Is there anything else I need? Apparently when I go to the office in Sept is when they'll provide me more information (I would prefer to be prepared beforehand).

Also I know if I am to work during the school year while on OSAP there is a maximum of 15 hours to work. Is this correct? My job after taxes and benefit deductions will pay me about $766 monthly. My rent alone is $775, metropass is $96, phone bill is $50 and I usually budget for food at about $200 a grand total of $1121 per month. Clearly going to school and can only work 15 hours means I'm not making enough. I cannot ask my mother for help and my father lives in BC divorced since I was a baby.

Please if someone has had experience with OSAP and appeals, and/or experienced similar situations advise me of what I can do. What else do I need for an appeal if I'm missing any? Any tips is greatly appreciated!

Thank you and I appologize for the long post!
nonilla:confused:

firstly lets understand 'not enough' is not grounds for an appeal

it especially means even less when their rule is 'you are 40 km away, should be living at home. if you're not, not our problem, you choose to move out'. hence, you don't need to prove you pay rent at all, not a factor they consider anyway.

you can make how much you want, you'll just trigger a reassessment if you work too much.

[Monstrance]

Question here (thx in advance)...

Say a student (with a couple of years of undergrad under her belt but who has never used OSAP before) fills out the OSAP application around the start of summer and estimates X amount (a couple grand) of dollars for summer income, confident that a summer job was in place. This student's application is then processed and she given an intitlement on the OSAP website -- all good. As September approaches, however, she has failed to find a summer job and so, aside from small amounts of money here and there from family (whom this student, six years or so out of high school, lives with), she is in a position of having estimated a couple grand in summer income when in fact she has technically made zero income during the summer.

What should she do when school starts and it comes time to 'negotiate' the OSAP amount? Will declaring zero summer income in September, when she estimated a couple grand in summer income on the OSAP application, have a 'damning' effect on the amount of OSAP funding she is going to receive?

[tnguyenviet]

Is it possible to refill another application after having one finished process and the amount of funding has been calculated? I ask this because I receive far too little for schooling, way too little.

I had been re-assessed last year but I never knew that the 'grants' I received counted as part of my 'income'..

Is there a way to fight this off or am I technically screwed for the year?

[bestknightmare]

So, I am in my last year of my masters, got 70k of OSAP debt. I was wondering if it is possible to get a student line of credit from a bank and cover that OSAP (to avoid the high interest prime+2.5%). Furthermore, I was offered from MBNA mastercard to transfer balance to them and only pay 1% interest, which sounds much better than bank rates.

Is it possible to do that? Anyone doing that?

[Professor Iris]

So, I am in my last year of my masters, got 70k of OSAP debt. I was wondering if it is possible to get a student line of credit from a bank and cover that OSAP (to avoid the high interest prime+2.5%). Furthermore, I was offered from MBNA mastercard to transfer balance to them and only pay 1% interest, which sounds much better than bank rates.

Is it possible to do that? Anyone doing that?

I thought about doing this, but it doesn't seem to be a good idea. There are tax breaks for the interest that you pay on your government student loans, but not on a line of credit or credit card. There are also types of financial assistance that are only available to you if you pay OSAP, for example interest relief, debt reduction, the RAP program, the ability to renegotiate your monthly payments, which may come in handy if you find yourself with income levels that qualify for these types of assistance.

[bestknightmare]

I thought about doing this, but it doesn't seem to be a good idea. There are tax breaks for the interest that you pay on your government student loans, but not on a line of credit or credit card. There are also types of financial assistance that are only available to you if you pay OSAP, for example interest relief, debt reduction, the RAP program, the ability to renegotiate your monthly payments, which may come in handy if you find yourself with income levels that qualify for these types of assistance.

I am in a clinical program that makes me eligible for practice once out of school next July. I was told the job market wasnt too bad and will easily get job that start pay at $25-30/hr. hopefully will not need to renegotiate due to lost of income.

but yes i see your point Professor Iris

Is there anyway to lock the OSAP interest rate at the current prime?

[Professor Iris]

Is there anyway to lock the OSAP interest rate at the current prime?

If you fix the interest rate than it is even higher than prime+2.5. Check out the canlearn.ca website repayment calculator, that might help and they show what the interest rate is for floating vs. fixed.

[BBQPorkBun]

Question here (thx in advance)...

Say a student (with a couple of years of undergrad under her belt but who has never used OSAP before) fills out the OSAP application around the start of summer and estimates X amount (a couple grand) of dollars for summer income, confident that a summer job was in place. This student's application is then processed and she given an intitlement on the OSAP website -- all good. As September approaches, however, she has failed to find a summer job and so, aside from small amounts of money here and there from family (whom this student, six years or so out of high school, lives with), she is in a position of having estimated a couple grand in summer income when in fact she has technically made zero income during the summer.

What should she do when school starts and it comes time to 'negotiate' the OSAP amount? Will declaring zero summer income in September, when she estimated a couple grand in summer income on the OSAP application, have a 'damning' effect on the amount of OSAP funding she is going to receive?

always assume its 0 until you actually make the money and its in your pocket to ensure you get the max

[BBQPorkBun]

So, I am in my last year of my masters, got 70k of OSAP debt. I was wondering if it is possible to get a student line of credit from a bank and cover that OSAP (to avoid the high interest prime+2.5%). Furthermore, I was offered from MBNA mastercard to transfer balance to them and only pay 1% interest, which sounds much better than bank rates.

Is it possible to do that? Anyone doing that?

no, its not possible

[BBQPorkBun]

I am in a clinical program that makes me eligible for practice once out of school next July. I was told the job market wasnt too bad and will easily get job that start pay at $25-30/hr. hopefully will not need to renegotiate due to lost of income.

but yes i see your point Professor Iris

Is there anyway to lock the OSAP interest rate at the current prime?

fixed rate is an outrageously high rate that nobody chooses to do

[bestknightmare]

I got about $2000-3000 bursary from school this year from sept 2008 to dec 2008. But on the osap application, it does not ask me to fill in income during that time frame. hence I didnt fill it in. Now I am worried there will be a "discrepency".

how much of a discrepency do you need between your osap application and canada revenue agency before they will cut my funding or disqualify me for ontario student opportunity grant?

[mrdc]

I've been trying to get in contact with either the financial aid office or my registrar's office all morning, but keep getting the busy tone. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a quicker answer here.

I applied for OSAP a couple of weeks ago. I haven't received my Notice of Assessment (I don't even know what this looks like. Do they mail you a document?). Anyway, I checked my account today, and it says that my application's been processed. Also, there's now a Funding Summary. Is this enough for an OSAP deferral? I need to either pay or defer by the 19th.

[kamal007]

Hey guys,

I am having this problem with Osap and I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem or experienced this. Currently, under my osap application, it says: 'Funding released to date: ' And it says how much has been released to date ( all of the first semester money). But the thing is, I haven't received any money.

Also, Under 'Total Funding Issued', it says that on august 11th the funding was issued. But there are two things, one is the actual osap loan and another is a grant. Under osap, it says '* Negotiable Date: Sep 09, 2009' But other the grant it says nothing. Negotiable date seems to mean I can take the money on September 9th. But for the grant, there is no negotiable date.

Anyone else experiencing this problem? I am confused, can anyone help me?

[atozee]

I have a question about reporting last year's income on the OSAP form. I was out of the country in 2008 and part of 2007. I left to travel, I lived with relatives, taught english privately, worked au pair and lived on savings. I have no receipts for 2008 income and I made less than $10K. I wasn't planning to file a Canadian tax form for 2008 (tax already deducted in France), and the osap form asks for an amount on line 150 which I don't have. Since I'm not filing anything with CRA, is it ok to put 0 there. I am not a dependent student and will not be living with parents while at school. I'm in a bit of a muddle here - should I write a letter or wait till they ask?

[ohno_kiki]

Here is my situation:
Graduated from a four year undergrad in 2008, debt free. I worked my way through with several jobs and lived at home. For some reason I never applied for OSAP to become eligible for the millennium or aiming for the top scholarships.

I am entering my second year of a two-year master's program (course-based, not research-based, therefore there is no coverage of costs by the program).

I have applied for OSAP and was assessed over 18K (three semester program). I do not plan on using the entire loan and intend on paying it back promptly at the end of my final semester.

I am interested in this Grant that allows you to pay no more than 10500 back (thus-8000 not needed to be paid back). How do I ensure that I am eligible for this grant? Is it frowned upon or suspicious looking if you pay back the entire loan at once?

Any input/advice is greatly appreciated!

[moneylover]

How does osap monitor your bank account?


Will they monitor all funds entering your account after you receive your osap?
will they monitor all assets registered in your name ?

Thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

How does osap monitor your bank account?


Will they monitor all funds entering your account after you receive your osap?
will they monitor all assets registered in your name ?

Thanks

monitor implies a constant watch, when its neither necessary nor efficient to do it that way.

its more like they can check when they like or when needed.

[Therapy2009]

I applied for OSAP and am getting enough just for tuition and some books. What I received from OSAP is not enough, I'm taking a 100% course load and it takes quite a while to get to college, two buses (almost an hour and a half)

Anyways, is there any way I can get more grants or osap?

I have looked into the Student Line Of Credit @ TD Canada Trust and I was going to apply for it, but then realized that I had no one to co-sign with me as my parents are in to position to be co-signing. Plus my mom is currently unemployed.

any suggestions?



thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

I applied for OSAP and am getting enough just for tuition and some books. What I received from OSAP is not enough, I'm taking a 100% course load and it takes quite a while to get to college, two buses (almost an hour and a half)

Anyways, is there any way I can get more grants or osap?

I have looked into the Student Line Of Credit @ TD Canada Trust and I was going to apply for it, but then realized that I had no one to co-sign with me as my parents are in to position to be co-signing. Plus my mom is currently unemployed.

any suggestions?

thanks

job

[Professor Iris]

I applied for OSAP and am getting enough just for tuition and some books. What I received from OSAP is not enough, I'm taking a 100% course load and it takes quite a while to get to college, two buses (almost an hour and a half)

Anyways, is there any way I can get more grants or osap?

I have looked into the Student Line Of Credit @ TD Canada Trust and I was going to apply for it, but then realized that I had no one to co-sign with me as my parents are in to position to be co-signing. Plus my mom is currently unemployed.

any suggestions?



thanks

Was your mom working last year? If her income is markedly different this year versus last year and the amounts put on the osap form then you have a legitimate reason to get reassessed. There are forms, check out the osap site or talk to your financial aid office. Just not having enough money isn't a reason to appeal. Likely you will also have to get a job either way, perhaps look into something on campus if the commute is so bad?

[houng]

I'm trying to access the OSAP site right now, but it's not working...

Anyway, last time I checked the site, it said I had to go to my school's registrar's office to fill out some forms (to prove that I actually attend, I think). But today I received a welcome package from school and there was a general notice about OSAP, saying that the funds will be sent to me during the first week of September. I still have to go to school to confirm right? (Just want to double check)

Thanks

[houng]

Your school will have a date for you to pick up and negotiate your loan papers. The confirmation of enrollment paperwork will be done at the same time. Depending on the school it may be a cattle call type of line or by appt. You'll need to take some very specific things with you in order to complete the process. Things like specific ID and banking info for direct deposit. After your loan papers are negotiated you can expect the funds (minus any tuition owing) to be direct deposited into your account within roughly 10 days.

I haven't received such a date, do I need to call and make an appointment? Thanks for all the information

[houng]

Thanks a lot for your help

[cynb]

Just graduated from hight school in June. I have been accepted into first year of college and residence. I have been filling out my osap on line but problem is my parents refuse to release info as I moved out of their home 18 months ago and lived with some friends then went on Student welfare. How do I get past that point on application

[vma03]

I'm going into my first year starting September, and I applied for OSAP. I got about $7,000 and since everything was based on last year's tax income, my dad's income was a bit higher. He's currently on-leave right now since he got into a car accident, and hasn't been working since November/December of last year. He's not expected to go back to work until mid-September to late October, and OSAP only covers about half of my tuition. Is there any way to get reassessed or do I have to stick with what I've got? (and note, I didn't get any scholarships [even though I should have...], and it's not certain that I'll get a bursary).

[moneylover]

1. For supporting documentation i AM required to submit high school transcripts. Ok the school is closed until september, so do i have to wait till then?

How can i get transcripts right now?




2. Can/ Will osap check GIC's that you own?

[JL2002]

1. For supporting documentation i AM required to submit high school transcripts. Ok the school is closed until september, so do i have to wait till then?

How can i get transcripts right now?




2. Can/ Will osap check GIC's that you own?

If you're in the York Region District School Board, this is where to go for HS transcript:
http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/page.cfm?id=CCT000002

[raggydiaper]

Hi,

I am currently at UTSC for Management. My tuition fee is $10,786.00

I was assessed for OSAP of $5984 and around $768 for middle family grant.

I currently have a student line of credit of a max $5000, in which I have been putting any extra income in, balance now is $4000 in the red.

I just found out that I may be receiving a RESP of around $1000 in September and that I have made a little more income reported during the Summer.

What should be my next course of action? I don't think I have enough to pay off the remaining balance of my tuition cause I am unsure if I will have a job beginning September. Will UTAPs kick in and fill in the gaps? Will the government check my bank account and see that I have a student line of credit already? Please help

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,

I am currently at UTSC for Management. My tuition fee is $10,786.00

I was assessed for OSAP of $5984 and around $768 for middle family grant.

I currently have a student line of credit of a max $5000, in which I have been putting any extra income in, balance now is $4000 in the red.

I just found out that I may be receiving a RESP of around $1000 in September and that I have made a little more income reported during the Summer.

What should be my next course of action? I don't think I have enough to pay off the remaining balance of my tuition cause I am unsure if I will have a job beginning September. Will UTAPs kick in and fill in the gaps? Will the government check my bank account and see that I have a student line of credit already? Please help

having a LOC does not affect osap
having debt via your LOC does not affect your osap

next course of action, use all your resp. what do you mean may, you either have it there or you don't, if its there use it, thats what its for, dunno why your paying interest on debt when you have access to assets. if you had used your resp to cover your LOC debt and report 0 resp, you may have had more osap.

[Lexcyn]

Interesting story.

My college posted the old tools/supplies list on the student website by accident (it was labelled 2009 list but was actually for 2007). I went by that and applied for OSAP.

They gave me enough for the OLD estimate. I find out that the new list of supplies is $2200 MORE than the old one. OSAP won't give me more money.

I can no longer go to school because my school screwed up. BTW this wasn't just for my program, but for ALL the trades courses too. :cry:

[theliberalmedia]

Quick Question: Does anyone know how to formally change your OSAP application to show you've inherited money? There doesn't seem to be a specific field in the application and I really don't wanna misdeclare and get in hot water with them.

[Professor Iris]

Quick Question: Does anyone know how to formally change your OSAP application to show you've inherited money? There doesn't seem to be a specific field in the application and I really don't wanna misdeclare and get in hot water with them.

Look for the fields that say all other assets, all income from other sources, etc.

[Joker12]

Hey guys!

I renewed my OSAP application on July 3rd,2009

And to this very date my application is STILL on hold. It has never taken this long before. I am just wondering if anyone is on the same boat as me. And why it's taking extra long this year.

[Professor Iris]

Hey guys!

I renewed my OSAP application on July 3rd,2009

And to this very date my application is STILL on hold. It has never taken this long before. I am just wondering if anyone is on the same boat as me. And why it's taking extra long this year.

Is it taking a long time or is it actually on hold? They will put it on hold and not do anything with it until you take the necessary steps sometimes. If it says it is on hold there is a link to see a list of possible reasons why, and you need to contact your financial aid office to find out what the problem is.

[raptors321]

Hi, does anyone know the address I have to send my supporting documents to if I am in engineering at U of T? and how will I have to wait before I am able to defer my fees? Do I have to wait until they receive the documents or will it be right away after I apply for OSAP?

[Professor Iris]

Hi, does anyone know the address I have to send my supporting documents to if I am in engineering at U of T? and how will I have to wait before I am able to defer my fees? Do I have to wait until they receive the documents or will it be right away after I apply for OSAP?

They go to your university's financial aid office. The mailing information should be on their website and the other information you need should be easy enough to find on the same page or with the fees information.

[raptors321]

Can someone tell me if this is the correct address?

Admissions and Awards
University of Toronto
315 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1A3

[moneylover]

Call your school board's main offices to get your transcript if you don't have a hard copy (many give them with your diploma). And yes, OSAP can and does verify all assets like GIC's through CRA. Read your declaration pages very carefully before signing them.

Hello CSKMOM

To refine my question; how often do they check for GIC's, what if I bought a GIC like a month after I receive my OSAP?

Thank You

[awaisuk]

I have got a low OSAP considering that i dont work at all.

The OSAP i got will not cover my transportation, books, notebook ($400/semister, ITM) fees and etc

Is there a way to contact OSAP to look over my application again?

What can i do so i can increase my OSAP and actually cover all my costs?

[Joker12]

It says on hold "please check back in 2-3 weeks"

However I do not see any links. Before there were those signature pages link, but when i mailed those in ... it shortly disappeared. And still on hold.


Is it taking a long time or is it actually on hold? They will put it on hold and not do anything with it until you take the necessary steps sometimes. If it says it is on hold there is a link to see a list of possible reasons why, and you need to contact your financial aid office to find out what the problem is.

[Professor Iris]

It says on hold "please check back in 2-3 weeks"

However I do not see any links. Before there were those signature pages link, but when i mailed those in ... it shortly disappeared. And still on hold.

If the 2-3 weeks have already gone by, then I would contact your school's financial aid office and they might be able to tell you what the hold up is, otherwise I guess you have some time to wait.

[raptors321]

The address you send your supporting documents and declaration pages to will be printed on the declaration pages. You can also drop them off in person to your FinAid office. Every school is slightly different for deferrals but generally they are looking that your OSAP app. has been fully processed before they allow a deferral. Print and send your declaration pages as soon as you submit your app so that it gets processed quicker.

Do they have to receive the documents first and how long will it take to receive them? Will I make it before the deadline of August 29 to defer my fees?

[rocheapplied]

Hey guys,

I'm just wondering when the final date is to apply for OSAP for this upcoming F/W 2009-2010 term?

I'm not sure whether or not I can take a full course load this upcoming September, but should know in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks!

[tamil]

Quick question.

I now the answer but I want make sure its correct one. When you apply for osap they will process a loan for you but what about the grants. Do you pay back the Grant or is basically given free to you.:confused:

[Professor Iris]

Quick question.

I now the answer but I want make sure its correct one. When you apply for osap they will process a loan for you but what about the grants. Do you pay back the Grant or is basically given free to you.:confused:

Grants are grants, not loans so you do not pay back grants. That being said some grants, like the OSOGs are only estimates, OSOGs (the grants so you don't pay back more than $7000 for a two term school year) are processed later after income assessments and are then paid directly towards paying off your loan.

[kggp]

Get the text book grant its awesome you get like $150 to spend on text books

[Mysteek]

I feel that my girlfriend has exhausted nearly all her options. She has been working as much as possible this summer and after getting bursaries and osap, she still needs about $1,700 to cover the rest of her expenses. Her parents are absolutely not going to give her a penny because of their financial situation. What other options can you recommend?

All I know of is the student line of credit, so she would need to have her parents co-sign.

Are there any other options besides staying back another year and losing out on the $500 residence deposit?

[crazlunatic]

Hi. I'm going to Waterloo and I already sent in my promissory note. I already got the amounts I'm receiving and I just have to send in the signature pages, except I sent them in last Friday.

So my question is do I have to pay the full amount myself for this year and then get the loan back? Is there a deadline or do I just pay what I have to and osap will give money to waterloo?

[crazlunatic]

Will the university tell me how to proceed with payment before the due date for payment? They will ask me to pay for just one month? That is really strange, how will they divide my food plan, rez, and tuition for a month.

Seriously, either the university or OSAP needs to step up their game. The information is all very unclear and I have to spend hours reading up on info each time. Thanks for your advice.

[crazlunatic]

I paid a rez deposit of 500

[NerV]

I feel that my girlfriend has exhausted nearly all her options. She has been working as much as possible this summer and after getting bursaries and osap, she still needs about $1,700 to cover the rest of her expenses. Her parents are absolutely not going to give her a penny because of their financial situation. What other options can you recommend?

All I know of is the student line of credit, so she would need to have her parents co-sign.

Are there any other options besides staying back another year and losing out on the $500 residence deposit?

I am in a similar situation and I can't apply as an independent student, because it's been only 3 years since I'm out of high school. This is ridiculous, I haven't lived with my parents for 3 years (since I went to university) and they don't really support me financially. OSAP assumes that parents are supposed to help. I heard that somehow you can fill out a form and say that you don't keep contact with your parents and they will transfer you to independent level before 4 years pass. Does anyone know anything about it?

[moneylover]

Hi

Ok I made a mistake on my osap application, for the part where you supposed to enter the last date you went to high school.

what should I do / tell osap?

[RandomSanity]

Hi

Ok I made a mistake on my osap application, for the part where you supposed to enter the last date you went to high school.

what should I do / tell osap?

I just went through this process and it is a complete pain, you need to bring in your highschool diploma in order to get them to change this date, even a transcript was not good enough for them.

I find this funny considering how you could have entered any old date you wanted when you first applied and they don't verify that at all.

[Jeff18]

Hi, I was wondering if it were possible for me to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top scholarship. I am currently entering 2nd year.

I didn't get the scholarship in first year with a 92% average in high school going into university. I know that I got it into the financial aid office before the deadline, however it said, "You were considered for, but were not among the successful candidates for a Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top Scholarship at your high school. ":mad:

I finished first year with a high 80's average and on the OSAP website it says that the QE scholarship "is renewable for up to four years, provided that you maintain an average of at least 80%".

Thanks in advance

[PrisonBreak]

Hey

I go to Ryerson and was wondering where exactly I am supposed to drop off my OSAP declaration and signature pages. I am going to the area anyways so I am going to drop it off rather than mail it. Does anyone know exactly where I can drop it off at Ryerson. Also, do I need to bring any specific ID or my SIN card or anything like that?

Thanks

[colllyj]

Hey

I go to Ryerson and was wondering where exactly I am supposed to drop off my OSAP declaration and signature pages. I am going to the area anyways so I am going to drop it off rather than mail it. Does anyone know exactly where I can drop it off at Ryerson. Also, do I need to bring any specific ID or my SIN card or anything like that?

Thanks

bring them in ASAP......
you can either drop them off in the box in the office, or wait in line and hand deliver them..... time is running out.

go early one morning....around 10 ish and hand deliver... and ask any other questions you have for them.
SIN card and Licence (ID) is definitely required. they won't take you otherwise.
good luck

[PrisonBreak]

bring them in ASAP......
you can either drop them off in the box in the office, or wait in line and hand deliver them..... time is running out.

go early one morning....around 10 ish and hand deliver... and ask any other questions you have for them.
SIN card and Licence (ID) is definitely required. they won't take you otherwise.
good luck

thankss alot

[Oscar11]

Does anyone know if the question:

Where were you living 4 months prior to your study period?

has a major effect on anything?

I mad a mistake and answered "with parents"..... I've been living on my own.

And now I got my osap estimate, and its not even enough to cover tuition (nevermind rent/food etc..)

I'm going to have to call in and change it.

[Professor Iris]

As collly said get them in immediately to your FinAid office. ID is required for loan papers pickup, not drop off's. Your loan papers are most likely going to be delayed at this point with your paperwork not in. Most, if not all schools have said if declaration pages weren't received by Aug 14th or 15th your loan papers will be delayed till 2 weeks or more after school starts. Please have a backup plan financially for the first couple of weeks to month of school at this point...

That being said, every time I go to my financial aid office they ask for I.D, whether picking up or dropping off.

[moneylover]

the 1807 number no one ever picks up. and the finaid lady at my school never emailed me back..

Does anyone know of any OSAP branch in Kitchener-Waterloo I can go to?

Thanks

[Professor Iris]

Picking up makes sense but not dropping off. We have dropped off paperwork for our son numerous times without being asked for ID. We walkin and drop off in literally minutes if thee isn't a line...

I agree with you, but just in case any other offices are crazy and require i.d. for dropping off it is better safe than sorry.

[JaneSmith]

Does anyone have a new message on the TTG section of their application? I now have a message saying they have no 2009-2010 application for me on file, and if I want this grant I have to apply. It also says that if I have already applied my application may be on hold/being processed, and to check the status of that.
However, I did apply, and I already have my funding and funding breakdown listed..and have for a few months. Anyone have any ideas?

[Mendesb]

is it too late to apply for OSAP? when was the cutoff?

[JaneSmith]

Don't worry about it. Both my boys have the same message. It seems to be just another one of the OSAP glitches this year...

Thanks :)

[michael10]

I applied for osap and got a estimate of 0$ in my third year. However, my first year I underdeclared resp saying I had none but I withdrew it to pay for tuition. How would I go about getting a loan now? (But I got loans for my first and second year) Also, I forgot to include my program name when filling out the application could this affect my loan?

[arbin]

Hey everyone. I got a question for you.

Here is a little brief: I am back studying in college after 2 years and this Fall will be my 2nd semester as I started going back this summer.

Here is my situation:

When i started my year this summer semester, I was on OSAP probation for the 3 time or 4th, even though this summer was technically my 1st semester. They told me that all the probation cumulatives. And told me that I was not able to apply for OSAP for 1 year. Another agent working there told me that I would be eligible but I would have to pay the difference if I was to take the student loan and drop any courses. If I do get the OSAP I will be getting the low income family grant and I really need this since I am unemployed. If anyone can help me please do so..
Thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

I applied for osap and got a estimate of 0$ in my third year. However, my first year I underdeclared resp saying I had none but I withdrew it to pay for tuition. How would I go about getting a loan now? (But I got loans for my first and second year) Also, I forgot to include my program name when filling out the application could this affect my loan?

go to the bank?
any number of factors could have contributed to estimate of 0

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey everyone. I got a question for you.

Here is a little brief: I am back studying in college after 2 years and this Fall will be my 2nd semester as I started going back this summer.

Here is my situation:

When i started my year this summer semester, I was on OSAP probation for the 3 time or 4th, even though this summer was technically my 1st semester. They told me that all the probation cumulatives. And told me that I was not able to apply for OSAP for 1 year. Another agent working there told me that I would be eligible but I would have to pay the difference if I was to take the student loan and drop any courses. If I do get the OSAP I will be getting the low income family grant and I really need this since I am unemployed. If anyone can help me please do so..
Thanks

get the correct info first from the nslsc themselves. then apply if u can, the rest will play out as it should, nothing much you can do

[arbin]

Thank you for your reply BBQPorkBun. I actually asked the lady there and she told me that the school makes the decision and forwards it to nslsc; But I will do call tomorrow just to make sure. Hopefully i can get the loan as I am unemployed and don't have money to pay for the tuition.

[moniquoi]

i didnt know there was such thing as "osap probation". what do you have to do to avoid this?

thanks in advance!

[raptors321]

Hi, on the OSAP site it says 'Your application has been received and OSAP funding calculated.' and I have sent in my supporting documents but it still says:
Checklist
Click on the link(s) for things that must be done:
Student must provide supporting documentation
Student must complete Confirmation of Enrolment form

How long should it take for them to process the documents and when do I complete the Enrolment form?

[raptors321]

Thank you for your answer. Is there any other way I can defer my fees if I go to the offices myself?

[Ryougo]

Hi thanks again for the help,

I'm currently at the stage of

"Student must complete Confirmation of Enrolment form"

Which to summarize what they tell me is a form that is sent to the school that they have to fill out which proves I am enrolled in the program that I say I am in.

I'm wondering how close I am to having my funding actually released since I have about a month till my tuition is due? I'm going to a out of province school and didn't have to deal with this the last time I used OSAP (Which was also the first time I've ever used OSAP)

Thanks you in advance

[geotharm]

Say I'm supposed to get $10,000 from a trust fund when I turn 17. When I enter that $10,000 into savings in OSAP, I get almost nothing from OSAP. I need $20,000 per year for uni.

Can OSAP know if you got money from a trust fund? Can you just transfer it over to your parents or something so they can't check?

[trisle604]

are the release dates out yet for the first portion of OSAP set to be released this sept? mines isnt showing anything yet , no grants either.

[BBQPorkBun]

Say I'm supposed to get $10,000 from a trust fund when I turn 17. When I enter that $10,000 into savings in OSAP, I get almost nothing from OSAP. I need $20,000 per year for uni.

Can OSAP know if you got money from a trust fund? Can you just transfer it over to your parents or something so they can't check?

sure, nobody can stop you from committing fraud

is that 20k your tuition? cuz if you do indeed need 20k per year, you can't afford year 2,3 etc anyways, so you can borrow from a bank or find a cheaper school/program.

[vma03]

Yes Trisle. Funding release is when the papers are actually printed and forwarded to the school. The negotiable date is the earliest they can be signed and negotiated. Both my boys show their paperwork as released earlier this month with negotiable dates of Sept 8th for one and Oct for the other who doesn't go back till then. Check your school website for pick-up dates for loan papers and how they are dealing with them. Our one starting in Sept has an appt with FinAid to pick up his papers on Sept 9th (and hopefully straighten out his grant situation). He too has no grants showing on his summary as of yet. A call to FinAid and the OSAP offices are both saying it's due to not putting his mailing address as his at-school address. Rez still haven't even made room assignments yet so we're in limbo for the grants at this point.

Click the total funding issued link on the bottom of your OSAP page to see if your paperwork is released.
Wait, so if I put my current address (instead of the school/res address) as my mailing address, I won't be assessed for any grants? I'm living on res, so I'm a little worried about that. How are grants generally assessed? Was I supposed to select something on my application? I'm so confused! :(

[vma03]

You're not the only one confused this year vma. I personally think it's a glitch in the programming on OSAP's end this year. There are many kids that their summaries aren't showing any grants yet. Both the Ontario and Canada Access Grants are income based. There is a very strict family income criteria for both. They are actually pretty cut and dry, you either have family income that either qualifies you for the grants or not. Income tables for both are on the canlearn.ca site. If you qualify (and you're 100% sure) you're going to have to deal with your FinAid office.

Your mailing address is typically where anything they mail to you during the year will go to that address. Things like if you don't do direct deposit your actual OSAP check will be mailed to that address or the Textbook and Technology Grant cheque. You should change your mailing address once you actually know it. Our problem is that we still don't know our son's complete address because room assignment's aren't done yet.
I actually don't think I qualify for the income related grants ... but I'll double check with my parents. Thanks for the site! :)

As for the address, I already know my residence address so do I have to notify OSAP about it? And you mentioned theTextbook and Tech. Grant ... is everyone qualified for that? And since I'm living on res. and I'm commuting back home every weekend, will I be qualified for the commuting and travel grant? And how do I qualify for the 1st year student grant (under the Ontario Access Grants column)? Or are all of these income based grants and I should just not worry about them?

I know I have so many questions but no one I know can really answer them. Thank you so much for your time and patience!! :)

[Victory11]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me with these 2 questions.

I'm heading into my second year of university.

1) Last year I didn't qualify for the Ontario Access Grant because I was over the ceiling. But this year, I'm well below the ceiling and I meet all the requirements, yet I didn't receive a penny.

Is it because there were other students who were more in need?

2) My tuition was almost double what it was last year and my family's income decreased, yet my loan was almost the same as last year's.

Should I contact my school's financial aid office once I get back to school?

[kosodo]

I just got a reassessment letter from OSAP today for the year of 08-09. There was an inaccurated report of income with the variance of ~4k (all my incomes were in the period of Jan08-Aug08). It was stupid of me. I must have messed up somehow back then when i reported it even though I didn't intend to :(. I was wondering if you could shed some light on how I can solved this issue? What are penalties I would have to face? Thanks in advance!

p.s. I just graduated this summer.

[flashstorm]

Quick questions about RESPs: I have one, but I have more than enough money saved up to not require it this year. The osap application clearly asked how much money I intended on withdrawing this year from my resp and I said 0. Did I need to claim the resp in some other form?

[Professor Iris]

I just got a reassessment letter from OSAP today for the year of 08-09. There was an inaccurated report of income with the variance of ~4k (all my incomes were in the period of Jan08-Aug08). It was stupid of me. I must have messed up somehow back then when i reported it even though I didn't intend to :(. I was wondering if you could shed some light on how I can solved this issue? What are penalties I would have to face? Thanks in advance!

p.s. I just graduated this summer.

CSK is correct, but I will add that unless the letter tells you to do something then you are fine. Some overpayments are forgiven, in that you don't have to do anything about it.

[sunnyd71]

I just got a reassessment letter from OSAP today for the year of 08-09. There was an inaccurated report of income with the variance of ~4k (all my incomes were in the period of Jan08-Aug08). It was stupid of me. I must have messed up somehow back then when i reported it even though I didn't intend to :(. I was wondering if you could shed some light on how I can solved this issue? What are penalties I would have to face? Thanks in advance!

p.s. I just graduated this summer.

Just another piece of information that probably doesn't apply to you but may to others. I've just received my 4th overpayment letter from OSAP. Each of the first 3 times I took it to my financial aid office, they looked into it and said it was a mistake. I seem to get the letters at random times throughout the year and they even show different years for when the overpayment was given.

The jist, if you think the overpayment might be a mistake ask them about it. They have made many mistakes on mine.

[peeb]

asking this on behalf of a friend... He wants to apply for OSAP for this first time. He's going into his 3rd year and his wife hasn't declared any income for two years now because she's worked for cash as a bartender. Should he just put his income down and say his wife hasn't earned anything?

[peeb]

First off, her income isn't going to be the major stumbling block IMO. Married students face a much larger obstacle. That being OSAP expects spouses to foot upwards of 80% of their spouses education expenses. This is supposed to gradually change but OSAP has not confirmed what the new percentage is this year. Next they are playing with fire when not declaring income to CRA, but I'm sure they realize the penelties involved and the actions the CRA can take (withhold refunds and GST, garnish wages, seize assets, etc.). All it takes is one employee at the business to properly claim their full income and everyone will be audited. Claiming her to have no income is going to raise red flags, no doubt there. Our former neighbor went through this with almost the exact same scenario, she was actually a waitress at a strip bar. OSAP wanted bank statements, mortgage papers, etc. as technically there was no way they were surving on just his OSAP with 2 kids. He ended up quitting school in his 2nd year as OSAP was getting more and more demanding as they obviously smelled a huge pile of BS.

Thanks for the reply. They realize the consequences and fully intend to pay the backtaxes. I guess my other question is if they declare the income on OSAP but not (yet) to the CRA, could there be consequences?

[kggp]

on osap it says i need to show current enrollment proof what is that?

[alv077]

How much would a large medical expense (braces) at about $3000 affect OSAP loans? This is all out of pocket expense.

[alv077]

Just wondering... would it really matter that it is cosmetic, seeing as all medical seems to be entered in the same box here?

http://safa.uwaterloo.ca/forms/OSAP%20Forms%2009-10/2009_2010%20Pre-Study%20Period%20Expenses%20Review.pdf

[Professor Iris]

Just wondering... would it really matter that it is cosmetic, seeing as all medical seems to be entered in the same box here?

http://safa.uwaterloo.ca/forms/OSAP%20Forms%2009-10/2009_2010%20Pre-Study%20Period%20Expenses%20Review.pdf

That looks like a school specific form, similar to the one my university uses to decide bursaries. For school awards it may be different, I have been able to put computer costs, cab fare to work, dental costs etc in and it has made a difference for these awards. You'll have to check with your school. For osap, they don't care except for the reasons CSKsMom has mentioned.

[patron]

I was hoping to get some advice. I graduated on June 15th with the interest started accruing on May 31st. I just got a job paying $45k, but a car will run me about $1k/month. I was hoping if someone could provide some brief tips in regards to paying off the OSAP.

Furhtermore, are there any smart tricks out there such as taking on some 0% for 15 months credit card and paying OSAP off with it (just throwing out the idea).

Thnx

[sunnyd71]

A cosmetic expense like that.... not a bit. OSAP doesn't give a crap what you owe and to whom and certainly won't give you any extra money because of it. You will be able to claim the expense on your taxes though.

Does it make a difference whether it is cosmetic or not? I have never included medical expenses for OSAP purposes which easily run into the thousands for me. However, I did qualify for the disability grant.

Seems it would make sense that they should subtract non-cosmetic medical expenses from income as you do not have that money available to pay for school. However, unless I just didn't know for all these years, I don't think that happens.

Question 2: This entire thread deals with OSAP for undergraduate studies, correct? Is there information on the differences once we move to grad studies available? Or another thread on it? Thanks.

[Jon Lai]

What's the deadline for applying to OSAP if I am applying for the January-April 2010 term?

[sunnyd71]

sunny, if one qualifies for the permanent disability grant and has a disability that qualifies for the Grant for services and equipment for students with permanent disabilities then medical expenses can be taken into consideration from my understanding. That grant (up to $8k) though typically is used to pay for things like health care aides or a personal support worker to be with the person on campus to deal with medical issues. It can also be used to offset the cost of specialized educational support materials. Otherwise you're correct, on the actual OSAP app. they don't take it into consideration. But with that said, if your expenses are really high it may be worth asking for an appeal and see what happens. It certainly can't hurt. Don't forget to look into other programs as well to help with the costs if at all possible. Programs like Trillium and ADP may be able to help if you qualify.

Generally the majority of this thread is undergrad questions but there are some grad school questions here as well in the other thread. If BBQ and I don't immediately know the answers we can certainly dig to find some for you. There are other grad students around as well who may know the answers you're looking for. :)

Thanks a lot. Yes for equipment and education there is definitely strong supports available there. However, not everything is covered under government programs unfortunately. One medication in particular that I must take Trillium refuses to cover and costs approx $1400 /year. They don't take into account that a portion of my income will go toward paying for that and other costs rather than tuition. The RAP calculator does include these costs so it might be changing.

Is the process, maximums and grants the same in Grad school as undergrad? I took a look on the OSAP website but didn't see anything geared toward either so I am assuming everything works the same way.

[patron]

The best advice is generally to continue living as frugally as you did when in school and throw every penny you can at your loans. They should be your first priority to get them payed off. Put money on them now even though no payment is required yet as interest is accruing now.

As for using a 0% card to pay them off. Generally a really bad idea. If you do that you loose the interest deduction on your taxes. Read up on the new RAP program and make sure you opt in to it (it's not automatic). It will gear your payments to your income, limit your repayment years, etc. It may very well help you one day out of a tight spot with repayment.

My understnaidng is that the RAP program requires for me to NOT be able to make payment. I am starting my first job out of school @ 45k salary is there a chance I can still apply for the program?

[sunnyd71]

My understnaidng is that the RAP program requires for me to NOT be able to make payment. I am starting my first job out of school @ 45k salary is there a chance I can still apply for the program?

You can apply. RAP will calculate how much of your payment you can afford to make and you will pay only that much.

[Professor Iris]

No. RAP (repayment assisstance program) is brand new and just came into effect this month. The old interest relief program is now gone which is what I think you're confusing this program with. There is quite a bit of info on the new RAP on the www.canlearn.ca

Have they updated the canlearn site or something? I've been looking and the only new information that I have found is on the osap website, which now (as of today anyway), says that interest relief is the same as always for the provincial portion (roughly 30%) and the federal portion (roughly 70%) is covered under the RAP. There is one application form though.

[sunnyd71]

Check here: http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/after/repaymentassistance/rpp.shtml

Good to know there is only one form. It is still overly confusing with two separate programs.

[Jon Lai]

30 days before the end of your study period. But with that said, it's always better to apply sooner rather than later. Get your app. in now to ensure your funding is available as soon as school starts.

Thanks, just wanted to verify because this is the first time I'm applying for OSAP when I don't have school in the Fall term. I don't want to miss the deadline and lose QEII :(

[sunnyd71]

I don't have personal experience with the grad school app but as far as I know it's basically the same sunny. The grants and such are the same across the board AFAIKas well.

Thanks for the information. Can anyone with experience confirm this?

[BBQPorkBun]

I was hoping to get some advice. I graduated on June 15th with the interest started accruing on May 31st. I just got a job paying $45k, but a car will run me about $1k/month. I was hoping if someone could provide some brief tips in regards to paying off the OSAP.

Furhtermore, are there any smart tricks out there such as taking on some 0% for 15 months credit card and paying OSAP off with it (just throwing out the idea).

Thnx

another trick is to not buy a 1k/month car during a recession. that car has now cost u significant interest looking long term, not to mention you put all your money into an item that depreciates. when you have debt owing, cashflow is the game.

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for the information. Can anyone with experience confirm this?

rules are the same, no diff set of standards

[sunnyd71]

rules are the same, no diff set of standards

Thats what I wanted to hear! Thanks.

Also, I was told by my financial aid office to speak to someone at OSAP about continuing my interest free status during the period between undergrad and grad school. I finish my last semester of undergrad in Dec 2009 but don't graduate until June 2010 so will start grad school in September 2010. Is there any way to continue interest free in those 8 months? I actually will finish my last course in March 2010 but it will just be one class from Jan - March.

I'm expecting a no but I was told to do by the person who handles all OSAP things for my university.

[umop]

Does it matter if I'm off by less than $50 when reporting income changes?

[BBQPorkBun]

Thats what I wanted to hear! Thanks.

Also, I was told by my financial aid office to speak to someone at OSAP about continuing my interest free status during the period between undergrad and grad school. I finish my last semester of undergrad in Dec 2009 but don't graduate until June 2010 so will start grad school in September 2010. Is there any way to continue interest free in those 8 months? I actually will finish my last course in March 2010 but it will just be one class from Jan - March.

I'm expecting a no but I was told to do by the person who handles all OSAP things for my university.

no, for jan to june, thats your grace period. if you are making low income you can be interest free for july and aug, apply in june.

[Therapy2009]

does anyone know when we receive our OSAP?
does it go into our bank accounts right on Sept. 8th?

[Lovable]

I'm going to be working this school year (part-time), back when I applied for OSAP I said my income for the year would be 0 (did not expect to work) but now that I have a job it's obvious I'm going to report the change but that itself brings questions:

1) My part time job will have an estimated $5000-6000 accumulated pay by April (end of term), how badly will this reduce my OSAP loans assuming I was dependent on this without the job?

2) Assuming they give me much less come this September, is it possible to ask the school to hold off on interest for the Fall courses as there's no way I can dish out $3000 worth of tuition with what I currently have?

Thanks.

[k_jai]

Hi all, how do I know if my application has went through and that I am eligible for the money from OSAP?

I haven't recieve any documentations from them physically yet.

The last documentations I recieved from them was the

Web Application Notice, Required Supporting Documentation, Consents; Instruction; Declaration and Signatures of Applicant.

And I have already mailed them those documentations to my instituation as stated on the documentation.

Help please!

P.S. I cannot access their website right now.

Also, if I am eligible, what are my duties after besides collecting the OSAP from your institution?

[Professor Iris]

does anyone know when we receive our OSAP?
does it go into our bank accounts right on Sept. 8th?

Around 10 business days after you negotiate your loan what is left, if anything after the school takes its tuition, will go into your bank account provided that you brought your banking information or a void cheque, government issued photo i.d. and your s.i.n. card with you. Check with your financial aid office about when you can go and negotiate your loan.

[Professor Iris]

I'm going to be working this school year (part-time), back when I applied for OSAP I said my income for the year would be 0 (did not expect to work) but now that I have a job it's obvious I'm going to report the change but that itself brings questions:

1) My part time job will have an estimated $5000-6000 accumulated pay by April (end of term), how badly will this reduce my OSAP loans assuming I was dependent on this without the job?

2) Assuming they give me much less come this September, is it possible to ask the school to hold off on interest for the Fall courses as there's no way I can dish out $3000 worth of tuition with what I currently have?

Thanks.

When you go to negotiate your loan you will be able to give them this updated information, it is probably smartest to only update the numbers with what you have made so far, not with money you think you will make, that way you will have the osap money for now and then update them again later with what you actually make during first term, after Christmas etc.

[shopzilla09]

I'm going to be working this school year (part-time), back when I applied for OSAP I said my income for the year would be 0 (did not expect to work) but now that I have a job it's obvious I'm going to report the change but that itself brings questions:

1) My part time job will have an estimated $5000-6000 accumulated pay by April (end of term), how badly will this reduce my OSAP loans assuming I was dependent on this without the job?

2) Assuming they give me much less come this September, is it possible to ask the school to hold off on interest for the Fall courses as there's no way I can dish out $3000 worth of tuition with what I currently have?

Thanks.

Good question - had that happen to me last year. I didn't know if I was even going to find a job so I obviously put down 0.

Then I got a very well-paying PT job and I was worried. When I went to pick up my loan they asked me if there have been any changes and I let them know about my job. They asked me to estimate the amount I expect to earn, which I underestimated (I wrote down about 5-6 grand when it was actually over 7 - but i worked more and more changes came along which i did not predict). I had to wait a little longer to get the new assessment and I was surprised that it was not much lower than before. My loan decreased a bit (down to about $2 600...it wasn't more than $3 000 before that). The real decrease was in my "low income family" grant :( (maybe $700ish). Sorry I can't remember the exact numbers now but I didn't need the loan itself, I just got it so that I can get the grant, so I didn't pay too much attention to that.

Anyway, because I underestimated the income as is (and then i got a $4 raise after Nov 1) I was very worried about the impact on my grant as of January. But the good news was, it did not decrease at all!! :)

That being said, this year they are giving me over $7 000 worth of loans for $50 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) grant...so I don't know if that is only due to the new income I am reporting or if they are adding the difference from last year as well.

I hope that helps answer your question. So to sum it up:
1) if you need your loan early - let them know NOW because they will have to do the reassessment...if you've got this term covered, you can wait until after school starts, though i wouldn't recommend standing in line for nothing
2) the change should not be too significant (and, if it makes a difference, i do still live at home)

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm going to be working this school year (part-time), back when I applied for OSAP I said my income for the year would be 0 (did not expect to work) but now that I have a job it's obvious I'm going to report the change but that itself brings questions:

1) My part time job will have an estimated $5000-6000 accumulated pay by April (end of term), how badly will this reduce my OSAP loans assuming I was dependent on this without the job?

2) Assuming they give me much less come this September, is it possible to ask the school to hold off on interest for the Fall courses as there's no way I can dish out $3000 worth of tuition with what I currently have?

Thanks.

1) badly

2) shouldn't be an issue if you do what i advise and that is don't change your estimate and report you income when you've earned it, that solves the cashflow issue as well as give you some backup if in case things don't go according to plan.

going into the school year and assuming you'll make what you intend is not a good move, assume worse case scenario

[BBQPorkBun]

Good question - had that happen to me last year. I didn't know if I was even going to find a job so I obviously put down 0.

Then I got a very well-paying PT job and I was worried. When I went to pick up my loan they asked me if there have been any changes and I let them know about my job. They asked me to estimate the amount I expect to earn, which I underestimated (I wrote down about 5-6 grand when it was actually over 7 - but i worked more and more changes came along which i did not predict). I had to wait a little longer to get the new assessment and I was surprised that it was not much lower than before. My loan decreased a bit (down to about $2 600...it wasn't more than $3 000 before that). The real decrease was in my "low income family" grant :( (maybe $700ish). Sorry I can't remember the exact numbers now but I didn't need the loan itself, I just got it so that I can get the grant, so I didn't pay too much attention to that.

Anyway, because I underestimated the income as is (and then i got a $4 raise after Nov 1) I was very worried about the impact on my grant as of January. But the good news was, it did not decrease at all!! :)

That being said, this year they are giving me over $7 000 worth of loans for $50 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) grant...so I don't know if that is only due to the new income I am reporting or if they are adding the difference from last year as well.

I hope that helps answer your question. So to sum it up:
1) if you need your loan early - let them know NOW because they will have to do the reassessment...if you've got this term covered, you can wait until after school starts, though i wouldn't recommend standing in line for nothing
2) the change should not be too significant (and, if it makes a difference, i do still live at home)

don't do what this guy says

[TheRed]

Questions regarding Ontario Access Grants. My OSAP has just been recently updated, and now I don't even get Ontario Access Grants anymore!! All added to Loans now. All I did was talked about my program transfer with Ryerson's Financial Aid office, and turns out with transferring programs, I am in 1st year of my new program, and they just did an update to my OSAP record, and now my funding was recalculated.

Previously, My OSAP fundings include Ontario Access Grants for 2nd Year Students as I put in 2nd Year of the new program. But then because of the said situation above, I don't get my Ontario Access Grants anymore. Is this Normal?

So basically, I'm a 1st Year student again in my OSAP record. How come I don't get Ontario Access Grants for 1st Year students?

Now I am confused,...>:(:confused:

[Lena100]

I hope somebody can respond to this request. My daughter worked from Jan - mid April 2009, quit her job and went back home to visit her grandmother, came back end of July. In the meantime, I made the application for OSAP and mailed the signature letters to her for endorsement. When she came back they requested for a letter to confirm how she supported herself between leaving for holidays and prior to beginning of semester. She sent them letter stating with my signature confirming that she stayed with me and now they are saying that they want another letter signed by me confirming the dollar value of my support to her. What I do not understand is that I have 2 other children in the house and buy grocery in a bulk and not sure what portion she consumes. My daughter has been out of high school for 4 years and was living out of town. She only lived with me prior to going for her holidays and now before the semester plus she is going to school out of town 600 km from here.

Please let me know what I can write in the letter.

[TheRed]

Makes perfect sense to me. You're only a first year student once. You got it last year as a first year student and decided to not continue in that program and change programs. Now you're back to being a first year in a new program but already received that grant last year so you don't qualify for it again. Good news is that you'll get second year grant next year if you don't change programs again... In a nutshell they corrected you asumption of being in the 2nd year and reassessed as such...

Ooo...but I heard that Ontario Access Grants is only available for 1st Year and 2nd Year students right? For reference, my old program was "ITM", and my new program is "Business Management". The problem is, when I did my course intentions, I will be finishing Business Management 2nd Year Program requirements, and will be doing BM 3rd Year courses in the summer school!!

So, for my next study period, I think I will be specifying Business Management 3rd Year. The problem is, Will I ever get the Ontario Access Grants for 2nd Year students then?

The thing is, 1st year ITM & BM is horrifying identical...that's why I made such assumption...as for the next year, I will be fulfilling BM's 2nd Year requirements and become 3rd Year...

[mtbmxrider]

I want to be 100% sure on something.

I have never had a job where they required my SIN number, but it is hooked up to both my bank accounts. I have never filed my taxes before either. Now, OSAP has given me roughly $5000 this upcoming year -I'm curious as to whether or not to submit my taxes? I am eligible for roughly $300 back this year and won't want to give that up unless it will affect my OSAP estimate for this upcoming year (in a negative way). The only record of income on my taxes is payable interest via my ING account. This poses another question; Does OSAP consider bank account values? Or even have access to them?

Will trading forex for the 2009-2010 school year have any effect as well (considering you require money to make money -osap may see this as sufficient funding)?

Thank you for any response.

[BBQPorkBun]

I hope somebody can respond to this request. My daughter worked from Jan - mid April 2009, quit her job and went back home to visit her grandmother, came back end of July. In the meantime, I made the application for OSAP and mailed the signature letters to her for endorsement. When she came back they requested for a letter to confirm how she supported herself between leaving for holidays and prior to beginning of semester. She sent them letter stating with my signature confirming that she stayed with me and now they are saying that they want another letter signed by me confirming the dollar value of my support to her. What I do not understand is that I have 2 other children in the house and buy grocery in a bulk and not sure what portion she consumes. My daughter has been out of high school for 4 years and was living out of town. She only lived with me prior to going for her holidays and now before the semester plus she is going to school out of town 600 km from here.

Please let me know what I can write in the letter.

Just make a very rough estimate, doesn't have to be accurate as they just need some sort of documentation to keep the process moving.

keep it brief and to the point, don't go into lengthy explainations.

[BBQPorkBun]

I want to be 100% sure on something.

I have never had a job where they required my SIN number, but it is hooked up to both my bank accounts. I have never filed my taxes before either. Now, OSAP has given me roughly $5000 this upcoming year -I'm curious as to whether or not to submit my taxes? I am eligible for roughly $300 back this year and won't want to give that up unless it will affect my OSAP estimate for this upcoming year (in a negative way). The only record of income on my taxes is payable interest via my ING account. This poses another question; Does OSAP consider bank account values? Or even have access to them?

Will trading forex for the 2009-2010 school year have any effect as well (considering you require money to make money -osap may see this as sufficient funding)?

Thank you for any response.

well 100% not filing is illegal, so i don't see how you see it as an option

all bank accounts and stock trading accounts is considered assets and its expected that you use them for your education

[ibiz]

My family recently moved and as a result my father purchased me a vehicle in order to both be able to get to school easier as well as visit him on a regular basis. Today when I went to pick up my OSAP funding at school I immediately told the loan person that I now had a car in my name. She told me to immediately make the change on the OSAP website and that this would in all likelihood greatly decrease my funding this year. The problem I'm having is that I'm not entirley sure how to make this change on the site and am now worried that I wont be able to pay for school with a decreased loan.

Any help or suggestions would be appreicated.

[mtbmxrider]

well 100% not filing is illegal, so i don't see how you see it as an option

all bank accounts and stock trading accounts is considered assets and its expected that you use them for your education

Thanks.

[Hsurreality]

On the OSAP page it says "funds released to date" $XXXX, is that the amount that I can pick up from my financial aids office? How come some other people have specific dates on their page?

[shopzilla09]

@ BBQPorkBun
I don't get it: Don't do what? Call up OSAP and let them know of your new income? And then he will wait in line for 1.5h with other students to pick up his loan, he'll be asked to confirm his income, he will let them know then what it is and they will say "oh - that is a significant difference from the 0 you reported, we need to reassess your loan amount, check your osap status unline to see when the reassessment will be available". And then he will have to wait a few more days before going back and picking up his loan. I was just telling him how to save time. Or did you mean do not let them know of your change in income? I wouldn't recommend messing with OSAP especially if you need them again next year.

@ CSK'sMom
Oh I think I see what you mean...so it will be $50 per month then? That's decent. My family income moved from low to middle so I figured the decrease in my grant was due to that, but $50 for the year seemed pointless.

Here's a general question which I've been asking around for a few months and I can't seem to find anyone who was in such a situation. I was considering getting a mortgage with my boyfriend. Though we have changed our plans, I am still interested to know: If somebody was to do this, how would it affect their OSAP application?

Would OSAP give you a higher loan because of increased expenses or an asset that may be used as collateral in the future, or more grant because your expenses are higher and they feel like helping you out, or...?

[BBQPorkBun]

My family recently moved and as a result my father purchased me a vehicle in order to both be able to get to school easier as well as visit him on a regular basis. Today when I went to pick up my OSAP funding at school I immediately told the loan person that I now had a car in my name. She told me to immediately make the change on the OSAP website and that this would in all likelihood greatly decrease my funding this year. The problem I'm having is that I'm not entirley sure how to make this change on the site and am now worried that I wont be able to pay for school with a decreased loan.

Any help or suggestions would be appreicated.

unfortunately the harsh answer here is sell your car. the reasoning is that if your family can buy you a car, you don't really need osap. easy transportation is not a luxury students usually have and you don't really need the car. the best case for you is if you didn't have the car in your name.

[BBQPorkBun]

@ BBQPorkBun
I don't get it: Don't do what? Call up OSAP and let them know of your new income? And then he will wait in line for 1.5h with other students to pick up his loan, he'll be asked to confirm his income, he will let them know then what it is and they will say "oh - that is a significant difference from the 0 you reported, we need to reassess your loan amount, check your osap status unline to see when the reassessment will be available". And then he will have to wait a few more days before going back and picking up his loan. I was just telling him how to save time. Or did you mean do not let them know of your change in income? I wouldn't recommend messing with OSAP especially if you need them again next year.

@ CSK'sMom
Oh I think I see what you mean...so it will be $50 per month then? That's decent. My family income moved from low to middle so I figured the decrease in my grant was due to that, but $50 for the year seemed pointless.

Here's a general question which I've been asking around for a few months and I can't seem to find anyone who was in such a situation. I was considering getting a mortgage with my boyfriend. Though we have changed our plans, I am still interested to know: If somebody was to do this, how would it affect their OSAP application?

Would OSAP give you a higher loan because of increased expenses or an asset that may be used as collateral in the future, or more grant because your expenses are higher and they feel like helping you out, or...?

don't report your income until after you've earned it

'i can purchase a home, loan me more interest free money now!' doesn't sound quite right. so to answer your question....or....not give you any money because obviously your going to own a home, building assets, own furniture, appliances etc. you are not in financial need.

osap is here to assist in you getting your education, not building equity in your home.

[Setz]

Are the funds released to the school, or to my bank account?

Quick Q. My mother loaned me 500$ so I can put my deposit down for Brock. Is there any way I can give her that 500$ cash back when I pick up my OSAP?

[ibiz]

unfortunately the harsh answer here is sell your car. the reasoning is that if your family can buy you a car, you don't really need osap. easy transportation is not a luxury students usually have and you don't really need the car. the best case for you is if you didn't have the car in your name. I called student services at my school today to ask them their opinion and the woman said to just report it next time around since my osap has already been processed. Also it should be noted that this is not a brand new car or anything special. I was told that you are allowed to have a vehicle worth $5000 and anything after that is considered income and seeing as I don't have any other income would this really change much?

[Professor Iris]

I called student services at my school today to ask them their opinion and the woman said to just report it next time around since my osap has already been processed. Also it should be noted that this is not a brand new car or anything special. I was told that you are allowed to have a vehicle worth $5000 and anything after that is considered income and seeing as I don't have any other income would this really change much?

If you have assets valued at $5000 then they expect you to sell said assets. If the car has a value of less than $5000 then you might be okay and it not change much.

[help_questions]

Are the funds released to the school, or to my bank account?

Quick Q. My mother loaned me 500$ so I can put my deposit down for Brock. Is there any way I can give her that 500$ cash back when I pick up my OSAP?

absolutely

[Professor Iris]

Are the funds released to the school, or to my bank account?

Quick Q. My mother loaned me 500$ so I can put my deposit down for Brock. Is there any way I can give her that 500$ cash back when I pick up my OSAP?

No. You can't pay her back immediately, they don't give you cash, they might give you a book voucher or something to help pay for your books though (my university does anyway). Whatever money is owed the university is given to them, and then whatever, if anything is left is then deposited in your bank account in the next 10 business days, that is why you have to bring a void cheque or your banking information when you negotiate your loan. Only then will you be able to pay your mother back, unless you get $500 from another source.

[SherryBerry]

Quick question.

I know it's been said that OSAP might check the balance of your bank accounts, but what if I have multiple accounts and I only give them the information for one account (with no money in it)? Will they still check the balance of the rest of my bank accounts?

Thanks in advance.

[SherryBerry]

Yes they can. On the app. they never ask for a bank account number, just an FYI. They can access all of your accounts through CRA and your SIN number which is required to open any bank account.

I know when I pick up my osap fundings I have to provide them with my bank account number, so will they even go through all that trouble to look into my other accounts? Not that I have alot of money in them or anything (around $3k), but if osap finds out will they reduce my funding?

[SherryBerry]

Than banking info you provide when picking up loan papers is strictly for direct deposit. OSAP verifies all info given on the app over the course of the year. So yes, they can and do check. Depending on the discrepency between actual assets and reported assets it can and often does trigger a reassessment of your loan entitlement.

So there's not a set time when osap do these checks? With the $3k I have just enough to cover all tuition plus residence, so if they take that away from me then... >:(

[SherryBerry]

Nope, generally verifications start in late fall but can happen anytime. Are you talking about money you had in bank account on May 15th or money saved over the summer? Big difference as you are actually expected to save summer income to use for school...

Well I alraedy had some money in my bank account before may 15th (around $5k) and now I have around $3k. My money is always going in and coming out (income --> pay bills --> income and so forth).

[SherryBerry]

May 15th is the date they look at for assets. If you didn't claim you had that much in bank accounts when you applied I think you should be prepared for the worst case... The application specifically asks for bank account balances and the value of other assets on May 15th.

Really? Well I had that much money in the account because that's about 3 months worth of rent money (June to August), and plus my brother also has some money in my bank account that I use to pay his visa card (he has a visa under my name, to young to have his own).

So what can I do if I get audited? Because technically those money are not "savings" per se, more like money that I have to pay off expenses in the summer.

[SherryBerry]

They don't care about any of that, it's your problem as far as they are concerned. They only look at the hard numbers for assets. If you didn't declare that you would be living away from your parents in your pre-study period they really won't care about rent, etc.

But I am an independent student since I have been out of high school for more than 4 years. Does that change anything?

[SherryBerry]

For rent in the summer, yes, but other assets no.

So how can I prove to them that these "assests" are not actually assests but in actuality are rent money?

Sorry for all the questions, I appreciate all your help.

[SherryBerry]

If or when you get caught OSAP will ask for specific documentation. It may be asking you for a letter explaining , rent receipts, signed lease, etc. If I were you I'd make sure to keep these things in a safe place that is easily accessible "just in case" OSAP comes asking for them...

Ok, I have all that, but there's basically nothing I can do at this point to prevent the audit then right? Like withdrawing all the money out of my account?

[SherryBerry]

nope... Everyone goes through it. Just an FYI it's really worth thoroughly reading the declaration pages you are required to sign in the future.

I did read it, it only mentioned the importance of reporting my income but not the savings, plus I didn't even realize what I had was considered savings.
Anyways, thanks for all your help! Here's hoping for the best...

[Jordan81]

I have a question. When i filled out my OSAP application there was a question that asked me to list my assets:

Information on Other Assets as of May 12, 2009
Have an RRSP : No
RRSP Value: Not specified
Have other assets: No

Was that refering to how much money i had in my bank? I put No, but i have around $3000 in my bank account. I already recieved one re-assessment letter from OSAP for not reporting my actual income last year and am trying to avoid getting another reassessment. Can someone tell me how i can correct this if infact my "assets" is money i have saved in my bank?

[Jordan81]

Also, what happens if you over estimate and over state the amount of Income you earn for your study period? Wouldn't this get you less funding than you need?

[Jordan81]

No, you didn't read the app. properly and fully. Other assets specifically says to include your bank balances, cash, etc. You'll have to deal with your school's FinAid office to straighten this out... For future reference there are hot links all over the app. explaining the terms used, definitions, inclusions, etc.

Sorry im a bit confused.

The money i had in my bank as of May 12, 2009 was a mixture of income from employment and leftovers of OSAP funding (grants and loans).

I have no idea how much of it was solely from work paychecks.

Since OSAP's definition of assets tells us NOT to include OSAP funding, should i report this amount i had in my bank as an asset?


EDIT: on a second look, a large portion of it was from my OSAP grant and loans. I will eventually go to my FinAid office to ask about this.

[Jordan81]

Well it really shouldn't be difficult to figure out how much was leftover OSAP and how much wasn't. You need to figure this out and report it. Look at your bank statements over the school year, etc and figure it out. For future reference most people keep a seperate bank account for just OSAP and use that account for all their educational expenses. If they work they use a seperate account for that and use it for "fun" expenses. You are keping all pay stubs from working right? If you aren't you should be, it makes reporting income changes or specific periods much easier and quicker to figure out. ;)

haha thanks for the tip. I'm really unorganized when it comes to managing my finances. I only have one bank account at the moment and its a savings account where i put everything and anything into.

I will try and figure this out somehow. Thanks again CKS'sMom.

[Jordan81]

Sorry but i have to ask.

If i am going to report my assets as of May 12 2009, which primarily consists of work income, did i not already report that as income i made through employment? How far back do they want me to go?

Not sure if what im asking is making sense. I just don't want to double report my income.

[koham]

I have been put on osap suspension for a year and just today I found out from my financial aid advisor that Osap offers a one-in a life time appeal for osap suspension to continue giving the funding....I really screwed up up my first year along with the summer courses that i took in the summer, failed almost all of them with the exception of 1 credit....does osap even accept the suspension appeals if you get a medical doctor's note explaining your situation e.g depression etc....my academic advisor also suggested a year-off thing along with other career/program research...but I'm not sure whether to take a year off or to apply for the osap suspension appeal to continue studying....would i be left too far behind if i take a year off? I'm just really confused because I would probably have to start everything all over after taking a year off if I want to change my current program as they require a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 before applying for a new program...is graduating later than usual a good thing? Suggestions please....Thanks in advance!

[BBQPorkBun]

I have been put on osap suspension for a year and just today I found out from my financial aid advisor that Osap offers a one-in a life time appeal for osap suspension to continue giving the funding....I really screwed up up my first year along with the summer courses that i took in the summer, failed almost all of them with the exception of 1 credit....does osap even accept the suspension appeals if you get a medical doctor's note explaining your situation e.g depression etc....my academic advisor also suggested a year-off thing along with other career/program research...but I'm not sure whether to take a year off or to apply for the osap suspension appeal to continue studying....would i be left too far behind if i take a year off? I'm just really confused because I would probably have to start everything all over after taking a year off if I want to change my current program as they require a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 before applying for a new program...is graduating later than usual a good thing? Suggestions please....Thanks in advance!

think maybe you have to ask yourself a few things first:
are you done your depression? (if thats what you had)
whats different this time around?
is the current path the way you want to go?

those are the questions you have to answer before answering if you should appeal. far behind relative to who? your peers? you are already a year behind. its not a race or anything but don't think the later you graduate is something to aim for. don't worry about starting over cuz you barely started.

welcome to rfd

[da1daonlyone]

I added two more half credit courses to my schedule and now OSAP doesn't cover my tuition fees fully. Does OSAP re-estimate what you need this late on?

[BBQPorkBun]

I added two more half credit courses to my schedule and now OSAP doesn't cover my tuition fees fully. Does OSAP re-estimate what you need this late on?

they do reassessments anytime its needed. you can notify them the change in course load. however, osap is not meant to cover tuition fully in the first place, but never hurts to try to get more funding. If you are going above 100% course load you probably won't get anything more.

[n4j1b]

Can i still apply for OSAP for september 8 start date? how long does it take to get your funding from the time you submit your application?

[vee_one]

You might be too late, but try...just to double check!
Its different for everyone, it really depends on how you answered your application.
Usually it takes 2 months though.

[Professor Iris]

Can i still apply for OSAP for september 8 start date? how long does it take to get your funding from the time you submit your application?

You can apply no later than 30 days before the end of your study period, something like that, which is on the osap site, so you certainly can apply now. I've never applied that late before so I'm not sure how long it would take, it does take some time though.

[vinzanity]

Hi there,

I would like to request for OSAP because I am currently eligible for it, but however, I have already remitted my tuition payment in full a few weeks ago. What are my chances?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Professor Iris]

Hi there,

I would like to request for OSAP because I am currently eligible for it, but however, I have already remitted my tuition payment in full a few weeks ago. What are my chances?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

That doesn't affect your eligibility or how much money you get. Lots of people pay their tuition before they get their osap; either worried about paying on time a parent will loan the money or people want to get points on their credit cards, whatever. If you think you are eligible then apply.

[asdisme]

Quick question about OSAP.. currently under summary/status it says it is on hold (I do not know why, as others have an amount showing and a date to pick it up).
It also asked me to submit parents and my own signature form and some Line 236 of my parent's assessment (I do not know why they ask for this either... because in my first year I did not have to submit this). So I submitted all those required documents like last week, today I checked and the signature requirements disappeared and now only the Line 236 thing is needed, but I submitted it already why is it asking for it still. What is going on..... :confused:

Will I be able to receive my loan before school payment is due?

Thanks

[Professor Iris]

Quick question about OSAP.. currently under summary/status it says it is on hold (I do not know why, as others have an amount showing and a date to pick it up).
It also asked me to submit parents and my own signature form and some Line 236 of my parent's assessment (I do not know why they ask for this either... because in my first year I did not have to submit this). So I submitted all those required documents like last week, today I checked and the signature requirements disappeared and now only the Line 236 thing is needed, but I submitted it already why is it asking for it still. What is going on..... :confused:

Will I be able to receive my loan before school payment is due?

Thanks

You need to check with your financial aid office to make sure that they have received what they needed, i.e. didn't misplace anything, have the correct forms etc and they can tell you why your application is on hold. An application can be put on hold for any number of reasons and the financial aid office can tell you why. Not knowing when your school payment is due I can only speculate, but seeing as how you only got in your forms last week, and they haven't all been processed even, I would suggest probably not. Again, check with your financial aid office and your school. For example so long as I pick up my document within 10 days after school starting I don't have to pay a late fee, so you might be alright.

[raptors321]

Can someone tell me how I pick up my loan documents? Do I just go to the financial aid office on this first day of school and show them my ID and then take that to the NSLSC outlet? Anyone know if there will be NSLSC outlets on campus?

[Professor Iris]

Can someone tell me how I pick up my loan documents? Do I just go to the financial aid office on this first day of school and show them my ID and then take that to the NSLSC outlet? Anyone know if there will be NSLSC outlets on campus?

You will need government issued photo i.d. and your social insurance card, and your banking information and a void cheque. As to how your school does it, I wouldn't know, especially since you didn't mention what school it is. Some it is just a line up at financial aid and apparently some schedule, some say certain years can go on different days. As to whether or not you can complete the negotiation of your loan on campus or not I also wouldn't know; I know that I can get it all done at my university and I would assume that if a university has a Canada Post outlet that it would set up to handle OSAP documents, but I can't say for sure.

[Setz]

When I pick up my OSAP, why do I need to provide a void cheque? Kind of off-topic, but can I get a void cheque from a bank other than the one I signed up at? I opened my account in Toronto and don't want to go all the way to Toronto to pick up some cheques.

[Setz]

You don't actually need a blank cheque. What you do need is all the transit info for the account you want your OSAP deposited into. That info is the numbers on the bottom of your cheques or you can ask for that info from your bank. Generally a pre-authorizaton form for direct deposit has all the info needed on it and there is space on the OSAP loan papers to manually add the info if you don't have any cheques. This info can also generally be obtained if you call your bank's phone banking system or web banking.

Can I get a cheque mailed to me by OSAP instead of a direct deposit? I'm in the process of opening a new account solely for OSAP. I still have a joint account with my mother, and I'd like to keep my OSAP stuff private.

[Setz]

Yes you can but it will take quite a bit longer to receive it (the cheque). When do you pick up your loan papers? Our son who just left for school was able to open and have a fully functional account with the required direct deposit forms in less than 1/2 hr at TD last week. :confused:

RBC has an appointment booked for me to open a new account later this week. Classes begin on the 10th but I fear I may not be able to have my OSAP until the 14th or so.

[and1balla]

I want to appeal my OSAP funding. Can I pick up my OSAP and then appeal...or do I have to defer my tuition so that I can appeal my OSAP?

thx

[Therapy2009]

when I went to pick up my OSAP papers I saw it said 75% courseload but I'm actually taking 100%, the lady changed it... will that affect my loan amount or won't it make a difference?

[BBQPorkBun]

You might be too late, but try...just to double check!
Its different for everyone, it really depends on how you answered your application.
Usually it takes 2 months though.

please don't guess at answers, it confuses people

[BBQPorkBun]

I want to appeal my OSAP funding. Can I pick up my OSAP and then appeal...or do I have to defer my tuition so that I can appeal my OSAP?

thx

you can appeal even after picking it up

[BBQPorkBun]

when I went to pick up my OSAP papers I saw it said 75% courseload but I'm actually taking 100%, the lady changed it... will that affect my loan amount or won't it make a difference?

depends on your school, if its the same tuition, likely won't make a diff, if it increases your tuition significantly, probably would

good to have it as what it should be in case it does make a diff

[emoci]

Having received OSAP in previous years, if I don't apply this year will there automatically be a 'confirmation of enrollment' form at the registrar's office to keep the loan interest-free at least, or will I have to request they sent one for me to fill out?

[Professor Iris]

Having received OSAP in previous years, if I don't apply this year will there automatically be a 'confirmation of enrollment' form at the registrar's office to keep the loan interest-free at least, or will I have to request they sent one for me to fill out?

You have to request and fill out this form. Check at financial aid for the form first (that's where my university keeps them) to make sure you get the right one, there are some that you have to pay for and are just school forms not OSAP forms. It looks like this: https://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/PDF/0910/34-0223.pdf

[Setz]

Waited in line for almost 1.5 hours at Brock to pick up my OSAP stuff (it's line one of two, and the 2nd one is easily 2x the size), and discovered I lost my healthcard! Had to run around St. Catharines looking for a Services Canada building to get a new one. Hopefully they take a transcript proving I have one in place of an actual card.

[emoci]

You have to request and fill out this form. Check at financial aid for the form first (that's where my university keeps them) to make sure you get the right one, there are some that you have to pay for and are just school forms not OSAP forms. It looks like this: https://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/PDF/0910/34-0223.pdf

Thanks

[Professor Iris]

Waited in line for almost 1.5 hours at Brock to pick up my OSAP stuff (it's line one of two, and the 2nd one is easily 2x the size), and discovered I lost my healthcard! Had to run around St. Catharines looking for a Services Canada building to get a new one. Hopefully they take a transcript proving I have one in place of an actual card.

Though of course you need to replace your health card, is this what you were using for photo i.d.? If you have a driver's license that would work too, because I don't think a transcript would work for osap, it has to be government issued photo i.d.

[Setz]

Though of course you need to replace your health card, is this what you were using for photo i.d.? If you have a driver's license that would work too, because I don't think a transcript would work for osap, it has to be government issued photo i.d.

I've got 0 photo IDs other than OHIP card. No driver's license, no passport, no age of majority card, etc.

[Setz]

Uhhh Ohhhh... I have a feeling you're not going to get your loan papers anytime soon. It takes about 6 weeks to get new OHIP cards. I highly suggest you rip apart your house, etc and try to find your OHIP card...

I phoned the financial aid offices at Brock and they said if I bring in proof that I am getting a new one, they will use that. My OHIP card was expired anyways, and I've applied for a renewed one.

[emoci]

I phoned the financial aid offices at Brock and they said if I bring in proof that I am getting a new one, they will use that. My OHIP card was expired anyways, and I've applied for a renewed one.

I know you can (could) get away with just Student ID + SIN at UofT in person.

[Setz]

You're damn lucky. I really have to say you need to get your head in the game and your crap together. You knew weeks ago you needed photo ID to pick up your loan papers. :rolleyes:

Yeah. The last couple of days have been tough. I still haven't seen the entire campus and don't even know where my classes are yet (classes begin tomorrow). Don't even know bus routes nor have my universal bus pass. Tomorrow morning is a crash course for me since I'm spending the entire day on campus doing NOT-frosh related stuff.

[raptors321]

Hey if I'm in engineering and U of T, does anyone know where I pick up my OSAP funding? Is it just at the Admissions and Awards office? and do I have to wait until classes start to pick up the OSAP stuff or can I do it now?

[Setz]

Hey if I'm in engineering and U of T, does anyone know where I pick up my OSAP funding? Is it just at the Admissions and Awards office? and do I have to wait until classes start to pick up the OSAP stuff or can I do it now?

You pick up OSAP where everyone else does. You either pick it up from your financial aid office, or there will be a designated area for you to pick it up (like a lecture hall, gymnasium, etc).

[Professor Iris]

I know you can (could) get away with just Student ID + SIN at UofT in person.

You used to be able to do that everywhere, but osap changed the rules... you never know what an individual may do of course, regardless ofrules.

[emoci]

You pick up OSAP where everyone else does. You either pick it up from your financial aid office, or there will be a designated area for you to pick it up (like a lecture hall, gymnasium, etc).

You usually pickup OSAP documents at the Registrar's Office at your College.

Then drop off completed documents (Bank Info and Signature) either outside (inside the building but before entering the store) the Bookstore (if there is people with tables out there), or at the post office inside the Bookstore.

[emoci]

Yeah. The last couple of days have been tough. I still haven't seen the entire campus and don't even know where my classes are yet (classes begin tomorrow). Don't even know bus routes nor have my universal bus pass. Tomorrow morning is a crash course for me since I'm spending the entire day on campus doing NOT-frosh related stuff.

Start with something like this http://www.brocku.ca/facilitiesmgmt/MB-CAMPUS-MAP.htm

Porter's Offices/Concierge at the dorms or Front Desks at campus libraries usually have campus maps that you can carry around with you ...

[sunnyd71]

I know you can (could) get away with just Student ID + SIN at UofT in person.

I've never given anything more than SIN and a void cheque. I've picked up OSAP 6 times now. :confused:

[Setz]

Does Brock do the same as Niagara for the bus pass? You use your student ID card and SAC puts a sticker on it. You'll have to catch a bus to Walmart where the Brock and Niagara shuttle buses are based. It's a direct bus right to Brock.

I believe so. Do you know if it's a universal bus pass (works on all transit in Niagara region), or only buses to Brock?

[1barginxhunter91]

couple of questions:
1. does the osap money get deducted from our tuition or does it get deposited to our bank account
2. if i have resp account how do i used that to pay off the rest of my tuition this year

[cyberspyder]

Anyone know if OSAP provides an invoice or receipt of the money deposited into your bank account/university?

[Nagii]

Question:

If this is my final year, since I grad in April 2010. If I make more income then what I reported for 2009 which may happen because Christmas is coming and do not report the change in Jan, but pick up my winter loan. What's the worse that can happen. Since I'm not going back to school in Sept 2010 and I have to start repaying in Nov. And taxes don't get filed until April 2010?

[Turbinator_007]

Hi!

Does anyone know if I can pay my tuition amount for this semester on my dad's credit card, and then when OSAP finishes verifying my application I can get the money back and pay my dad back? Or is there problems that can arise with this approach? :D

[Professor Iris]

Hi!

Does anyone know if I can pay my tuition amount for this semester on my dad's credit card, and then when OSAP finishes verifying my application I can get the money back and pay my dad back? Or is there problems that can arise with this approach? :D

Since you say that they are still processing your application it means that you don't know for sure how much you are getting, in which case it could be less than your tuition. Other than that it should be fine, you just might not be able to pay him back.

[Professor Iris]

Anyone know if OSAP provides an invoice or receipt of the money deposited into your bank account/university?

If you need something other than what CSK'sMom suggested your should be able to print your bank statement as well as your university account information.

[Setz]

I'm at Brock right now on my laptop, and there arose a problem when picking up my OSAP (again). My total entitlement is 6667$, and I was expecting 60% to be released now (like everyone else), and then 40% in January, but somehow they fscked it up and I'm getting 40% now and 60% in January. Actually, it's less than that.

I'm only receiving 2260$ which doesn't even cover the 70% tuition I need to pay up front <- whoops, no idea where this 70% came from. Financial aid offices said they can't help me, and classes begin TOMORROW. Books can't even be bought!

Fin. aid offices said that it might be because I received mostly grants. My actual loan was only 320$, with the 5000$+ left entirely in grants. Low incomce family grant, disability grant, first year student grant. Does this make a lick of sense to anyone?

edit: this is what OSAP says:

Released to date: 2280$ <-- Nothing has been released to me or the university.
To be Released Sept: 1720$
To be Released Jan: 2667$

[Setz]

Setz, FinAid will be swamped this week. I'd give the OSAP offices a call to try to straighten it out and see what they can do. I'd avoid FinAid till next week at least. Don't panic, it will get straightened out but keep Brock in the loop and there shouldn't be any late fees, etc. This is where the importance of working and saving every penny possible comes into play as well for books and the like.

edit to add: ther are alot of screwed up app's this year. I'm waiting to hear about our son's today as he has a loan pickup appt. His shows absolutely no grants yet and all loan and his FinAid office seems to think it's because his mailing address is not his rez address yet.

I had a 20 minute meeting with the FinAid rep before I made the post, and they're working with me to try and solve it. They even told me that it's strange since I should get the 60% now. They are saying I need to give 4200$ to Brock to begin classes (the other 1100$ I guess is given in Nov/Jan). My 1000$ award, 500$ deposit, and the 2300$ they give me isn't enough to cover it, so I can't begin classes let alone buy books until it's straightened out.

The OSAP representative I spoke with tried to get me to sign the papers saying I agree to the terms anyways; it's a good thing I didn't sign them or I'd be seriously forked. OSAP will need to fix the info fast because I won't stand not going to classes at the cost of their mistake.

Is it normal to only get a 320$ loan and the rest in grants, anyways? A friend of mine in similar situation (first year, living at home, etc) received almost entirely loans and no grants. From your experience (children or otherwise), they're supposed to release 60% first, then 40% later, right? What about the textbook grant (TTBG?)? OSAP website claims by applying for OSAP I automatically apply for that grant, but I haven't read anything about receiving it.

My main concern right now is starting classes and buying books.

PS: Thanks for all the help, CSK'sMom. Would really be stranded here if it weren't for BBQPorkBun and yourself.

[MangoSlice]

Hey thanks CSK for the help awhile back.

I've just been notified that York has received my supporting document (copy of my dad's NOA form) on Aug 31st. Without this, they weren't able to give me an assessment. I've read that it takes 6-8 weeks to process before they can come up with an
assessment from the day they received the supporting doc. I don't even know why they want a copy anyways because everything I've entered on my dad's part is correct. I thought OSAP had access to CRA to verify all this instead of wasting my time to send them a copy.

So basically I am attending school for a month and a half at least, without knowing if I can actually pay for it at the end of the year. I'll be a shame if I attend school for that long and not to mention spending money on books to only find out OSAP assessed me little or worse, nothing.

Is there a way to find out a consensus on what I'll probably be receiving and not have to wait 6 weeks to find out? I just want a piece of mind my tuition will be paid for this year and I don't waste all this time here at school. I've taken that estimator thing that OSAP offers on their site, and according to it I should be receiving near the max amount. I don't know how accurate that estimator is but from the numbers I entered on it, is pretty identical to the numbers I filled out on the real application. I got a part-time job but there is no way I can work to save up 6 grand and manage to balance school simultaneously by the end of the year.

What should I do? Should I call OSAP? Or is there really nothing I can do but wait and hope for the best? Or should I just cancel my OSAP application and look into a Student Line of Credit?

I know it's quite long but I appreciate the help!

[Mokamonkey]

Hey, anyone here from Niagara College that applied for OSAP? Do you know when they actually release the funds?

On OSAP everything is in order, showing that my funds have been released, but Niagara says it can take 7-10 business days from today for it to be deposited! That's BS ... A friend of mine from Mohawk got hers deposited last week.

[Setz]

I think I found out what the problem was.

My "current entitlement" to be released immediately is 2280$; both OSAP and the loan papers claim this. Then there is an entitlement to be "released 6 weeks after confirmation of enrollment" is 1720$. The 2nd term entitlement is 2667$.

The problem is that the current entitlement to be released immediately does not fully cover tuition or books. Am I supposed to get the "released 6 weeks after confirmation of enrollment" funding at the same time? When is this expected?

[Mokamonkey]

Release of funds is decieving. It actually means your loan papers have been printed and sent to the school. Negotiable date is what matters, this is the earliest date that you can negotiate your loan. Once that is done it's 7-10 days for deposit.

With that said, some colleges and uni's will have an earlier negotiable date than others depending on how they deal with registration and enrollment. Niagara is not one of them because of when Nicole opens up for block and individual class choosing... My oldest doesn't go back to Niagara (CMAP) till Oct and he doesn't pick up his loan papers ill the end of the month.

I appreciate your response CSK'sMom, but I should have clarified my circumstance better. The "loan negotiation" happened Aug 25th, when I signed my confirmation of enrollment at the school. The issue is that the "negotiable date" on the papers was actually Sept 9th. OSAP has already received my confirmation of enrollment, and released my funds to the school. Now I'm wondering why it would take the school another 2 weeks to deposit the funds to my account. I'm hoping this "7-10 business days" thing is an exaggeration to cover their own asses, and that I'll be able to buy books before the end of September. (I'm getting more than enough to cover tuition, so I am expecting a deposit.)

Am I SOL?

[Nagii]

If you're eliglible for OSOG you may loose it if reassessed and found to have an overpayment. Read the conditions of the OSOG. I'm not positive but the overpayment may be 100% repayable immediately as well.

Well I don't think I will be eligible, I did receive the grant back in 2006 but I made more money now then before. My income for 2009 is 6700 so far. But is that really all that could happen? What if I did get the grant, they learn I'm in overpayment, why not just take back the grant?

[Ryougo]

Hi thanks again for the help.


I picked up my loan certificate and had it sent out by the mail office about a week ago. I'm going to a school in another province so I was wondering how long I should wait until it's appropriate to call them and see what's up since my funds haven't been deposited, tuition hasn't been paid etc.

Also since it would cost me a fortune in cellphone minutes to stay on hold, is there a email address to make these types of inquiries?

[jackwest]

Ok, this Mama is about ready to throttle the damn Finid staff at my kid's school ~!~ Kid had appt today to pick up his loan papers. He again asks about 1st yr and low income grants. The stupid cow tells him we don't qualify because I don't work!!!! I swear to God she's using a magic eightball to come up with blatently stupid and inventive "theories" and excuses at this point. If that was even remotely true then my other kid wouldn't have gotten either. All I know at this point is she's damn lucky she's 10 hrs away from me because I think I could smack her upside her head right about now. :mad:

Tomorrow's agenda now includes a call to OSAP itself. This is total bs now. Oh and the other lovely thing he was informed of.... Even though his QEII covers his whole tuition they won't actually apply it as they should. They are going to hold it till Nov and then issue him a cheque after taking his full tuition for the year from this OSAP payment. Again, total bs! According to the OSAP factsheet and site his QEII would be forwarded to the school in August and applied against his tuition. Only if full tuition had already been paid would a cheque for a tuition refund be issued. :evil:

Any suggestions BBQ? I assume I can call the 807 343 7260 number out of Thunder Bay right? This is really getting frustrating now...

wow. look at that helicopter. lol

lol, i went through osap hell out of province, i had no money, broke, they promised my money in 2 weeks, ended up 3 months later. i spent 6 hours on the long distance phone over this time to resolve 3 seperate issues. at first i would wait 30min -1 hour long distance on the phone.

eventually i started waking up at 5am in the morning to avoid phone calls

fun period in my life

[EdLeafs]

How much grant(automatic) can OSAP give you back?

[emoci]

Hi thanks again for the help.


I picked up my loan certificate and had it sent out by the mail office about a week ago. I'm going to a school in another province so I was wondering how long I should wait until it's appropriate to call them and see what's up since my funds haven't been deposited, tuition hasn't been paid etc.

Also since it would cost me a fortune in cellphone minutes to stay on hold, is there a email address to make these types of inquiries?

When handed in person it takes about 10 days for them to process and EFT funds directly to a bank acct.

So I suspect that counting in Canada Post delivery time give it another 10 days.

That said it wouldn't hurt to give them a call just in case.

Where are you studying...the best thing I can think of in terms of calling them and costs...:

Go to CallWithUs.com, set up an account, add $10-$15 (hopefully you've got a CC).

Then from any Phone or PayPhone (no coins required) call 1-888-321-5505, enter your CallWithUs acct. number and dial 1-(807) 343-7260.

At $0.07/min, $15 will last you about 3.5 hours (you can always use the credit to call back home later).

[emoci]

Ok, this Mama is about ready to throttle the damn Finid staff at my kid's school ~!~ Kid had appt today to pick up his loan papers. He again asks about 1st yr and low income grants. The stupid cow tells him we don't qualify because I don't work!!!! I swear to God she's using a magic eightball to come up with blatently stupid and inventive "theories" and excuses at this point. If that was even remotely true then my other kid wouldn't have gotten either. All I know at this point is she's damn lucky she's 10 hrs away from me because I think I could smack her upside her head right about now. :mad:

Tomorrow's agenda now includes a call to OSAP itself. This is total bs now. Oh and the other lovely thing he was informed of.... Even though his QEII covers his whole tuition they won't actually apply it as they should. They are going to hold it till Nov and then issue him a cheque after taking his full tuition for the year from this OSAP payment. Again, total bs! According to the OSAP factsheet and site his QEII would be forwarded to the school in August and applied against his tuition. Only if full tuition had already been paid would a cheque for a tuition refund be issued. :evil:

Any suggestions BBQ? I assume I can call the 807 343 7260 number out of Thunder Bay right? This is really getting frustrating now...

Is it fair to assume you've checked the status of the application online already.

I remember that my grant in first year wasn't released until January, and came separately as a cheque rather than with the OSAP documents.

As for QEII it just happens that the 3500 always shows up later then the first OSAP payment, and is automatically applied to the student account, which in this case will put the acct. in positive balance. For all intents and purposes the cheque the University will cut then is the same as if you had overpaid your tuition. (I took the liberty of checking ... in my case QEII wasn't released to University until Oct 18, whereas OSAP was released in Aug 9)

It's an odd way to do it, but how else would they milk some interest out of student's money

[emoci]

How much grant(automatic) can OSAP give you back?

Usually first and second year students can qualify for "Low Income Grants" and "Millenium Access Grants".

If after applying the grants the total loan is reduced under $7000 for the full study period (Sept-May) that's the way it stays.

If you qualify for a loan of more than $7000 and provided your income reported to OSAP and that reported to CCRA in income taxes are similar, the following year you'll be assesed for an Ontario Student Opportunity Grant, which usually credits the amount of loan over $7000 back. (In other words they make such that you do not end up paying back more that $7000 in loans per year of study)

[BBQPorkBun]

Ok, this Mama is about ready to throttle the damn Finid staff at my kid's school ~!~ Kid had appt today to pick up his loan papers. He again asks about 1st yr and low income grants. The stupid cow tells him we don't qualify because I don't work!!!! I swear to God she's using a magic eightball to come up with blatently stupid and inventive "theories" and excuses at this point. If that was even remotely true then my other kid wouldn't have gotten either. All I know at this point is she's damn lucky she's 10 hrs away from me because I think I could smack her upside her head right about now. :mad:

Tomorrow's agenda now includes a call to OSAP itself. This is total bs now. Oh and the other lovely thing he was informed of.... Even though his QEII covers his whole tuition they won't actually apply it as they should. They are going to hold it till Nov and then issue him a cheque after taking his full tuition for the year from this OSAP payment. Again, total bs! According to the OSAP factsheet and site his QEII would be forwarded to the school in August and applied against his tuition. Only if full tuition had already been paid would a cheque for a tuition refund be issued. :evil:

Any suggestions BBQ? I assume I can call the 807 343 7260 number out of Thunder Bay right? This is really getting frustrating now...

i find that most people at financial aid don't have reliable answers. yes call them yourself and escalate the call. then go from there. keep us up to date.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi thanks again for the help.


I picked up my loan certificate and had it sent out by the mail office about a week ago. I'm going to a school in another province so I was wondering how long I should wait until it's appropriate to call them and see what's up since my funds haven't been deposited, tuition hasn't been paid etc.

Also since it would cost me a fortune in cellphone minutes to stay on hold, is there a email address to make these types of inquiries?

hope you used registered mail

call near 10:30 pm eastern, very low volume at that time. yes they are open, till 11 pm

[canadianmom]

Even though his QEII covers his whole tuition they won't actually apply it as they should. They are going to hold it till Nov and then issue him a cheque after taking his full tuition for the year from this OSAP payment. Again, total bs! According to the OSAP factsheet and site his QEII would be forwarded to the school in August and applied against his tuition. Only if full tuition had already been paid would a cheque for a tuition refund be issued. :evil:


Yep thats total BS. My daughters tuition is aprox $5000. Her fin aid office had her sign a form that states the $3500 from QEII was taken off her tuition and they will take the remaining $1500 from her OSAP
Hope you get some answers from OSAP today! Good luck

[sako_sale]

Hello,
I would like to ask a question.... I read OSAP eligibility criteria and and I am not sure am I eligible.
In March 2010 I intend to arrive in Canada as a landed immigrant (for first time) and I am interested to attend one 8 month graduate college program starting in April 2010, to boost my career in Canada.
On OSAP webpage is written that you have to be an Ontario provincial resident for 12 months to be eligible... Does this concern my case?
What do you suggest me to do and can I apply for college and apply for OSAP in only one month time?

Regards,
sako_sale

[Setz]

I gave the FinAid an updated statement saying that I received a 1000$ scholarship (I wrote on my OSAP application at the time I got 0$), and they updated my page. The values are the exact same, but this is what it says now:

To be released: 2280$
To be released Oct 22: 1720$
To be released Jan 1: 2667$

Why are funds being released on Oct 22nd? Shouldn't I get that now as well? There is no reason I should get funds in Oct since I need them NOW and not later.

PS: Kind of stupid on my part, but I thought I had to pay back grants? I didn't realize I'd only have to pay OSAP 320$ and not the remaining 6200$+ I am receiving. Oh ignorant me.

[AznVengence]

hello:

I have a few questions about OSAP. I'm really confused because when I visit my "check status" page on OSAP it says "on hold" what does that mean?
Will I be kicked out of university if I don't get my loan in time?
Also how would I go about changing some of my income/scholarship information?
(I got the scholarship all of a sudden early september)


Also I submitted the application pretty late, around mid-August because I "thought" I submitted it when I actually didn't... weird but ya it was just a big mix up.

Thanks :)

[Professor Iris]

I concur Setz, please let us know when you find out why you have this weird second fall release date please let us know. I believe even the osap site states that funds are released 60/40, in two installments. It is extra unfortunate that this is happening in your first year. Oh well, it should, and I emphasis should, be simpler from here on out.

[Setz]

hello:

I have a few questions about OSAP. I'm really confused because when I visit my "check status" page on OSAP it says "on hold" what does that mean?
Will I be kicked out of university if I don't get my loan in time?
Also how would I go about changing some of my income/scholarship information?
(I got the scholarship all of a sudden early september)


Also I submitted the application pretty late, around mid-August because I "thought" I submitted it when I actually didn't... weird but ya it was just a big mix up.

Thanks :)

It varies from the university, but most offer some form of installment plan for financing tuition. If you can't pay full tuition by a certain date, you can opt for financing at the university itself, or you can seek other forms of funding like a bank loan, etc.

For changing information, you cannot do that on the OSAP page once you submitted your information. Make a visit to your FinAid office to change details (I did).


I concur Setz, please let us know when you find out why you have this weird second fall release date please let us know. I believe even the osap site states that funds are released 60/40, in two installments. It is extra unfortunate that this is happening in your first year. Oh well, it should, and I emphasis should, be simpler from here on out.

I've got an appt with FinAid tomorrow to sort this out. Been at Brock every day this week trying to solve my OSAP issue, and I hope tomorrow is the last day. Seems like worst case scenario I get 35% now, 25% in Oct, and then 40% in Jan.

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/7346/osapz.jpg

[Professor Iris]

hello:

I have a few questions about OSAP. I'm really confused because when I visit my "check status" page on OSAP it says "on hold" what does that mean?
Will I be kicked out of university if I don't get my loan in time?
Also how would I go about changing some of my income/scholarship information?
(I got the scholarship all of a sudden early september)


Also I submitted the application pretty late, around mid-August because I "thought" I submitted it when I actually didn't... weird but ya it was just a big mix up.

Thanks :)

On hold can be for a number of reasons, is there a link from that? It should list a few possible reasons and then tell you that you have to talk to your financial aid office to find out why. That's also who you talk to to update your information, i.e. tell about your scholarship money. You would have to check with your university about not having the funds in yet, some don't let you register.

[AznVengence]

Thanks, I did recieve my signature papers a few days after I confirmed the application. I signed and mailed it out.

It says something about income(my income) verification (link), could that be it?

[keroro27]

i have a question
Im entitled to get around 4.5k for Osap Loans and 800 for grants (split to 400 because of 50% first term, then 50% other term)

On my certificate it says im going to pay 4k to the Uni

On my online statement for my Uni *York* it says i paid 3616 and 400 (both adding up to 4k)

I checked my bank account but havent received the remaining 500$ plus the grant. Do you know what happened?

THanks

[sako_sale]

Yes the 1 year residency in Ontario applies to everyone. It means that you will not qualify for gov't student aid/loans. If you need to finance your education you will have to get a private student loan form a bank. You will need to check with the actual school you are interested in attending as you may be treated as an international student which will mean much, much higher tuition and additional fees.

Thanks CSK'sMom. Your help is great. I'll have to find another means of funding.

[Professor Iris]

i have a question
Im entitled to get around 4.5k for Osap Loans and 800 for grants (split to 400 because of 50% first term, then 50% other term)

On my certificate it says im going to pay 4k to the Uni

On my online statement for my Uni *York* it says i paid 3616 and 400 (both adding up to 4k)

I checked my bank account but havent received the remaining 500$ plus the grant. Do you know what happened?

THanks

It should be showing on your bank account soon - though the grant obviously went to the university as part of the $4000 for the university so you should be getting the remainder of that money, $500. My grant money was also applied to my university account (it doesn't really matter, it still means that you aren't paying back that part of the loan) and it showed up at least a day before the money was in my bank account. Give it a little bit longer, somethings require different processing times.

[Setz]

@Brock

It turns out the Oct 22nd was a tentative date and it should be Sept XXth instead. FinAid Offices are finally being of some help and working with me to solve it. Should be fixed by Monday, where I get the 1720$ I need for tuition and books. they advised me to apply for a Brock bursary if it's urgent I need books.

[sunnyd71]

The rest of my OSAP was to be released Sept. 9th but 2 days later it still shows to be released the 9th. Is this normal? If not I'll talk to my Fin Aid office but they are swamped right now so it will take a while.

[sunnyd71]

Did you negotiate your loan papers yet? On the summary page it won't really change at all. All that matters at this point is that it will be approx. 7-10 days after you negotiate your loan papers that you will get the direct deposit... Just keep checking your bank account.

My school hasn't received my loan papers yet. They had a mistake so they sent them back to the ministry and we are awaiting new ones. The status shows that only half of loans have been released and the rest is to "To be released Sept 9th" It only has the first half under the "Total funding issued" section of the website.

If it doesn't show the funding has been issued yet, does that mean that they haven't even sent out the papers for that second portion of the loan?

[sunnyd71]

It sounds to me like you're SOL till you negotiate the new loan papers. I am assuming this is a 2nd payment, as in second term payment? :confused: If that's the case you're just going to have to wait till the new loan papers come in unfortunately. Funds cannot be actually "released", aka deposited until those papers are negotiated.

Thanks. I'm actually only going to be there for the Fall term not Fall and Winter. I had applied for Fall only but for some reason they still put my info for Fall/Winter. The school sent the papers back, made the change and the recalculated my loan. They released a portion on the 6th and showed that a portion would be released on the 9th. These two add up to my entitlement for the Fall. I guess I'll just go check if they have the papers next week.

[arbab01]

my osap still has not been transferred to my account. i picked it up early last week i think monday and they said it will take 5 business days. it has been well over 5 business days and i still have not recieved my money. what should i do.

[Setz]

Just curious, but what is a "negotiable date"? I picked up my loan papers today and there was no date to be negotiated. I didn't provide a void cheque because there was no surplus of funds.

It's gonna stink having to pick up loan papers again next week when I pick up the amount they missed.

[arbab01]

well i just checked my papers and saw that the disbursement date is spet. 08.
so does that mean i ahve 2 wait another 10 days,

[MajorM]

Does OSAP usually give out loans lower than the 60/40 installments? The OSAP website states that I would receive $4920 on the initial release date but only $3291 was deducted from my student account. And on the papers I signed it also stated that I would receive $3291 as well. Will I be receiving the rest into my bank account ($1629) within the next couple of days or would it be given to me in the the January 1st installment with the rest?

[Setz]

Log in and check your funding status. It will say there when monies will be released.

It may not be completely accurate, though. My Oct.22 date was a placeholder because they weren't sure when they were going to release them.

[Lovable]

What's an undergraduate bursary?! :confused:

[Professor Iris]

What's an undergraduate bursary?! :confused:

That would be a bursary that is only available to undergraduate students, so someone doing something like a bachelor's or honours degree not graduate work like a masters. A bursary is usually based on financial need and is not something that you have to pay back.

[MikeyPyro]

WTF is going on here. When I went to pick up my OSAP the dude said I'd get it i my account september 9th and it wasn't there. September 10th? Nope. I seriously am starting to need it.

Is there anywhere to check the actual date you will get it?! The past 2 times I got it, there was never an issue and I got it when I was told. Now the clocks a tickin...

[Professor Iris]

WTF is going on here. When I went to pick up my OSAP the dude said I'd get it i my account september 9th and it wasn't there. September 10th? Nope. I seriously am starting to need it.

Is there anywhere to check the actual date you will get it?! The past 2 times I got it, there was never an issue and I got it when I was told. Now the clocks a tickin...

It sounds very strange to me that he told you a date. When did you pick up your papers and when was the negotiable date on it? Also did he for sure mean your account or your school account? This year I got to pick up my papers early, and some people were still accidentally saying that 7-10 days later I would have the money, but the main woman who does the end has for a long time mentioned that it would be 7-10 days from the 8th, which was the negotiable date, which makes sense and properly covers the process. Having gotten the forms early did seem to help though as I received the money already.

[librakhan]

hi

[MikeyPyro]

It sounds very strange to me that he told you a date. When did you pick up your papers and when was the negotiable date on it? Also did he for sure mean your account or your school account? This year I got to pick up my papers early, and some people were still accidentally saying that 7-10 days later I would have the money, but the main woman who does the end has for a long time mentioned that it would be 7-10 days from the 8th, which was the negotiable date, which makes sense and properly covers the process. Having gotten the forms early did seem to help though as I received the money already.
I picked up my documents exactly 1 week before school started. Maybe a day earlier than that, but yeah around 1 week before. He said it will take a week to process and you should get it in your bank account on the first day of school.

Even though I gave my bank information the last year and they did not direct deposit it so I don't know if I should expect them to this year... but that's another story.

I also picked up my documents early...I'm praying for monday though but I'm losing faith.

[Mokamonkey]

Having gotten the forms early did seem to help though as I received the money already.

Lucky! I'm still waiting, and I had to bum change off my mom for lab books, lol. My forms were done early on the 25th. My negotiable date was the 9th, and it shows the funds were disbursed, to me and the school on the 9th, on the NSLSC website, so hopefully Monday.. .. If you've gotten yours already than mine can't be far behind :P

[Mokamonkey]

If Prof Iris got theirs early then I have hope - and that's all I have, lol

[MikeyPyro]

Where do you see the negotiable date? Pretty sure it doesn't show it anymore on my thing >:(

Well if I had my appointment a week before school started then I guess it was the 8th or 9th. Still hoping for Monday or Tuesday max but I am doubtful....

[Professor Iris]

Where do you see the negotiable date? Pretty sure it doesn't show it anymore on my thing >:(

Well if I had my appointment a week before school started then I guess it was the 8th or 9th. Still hoping for Monday or Tuesday max but I am doubtful....

The negotiable date can be found on your actual loan papers.

[Mokamonkey]

Not all people were issued loan papers with a "negotiable date" printed on them. That date is generally the first day of school. It doesn't matter if you signed your papers on Sept 1st (or whenever), the negotiable date is the earliest the NSLSC will start to disburse funds to the school and to you. You just gotta wait :( I tried calling them (which was stupid, I apologize) but they can't tell you the date you'll see the money.

Don't be too downtrodden. .. It'll show up soon, provided all your paperwork has be processed already.

[ball23]

how do you get an undergraduate bursary? what are the requirements? and how much is it?

thanks

[MikeyPyro]

Yeah the negotiable date says Sept. 9th on my forms....

I got an undergraduate bursary from York by filling out a financial profile and signing up for them.

[SaNTi iTNaS]

Hey,

When is the OSAP money supposed to be deposited onto our bank accounts? :(

It's been a bit over a week since I returned my confirmation that I was enrolled at Seneca.

[kubrat]

Hmmm... I guess it's too difficult to actually read the last page huh? ;)

Osap will not be deposited till 7-10 days after the negotiable date on your loan papers. If the date was Sep. 8th expect by the 18th.

Received mine september 11th

[Professor Iris]

Received mine september 11th

It is possible for it to go faster, but one should not expect it before 7-10 days after the negotiable date, this is the average and the time within which it should occur and it should be there by then.

[DF-Beyond-Devil]

Does the bursary you receive from the school affect your next year's OSAP amount?

[kubrat]

It is possible for it to go faster, but one should not expect it before 7-10 days after the negotiable date, this is the average and the time within which it should occur and it should be there by then.

yes just pointing out that it's within not until

earliest disbursement date is the first day of school (september 8th) incase anyone doesnt know that yet*

*this is the case with my school

[eugeneo]

I just checked my online banking and I did get a deposit for the Canada Student Loans, Canada Student Grants, but I did not get a deposit for the Ontario Student Loan. When should I expect this, is anyone else in the same situation.

I attend Brock University, and went to sign loan papers on the 8th of September.

[Professor Iris]

I just checked my online banking and I did get a deposit for the Canada Student Loans, Canada Student Grants, but I did not get a deposit for the Ontario Student Loan. When should I expect this, is anyone else in the same situation.

I attend Brock University, and went to sign loan papers on the 8th of September.

I also got my grant processed first - they are just separate, doesn't seem like anything to worry about.

[DF-Beyond-Devil]

My OSAP was accepted and I am wondering if I apply for a bursary from my school and get accepted, if it will affect my next year's OSAP amount?

OSAP has provided me about 60% of my needed amount, and the school is, according to their site, willing to pay the remaining 40%. I am just wondering if this will affect my OSAP amount next year in any way?

I mean I won't have any extra money laying around, it will all be used for school/housing.

[Professor Iris]

My OSAP was accepted and I am wondering if I apply for a bursary from my school and get accepted, if it will affect my next year's OSAP amount?

OSAP has provided me about 60% of my needed amount, and the school is, according to their site, willing to pay the remaining 40%. I am just wondering if this will affect my OSAP amount next year in any way?

I mean I won't have any extra money laying around, it will all be used for school/housing.

OSAP expects to be updated with this new source of income this year.

[DF-Beyond-Devil]

Well I haven't been accepted yet, nor have I applied. I will be receiving my OSAP quite soon so it's not like I'll get my bursary before I get my OSAP. Ofcourse I will tell them that I got it, they'll know too since the school will be giving it. I am just wondering if it will affect my osap amount next year or even this year, will it reduce?

[Professor Iris]

Well I haven't been accepted yet, nor have I applied. I will be receiving my OSAP quite soon so it's not like I'll get my bursary before I get my OSAP. Ofcourse I will tell them that I got it, they'll know too since the school will be giving it. I am just wondering if it will affect my osap amount next year or even this year, will it reduce?

Sorry, my point was that it would affect this year's osap, not next years. How exactly it will affect things, no one can really tell you exactly.

[Lovable]

So I just got the bursary from York and have a job now making some money till my next OSAP instalment, will there be another period near January where I go and update OSAP with my new income or will I have to find time myself and go tell the people in the financial office?

[Lovable]

Jan.'s paperwork and process will be identical to Sept.'s and will have a section where you update your income.

Great, thanks! Saves me the hassle for waiting in line and such (since they will hopefully do it by appointment at my school again).

[SaNTi iTNaS]

Sup,

I just got a deposit on my account from ON STUDENT LOAN GSL but it was only for $188... Am I supposed to be getting more deposited to my account? I'm a but worried that its no where near enough for what my tuition is. I'm also entitled to Middle Income family grant, but that is no where to be seen, and also the Technology grant. I'm confused with OSAP...

[DrHoops]

Hi,
I reported to osap that I will be at 100% course load. If I drop to 80% for this fall term and remain at 100% in winter term, how much will that affect my winter osap if any.

Thanks

[danman227460]

From my experience, it depends on your school. Some schools are fixed rate so no matter how many courses you take, you pay the full amount while some schools are pay per course. So if you take 5 classes, you pay for those 5.

So your OSAP would vary based on how many classes you take while in a fixed rate school, it won't change. For example, I wrote 86% but I only had 80%. I ended up loosing 400 on my assessment.

I go to York and pay per course while at Trent, I was paying a fixed rate so my OSAP never changed when I went below 100% but as long as I was still a full time student which is 80% course load.



Hi,
I reported to osap that I will be at 100% course load. If I drop to 80% for this fall term and remain at 100% in winter term, how much will that affect my winter osap if any.

Thanks

[arbab01]

Anyone receive their osap yet???

[EAMAY]

Hey i was wondering if anybody could tell me what is the maximum amount of money you can make during the school year/term without it effecting your osap. I want to work part time for some extra cash but i dont want OSAP to lower how much im getting because that would be counter productive. Thanks in advance guys

[danman227460]

Should take 7 to 10 business days. So whenever you picked up your documents, add 7 to 10 business days, don't count the weekends.


Anyone receive their osap yet???

I asked a lady and she said no more than 50 dollars a week and it won't effect it. Which means 200 a month * 8 months = 1600. I heard the limit is only 2K for the school year which is why some jobs are tailored to OSAP students where you only get paid 2K.

Though this is what she told me. I will be making about 3K for my school year as long as I don't fired from my job :D


Hey i was wondering if anybody could tell me what is the maximum amount of money you can make during the school year/term without it effecting your osap. I want to work part time for some extra cash but i dont want OSAP to lower how much im getting because that would be counter productive. Thanks in advance guys

[pointofnoreturn]

Did a search of the thread as well as the Old OSAP thread and couldn't come up with anything pertaining to my question/situation.

I'm currently in my second year as a MA student, full-time (2 courses this semester). Next semester (Winter 2010), I will be doing the research component in preparation for my thesis which I will begin writing towards the end of the winter semester or beginning of the spring semester. This fall, I am taking the last 2 courses required for the course component of my degree and do not plan on taking any courses next semester as the research is out of town.

I was approved for OSAP for $18,000 for a three-semester period (till August 2010). Since I am not taking any courses next semester but will be doing research full-time, how do I maintain my full-time status to pick up the winter loans? I will be registered in one course next semester but I think it doesn't have any credit as it's just simply a course that denotes I'm in the Thesis stage of my degree.

I do have a permanent disability and I know I need to maintain 40% courseload to be full-time so really... just one course would work as 2 courses = 100% here at my university for grad students.

Any advice on my situation would be greatly appreciated. I do not have any other sources of funding from the university and TAships are scarce and I do rely on my OSAP loans to get me through the schoolyear.

[ray2cool]

hey guys, i have a question for my friend,

Basically, she applied for osap and she's only got like 1600 today, and her tuition is like more than 5000. and she doesn't have enough money. She thinks that because she had a full time job during the summer, and was planning to continue working part time during the year, it affected her osap.

So she's wondering what can she do, like is there any way to apeal or something? and also, shes willing to quit her job , so shes wondering if its a good idea?

[eugeneo]

hey guys, i have a question for my friend,

Basically, she applied for osap and she's only got like 1600 today, and her tuition is like more than 5000. and she doesn't have enough money. She thinks that because she had a full time job during the summer, and was planning to continue working part time during the year, it affected her osap.


Is the $1600 amout that was deposited in her bank account, or the amount that OSAP assessed your friend with? Because most colleges and universities takes funds directly from OSAP to pay for your tuition. For my school, they took 70% of my total tuition from OSAP and deposited the rest in my bank account.



So she's wondering what can she do, like is there any way to apeal or something? and also, shes willing to quit her job , so shes wondering if its a good idea?

I'm not too familiar with this part of OSAP, but as far as I know you can't really request more money. And if it's not enough, you either have to work more during your studies or consider getting a student line of credit though a bank.

[Therapy2009]

question...


I got an email from osap saying my entitlement changed.. and they added $600 since my courseload changed from 75% to 100%...

the date says it was released Sept 15(today)
anyone know when I should be expecting it?

thanks.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,
I reported to osap that I will be at 100% course load. If I drop to 80% for this fall term and remain at 100% in winter term, how much will that affect my winter osap if any.

Thanks

hence 90%, if tuition goes down, likely less osap

[Setz]

When does OSAP sent the money to the school for tuition? I signed the papers last week, and the "fee calculator" at Brock still says I owe them full tuition.

[heartsndanger]

Yah, I think it's still processing. My school account says that I still owe the tuition, however I've gotten the money deposited into my bank account already. I'm just gonna wait it out for the rest of the week before I call OSAP.

[unicornssong]

I was approved for OSAP for $18,000 for a three-semester period (till August 2010). Since I am not taking any courses next semester but will be doing research full-time, how do I maintain my full-time status to pick up the winter loans? I will be registered in one course next semester but I think it doesn't have any credit as it's just simply a course that denotes I'm in the Thesis stage of my degree.

It really depends on what school you're going to.

When I completed my masters degree thesis stream. I took all three courses in 2 semsters and no courses the last two on top of full time research. The thesis credits themselves count as 'courses' At mcgill, for example, if you check your transcript/student status, it has graduate students denoted as 'full-time' as long as you are in the program working towards graduation. I would hazard a guess that you should probrably take a look at your unofficial transcript/status.

Alternatively, most schools will issue a 'proof of enrollment' upon request detailing your name, degree, period of study and status as of time of request. You can give that a shot if the previous method doesn't work out.

[chinaboy1021]

I got some money in my bank account and it came in as EFT CREDIT CANADA .

is this OSAP??? :confused::confused:

[sunnyd71]

I got some money in my bank account and it came in as EFT CREDIT CANADA .

is this OSAP??? :confused::confused:

Yes. As long as the amount makes sense because it could also be tax refunds, GST etc. Most likely is OSAP at this time of year.

[BBQPorkBun]

Did a search of the thread as well as the Old OSAP thread and couldn't come up with anything pertaining to my question/situation.

I'm currently in my second year as a MA student, full-time (2 courses this semester). Next semester (Winter 2010), I will be doing the research component in preparation for my thesis which I will begin writing towards the end of the winter semester or beginning of the spring semester. This fall, I am taking the last 2 courses required for the course component of my degree and do not plan on taking any courses next semester as the research is out of town.

I was approved for OSAP for $18,000 for a three-semester period (till August 2010). Since I am not taking any courses next semester but will be doing research full-time, how do I maintain my full-time status to pick up the winter loans? I will be registered in one course next semester but I think it doesn't have any credit as it's just simply a course that denotes I'm in the Thesis stage of my degree.

I do have a permanent disability and I know I need to maintain 40% courseload to be full-time so really... just one course would work as 2 courses = 100% here at my university for grad students.

Any advice on my situation would be greatly appreciated. I do not have any other sources of funding from the university and TAships are scarce and I do rely on my OSAP loans to get me through the schoolyear.

if osap has granted you funding for 3 semesters, then they already have your finished date (date you are full time till) pushed up till end of aug.

[BBQPorkBun]

hey guys, i have a question for my friend,

Basically, she applied for osap and she's only got like 1600 today, and her tuition is like more than 5000. and she doesn't have enough money. She thinks that because she had a full time job during the summer, and was planning to continue working part time during the year, it affected her osap.

So she's wondering what can she do, like is there any way to apeal or something? and also, shes willing to quit her job , so shes wondering if its a good idea?

use the money she made in the summer

[cyberspyder]

Yeah, I have until the 30th to pay my tuition...the extra portion has already been deposited into my bank account, but the $2000 loan I signed for hasn't been deposited to the school yet...waiting (impatiently).

[Therapy2009]

question...


I got an email from osap saying my entitlement changed.. and they added $600 since my courseload changed from 75% to 100%...

the date says it was released Sept 15(today)
anyone know when I should be expecting it?

thanks.

bump

[burnttoast]

Sup,

I just got a deposit on my account from ON STUDENT LOAN GSL but it was only for $188... Am I supposed to be getting more deposited to my account? I'm a but worried that its no where near enough for what my tuition is. I'm also entitled to Middle Income family grant, but that is no where to be seen, and also the Technology grant. I'm confused with OSAP...

same question..i got a deposit for my loan and not my grant, is that coming later?

[Professor Iris]

same question..i got a deposit for my loan and not my grant, is that coming later?

Mine showed up separately, the grant though was applied to my university tuition, so I didn't see it personally.

[c1030]

For those who went to pickup/sign OSAP documents on August 31, 09 , have you received your $ yet? On the documents it says it will take 1 week if you have arranged for direct deposit, which is what I did. But I STILL haven't got my $ yet. :mad:

[Professor Iris]

For those who went to pickup/sign OSAP documents on August 31, 09 , have you received your $ yet? On the documents it says it will take 1 week if you have arranged for direct deposit, which is what I did. But I STILL haven't got my $ yet. :mad:

What was the negotiable date though? That is what you have to base the timeline on, not when you picked them up.

[redkid]

great way to get $ free of interest
even if you don't need it you should apply
i know few people who had the $ to pay for school, family was well off, student working and still got full yearly tuiton

spent money travelling and buying new PC :)
after graduation paid it off...

[Bendilin]

I have a small question.

I was having a lot of delays and issues registering for OSAP this year (I've never had to jump through more flaming hoops in my life), and finally things were confirmed around September 14th. I went in with my bank information and ID, the college had already deducted the semester's fees for me, and would then direct deposit the remainder into my bank account.

I wasn't given a time frame to expect when the money would be in my bank account. I owe my grandfather $590 for this semester's school books and my friend rent. Any idea when the money will show up in my bank account? The only time frame I've seen was "7-10 business days," but I wasn't sure if that was from after you signed everything, or from after your financial aid received the initial student loans from OSAP.

It'd be a little frustrating if I have to wait until the 28th. :/

[MikeyPyro]

I am seriously starting to need my OSAP and I've still yet to get it.

I'm sitting here wondering why I bothered going to pick up my documents early.

BAHgGSDKJNSLDKDKFLFLKSJFYUCAJK....frustration.

[Setz]

FinAid offices cut me a cheque for 500$ for books since solving this issue is taking longer than usual. Apparently, a number of other students are having identical problems as I.

Offtopic, but can I cash this cheque at any RBC (my bank)? How long does it take to cash a cheque (not deposit)? Years ago I cashed a paycheck and I got the cash immedietly, but that was <200$.

[MikeyPyro]

And just how does this make you any different from the thousands of other students in this province waiting for their OSAP to be deposited? This is exactly why it's so important to save summer cash to have the cashflow for the first month of so of expenses, including books... :rolleyes:
Not only does it not make me different from anyone else, I didn't even take one step to imply that it does. I was venting.

[kubrat]

so osap wants me to mail a letter with supporting documentation indicating how i plan to pay for food, clothing and shelter during the school year. this is probably because i lowered my declared income for the summer. so... i basically have a budget that will suffice for the year i just dont understand what supporting documentation they want. i plan to tell them that im looking for a cheaper place, that i will use cheaper transportation and that i will work more. anyone have the scoop on this

[CSK'sMom]

Not only does it not make me different from anyone else, I didn't even take one step to imply that it does. I was venting.

ANd that is not what this thread is for.... :|

[CSK'sMom]

FinAid offices cut me a cheque for 500$ for books since solving this issue is taking longer than usual. Apparently, a number of other students are having identical problems as I.

Offtopic, but can I cash this cheque at any RBC (my bank)? How long does it take to cash a cheque (not deposit)? Years ago I cashed a paycheck and I got the cash immedietly, but that was <200$.

Yes Setz, any branch usually. Isay usually because some tellers can be sticklers and decide to place a hold on the cheque for a number of days. ou'll just have to go and see what happens..

[CSK'sMom]

so osap wants me to mail a letter with supporting documentation indicating how i plan to pay for food, clothing and shelter during the school year. this is probably because i lowered my declared income for the summer. so... i basically have a budget that will suffice for the year i just dont understand what supporting documentation they want. i plan to tell them that im looking for a cheaper place, that i will use cheaper transportation and that i will work more. anyone have the scoop on this

That's exactly what they want to hear. Keep the letter relatively short and to the point but do get it done and in asap...

[Professor Iris]

FinAid offices cut me a cheque for 500$ for books since solving this issue is taking longer than usual. Apparently, a number of other students are having identical problems as I.

Offtopic, but can I cash this cheque at any RBC (my bank)? How long does it take to cash a cheque (not deposit)? Years ago I cashed a paycheck and I got the cash immedietly, but that was <200$.

I'll just add that the amounts, where it is coming from and the specifics of your account all affect whether or not there will be a hold on your cheque, as well as the individual you deal with.

[SherryBerry]

I have just been approved for the textbook grant, but it said a cheque is being mailed to my old address!! I have already updated my address long time ago on the OSAP website, so what can I do now to correct this issue immediately?

[Setz]

I'll just add that the amounts, where it is coming from and the specifics of your account all affect whether or not there will be a hold on your cheque, as well as the individual you deal with.

I'll have to try later today. I hope they can do it ASAP since I need it for Monday.

I also got a textbook grant, and OSAP is sending me the cheque. I thought this was all managed by FinAid?

[CSK'sMom]

Sherry, it seems it's another glitch in the system this year. Our son's is coming here instead of to school as well even though his mailing address was changed the weekend he moved into rez.

Setz, read up on the specific grants. T&T is mailed directly to the student in cheque form later in the fall. FinAid has nothing really to do with this grant as it's automatic for anyone who applied and qualified for OSAP funding.

[__Kingpin__]

i am in a very messy situation right now.

i havnt enrolled in half of my courses yet, and if i go to pick up my osap they will re assess me until i get in all the 30 creds.

is there anyhing i can to to get the full amount even tho im not enrolled in all the courses?

[cager]

Hate to revive an old thread.
But I got a question.

I have about 12K left on my OSAP loan, its floating at prime + 2.5%

I have about 14K left on a car loan, its a fixed 1.9%

OSAP is interest deductible, car loan isn't

Say come tax time I get some money from my tax return back. Which one should I dump it into?

Many thanks

[CSK'sMom]

i am in a very messy situation right now.

i havnt enrolled in half of my courses yet, and if i go to pick up my osap they will re assess me until i get in all the 30 creds.

is there anyhing i can to to get the full amount even tho im not enrolled in all the courses?

Follow the advice given in the other thread and get your school involved to get you into those classes asap. As for getting the full amount of OSAP, not a chance. Full time entitlement equires full time classes, not one. ;)

[CSK'sMom]

Hate to revive an old thread.
But I got a question.

I have about 12K left on my OSAP loan, its floating at prime + 2.5%

I have about 14K left on a car loan, its a fixed 1.9%

OSAP is interest deductible, car loan isn't

Say come tax time I get some money from my tax return back. Which one should I dump it into?

Many thanks

This has been covered in thepersonal fianance forum, right down to calculating the tax advantages of student loans.

Oh, and this is far from an "old thread"...:confused:

[Setz]

Sherry, it seems it's another glitch in the system this year. Our son's is coming here instead of to school as well even though his mailing address was changed the weekend he moved into rez.

Setz, read up on the specific grants. T&T is mailed directly to the student in cheque form later in the fall. FinAid has nothing really to do with this grant as it's automatic for anyone who applied and qualified for OSAP funding.

I was just curious because I didn't get a cheque for my disability grant, first year grant, first generation grant, etc. all of this is digital and managed by FinAid

[and1balla]

OSAP's being a b***h! I went to pick up my osap and they tell me that they lost one of the pages in my OSAP application form and so I have to come back a week later to pick it up! WTF! I'm gonna have to pay late fees because osap lost my stupid form! Its not even my fault! OSAP can suck on my ****!

[Aznsilvrboy]

I was originally entitled to $4500 in loans and ~$2500 in grants this year and I had put I expect to receive $5000 from RESP this year.

My tuition was $8.7k which we paid in full by the deadline partly by RESP (it came in 2 installments and 2nd one didnt come in yet) and partly by our savings. My parents cashed out $8.7k (in two installments, first was about $5k and second was $3.7k) from my RESP because they wanted to take some money out of the RESP even though my tuition was already paid. We intended to put $3700 from the 2nd installment of RESP back into our bank account, and $7k of OSAP back into RESP. According to the plan, we would have essentially paid off my $8.7k tuition by $7k of OSAP + $1.7k from RESP and taken out $3.7k from the RESP. So I went to pick up my OSAP at my college registrar and updated the RESP field to $8.7k, and now my OSAP's been recalculated and basically I get $0 in January, and lost $1700 in grants + $900 in loans. What can I do?

[bestknightmare]

anyone know when do we find out if we got the OSAP textbook-grant and the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant??

[BBQPorkBun]

Hate to revive an old thread.
But I got a question.

I have about 12K left on my OSAP loan, its floating at prime + 2.5%

I have about 14K left on a car loan, its a fixed 1.9%

OSAP is interest deductible, car loan isn't

Say come tax time I get some money from my tax return back. Which one should I dump it into?

Many thanks

use a calculator

[jackwest]

wow, which school did you spend $12k on?

[BBQPorkBun]

I was originally entitled to $4500 in loans and ~$2500 in grants this year and I had put I expect to receive $5000 from RESP this year.

My tuition was $8.7k which we paid in full by the deadline partly by RESP (it came in 2 installments and 2nd one didnt come in yet) and partly by our savings. My parents cashed out $8.7k (in two installments, first was about $5k and second was $3.7k) from my RESP because they wanted to take some money out of the RESP even though my tuition was already paid. We intended to put $3700 from the 2nd installment of RESP back into our bank account, and $7k of OSAP back into RESP. According to the plan, we would have essentially paid off my $8.7k tuition by $7k of OSAP + $1.7k from RESP and taken out $3.7k from the RESP. So I went to pick up my OSAP at my college registrar and updated the RESP field to $8.7k, and now my OSAP's been recalculated and basically I get $0 in January, and lost $1700 in grants + $900 in loans. What can I do?

nothing, you just told them you don't need as much osap. which is true. don't try to play games with the numbers, just keep things simple.

[Setz]

What happens to excess funds? It's deposited into your bank account, right?

My OSAP entitlement is 6667$, my tuition is $5623, and I have 1500$ already paid off of my tuition of my own money (500$ cash, 1000$ scholarship). This means I need to pay $4123 still. This means once OSAP is given to the university, there will be 2544$ leftover. Is this given directly to me? Plus the textbook grant I expect will be 400-500$. It seems kind of strange I receive this.

[eugeneo]

What happens to excess funds? It's deposited into your bank account, right?

My OSAP entitlement is 6667$, my tuition is $5623, and I have 1500$ already paid off of my tuition of my own money (500$ cash, 1000$ scholarship). This means I need to pay $4123 still. This means once OSAP is given to the university, there will be 2544$ leftover. Is this given directly to me? Plus the textbook grant I expect will be 400-500$. It seems kind of strange I receive this.

I thought the TTG was only $300 if I am not mistaken. And depending on the University they could take the entire amount for tuition or do a installments program. My university took 70% of my outstanding tuition and subtracted from my OSAP. and takes the other 30% next OSAP payment. So you might be getting more :D

[c1030]

has anyone got their osap money yet ..this is taking way too long. i signed my documents on aug 31, and the negotiable date is sept 8

im seeing some rfd-er here saying they have received the textbook grant, but i still haven't. i hope they don't lose my stuff..

[Setz]

has anyone got their osap money yet ..this is taking way too long. i signed my documents on aug 31, and the negotiable date is sept 8

im seeing some rfd-er here saying they have received the textbook grant, but i still haven't. i hope they don't lose my stuff..

My 1st OSAP payment was sent yesterday, just under 10 days after I signed the papers. The uni has it.

[kheavan]

I'm at York and their website says that my declaration pages were reeived Aug. 14, 09. My OSAP still hasn't arrived and my bank balance is low. Very low. I don't know why OSAP people are taking their sweet time.. I NEED TO PAY FEES =(

[mrdependent]

I sent in my osap forms on the 10th and they deposited my money in just this thursday, so i guess you just gotta wait

[trisle604]

CSK did your son end up getting his grants thingy sorted out? I received my loan already and no grants. I'm not sure where I go from here because I've spoken to financial aid and they all have said the same thing , but in hindsight I should be receiving the low income grant at the least.I'm seriously mind boggled at how people are getting the grant with a better financial situation than myself while I am not.Grrr.....

[trisle604]

Just today trisle, read 3 posts up. It took numerous phone calls and threatening to get out MPP involved to finally get her to resubmit his app early last week. I got the email today from OSAP about a change and low and behold, he now has his grants. His loan papers were picked up and negotiated on the 9th of Sept. and his Canada student loan amount was deposited early last week. On Friday his Ontario loan amount was deposited and now just waiting on his first installment of low income grant to be deposited. The site is saying it has a funding release date of the 19th so probably by the end of the month...

alright i will definitely be speaking to financial aid tomorrow and attempt to get things to go through properly.it is just so frustrating when the financial aids assume the system is perfect etc and that no errors could possibly get through.~_~ thanks so much through out this whole ordeal~

[peeb]

Hey, I'm wondering... I got around $4,000 in grants this year but I understated my gross earnings by about $2,000 (partially because I didn't know if I would have a job during the school year or now). WHen I go to pick up my osap, will my grants be effected?

[peeb]

They're both Canada student grants. Wouldn't they take off OSAP first before the grants though?

Thanks for the replies

[bikeguy64]

Posted this in the old thread accidentally:

If i receive OSAP in September, then drop out of school in October, when do I have to start repaying the loan?

[AznVengence]

Hello again,

I'm just wondering if I don't recieve my OSAP money soon to pay the school, will the school eject me? What do I do to prevent that? Is there some form where I can indicate that my funds are still being processed?

I go to York University, if that matters. Thanks!

[Setz]

My balance at Brock a week ago was (1500) (the parenthesis means minus, which is good), and they credited me 500$ as an advance on my OSAP loan and my balance became (1000) then. They told me I have to pay them back the 500$, but do I really? Since my balance is still greater than 0, it should be covered, right?

[sunnyd71]

Hello again,

I'm just wondering if I don't recieve my OSAP money soon to pay the school, will the school eject me? What do I do to prevent that? Is there some form where I can indicate that my funds are still being processed?

I go to York University, if that matters. Thanks!

At Guelph you just need to talk to the Financial Aid office and they will put a note on your file to delay your payment deadline due to OSAP complications. I would assume the same or something similar is available at York. It is a very easy process.

[AznVengence]

At Guelph you just need to talk to the Financial Aid office and they will put a note on your file to delay your payment deadline due to OSAP complications. I would assume the same or something similar is available at York. It is a very easy process.

Ah, okay! Thank you for your response, I will head to the student center tomorrow

[kbeaud79]

My daughter, who is now in her 2nd year and re-applied for OSAP online, is also the recipient of both a $3000 university entrance/merit scholarship and a $3500 QEII scholarship for the 2nd year in a row. She had a summer job this year where she earned about $6000 and also rec'd another private scholarship of $1500. When she re-applied for OSAP this summer she enterred her income as $6000 and only listed the $1500 private scholarship under "scholarships" - which is how she was instructed to do last year when she originally applied for OSAP. When she turned up in September to claim her OSAP at school this year one of the FINANCIAL AID OFFICE assistants at her school asked her if she had rec'd any scholarships - and since she had, she told her yes and explained which scholarships they were. The FAO employee then said she'd applied incorrectly since she only declared both her summer employment and the private scholarship of $1500 (the reason she did this was because it clearly says on the OSAP website to not include QEII and other merit based scholarships on your OSAP application -see inset below....)

It says this: Income - Not to be Reported in
your OSAP Application There are certain income sources that you should
not report in your OSAP application: DO NOT include GST Rebates, Child
Tax Benefit, Universal Child Care Benefit, Ontario Child Benefit, Ontario
Child Benefit Equivalent Savings Program, Rental Opportunity for Ontario
Families (ROOF), OSAP funding, including student loans, QUEEN ELIZABETH II AIMING FOR THE TOP SCHOLARSHIPS, Canada Student Grants, Ontario Access Grants, Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards, Ontario Student Opportunity Grants, Distance Grants, Textbook and Technology Grants, and Transition Grants. DO NOT include an award, bursary, and/or a needs-based scholarship from a publicly-funded Ontario college of applied arts and technology or university IF that postsecondary institution informs you in writing that they will report it to OSAP directly. If you have not received notification in writing from your postsecondary institution, then you must report this income. This information can be found at this link:
http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca/ENG/not_secure/app_osap_definitions_12.htm

As a result...the FAO employee indicated that she would have to re-submit which has resulted in a significantly lower amount of OSAP being awarded for next semester (she's already rec'd the majority of her OSAP allotment for this semester).

Apologies for the length of this post but thought it best to provide the full background status....
Maybe we're reading this incorrectly but can someone please help clarify as to whether or not to include the $3000 University Entrance (Merit) and the $3500 QEII scholarships on the OSAP application under "Scholarships" on her OSAP application. Either last years application was wrong or this years and we need to get to the bottom of this. We've inquired at the FAO of the university and told that she was correct in re-submitting??? :cry:

Thanks...

[etal]

I just have a question regarding osap and part time work while in school. I understand that you are allowed to earn $1750 during the school year without it affecting your osap. I have a part time job where I'll probably make around twice that, which will undoubtedly reduce my osap. I'm thinking about only informing my financial aid office of the first $1750 and telling them that the job wil ending at the end of December. Is it possible for them to find out when I earned the money in a calendar year? I understand that they will find out how much I will earn in 2010, but will they be able to tell that I earned that other $1750 during the school year. I could have easily earned it during the next pre study period. Any input?

[emoci]

My daughter, who is now in her 2nd year and re-applied for OSAP online, is also the recipient of both a $3000 university entrance/merit scholarship and a $3500 QEII scholarship for the 2nd year in a row. She had a summer job this year where she earned about $6000 and also rec'd another private scholarship of $1500. When she re-applied for OSAP this summer she enterred her income as $6000 and only listed the $1500 private scholarship under "scholarships" - which is how she was instructed to do last year when she originally applied for OSAP. When she turned up in September to claim her OSAP at school this year one of the FINANCIAL AID OFFICE assistants at her school asked her if she had rec'd any scholarships - and since she had, she told her yes and explained which scholarships they were. The FAO employee then said she'd applied incorrectly since she only declared both her summer employment and the private scholarship of $1500 (the reason she did this was because it clearly says on the OSAP website to not include QEII and other merit based scholarships on your OSAP application -see inset below....)

It says this: Income - Not to be Reported in
your OSAP Application There are certain income sources that you should
not report in your OSAP application: DO NOT include GST Rebates, Child
Tax Benefit, Universal Child Care Benefit, Ontario Child Benefit, Ontario
Child Benefit Equivalent Savings Program, Rental Opportunity for Ontario
Families (ROOF), OSAP funding, including student loans, QUEEN ELIZABETH II AIMING FOR THE TOP SCHOLARSHIPS, Canada Student Grants, Ontario Access Grants, Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards, Ontario Student Opportunity Grants, Distance Grants, Textbook and Technology Grants, and Transition Grants. DO NOT include an award, bursary, and/or a needs-based scholarship from a publicly-funded Ontario college of applied arts and technology or university IF that postsecondary institution informs you in writing that they will report it to OSAP directly. If you have not received notification in writing from your postsecondary institution, then you must report this income. This information can be found at this link:
http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca/ENG/not_secure/app_osap_definitions_12.htm

As a result...the FAO employee indicated that she would have to re-submit which has resulted in a significantly lower amount of OSAP being awarded for next semester (she's already rec'd the majority of her OSAP allotment for this semester).

Apologies for the length of this post but thought it best to provide the full background status....
Maybe we're reading this incorrectly but can someone please help clarify as to whether or not to include the $3000 University Entrance (Merit) and the $3500 QEII scholarships on the OSAP application under "Scholarships" on her OSAP application. Either last years application was wrong or this years and we need to get to the bottom of this. We've inquired at the FAO of the university and told that she was correct in re-submitting??? :cry:

Thanks...


-The QEII scholarship is administered by OSAP and does not need to be declared under OSAP.
-The entrance scholarship may or may not be reported depending on if the University said they would declare this to OSAP on her behalf (... what's done is done but I have come to believe that once your application is in, you should give Office Staff when you pick documents as little new info as possible... short of changing any over-the-summer income...they tend to get overloaded quickly and do haphazard things like this)

All that said if the OSAP estimate changed for next semester it is likely not because the incident with the FAO officer had anything to do with this, but likely because the University finally reported the Merit Scholarship to OSAP and OSAP completed a re-assesment.

[BBQPorkBun]

I just have a question regarding osap and part time work while in school. I understand that you are allowed to earn $1750 during the school year without it affecting your osap. I have a part time job where I'll probably make around twice that, which will undoubtedly reduce my osap. I'm thinking about only informing my financial aid office of the first $1750 and telling them that the job wil ending at the end of December. Is it possible for them to find out when I earned the money in a calendar year? I understand that they will find out how much I will earn in 2010, but will they be able to tell that I earned that other $1750 during the school year. I could have easily earned it during the next pre study period. Any input?

don't inform them anything until you've made it

also, earning the amount over 2k may not be worth doing

[emoci]

I just have a question regarding osap and part time work while in school. I understand that you are allowed to earn $1750 during the school year without it affecting your osap. I have a part time job where I'll probably make around twice that, which will undoubtedly reduce my osap. I'm thinking about only informing my financial aid office of the first $1750 and telling them that the job wil ending at the end of December. Is it possible for them to find out when I earned the money in a calendar year? I understand that they will find out how much I will earn in 2010, but will they be able to tell that I earned that other $1750 during the school year. I could have easily earned it during the next pre study period. Any input?

Remember you report your income to OSAP as follows:

Prior to Pre-Study period:
Jan 2009- May 2009

Pre-Study Period
June 2009-Aug 2009

Total gross income for the year
(chunked together)
Jan 2009- May 2009
Jun 2009-Aug 2009
Sep 2009-Dec 2009

Income Received During Period of study
(chunked together)
Sep 2009- Dec 2009
Jan 2010 - May 2010

So what it pretty much boils down to is these sections of time (it helps to see it in these terms):
Jan 2009-May 2009
Jun 2009- Aug 2009
Sep 2009 -Dec 2009
Jan 2010- May 2010

Think forward, if the total amount that will result from all T4s received for the year 2009 come tax time is close (within $700-$1000) to sum of the amounts you've reported to OSAP for the Jan 2009- May 2009, Jun 2009- Aug 2009, and Sep 2009 - Dec 2009 sections than you'll likely not need to do any reporting for now. But it is to your benefit to fill up an Income Tax Return.

Anything you may earn Jan 2010-May 2010 is best reported in your renewal OSAP application next May 2010, rather than now...

You may notice that there is some discretion in how (in which time sections) sums are reported provided the total for the calendar year matches, as a result use the OSAP Estimator before starting your application next year to determine most optimal way of reporting sums.

[Bendilin]

Question about online banking, the RBC, and OSAP;

After signing the OSAP papers and waiting the 7-10 days, does anyone have an estimated time of day when the money will be deposited into your RBC banking account?

For whatever reason, I have 10 am in my mind, but I can't recall where I got such a time from.

[etal]

Remember you report your income to OSAP as follows:

Prior to Pre-Study period:
Jan 2009- May 2009

Pre-Study Period
June 2009-Aug 2009

Total gross income for the year
(chunked together)
Jan 2009- May 2009
Jun 2009-Aug 2009
Sep 2009-Dec 2009

Income Received During Period of study
(chunked together)
Sep 2009- Dec 2009
Jan 2010 - May 2010

So what it pretty much boils down to is these sections of time (it helps to see it in these terms):
Jan 2009-May 2009
Jun 2009- Aug 2009
Sep 2009 -Dec 2009
Jan 2010- May 2010

Think forward, if the total amount that will result from all T4s received for the year 2009 come tax time is close (within $700-$1000) to sum of the amounts you've reported to OSAP for the Jan 2009- May 2009, Jun 2009- Aug 2009, and Sep 2009 - Dec 2009 sections than you'll likely not need to do any reporting for now. But it is to your benefit to fill up an Income Tax Return.

Anything you may earn Jan 2010-May 2010 is best reported in your renewal OSAP application next May 2010, rather than now...

You may notice that there is some discretion in how (in which time sections) sums are reported provided the total for the calendar year matches, as a result use the OSAP Estimator before starting your application next year to determine most optimal way of reporting sums.


Thanks for the response! Would I be caught if I reported the income I made during January 2010 to May 2010 in the pre-study period instead. Let's say I make $3000 from January 2010 to May 2010 instead of telling the financial aid office could I add that $3000 to my pre-study income. If I make $5000 during that pre-study period I would claim $8000 instead. I'm thinking it wouldn't affect my osap entitlement as much. Do they ask for pay stubs? If they don't they wouldn't know when I made the money. They would just know what was earned in 2010.

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for the response! Would I be caught if I reported the income I made during January 2010 to May 2010 in the pre-study period instead. Let's say I make $3000 from January 2010 to May 2010 instead of telling the financial aid office could I add that $3000 to my pre-study income. If I make $5000 during that pre-study period I would claim $8000 instead. I'm thinking it wouldn't affect my osap entitlement as much. Do they ask for pay stubs? If they don't they wouldn't know when I made the money. They would just know what was earned in 2010.

its not up to you when to report what. they verify it all, no use playing games.
no point making so much either, rather get a higher interest free loan

[etal]

its not up to you when to report what. they verify it all, no use playing games.
no point making so much either, rather get a higher interest free loan

Out of curiousity's sake, how do they verify it?

[etal]

They have full access to all information that CRA has on you. So through CRA they can find out exactly when income was earned by cross referencing with employer contributions, etc. Just as an FYI, playing games can ultimately result in loosing any OSOG you may be entitled to among other consequences...

I understand that they cross reference with the CRA, but wouldn't they only find out how much I earned in the year? They wouldn't know in which months I earned that money.

[etal]

don't inform them anything until you've made it

also, earning the amount over 2k may not be worth doing

What do you mean don't report anything until you earn it? I just started this week and will probably be working about 10-15 hours/week. Should I tell the financial aid office that I am working now? Does it make a difference if you are an independent student regarding the amount of money you are allowed earning before it begins to affect osap entitlement?

[emoci]

What do you mean don't report anything until you earn it? I just started this week and will probably be working about 10-15 hours/week. Should I tell the financial aid office that I am working now? Does it make a difference if you are an independent student regarding the amount of money you are allowed earning before it begins to affect osap entitlement?

1. If the income you are making in the period Sep 2009-Dec 2009 combined with whatever you've made the rest of the year 2009 will not change the total yearly income you have reported to OSAP by much...then do not say anything to the FinAid office, simply file your Tax Return as neccessary...

2. Do not report anything about the Jan 2010- May 2010 income, until you have made that income (which means until the end of May 2010). At that point you'll be filling a new OSAP application anyways, and you can report that income there in any case (again no need to involve the FinAid office).

I agree with BBQ in that there is no point in playing games (eg. chunking everything in the pre-study period). That said the CRA and OSAP tend to check with each other strictly based on yearly income reported the previous year (so it is not as big brother-like as some suggest), but should OSAP decide to do an Audit/Review they may ask for PayStubs then ...

[MikeyPyro]

Didn't somebody here say it takes 7 to a max of 10 days after the first day of school to receive osap.

I hope I'm not alone in still waiting here.

/rant# 100

[BBQPorkBun]

What do you mean don't report anything until you earn it? I just started this week and will probably be working about 10-15 hours/week. Should I tell the financial aid office that I am working now? Does it make a difference if you are an independent student regarding the amount of money you are allowed earning before it begins to affect osap entitlement?

It means don't tell them you've earned income until you've earned it and its in your bank account. don't assume you will make X amount because you never know what will happen. its better to protect yourself and be conservative because its alot easier to give back money later if you need to, than to ask for more when you've found out you overestimated.

[BBQPorkBun]

1. If the income you are making in the period Sep 2009-Dec 2009 combined with whatever you've made the rest of the year 2009 will not change the total yearly income you have reported to OSAP by much...then do not say anything to the FinAid office, simply file your Tax Return as neccessary...

2. Do not report anything about the Jan 2010- May 2010 income, until you have made that income (which means until the end of May 2010). At that point you'll be filling a new OSAP application anyways, and you can report that income there in any case (again no need to involve the FinAid office).

I agree with BBQ in that there is no point in playing games (eg. chunking everything in the pre-study period). That said the CRA and OSAP tend to check with each other strictly based on yearly income reported the previous year (so it is not as big brother-like as some suggest), but should OSAP decide to do an Audit/Review they may ask for PayStubs then ...

don't report anything until you've made it, all estimates should be 0 for future periods even if you anticipate income.

they can go as deep as they deem necessary, don't assume they can't

[Professor Iris]

Didn't somebody here say it takes 7 to a max of 10 days after the first day of school to receive osap.

I hope I'm not alone in still waiting here.

/rant# 100

That's 7-10 days after the latter of signing your papers or your negotiable date.

[MikeyPyro]

That's 7-10 days after the latter of signing your papers or your negotiable date.

Negotiable date was September 9th....so should I be worried or checking something out!? I should note that my funds were recalculated at some point early in september, does that delay things? It still says funding released to date though...

edit: I just called and they said I should have received it a long time ago. You have to be ****ing kidding me with this BS. Now she told me to call the national studen loan people so that's what I'm about to do.

edit: LOL WTFWTF So I call and they say they had the sign date on my documents as september 28th even though I ****ing god damn went there at august 28th (obviously because I sure as **** didn't travel forward in time), and now shes like ok I sent a request to have it released should take another week max....

Infuriating how these mistakes are made, simply infuriating.

[sassymiss]

Question:

When applying for OSAP in June, I had estimated that the "Estimated total gross income for the year (Jan 01, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009)" would amount to $2250...but now I've made over $3500. Should I report this increase of $1250 when picking up my osap?

Thanks for your help!

[Therapy2009]

QUESTION


I got an email saying changes were made to my OSAP funding., apparently I got a bit more funds added to my loan.
When they make a change like that... do I need to go to the financial aids office and sign another release form?
or are the funds automatically released after 7-10 days ?



thankss

[emoci]

QUESTION


I got an email saying changes were made to my OSAP funding., apparently I got a bit more funds added to my loan.
When they make a change like that... do I need to go to the financial aids office and sign another release form?
or are the funds automatically released after 7-10 days ?



thankss


-Login to OSAP online.
-Check Status
-See under released funds (if you are not quite sure what you have already gotten, use the Funding Released to date link, since it shows dates of release as well)
-See if any new funding (beyond what you already got) is released.
-If yes you'll need to go to the FinAid office to pick it up.

Chances are though they will simply give you the extra funding with the second installment in January 2010.

[Therapy2009]

-Login to OSAP online.
-Check Status
-See under released funds (if you are not quite sure what you have already gooten, use the Funding Released to date link, since it shos dates of release as well)
-See if any new funding (beyond what you already got) is released.
-If yes you'll need to go to the FinAid office to pick it up.

Chances are though they will simply give you the extra funding with the second installment in January 2010.

I just checked it says it was 'released on sept. 15th' so I guess I need to pick it up, but my osap was deposited, will they give me a cheque or most likely deposit it?


thanks!

[emoci]

I just checked it says it was 'released on sept. 15th' so I guess I need to pick it up, but my osap was deposited, will they give me a cheque or most likely deposit it?


thanks!


If it is part of a loan you'll go through the same route you went before:

-Papers for you to sign and fill bank info
-Signed documents returned to appropriate place
-You wait for it to get deposited again

If the extra sum came as part of a grant it may be in cheque form

[JaneSmith]

Negotiable date was September 9th....so should I be worried or checking something out!? I should note that my funds were recalculated at some point early in september, does that delay things? It still says funding released to date though...

edit: I just called and they said I should have received it a long time ago. You have to be ****ing kidding me with this BS. Now she told me to call the national studen loan people so that's what I'm about to do.

edit: LOL WTFWTF So I call and they say they had the sign date on my documents as september 28th even though I ****ing god damn went there at august 28th (obviously because I sure as **** didn't travel forward in time), and now shes like ok I sent a request to have it released should take another week max....

Infuriating how these mistakes are made, simply infuriating.

Thanks for posting this...it reminded me that I should have received my OSAP weeks ago, so i called to make sure they had received my loan certificate, which i submitted on the 10th...and what do you know? it's "lost". what a pain!

[SaNTi iTNaS]

Thanks for posting this...it reminded me that I should have received my OSAP weeks ago, so i called to make sure they had received my loan certificate, which i submitted on the 10th...and what do you know? it's "lost". what a pain!

I have a feeling something's up with my application also. I guess I'll call them up tomorrow.

[tk11]

I know this might be a dumb question but can I still apply for OSAP for this current year?

[JaneSmith]

I have a feeling something's up with my application also. I guess I'll call them up tomorrow.

Probably a good idea. I've been dealing with OSAP for many years and this is the first time it hasn't gone smoothly for me, but after hearing so many horror stories from other people I'm not really surprised. Good luck with yours!

[SaNTi iTNaS]

Probably a good idea. I've been dealing with OSAP for many years and this is the first time it hasn't gone smoothly for me, but after hearing so many horror stories from other people I'm not really surprised. Good luck with yours!

I looked on the OSAP website, and it just tells me to contact my schools Financial Aid office if I need any help. I called and seeing as it's Saturday, They're not open. Is there another number I should call on Monday? should I just go through with my campus office?

Thanks for the help.

- SaNTi

[Nettles]

Does anyone know if you need to get your confirmation of enrolment form from your uni before or do you just do at when you fill out the yellow/blue forms?

[coldpower27]

What do you do if you drop down to Part time student status, but you have previous full time student loans and your not applying to OSAP this year?

I assume you need to make interest payments on the loan? How do I contact OSAP and inform them of my situation?

[JaneSmith]

Yes, go to your school's FinAid office on campus.

It depends what your problem is and what stage you're at in the OSAP process. In my case I was just waiting for my osap to appear in my bank account, so I dealt with the NSLSC directly, since there's nothing my financial aid office can do for me at this point. If you are in the same position, call the NSLSC.

[JaneSmith]

Yes and no. FinAid offices should always be the first contact made when one is in school. They have access to all info. It can be hit and miss though as some are frankly, dumbasses and seem to enjoy sending people on wild goose chases. The other issue can be for first timers they do not yet have an account number to actually deal with NSLSC, as was my one son's case. Not a single grant that he was eligible for showed on his summary. A nightmare to get straightened out with his FinAid office but finally accomplished. Ironically he signed and negotiated his original all loan papers on Sept 9th, reassessed last week to now have his grants, signed grant papers yesterday and recieved his NSLSC paperwork in the mail yesterday. Now I expect it will be another 3 or 4 weeks till we get his amended NSLSC paperwork.

Personally, I find that most people involved with OSAP, whether at the financial aid office of your school or at the NSLSC are dumbasses and will give you the run-around. Anyone's best course of action is to know what they're doing, read all the information, and keep track of everything. Don't be afraid to call the NSLSC and enquire, confirm, check the status of, etc..all your loan related documents. I've also gotten into the habit of asking them to put a note on my file when I am dealing with a specific concern, so that I don't have to constantly repeat myself when I end up calling back again because the info I got was wrong.

On an unrelated note, does anyone have OSAP loans with a financial institution? I want to know how I can go about getting receipts for my payments, as there is no way for me to track my balance and I don't really feel like continuously throwing money at them until they tell me I'm done.

[lilVC]

I just opened up a Tax Free Savings Account and am planning onto obviously save up until I graduate so I can pay for my OSAP. I was wondering would this affect how much OSAP funding I get just like RESP's etc?

[BryceS]

I made an extra $2300 this summer and OSAP only took $500 off my loan.

I was expecting them to dock it $2300 but they didn't!

[SongforaFriend]

I know this is going to be a dumb question, but...

I only applied for OSAP because I wanted the T&T grant. I've already gotten a letter from them telling me to submit it to the Financial building. Would it be a waste of time going through the procedure if all my tuition is already paid (I'm in the final year of my undergrad)?

[blazing_royale]

another dumb question, is there a deadline for OSAP application?

because everytime i go back to my dam financial student aid they ask something new from me such as proof for my daily expenses, providing letters of proof that person A is giving me this sum of money and other documents and its bothering me because i started my semester on the 9th and i'm not even done with my OSAP applications and its September 27 now.

[JaneSmith]

I got my T&T grant in the mail today...for anyone who is keeping tabs on timelines.

[P0rkchop]

How exactly do I apply for this T&T Grant? I am in my third year and have not received it any years. I read about a separate form to apply and I cannot find it anywhere. Do I have to go through the whole OSAP application or is there an easier way?

[Nettles]

I'll ask the same question again, on my checklist thing for OSAP, it states: need confirmation of enrolment and signature declaration papers. I've already mailed the signature declaration papers. Do I have to get the confirmation of enrolment thing and then mail it or is that just filled out when I sign the yellow/blue papers to recieve my OSAP?

[BBQPorkBun]

I just opened up a Tax Free Savings Account and am planning onto obviously save up until I graduate so I can pay for my OSAP. I was wondering would this affect how much OSAP funding I get just like RESP's etc?

its to your disadvantage to having any sort of savings or assets under your name while in university/college

[BBQPorkBun]

another dumb question, is there a deadline for OSAP application?

because everytime i go back to my dam financial student aid they ask something new from me such as proof for my daily expenses, providing letters of proof that person A is giving me this sum of money and other documents and its bothering me because i started my semester on the 9th and i'm not even done with my OSAP applications and its September 27 now.

theres no real deadline, keep chugging along. though you had so much time to apply prior to school starting. learn from this experience.

[lilVC]

its to your disadvantage to having any sort of savings or assets under your name while in university/college

So should I close my tax savings account and perhaps place it under my parent's name or something instead?

[JaneSmith]

Osap bank loans? anyone? anyone? I can't be the only one left with osap bank loans, can I??

[Professor Iris]

Osap bank loans? anyone? anyone? I can't be the only one left with osap bank loans, can I??

Perhaps try the old thread? This one was created specifically for the new osap loans/repayment programs.

[JaneSmith]

Perhaps try the old thread? This one was created specifically for the new osap loans/repayment programs.

But the old thread has nothing to do with bank loan osap either

[BBQPorkBun]

So should I close my tax savings account and perhaps place it under my parent's name or something instead?

you don't have to close it, just don't have it under your name

[caliente]

Does OSAP take into account your parent's assets? What if a family has a lot of asset, but only very little actual income?

[BBQPorkBun]

Does OSAP take into account your parent's assets? What if a family has a lot of asset, but only very little actual income?

only income, not assets for parents

[samm]

you don't have to close it, just don't have it under your name

I thought it has to do with the actual amount in those TFSA. Just say, if I have $200 in a TFSA, would it make a huge difference compared with having no TFSA under the name?

[umop]

I said I was going to have a full course load on my original application.
Now I'm only enrolled in 18 credits and will likely stay like that for the whole year.
I haven't picked up my documents yet.

When I go to pick them up, will they complete the necessary work to let OSAP know I'm at a reduced course load? Or do I have to fill out and submit the "change course load" form before picking up the documents? Or should I fill out the form and bring it with me when I go to pick up the documents?

[BBQPorkBun]

I thought it has to do with the actual amount in those TFSA. Just say, if I have $200 in a TFSA, would it make a huge difference compared with having no TFSA under the name?

no, but why have 200 when having 0 is better

[BBQPorkBun]

I said I was going to have a full course load on my original application.
Now I'm only enrolled in 18 credits and will likely stay like that for the whole year.
I haven't picked up my documents yet.

When I go to pick them up, will they complete the necessary work to let OSAP know I'm at a reduced course load? Or do I have to fill out and submit the "change course load" form before picking up the documents? Or should I fill out the form and bring it with me when I go to pick up the documents?

They would let them know, but its also your responsibility to do so. But in the interest of your cashflow, just go pick it up, tell them later. then they can adjust the second portion or ask you to give some back if thats the case, but at least you have money in your account while they sort it out

[samm]

no, but why have 200 when having 0 is better

Do not attack me if I get this wrong. But doesn't the TFSA accumulate $5000 of tax free annually? So starting early can be advantageous if you were to invest in the future. Sorry, my wording is off, but hopefully you get the idea.

[BBQPorkBun]

Do not attack me if I get this wrong. But doesn't the TFSA accumulate $5000 of tax free annually? So starting early can be advantageous if you were to invest in the future. Sorry, my wording is off, but hopefully you get the idea.

Attack!!!!!

Whether its tax free is not the issue.
Whether you start early or late in not the issue.
Its that assets in your name limits the amount of loans you can have.

[o1Jeff]

okay i have a question.
i didnt apply for osap this year but plan to for next year.
i dont really want the loans but i just want the grants
do i still get grants if im not qualified for loans?

[west]

Do not attack me if I get this wrong. But doesn't the TFSA accumulate $5000 of tax free annually? So starting early can be advantageous if you were to invest in the future. Sorry, my wording is off, but hopefully you get the idea.

You don't need to deposit money in order for it the $5000 of tax free money to accumulate. You just have to open the account.

[BBQPorkBun]

You don't need to deposit money in order for it the $5000 of tax free money to accumulate. You just have to open the account.

:confused:

[cyberspyder]

Just got my Textbook grant cheque of $150...big deal lol.

[SaNTi iTNaS]

I have STILL not received any of my loans or grants. I confirmed my OSAP on Sep. 8th first day of school. I spoke to my Financial Aid office last week and they told me it said it would likely be deposited Friday (last week) or Monday (Today)

Honestly, this is getting ridiculous.

Sorry for the rant guys. :( :cry:

[ramozk1]

^Join the club

I go to York U. Applied for OSAP on August 24. On August 26 I got passed the first stage of the process, and was notified that i need to submit my signature and declaration pages, my mothers sig/dec pages, probation letter ( although i think it's a mistake, but i wrote one anyway), and a proof of low income letter
( i'm 22, not a dependant student anymore and i made less then 6200 this past year). Anyway I got everything together and submitted it on August 28.

It's October 6 now.

My OSAP page is the same as it's been since August 26 i.e. Student needs to submit supporting documentation. Funding cannot be calculated until it's approved.

Does anyone know if this is normal? Has there been a breakdown somewhere between my school and OSAP? I submitted everything way on August 28! A few weeks I got a bit anxious and decided to re-drop everything off again on September 23. They lost stuff last year, so i didn't want that to happen again.

Once again, is this normal that my OSAP status has not been updated or my funds calculated yet?

Any kind of insight would be great. I've been going to a financial advisor every Fridays the last couple weeks. I get the same memo : " It takes 6-8 weeks, hang in there, be patient, etc etc"

[disguiseangel]

i was wondering what do i write for the letter for osap . If you can give some samples for osap letters for low income families

thank you

[OpportunityChaos]

only my LOANS gets decrease if i lower my course load right? my students grants will still remain the same? i'm planning on dropping from a 100% (5 courses) to 80% (4 courses) course load.

[studentmom]

I'm hoping someone here might have an answer for me. I'm thinking of dropping my course load down to 2.5 credits this semester which will put me into an overpayment from OSAP for this term. (I go back up to 3 credits in January so again full time for OSAP)

What can I expect in terms of repayment if I drop down to 2.5? Will I need to pay the already released OSAP funds back immediately or will they take it off my next disbursement in January? Can it be paid back in installments?


TIA

[ramozk1]

^Join the club

I go to York U. Applied for OSAP on August 24. On August 26 I got passed the first stage of the process, and was notified that i need to submit my signature and declaration pages, my mothers sig/dec pages, probation letter ( although i think it's a mistake, but i wrote one anyway), and a proof of low income letter
( i'm 22, not a dependant student anymore and i made less then 6200 this past year). Anyway I got everything together and submitted it on August 28.

It's October 6 now.

My OSAP page is the same as it's been since August 26 i.e. Student needs to submit supporting documentation. Funding cannot be calculated until it's approved.

Does anyone know if this is normal? Has there been a breakdown somewhere between my school and OSAP? I submitted everything way on August 28! A few weeks I got a bit anxious and decided to re-drop everything off again on September 23. They lost stuff last year, so i didn't want that to happen again.

Once again, is this normal that my OSAP status has not been updated or my funds calculated yet?

Any kind of insight would be great. I've been going to a financial advisor every Fridays the last couple weeks. I get the same memo : " It takes 6-8 weeks, hang in there, be patient, etc etc"

CKS'smom, or anybody for that matter, any advice you can give me for my situation as illustrated above^^

[ramozk1]

^ hey thanks for the reply.

I've been checking my OSAP status daily, and it's the same as it's been since August 26. I have a checklist, with a green link saying Student must provide supporting documents. i click on that link and it says submit signature and declaration pages for me and my mom, along with the probation letter.

I just feel like there's a breakdown somewhere between my school and OSAP. I submitted my documents on August 28. I know I shouldn't expect my funds to be at my school, and I dont mind waiting another month, i just want to know that OSAP received my documents. What do you think?

[ramozk1]

^ hey thanks for the reply again. I ended up going to my financial aid office last Friday and they gave me the same message " be patient". At York University we have a financial document tracker that says if they've RECEIVED documents that i've submitted on top of documents available for me. The documents received by York from me finally got updated with my consent and signature forms. I'm hoping that with the update today they scanned me into OSAP. It takes 24-48 hours for it to show up on OSAP as having been received, or taken off on the checklist for that matter?

[kbeaud79]

This is in follow up to an earlier submission regarding how to report scholarships on the OSAP application. After much effort and great difficulty my daughter just received yet another reply from her local Financial Aid officer as to why her OSAP entitlement has been revised. She had originally reported a $3000 renewable admission scholarship along with a $1500 merit based private scholarship on her application but did not include a $3500 QEII scholarship as she was under the impression from the OSAP guide that QEII amounts were not to be reported under any circumstance - as they are awarded by OSAP! The end result is that she now has received an overpayment of about $1200 from OSAP - according to their records and despite her understanding that QEII amounts are not to be reported! (neither under INCOME or under SCHOLARSHIPS)

Here's a portion of the response she just rec'd from her local Financial Aid Office:
Therefore to recap the above,
1) OSAP application: students must declared their total expected
scholarships other than Queen Elizabeth
2) The Ministry will add the Queen Elizabeth amount to your OSAP application
3) Confirmation of Enrolment, student must confirm all expected
scholarships and income including Queen Elizabeth
4) Financial Aid confirms the amount of Merit based scholarships to the Ministry.

So, the questions at this point are two-fold:
Does the QEII Scholarship get reported on the Confirmation of Enrolement as outlined above?
What happens to the overpayment (if in fact the updated OSAP amount is correct in that both the admission scholarship, private scholarship and QEII must be declared....does she have to pay it back immediately or how is this handled?

Thanks for whatever help anyone can provide on this! Maybe we've missed something but this just doesn't seem right the way it currently stands???:?: We can't seem to get a clear answer from Financial Aid and there doesn't appear to be anyone that one can call for clarification on this matter.
PLEASE HELP!!!

[sunnyd71]

I finish classes in Dec, graduate in June and start grad school in September. I was told by my financial aid office that I may still be able to stay on interest free status for the time between I finish classes and start grad school even though it is technically not allowed.

Have you heard of OSAP allowing this in the past?

Some other info, I still will be taking one class until May. I am taking the June - August break for medical treatment and I have a permanent disability. I can't start grad school until September because of June graduation.

[BBQPorkBun]

I finish classes in Dec, graduate in June and start grad school in September. I was told by my financial aid office that I may still be able to stay on interest free status for the time between I finish classes and start grad school even though it is technically not allowed.

Have you heard of OSAP allowing this in the past?

Some other info, I still will be taking one class until May. I am taking the June - August break for medical treatment and I have a permanent disability. I can't start grad school until September because of June graduation.

you won't be able to stay on interest free status, you're going to have to pay 8 months worth of interest. unless you take two more courses that would make you full time. so cost benefit analysis, pay the interest, or take 2 more courses. which one costs you less.

[sunnyd71]

you won't be able to stay on interest free status, you're going to have to pay 8 months worth of interest. unless you take two more courses that would make you full time. so cost benefit analysis, pay the interest, or take 2 more courses. which one costs you less.

That is a crappy choice but it looks like its my only one. I'm still in school so I don't want to pay back the loans until I am done. If I could start grad school within 6 months, I would but I have to wait until after June because of the university.

[kajan23]

My 6 months grace period is coming to an end in december. I will have to start paying back in Jan. I make about 31k annually but i only got the job in august. Does RAP ask for annual income for 2008 or will they ask for how much I make a month? Cus if it is anually i can jsut tel the mteh portion of 31k for the 5 months i've worked. Anyone have experience is RAP and is it true, that the government will pay interest and all your payments go towards the principal? And just FYI, i will be going back to school full time the comign summer. So I will onyl have to pay back for 4 months I believe? So I want to part way with as little as possible.

Thanks!

[eugeneo]

Hello, once again...

I was wondering if anyone has gotten the Textbook Technology Grant yet? I've been watching my mailbox and OSAP online for a while now, and it says "Institutional enrollment confirmed", and I should see it in the mail soon.

I really would like to use this money for expenses I have! :)

[mrdependent]

Hello, once again...

I was wondering if anyone has gotten the Textbook Technology Grant yet? I've been watching my mailbox and OSAP online for a while now, and it says "Institutional enrollment confirmed", and I should see it in the mail soon.

I really would like to use this money for expenses I have! :)

i havent got mine yet

[Gamez_girl]

What happens to OSAP if I go from FT to PT this semester and then back to FT next semester or if I drop out this semester?

[houng]

I received the Textbook grant last week in the mail

[ramozk1]

God my OSAP is taking a long time.

Recap:

Applied for OSAP August 24th

OSAP file updated on August 26 saying I need to submit supporting documentation in the form of signature pages for myself and my mother along with a probation letter.

All 3 documents were submitted August 28.

On September 23 I re-submitted all my documents AGAIN, including a proof of low income letter along with supporting documents because OSAP asked for it (not officially on the checklist, but in the section where i reported my mother's income where they asked for a brief note and notified me that i would need to submit supporting documents proving this. I assume this part would pop up on the checklist after they receive my mothers signature pages, so i submitted it ahead of time along)

October 16: York University updated their document tracker and said that they received my documents on August 28. Funny how it just got updated now.

October 19: OSAP file is FINALLY updated with signature pages for my mother and myself being taken off. Probation letter has YET to be received and approved yet though.


I'm assuming that York is reviewing the letter as we speak. If approved it get scanned into the system and the checklist item is taken off. Then I assume the calculation of funds begin. Thennnn i'm assuming my file is going to be put on HOLD again until they receive the proof of low income documents from my mother. Funny how this piece of supporting documentation pops up later and stalls the process.

I'm giving 1-2 weeks for my probation letter to get taken off.
2-3 weeks for them to receive my proof of low income documents and my funds to be calculated.

10 days to get to York.

1 week to get into my bank account.

Thats a target date of late November for me to receive my funds, and that's me being optimistic!. That's 12 weeks, not 6-8 weeks :(


Anybody agree with my estimates? :( I'm so bummed out right now. Its tough living alone with no income from my mother.

[Lovable]

When should I update the Financial office regarding my income that I've received from Sept-Dec (I marked it at ~200 when filing my income before receiving my money prior to the start of school), as now I am making around ~600 a month.

When I wrote ~200 from Sept-Dec they only deducted $25 if I remember correctly, any estimate on how much will be deducted with my updated income? Is it going to be -$1600?

[Gamez_girl]

If you drop to PT status or drop out the clock immediately starts ticking. That means interest starts accumulating the day either happen and payments will start in 6 months.

Do you get OSAP if you go PT with like 3 credits or something like that? What happens to QEII A4T then?

[Professor Iris]

Do you get OSAP if you go PT with like 3 credits or something like that? What happens to QEII A4T then?

Look at the OSAP definitions of a full-time and part time student, Full time postsecondary studies means 60 per cent or more of a full course load or at least 40 per cent if you have a permanent disability, so depending that isn't necessarily part time.

[umop]

I switched programs at the end of last year (May 2009) and York processed the request by the beginning of this school year.

But I just received my loan documents and they still list me under the old program. However, my profile on the OSAP website has me listed under my new program.

York - new program
OSAP website - new program
OSAP loan document - old program

Should I be worried about this? Should I just submit my loan documents since both York and OSAP already know of my new program, and it was probably an administrative error on the loan document?

[umop]

One more thing:

This year on the loan document, they say to attach a void cheque along with filling out your banking info. But last year they didn't want a void cheque.

The problem is that I don't have a void cheque. I think it's because I don't have a chequing account or something like that. So what do I do?

[BedroomAlchemist]

For those at York,

Regarding the void cheque that student center asks for, do you guys know if Osap will directly send the money to your bank account?

Also does anyone know how the Technology Bursary works? I'm registered with a disability and apparently can get an Bursary for buying a new computer or laptop? Anyone have any experiences regarding this?

[asianada]

I am currently going through the process of applying for OSAP.

My start date is May /2010 My tuition is due March 31st

It asks for my income for 2008. It was a lot higher than my 2009 income

Should I wait till tax time to input my lower income from 2009? Does it make a difference?

[~*Tiffany*~]

Could someone help please,

My boyfriend started school (everest) July 31, but since it was only a week before classes started when he went to meet with them and enroll etc. they said to just do the OSAP and they'd get paid when it came in. We FINALLY got all the papers OSAP needed, and the school told us it would be another week for them to recieve it in the mail, which ended up being 2 weeks, Everest took their money out, but told him, his cut would either need to be deposited into his bank acct. or send through Canada post. But then he had to give his bank information to Canada post for them to send it somewhere to get it deposited (or something along those lines, my boyfriend isn't the best at explaining things sometimes)
Its been 4 business days, and they said it would take 2-3. I'm not sure how accurate that is, but theres nothing yet. Anyone know when we can expect it in?
Thanks in advance!

[Professor Iris]

I am currently going through the process of applying for OSAP.

My start date is May /2010 My tuition is due March 31st

It asks for my income for 2008. It was a lot higher than my 2009 income

Should I wait till tax time to input my lower income from 2009? Does it make a difference?

Is the 2010/2011 application even up yet?

[miaaa]

On October 23, I went to go pick up my OSAP loans. But because of a recent change in my course load I went from 100-80%. So I had to send it back to get it reassessed. The lady said that I can expect a letter with instructions in a week or so.

But my question is, how long is my expected waiting period before I finally receive my loans? Seeing as how the end of the semester is a little over a month. Do you think I will have received it by mid-November say before the 20th?

Not to mention I haven't even received my Textbook grant. Am I suppose to receive only after my loans have been deposited it into my bank? Or maybe I will get one in Jan?

Any help would be great, I am so clueless and I hate this feeling. Thanks!

[~*Tiffany*~]

Thanks!
He said he asked Everest, and they haven't even recieved their payment either. We were both sure they said they did, but either way.

Do they usually get their 60% the same time he gets his cut? I'm so oblivious when it comes to this sort of thing!

[kbeaud79]

Has anyone heard that QEII scholarships had to be reported on the Confirmation of Enrollment and the OSAP application because of all the problems with OSAP and QEII funding this year?? We were recently told this after investigating a reduction in the amount of OSAP awarded....supposedly OSAP messed up big time with the transfer of QEII information to the Universities and for this year only required that the QEII scholarships be reported - which they normally wouldn't?? Seems kinda funny to me but that's what we've been told by the local Financial Aid Offices??? Any thoughts??:?::?::?::confused:

[Gofishus]

When your OSAP goes to the 'repayment' period, as in after the grace period expires, what happens then? Do you have to repay all of it at once or is there just a minimum amount you have to pay every month?

[Setz]

Let's say I wish to change universities. When I reapply for OSAP for next year, do I just renew my current application, or I need to start from scratch again?

[Professor Iris]

Interest starts accumulating the day you finish school but repayment is not required for 6 months. You will then be required to make monthly payments. You can use the repayment calculator on the www.canlearn.ca website .

I'll just add that you are responsible for negotiating your loan repayment before the six months is up. So before then you have to contact the NSLSC to figure out what your payments will be.

[~*Tiffany*~]

Sorry, one more question.
There was a deposit of $987 today, I was sure it was from OSAP, but I called my bank, just to make sure. He said it was, and asked if I'd been expecting it. I told him we were expecting more than that ($4000 ish) he said it comes in 2 lump sums... but now that I'm fully awake, I'm wondering if he meant like 2 lump sums, from OSAP themselves, like his current deposit, and then his deposit in Dec. or, just 2 lump sums per deposit, if that makes sense. Anyone know?

[rage2021]

Does OSAP reduce the amount owed if you get married and both you and your spouse have loans?

Thanks

[~*Tiffany*~]

Depending on what he qualified for in the way of grants it will be a couple of deposits. Look at his OSAP summary on the website for amounts and dates of release. Grants will be deposited seperately from the Canada/Ontario integrated student loan. The actual deposit info will say which one it is...


Thanks!

[aerolim]

Hi,

If I drop a course, would it affect my OSAP at all?. I am taking 5 courses this term and planning to drop one course. I would still be a full time student.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,

If I drop a course, would it affect my OSAP at all?. I am taking 5 courses this term and planning to drop one course. I would still be a full time student.

its possible, they have to go through their formula and come up with an amount as if you applied under 90% course load. the difference is your loan reduction

[alv077]

Does OSAP take into account...
1. Increased program costs for deregulated programs? (eg 7k)
2. The fact that co-op earnings need to last 2 terms?

[sunnyd71]

So here's my situation. I'm starting a Masters program next September.

The bullet points:

3 semesters per year and about 7500 in tuition costs
Will live at home, been out of high school for over 4 years, have a permanent disability
Have about $3000 in income for the year and $10 000 in grants/funding


I'd like to know what I'd be eligible for next year. In particular to be eligible for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities, I'd need to be eligible for OSAP. However, I am assuming I would not receive loans but the estimator does show I'd still receive the Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities.

If I get this grant, does that mean I am eligible for the BSWD for my equipment costs? or must I receive a loan to be eligible?

[Nettles]

One more thing:

This year on the loan document, they say to attach a void cheque along with filling out your banking info. But last year they didn't want a void cheque.

Same question, I'm assuming you don't need a void cheque and they just do a direct deposit if you put your bank transit number and branch number etc. That's what I did last year, didn't need a void cheque but I'm wondering if that's changed since it says "bring a void cheque so that the funds can be deposited directly to your bank account" on the "cashing your OSAP loan" paper which lists all the Canadian Post Outlets for OSAP.

[asianada]

Question:

If I go to school for 8 months (vocational training) starting in May/10 and spouse starts in Sept/10 for a 4 year bachelors... Do I start repaying after I graduate or start repaying after spouse graduates?

[Gamez_girl]

If I drop down to 60% course load for one semester due to health reasons do I need t oreport that to OSAP. The fin. aid conseillor does not think so. What would be the affect? But because of going PT I wouldn't qulalify for UTAPs anymore.

if I have a RESP do I have to rithdraw from it at all. What if my sibling is added to that RESP. Could I leave everything there for hi or am I suppose touse it?

When is the student income suppose to be verificed? It still said TBD for the past years.

Do students get funding if they live outside of home?

[sunnyd71]

If you drop down to 60% course load it will be automatically reported to OSAP and will trigger a reassessment. It can put you in a position where you must start repayment.

If you have a RESP you are expected to use it at some point.

Student income will be verified in the spring after you file your income taxes and fully verified the following year. It takes 2 years of income tax returns to verify income for OSAP purposes due to the way the school year falls over 2 years.

Students only qualify for living expenses away from home if their school is more than 40km away from the family home. OSAP is need based, not want based. Just because you may want to live in rez "for the experience" does not mean that OSAP will pay for it. ;)

If you live over 40km away and live at home as an independent student (4 yrs after high school) do you qualify for living expenses being covered? I planned to drive but I need to explore all options.

[Dominiic]

Hey everyone,
I'm 27, haven't been in school for 8years(working), and I've enrolled for this Jan to start university night courses. I plan to transfer them the following sept. I have a learning disability, and do have forms from the past to provide osap. I've looked into the study grant, they offer many great service; one being computer/hardware/software/specialized needs accessories. I wanted to know if anyone has any knowledge on how to request for that program.

With over 15K in debt and living on my own, I would need great help starting up; and a laptop for school is something you must have. But with my huge debt it's hard enough to pay for a laptop.

Looking forward for any supportive answers.
Thank You!

[sunnyd71]

Hey everyone,
I'm 27, haven't been in school for 8years(working), and I've enrolled for this Jan to start university night courses. I plan to transfer them the following sept. I have a learning disability, and do have forms from the past to provide osap. I've looked into the study grant, they offer many great service; one being computer/hardware/software/specialized needs accessories. I wanted to know if anyone has any knowledge on how to request for that program.

With over 15K in debt and living on my own, I would need great help starting up; and a laptop for school is something you must have. But with my huge debt it's hard enough to pay for a laptop.

Looking forward for any supportive answers.
Thank You!

Hi Dominiic,

I actually have a lot of information about since I've gone through it with my visual disability. Unfortunately, I don't have much time until the weekend for posting but will do my best if you have specific questions.

First, you must provide your institutions Disability Services office the details about your condition, proof and have an assessment done with them. This is all very casual and shouldn't worry you. They usually assign you a specific person to speak to and guide you along your path. This office also works with OSAP to secure the funding for your equipment needs. As long as you and they believe it will be helpful, they'll ask you to find 3 estimates for the cost and then purchase. There will be a couple forms to sign and then they give you the cheque.

To be eligible you must have a disability and qualify for OSAP. If the disability is not permanent, there are different yearly limits. If it is, they will provide up to $10 000 for equipment and other support as well as a $2000 grant each year to help you. This can be done retroactively for past years as long as you were on at least a 40% course load.

[Dominiic]

Hi Dominiic,

I actually have a lot of information about since I've gone through it with my visual disability. Unfortunately, I don't have much time until the weekend for posting but will do my best if you have specific questions.

First, you must provide your institutions Disability Services office the details about your condition, proof and have an assessment done with them. This is all very casual and shouldn't worry you. They usually assign you a specific person to speak to and guide you along your path. This office also works with OSAP to secure the funding for your equipment needs. As long as you and they believe it will be helpful, they'll ask you to find 3 estimates for the cost and then purchase. There will be a couple forms to sign and then they give you the cheque.

To be eligible you must have a disability and qualify for OSAP. If the disability is not permanent, there are different yearly limits. If it is, they will provide up to $10 000 for equipment and other support as well as a $2000 grant each year to help you. This can be done retroactively for past years as long as you were on at least a 40% course load.

Sunny, Thank you for your fast reply and support. That's great information, and it's a program that would aid me through my university life. I would be taking a 40% course load to test my ability to keep up with the courses. I've set up an appointment with a LD councilor, it's in two weeks. I want to be ready for the appointment and any question that may be asked. If you do have any time later on in the week, can you please email me.

Thank you again for your understanding support!

[trustomega]

greeting everyone,

does anyone know how much is the maximum full time student OSAP at U of T this year?

thanks!

[Setz]

Let's say I buy a motorcycle valuing $3,000. Will I lose OSAP funding for next year because I have 3,000$ in assets? I live 20km from uni and use it for transportation.

I've read stories of OSAP refusing funds to people with vehicles with a reason that they should sell the vehicle for funds.

[HammerRFDer]

This is from the point-of-view a recent grad.

I'm guessing the answer is no, but I'll ask anyway:
Is it possible to pay upfront only the federal portion of the student loan and pay back the Ontario portion over the X month amortization?

The reason I ask is that the lower tax rate + tax deductibility can make the Ontario portion a lower cost than a line of credit. Plus it gives you the flexibility of further interest-free periods if one goes back to school.

In a high-interest rate environment, this would be a no-brainer: Delay paying off the student loan as long as possible, unless one is planning on going bankrupt
In a proper prime-rate environment (ie: following the Bank of Canada, none of this Canadian-bank herd following non-sense), this would be a no-brainer: Pay off as soon as possible (unless one is intending on going to school again full-time).
But right now we're at an in-between, where it's economical to maintain the Ontario portion (barely, but I like to keep my options open!), and uneconomical to maintain the federal portion.

Secondly, why the heck does the "Summary of Repayment Details" state that the effective interest rate is 4.75% when right below it says that the floating interest rate on the Ontario portion is prime + 1% (=3.25%). Does this mean that the amortization period is really fewer number of months than it calculates?

[Dominiic]

What exactly do you need to know? What are your LD's or other issues? I too have one kid in school right now who gets both the permanent disability grant (for LD's) and picks up a cheque tomorrow for a new netbook. What it will come down to is they will ask you what you needd to succeed in school. Be prepared and tell them everything you need. In our son's case he has one professor that speaks very quickly over a powerpoint and our son can't keep up on notes. He went into his worker's office and said he needs an fm system for this class because of his CAPD. Worker suggested a netbook with specific software for speech to text that hooks into his fm system. Paperwork was done for netbook last week and he picks up the cheque tomorrow. He buys it, takes it in for them to install software and that's it.

Hi CSK's Mom,
My LD is mainly in spelling and arithmetic, I also have doubt's in keeping up with the reading materials/lectures. Keeping in mind, I haven't been in school for such a long time. Many concerns can be because of my anxiousness, but I am aware of my personal weak learning ability.

I don't know if I would qualify for the grant. But I know there are softwares out there, that are targeted for some of the area's that I would need assistance with.

Based on your recent exposure with the Canada Study Grant program, do you believe I would be supported with the software's/hardware's needed to maximize my success in university?

Thank you for your support!

[Dominiic]

Absolutely! The one big thing to remember is that you have to be vocal and advocate for yourself. As Sunny said, you'll be assigned a worker. Make sure that worker sets up ongoing appt's with you for the whole term and keep those appt's. If you are struggling with something let them know immediately so they can help. You'll get the standard stuff like being able to do tests in the test center (quiet secluded room), accomodations like no deductions of marks for spelling and a notetaker (fellow approved student in your class but you have to find one). Math is a little trickier in our experience as our son has a specific math ld. In a nutshell, he doesn't remember formulas at all. He failed his math class last year(twice!) and will be repeating it next term. This time around we're pushing for a math formula sheet provided during tests. Unfortunately his math class for his program is heavy on formulas and conversions but hopefully we'll figure out how to get this required class passed so he graduates this year. :|

Thank you.... I recently learned more information about my LD... I'm spending time learning about the different LD's, so I can work on my specific area's of improvement.
I will take your advise on being vocal with my worker, and have as much information ready for him. Would you know the programs that your son is using computer? I'm searching for what computer programs are available in the marketing to support me, and improve some of my drawbacks.

As a person who is just learning about LD's, I would like to get professional guidance; like a therapist. I believe that would uncover some areas which I am not aware of, about myself. Also bring attention to my greater strengths, which I can use towards my weaker areas. Would you know if this is an option I have through school?

I am very happy to hear, even with some trips and fall; your son has made it to the final year of University:D. That is a goal, which only I can start ...

Thank You again for your time, and advise.

[sunnyd71]

Thank you.... I recently learned more information about my LD... I'm spending time learning about the different LD's, so I can work on my specific area's of improvement.
I will take your advise on being vocal with my worker, and have as much information ready for him. Would you know the programs that your son is using computer? I'm searching for what computer programs are available in the marketing to support me, and improve some of my drawbacks.

As a person who is just learning about LD's, I would like to get professional guidance; like a therapist. I believe that would uncover some areas which I am not aware of, about myself. Also bring attention to my greater strengths, which I can use towards my weaker areas. Would you know if this is an option I have through school?

I am very happy to hear, even with some trips and fall; your son has made it to the final year of University:D. That is a goal, which only I can start ...

Thank You again for your time, and advise.

As for seeing a therapist the school will have 3 opportunities available

1. Speak to your LD Worker, they can be quite good
2. Speak to someone in Counseling services which is often associated with Disability Services
3. The student health plan you will be a part of usually covers professional therapists or psychologists.

Note, for the student health plan, usually it only covers students on a 60%+ course load. For you, you would need to specifically opt-in and they will add the insurance premium to your bill. The Disability office can help you with that too.

There are a lot of good programs out there. They are expensive but the grant will cover the expense. Speaking to someone specifically about what you will use it for will help them identify which one is best for you.

[al3x89]

I applied for OSAP to get the textbook grant... but I still didn't get it.

Is it because I didn't take out my OSAP? I don't need the money (and probably won't need it), but I did want that $150 for the stupid textbooks I have to buy...

[asianada]

how accurate is the CanLearns OSAP estimated calculations? I couldnt use the one on OSAP as it does not calculate my vocational school.

[km190103]

has any been reassessed recently for osap or is it just me?

[EAMAY]

How much money can I earn over the term without it affecting my osap amount? I have heard of figures of 1000 dollars per semester/term is that correct?
Also if you do make over said amount how much does osap lower your loan by. Is it a one to one ratio? For example if all we are allowed to make is 1000 dollars per semester without it affecting our osap amount, and we make 2000 dollars in the semester will our osap be decreased by 1000 dollars?

[dmak]

I am in an interesting predicament, my old beater of a car was costing a significant amount to keep running and the fuel efficiency wasnt the greatest so we sold it while we still could and leased a yaris. The interesting thing about all this is running the yaris (despite lease payments) cost less than our old sunfire did over a 1 year period. Now this year when I applied for a loan from osap they gave me 1000 for the year total. so I appealed and they denied me again. They tell me its because we own a car (that in fact cost us less and is a lease, we own nothing atm) and that my wife makes to much money ($24 000 before taxes per year). Any suggestions? Am I fighting a losing battle? Considering there is no 1 800 number for out of province students calling them repeatedly is going to cost me a fortune when the time estimate for service is so far off, and they never return my calls when I leave a message.

[dmak]

You're caught with a double whammy. Yes, the car is a problem. OSAP fiures if you can afford a car that is wort over $5k you can afford to pay for yor own schooling. It's an asset afterall. ;) For OSAP purposes a car is not considered essential to your education, but rather a true luxury. And I hate to tell you, but even though you're leasing the car, it's still yours and considered an asset. As long as your name is on the ownership it's your asset. ;)

The other part of the double whammy you're caught in is that you are married. OSAP expects spouses to contribute upwards of 80% of your educational expenses. The percentage of contribution was supposed to be ever so slightly lowered this year but the spousal expection is still there and always will be unfortunately.

I hate to say it, but as long as you're married and have the lease for the yaris, it's a loosing battle IMHO...

kinda figured as much, but thanks all the same. Does it matter that she is the one who uses the car for work? and seriously, our apartment rent is 800 a month, we chose this place so that I would have easy access to the campus and she could then take the car to work. I also cant work (architecture thesis project) i have no time. I am in a 51 week school year as well, not the traditional 27, surviving this is going to be difficult without a loan.

[dmak]

well it turns out I have a few options. osap says I can submit a assessment of the car for 10 000 instead of 5 000 if I can prove (get a letter from my wife's boss) that its for work use. And I just dug up a bunch of official looking letters from important people around my faculty and financial aid office that values my total estimated expenditure including tuition at 10 000 per a year. That is 5 000 more than the tuition value that osap likely sees and is estimating my loan off of. I also got a letter from my dean that he issued to the entire faculty that states that "school is full time, you have no time for a job" that is signed by him. I hope this gets me some where.

Seriously, it feels like they are telling me to get a divorce and make sure your spouse takes you for the car.... heartless

[umop]

I might start working, but very seldomly (maybe one or two days a month, or less). I still have to report this, right? And when would I report it?

[dmak]

It may be worth a shot dmak. Just keep trying and see what happens. At this point you have nothing to loose right? ;) Please let us know how it all turns out as it may help someone else down the road. I have a feeling this thread is going to be slammed with others in a similar situation to yours with the mess that Second Careers is now in...

will do, wish me luck ;)

[Jon Lai]

Just applied for Year 2 OSAP for my January-April term (on coop this term) and got a $0 estimate.

It sucks, but I'm more concerned about QEII. I got it renewed this year for $3500. If I get $0 estimate this year, will it affect me renewing it for Year 3?

[sunnyd71]

If I take a course from October - May, does this count in my course load for Fall (Sept-Dec) or Winter (Jan - May)?

[ericz0r]

Hey RFD, just extremely curious if I'll still be eligible to be interest free. I know you need to be taking a 60 percent course load etc, but right now I'm at 40, but was at 60.. Sadly dropped a course after the mid-term with no refund obviously.

So if I go attempt to get my 'confirmation of enrollment' form signed, will my financial aid/student services office still sign that I WAS full time for the current period of study?

Hope to read good news - won't be able to sleep at night thinking I need to pay OSAP this year already..

Thanks RFD, always such a great help!

-Eric

[Eminson]

Part of my OSAP is gonna release in Jan, will they automatically deposit the funds into my bank account? Or I gotta go pick up my osap papers(like what we did in Sept)?

Btw, osap recalculated my fundings in Nov...why did they do that?
And the "date to be release" is now 00-0000...

[sunnyd71]

If I take a course from October - May, does this count in my course load for Fall (Sept-Dec) or Winter (Jan - May)?

Any answer?

[Eminson]

You will go through the whole process of picking up and negotiating your loan papers the same as in Sept. All the release date means is the date when the loan papers are printed and forwarded to your school. The Negotiable date is the only date that really matters and this is the date that the papers become active and can be negotiated...

But do you know why they recalculated my load??? Like did they recalculate yours too?

[Eminson]

It could have been several things that triggered it. If you underestimated your summer income and corrected it in Sept, received bursary, etc from your school, dropping classes, etc. Something changed from your original application that triggered the reassessment....

I don't have any summer income/bursary/dropping classes...I didn't change anything since I submitted my application in June...
And they recalculated my loan...the loan amount is actually higher than before...its like they are forcing me to borrow more $, but I actually don't need that much!

It said "Your file has been updated with additional information and your OSAP funding has been recalculated."
What additional information? I didn't give them any additional information!

[Eminson]

Do you have grants showing in your summary that you previously didn't by chance?

Nope...no change in grants.
Loan....from ~$5800 to ~$6900.


That means you will have a cushion for future years if your funding decreases (and it will).

It will decrease in the 2nd,3rd,4th year? Why?

[ramozk1]

Stressed with my OSAP situation as usual.

Recap:

Mistakenly dropped 1 course this fall and put it in my winter term. No change in number of courses just the distribution of courses for the year. When i applied for OSAP and when it processed i was at 70% for the year, 60% for the fall and 60% for the winter. Now i'm at 40% for fall. 80% for winter.

I'm low income and living on my own. Mothers widowed with an income of 6200.

OSAP denied me funding for fall and says my file has to be reassessed and will be distributed for the winter term. Well that was a 1 month ago.

My OSAP is still saying application processed. 6 thousand for winter and a 1000 dollar bursary. 4000 thousand for winter and a 1000 thousand dollar bursary. Thats 12 thousand in total and what I was suppose to be eligible for. The 6 thousand disembursed this semester was denied and sent back to OSAP to get reassessed.

How long is the reassessment going to take it's December 6 already and i have no idea what their doing over there. Also, how much am I eligible to receive for 1 term.

I have 4 thousand dollars of tuition to pay, i'm barely making it on rent through paycheck to paycheck work. This has been going on ALL semester and interfering with my ability to study. Hypothetically speaking lets say I only get half as much this year at 6000. How does OSAP expect me to pay a full-time course load for the year, and rent?

My financial situation is just a mess and i'm losing literally thousands for the mere fact that I transferred ONE class from fall to winter. Gotta love Canada and the piss poor amount of funds available, and the geniuses who come up with the terms for what they consider a full-time student is. I know people with parents who make 50k a year who will be getting more funding then me this year. How is that justified.. Meanwhile through in the fact that I haven't received OSAP for 6 months, so i'm in repayment January 1st and have to make a $400 payment, not counting the interest the cumliated. Where the hell do they expect me to come up with all this money.

[CSK'sMom]

I'm done with this thread. I haven't spend hrs helping out everyone in this thread to be treated like I am in this forum. Too bad for those that need the help but talk to all the idiots in the other thread. They are all geniuses so I suggust you all ask them to answer your questions from now on.... Thread is now purged of every one of my posts beyond this date. Have fun searching it. I think I'll add a list of those who can pm'ed to answer OSAP questions as they are freakin' genius' don't ya know...

[Dominiic]

Dominiic I don't know yet what software programs our son will be using. He just bought his laptop for school on Thursday. One thing I will say is if you end up with a bursary for hardware like this talk to your worker specifically about specs and also the school's IT dept. All we were told is that preferably his machine should run Windows7 and that he needed MSOffice. No problem with the Win7 but not much seems to come with MSOffice these days. Lucky for him though we have a good friend who's in the IT field that installed a legit copy of MSOffice on the machine for him yesterday and configured it for him. He'll take it into the IT guy at school on Monday to have it set it for him. I would imagine that the school's IT guys will put something like Dragon's Naturally Speaking on the laptop or some variation of it as they said they can have it pick up everything on the teacher's end of the FM system. From that point it's supposed to convert that speech into text.

As for therapists, I'll add to sunny's post. You can also ask for and the school will pay for a fully psycho-educational assessment. Essentially a series of testings that look at things like overall IQ and all individual areas dealing with things like language, numeracy, working memory, etc. It gives an overall idea of where you stand and weaknesses and strengths in each area. It's well worth having done IMHO...

UPDATE: This past Thursday, I had a meeting booked for 1pm to see a PD Counselor to start my process. At 9:30am I get a call from the Office manager, stating that the meeting should have not been booked for this day. And would need to be re-booked for the second week of Jan/2010. I was shock, but I also informed the manager that I've enrolled and paid in full for the classes, as I was informed to. She then told me that I can attend the classes but would not be able to have the support of the centre until my LD assessment is complete (which will take weeks).

Being Peeved, I questioned the root of the problem (Communication Structure); not the person who booked my meeting.

I'm Worried about a few things:
- Starting in Sept not Winter, as I can't see a benefit of being out any longer.
- Having future problems with OSAP/Grants, because I had to drop out of classes (As I can't afford it without support).
- And any other issues that may arise.

So I went to the OSAP office and informed them of the issue, handed in the past assessment's (When I was under the age of 18).

The person at OSAP did say they may be able to accept these until I have my meeting. But I wanted to know, how long does the assessments take for an Adult? And would I be able to make a transition from solo learning to supportive learning within the term?
Also in regards to finical support, would I be able to request retro support. I still would need to pay to survive in and out of school.

Again thank you for guiding my towards my future.

[Dominiic]

I'm done with this thread. I haven't spend hrs helping out everyone in this thread to be treated like I am in this forum. Too bad for those that need the help but talk to all the idiots in the other thread. They are all geniuses so I suggust you all ask them to answer your questions from now on....

CSK's Mom, I want to thank you for supporting others just like me. Your time and guidance have been very valuable, and supportive. I hope you still drop in from time to time, as I would like to know the outcome of your kids successful self-journey. God Speed, and Thank You again!!

[sunnyd71]

I'm done with this thread. I haven't spend hrs helping out everyone in this thread to be treated like I am in this forum. Too bad for those that need the help but talk to all the idiots in the other thread. They are all geniuses so I suggust you all ask them to answer your questions from now on....

I hope you reconsider CSK'sMom. They went overboard in the other thread but a few points were valid. The way things read, probably wasn't how you expected the words to come out when you wrote them.

For Dominic, a learning disability assessment could take a while and unfortunately, I can't help with that. For me it was physical and they had me all registered after my first meeting and bringing in a lot of documentation that I already had from doctors. These weren't specifically for the school and mostly were correspondence from one specialist to another.

[CSK'sMom]

Oh well sunny, I don't give a crap anymore. Really tired of taking the highroad and continually being crapped on. There is no way in hell any of the idiots that frequent these forums are ever going to benefit from the knowledge I have after their complete and utter lack of any kind of respect or even common decency... The real kicker that lead to my deleting all my posts in this thread was that several of those geniuses were coddled through and all of their SAP questions were answered. :mad:

Now here is your list of people to pm folks for all those OSAP questions...
pupazzo, UWO_Engineer, HBP, Jay_Hove, Elton5354, Troodan, Air_Carnivore, D-Sisive, Overboard, resa, wonderking, havoks, AznSilvrboy, Rishi and Usuyami. Make sure you bug them till they answer your questions folks...

[Lovable]

Unfortunately, I can't defend your actions. Yes they said wrong things but you didn't need to stoop to their level by doing this. You are punishing the masses for the faults of a few. This was a childish response on your part to their childish posts. I'm disappointed in both sides.

+1

---

Thanks for all the help you did give us CSK'sMom, we'll see you around (or not).

[koleso]

I have a question
I got into college in 2003 and took OSAP for 3 years of my studies. I worked for 1 year after wards(paid some of my OSAP out) and decided to go to University part time. From 2007 up until this summer this year i was in interest relief status as i was taking 3-4 courses each semester. Up until summer 2009 i had part time job and my income was 95% towards my tuition. I was unable to work during this summer and course offerings were very limited. I had 3 course, 1 out of which was compressed course. I did not qualify for interest relief and OSAP started bombarding me with letters/calls right after i missed my payment. I am 4 month behind in my payments (spring-summer semester) and this is my last semester. Do i have any options after i graduate? They keep calling me and keep on telling them that i have no means of income at the moment. This really sucks as this is now in my credit record and i got refused when i wanted to open a bank account in of the local branches.

[Setz]

You guys are dicks. "It must be that time of the month", "attention ho", "post deletion = bitter"? Are you all 12 years old? Thanks CSK'sMom for all the help you've given (especially to me), and I'm sorry you won't be in this thread anymore.

Rishi, I'm disappointed. You're a pretty cool guy in OT (from what I've read), and your sarcasm has no place in this thread.

[Professor Iris]

I have a question
I got into college in 2003 and took OSAP for 3 years of my studies. I worked for 1 year after wards(paid some of my OSAP out) and decided to go to University part time. From 2007 up until this summer this year i was in interest relief status as i was taking 3-4 courses each semester. Up until summer 2009 i had part time job and my income was 95% towards my tuition. I was unable to work during this summer and course offerings were very limited. I had 3 course, 1 out of which was compressed course. I did not qualify for interest relief and OSAP started bombarding me with letters/calls right after i missed my payment. I am 4 month behind in my payments (spring-summer semester) and this is my last semester. Do i have any options after i graduate? They keep calling me and keep on telling them that i have no means of income at the moment. This really sucks as this is now in my credit record and i got refused when i wanted to open a bank account in of the local branches.

At this point there probably aren't any good options. I would have said that you need to apply for interest relief/repayment assistance plan but those are dependent upon you being in good standing in regards to your loans. It wouldn't hurt to try but it is possible that you are no longer eligible for these programs.

[Jon Lai]

Just applied for Year 2 OSAP for my January-April term (on coop this term) and got a $0 estimate.

It sucks, but I'm more concerned about QEII. I got it renewed this year for $3500. If I get $0 estimate this year, will it affect me renewing it for Year 3?

^^ Anyone?

[Mystic_Champion]

^^ Anyone?
No your QEII scholarship is unaffected. I had $0 from OSAP this year because of co-op, but my QEII has been renewed for the upcoming year (2010) and I got an additional OSAP loan of 7.5k.

[Jon Lai]

No your QEII scholarship is unaffected. I had $0 from OSAP this year because of co-op, but my QEII has been renewed for the upcoming year (2010) and I got an additional OSAP loan of 7.5k.

Thanks for the assurance!

But huh? You got $0 OSAP but got a $7.5K OSAP loan? :confused:

[Mystic_Champion]

Thanks for the assurance!

But huh? You got $0 OSAP but got a $7.5K OSAP loan? :confused:Oh sorry for the confusion, here's the breakdown for clarification:

OSAP Loan Received
Year 1 (Sep 2006-Apr 2007): ~9k
Summer Job (May 2007-Aug 2007)
Year 2 (Sep 2007-Apr 2008): ~3k
Co-Op (May 2008-Aug 2008)
Year 3A (Sep 2008-Dec 2008): 0k
Co-Op (Jan 2009-Apr 2009)
Year 3B (May 2009-Aug 2009): 0K
Co-Op (Sep 2009-Dec 2009)
Year 4 (Jan 2010-Aug 2010): ~7.5K

[akky]

Can you apply for OSAP if you want to attend a University out of Canada? I heard that you can and that they will give you the loan, but just wanted to make sure

[r00t_decision]

Can you apply now for OSAP, for January Classes? I'm going back in January.

[Jon Lai]

Oh sorry for the confusion, here's the breakdown for clarification:

OSAP Loan Received
Year 1 (Sep 2006-Apr 2007): ~9k
Summer Job (May 2007-Aug 2007)
Year 2 (Sep 2007-Apr 2008): ~3k
Co-Op (May 2008-Aug 2008)
Year 3A (Sep 2008-Dec 2008): 0k
Co-Op (Jan 2009-Apr 2009)
Year 3B (May 2009-Aug 2009): 0K
Co-Op (Sep 2009-Dec 2009)
Year 4 (Jan 2010-Aug 2010): ~7.5K

That's wierd, how come they gave you money on your last year despite having done coop the term before?

[JWL]

How accurate is the OSAP calculator of "What financial aid is available to me?"

Do people find it is a pretty accurate estimate of what they eventually get?

[hyperion]

My sister received a $3000 grant from BMO during the last semester, and today recieved a Ontario Access Grant cheque for $1000. Do these have to be reported to OSAP, and when?

[jaszy]

Question with regards to the funding that will be released in January. I've been entitled to about 5K for this school year (fall '09 and winter '10). I've originally estimated that I will be making about 1k-2k during the school year. However, I've been jobless during this time, and will most likely stay jobless until summer rolls around. I have not yet received a reassessment notice via email.

The issue is that I am currently short 1k for this year's tuition, i.e. my tuition is about 6k. If the amount released to me by January (when I swing by to pick it up) does not increase (it should hypothetically increase though. Hmm. :|), can I 're-negotiate' the loan and ask the lenders for some more money? Is that what the 'Negotiable Date' is for? From my understanding, the Negotiable Date just means when you can pick up the loan. Please correct me if i'm wrong.

Any info will help. Thanks!

[staka]

Before I apply, I'm wondering about how I could pay back my loan. I do have RESP so I'll probably paying back half as much on my own. How are people paying back? Wait till we graduate and start having real jobs, or should people start working during the summer break to be able to pay back in time?

[Professor Iris]

Can you apply for OSAP if you want to attend a University out of Canada? I heard that you can and that they will give you the loan, but just wanted to make sure

You can apply, but the process is a bit different. Often you won't get any of the money until much later than you would in Canada, they also don't give you as much money, and being an international student tends to cost more. You might as well apply, as it can help.

[Professor Iris]

Before I apply, I'm wondering about how I could pay back my loan. I do have RESP so I'll probably paying back half as much on my own. How are people paying back? Wait till we graduate and start having real jobs, or should people start working during the summer break to be able to pay back in time?

If you have an RESP you are expected to use that money towards your education. You are also expected to work during the summer, and or during the school year to cover the costs that osap doesn't. It is an interest free loan while you are a full time student, so unless you were very certain of your financial situation I wouldn't pay it back until you graduate. If you can pay back your loans with a large lump sum payment right after you graduate, or even a large portion this may be a good idea. That being said until you apply you have no idea what size loan you will have to help you, or to deal with afterwards. Though it is not perfect, the financial aid estimator on the osap site may help.

[Professor Iris]

Question with regards to the funding that will be released in January. I've been entitled to about 5K for this school year (fall '09 and winter '10). I've originally estimated that I will be making about 1k-2k during the school year. However, I've been jobless during this time, and will most likely stay jobless until summer rolls around. I have not yet received a reassessment notice via email.

The issue is that I am currently short 1k for this year's tuition, i.e. my tuition is about 6k. If the amount released to me by January (when I swing by to pick it up) does not increase (it should hypothetically increase though. Hmm. :|), can I 're-negotiate' the loan and ask the lenders for some more money? Is that what the 'Negotiable Date' is for? From my understanding, the Negotiable Date just means when you can pick up the loan. Please correct me if i'm wrong.

Any info will help. Thanks!

When you fill get your forms you are to update your estimates, the same occurs at the beginning of the school year. What they will do about that I couldn't tell you.

[Professor Iris]

Can you apply now for OSAP, for January Classes? I'm going back in January.

Yes. That should be fairly clear on the osap website. osap.gov.on.ca

[jaszy]

When you fill get your forms you are to update your estimates, the same occurs at the beginning of the school year. What they will do about that I couldn't tell you.

Oh right! I totally forgot about that part. I guess all I can do is wait and hope for the best. Thanks Professor Iris. Kind regards!

[MikeyPyro]

Tiny question for clarification purposes. I checked the document tracker and it says: "On Hold - 2nd Instalment"

Does that mean I pretty much don't have to do anything and it will be released into my bank account when it's time?

[kabza]

I applied for OSAP for the coming January semester for a skilled trades program and they called me back and want me to hand in a letter with my living expenses(obviously to determine how much they're gonna give me). What should I write on it to get the largest loan possible so I can live as comfortably as possible while going to school. Like what's a reasonable amount to say my monthly expenses are?

Thanks for the input.

[Bendilin]

I applied for OSAP back in April, 2009.

I received the first part of my OSAP funding in September, and was now wondering what I need to do (if anything) for my second portion.

Do I have to go to the school when it's open before my classes start, and redo all the paper work I did in September with the financial aid office?

The OSAP website says the the second portion was released yesterday (January 1st) but I haven't seen anything in my bank account yet, so I was just wondering, and neither my college's websites or the official OSAP website give a simple, clean answer.

[akky]

You can apply, but the process is a bit different. Often you won't get any of the money until much later than you would in Canada, they also don't give you as much money, and being an international student tends to cost more. You might as well apply, as it can help.

Yeah, going international would cost more but I was wondering is there a limit to what OSAP will cover?

[samm]

I applied for OSAP back in April, 2009.

I received the first part of my OSAP funding in September, and was now wondering what I need to do (if anything) for my second portion.

Do I have to go to the school when it's open before my classes start, and redo all the paper work I did in September with the financial aid office?

The OSAP website says the the second portion was released yesterday (January 1st) but I haven't seen anything in my bank account yet, so I was just wondering, and neither my college's websites or the official OSAP website give a simple, clean answer.

You'll have to do exactly what you did in September. Eg. Lining up for OSAP again.

[peeb]

Is there a way to see online how much you owe exactly? There's been some years where I didn't cash my student loan cheques, so when I look at 'Total Funding Issued', it should be overstated...

[Jon Lai]

Is there a way to see online how much you owe exactly? There's been some years where I didn't cash my student loan cheques, so when I look at 'Total Funding Issued', it should be overstated...

Call the OSAP number...

[bliss_hb]

Hey guys. I have a very important question that I need an answer to asap; I have an assignment due tuesday, but I want to drop this course.

OSAP has already given me all my funds, and this is a 9.0credit full year course at york and its already been paid for. I'm wondering if I drop the course (course load will drop from 100% to 70%), will OSAP ask me to pay them back a certain amount of money? If so, I will not be able to drop the course due to financial reasons.

So my question is, if I drop the course, will OSAP take money/ask for money from me?

[UberN00b]

hey guys, i applied for OSAP in september and it asked me to submit a supporting document where i never did.. I read that you have to submit supporting documents within 90 days of your program or else you cant get OSAP... am i SOL for the winter term?

When i click on 'Check Status', it says 'Student must provide supporting documentation' and the one below says 'Student must complete Confirmation of Enrolment form'

thanks!

[Nagii]

When I went to pick up my OSAP in Sept, I had to change my estimate of income for the end of the year and the study period. (5300 was the est of before), nothing changed loan wise.

I changed it to 6720 for the end of the year and 1800 for the study period. However cause of the break and getting alot of christmas hours, my end of the year is now 8500. Now here is my dilemma. When I changed it back in Sept, the lady at the Aid office said they don't go off the end of the year, but the income expected during the study period. My program doesn't have exams so my last day of study was December 11th where the end of the year thing was around 8400. This is my final year and the next three months is very slow work wise. VERY SLOW. So I really need the money for tuition and things and I'm worried, if I report that my end of the year income is higher then I estimated I could loose any extra money that I need for books and things. As they are only giving me 2100 and my tuition for the winter term is 1400.

What I'm wondering is...what is the worse that can happen, if I do not report the change. This is my last term as I said. I will not be applying for OSAP in the fall and in November I will start paying them back, which I have no issue with. Has anyone been in this position?

thanks.

[umop]

I received the second OSAP documents in the mail and they said not to submit the form before reporting any financial changes. So since I've worked a bit during the Fall semester, I would fill out a form reporting how much I earned, wait a bit, and then submit the OSAP documents?

[DAMG]

Hi,

I have a serious problem with my OSAP.

Sep 2009: i received my Funding by about Nov 14th,(after waiting 14 weeks of sending my supporting duocumentations) and barely able to manage till then.

I go to the Financial Aid office Nov 15th, only for them to tell me that im not getting my funding, because im 1 credit short of being full time for the semester. Reason for this is, that i ended up dropping one Year course which was worth 9 credits, and i could not buy the books for it let alone other courses.

The FinAid lady told me that i should have just dropped the course after i got the money, i told her i had no idea, since the osap was calculated on my full year course load, she said yes true but im not full time for the semester as the yearly course credits are slipt into two semesters. I pleaded her, she went away and came back and said nothing she could do, she told me not to worry, and that i will get the exact same amount in Jan, as my balance is more in jan then fall semester, which makes me full time in jan.

But now im screwed for Fall aswell. Now 5 days before school starts,(i open this letter up on New Years Eve!) i get the reassesment papers in mail, same amount as before but instead of getting loan and grant, for 8k loan and 2k grant, im getting 2900 loan and $300grant and $7k for OSOG.

I don't understand why the Government just screwed me over with OSOG, how will i pay the student fees that i was so desperately trying to pay in the first place, forget about books, and other needs which i have been barely managing, i owe $6900 in student fees, out of which without my knowledge $900 was paid off by bursary, which i don't mind, thats what i really need the money for, to pay for the huge fees.

I'll find a way to manage my needs and books and transportation,but how will i now go about paying my fees, there is no way i have to pay my student fees without OSAP, which is why i take OSAP in the first place.

So my question is why would OSAP do this, when they know i never got a first instalment and that i still have to pay school fees, and non of my financial information or school records ahve changed?

thanks.

[ryeman]

So I received my first installment of my OSAP loan and was due to receive my second installment sometime this month.

Recently I acquired a job and I got a notification from OSAP saying they had made some changes.

I am not sure if they have completely withdrawn the installment which I was to receive this month but I do not see any information regarding in on the OSAP loans website where you check the status.

Just because i have a part time job it does not mean I can cover the 2280.00$ pending on my account and also the cost of books for the new semester. What am I to do? Can you guys give me some advice or assurance that the money will be coming in.

[ryeman]

So I received my first installment of my OSAP loan and was due to receive my second installment sometime this month.

Recently I acquired a job and I got a notification from OSAP saying they had made some changes.

I am not sure if they have completely withdrawn the installment which I was to receive this month but I do not see any information regarding in on the OSAP loans website where you check the status.

Just because i have a part time job it does not mean I can cover the 2280.00$ pending on my account and also the cost of books for the new semester. What am I to do? Can you guys give me some advice or assurance that the money will be coming in.

any thoughts
?

[Bendilin]

You'll have to do exactly what you did in September. Eg. Lining up for OSAP again.


Thank you.
I went in today, and event though OSAP has been available for a few hundred students since yesterday, the woman who does all of the paper signing stuff won't be in until Thursday.

I'm gonna go at like 6 am and be at the head of the line in front of financial aid. :D

[frustrated4thyear]

So I normally wouldn't come online and post this kind of question but I'm desperatly trying to see if anyone has gone through this and if I can get any advice as to what to do...

I was originally supposed to get a certain amount of money from OSAP which would cover my tuition and most of my debt (books were paid for with visa, etc). I applied in June and everything was fine. By late September I started to get worried because my documents were not showing up on my university website even though I had applied to OSAP so early. I booked an appointment and found out that I had to deal with more paperwork, yadda yadda yadda.

I went through that and was still entitled to the same amount but the process took so long that my documents came in just before the holidays so I decided to wait to get my 1st installment along with my 2nd. My appointment was earlier this week. Keep in mind that I earned a lot less this year than I had expected way back in June (I worked way less because I was focused on school)

Basically, I was told that I failed to fill something in (BS) and because my earnings are different than what reported they have to send everything back and I should get my documents in the mail in 3 weeks. Yesterday I received an e-mail from OSAP saying changes had been made to my account... I looked, I'm now not even getting enough to cover my full tuition... I don't understand how this makes any sense. I worked less... shouldn't I get more, if anything?

I was on hold with financial services at my school yesterday for over half an hour and I got nothing. I'm going to see if I can speak to someone tomorrow but I'm wondering if anyone has gone through this and can offer any advice?

Much appreciated.

[nsX-]

So I normally wouldn't come online and post this kind of question but I'm desperatly trying to see if anyone has gone through this and if I can get any advice as to what to do...

I was originally supposed to get a certain amount of money from OSAP which would cover my tuition and most of my debt (books were paid for with visa, etc). I applied in June and everything was fine. By late September I started to get worried because my documents were not showing up on my university website even though I had applied to OSAP so early. I booked an appointment and found out that I had to deal with more paperwork, yadda yadda yadda.

I went through that and was still entitled to the same amount but the process took so long that my documents came in just before the holidays so I decided to wait to get my 1st installment along with my 2nd. My appointment was earlier this week. Keep in mind that I earned a lot less this year than I had expected way back in June (I worked way less because I was focused on school)

Basically, I was told that I failed to fill something in (BS) and because my earnings are different than what reported they have to send everything back and I should get my documents in the mail in 3 weeks. Yesterday I received an e-mail from OSAP saying changes had been made to my account... I looked, I'm now not even getting enough to cover my full tuition... I don't understand how this makes any sense. I worked less... shouldn't I get more, if anything?

I was on hold with financial services at my school yesterday for over half an hour and I got nothing. I'm going to see if I can speak to someone tomorrow but I'm wondering if anyone has gone through this and can offer any advice?

Much appreciated.

not much can be done except for calling in , or going to see the financial aid office in person and trying to get things settled.usually though if they decreased the amount its because something wasnt properly stated and most of the times you wont be able to get anything more.the off chance that there was an actual error though like what happened with CSK'mom you can get things settled after many hurtles of phone calls.

[theowne]

I'm a bit confused about my OSAP status.

I applied a bit late, and my first half was only released yesterday. My second half says that it will be released in two installments, Jan 7th and February 13th. But when I look on the "Funding issued" page, I don't see any "negotiable date" for the remaining installments.

[keroro27]

i have a question... I received my my osap documents from york. and went to give it to the postal office at york, as of now i havent seen my york student account updated clearing my balance. on the documents it shows that $536 (whats left to owe on my account) will be paid from my osap money. Deadline is jan.10, should i just pay the rest now with my bank account or just wait till osap pays it for me? Thanks

[umop]

I received the second OSAP documents in the mail and they said not to submit the form before reporting any financial changes. So since I've worked a bit during the Fall semester, I would fill out a form reporting how much I earned, wait a bit, and then submit the OSAP documents?

Bump.

[M08006899]

I applied late and so was planning on getting my Fall and Winter OSAP at the same time.

The Office of the Registrar doesn't list me as a student who can pick up their OSAP yet, do I need to go directly to the Office of the Registrar and ask for my fall OSAP then pick up my winter osap afterwards?

[bestknightmare]

Currently finish up graduate school, got OSAP this year for Sept - August.
Started leasing a brand new $22000-25000 car co-signed with my father and me as owner in January 2010. I had talked to one of the financial aid officer and they told me any vehicle above $5000 will be reported as a 'source' of income (i.e. $25000 - $5000 = $20000) as a source of income and therefore will highly likely require me to repay all my current loans for this year. However, the financial aid officer also told me typically, the ministry will have done all vehicle license matching (auditing) process by this time of the year and should be safe.

so my dilemma is, should i report it to osap or should i wait it out?

[asianada]

I made less in 2009 than i did in 2008. Should i emwait ti do my taxes for 2009 then apply for OSAP hoping they give a bigger loan? Wgen do tgey start asking for 2009 income?


Also, im new at this sorry...
OSAP forgives loans in excess of $7000. Does that include both the provincial and federal portions?

[the_cure]

Quick question guys. I was assessed for maximum OSAP when I applied back in August. I received my first month which included OSAP and the millenium bursaries worth to 6000 dollars. This term I was supposed to receive 4 thousand from osap and another 1 thousand from their low income family bursary which totoalled to another 6 thousand. I received the 1 thousand in my bank today but not the 4 thousand. Usually I receive both amounts at once so I'm a bit worried. I did apply for a 5 thousand dollar student line of credit in August. There shouldn't be any chance they're not giving me my 4 thousand dollars because of that right? I should just wait and it'll be in my bank? I should also note that in my 2nd term assessment form it said I will be receiving the 4 thousand dollars as well so please just tell me I'm paranoid.

[Professor Iris]

Quick question guys. I was assessed for maximum OSAP when I applied back in August. I received my first month which included OSAP and the millenium bursaries worth to 6000 dollars. This term I was supposed to receive 4 thousand from osap and another 1 thousand from their low income family bursary which totoalled to another 6 thousand. I received the 1 thousand in my bank today but not the 4 thousand. Usually I receive both amounts at once so I'm a bit worried. I did apply for a 5 thousand dollar student line of credit in August. There shouldn't be any chance they're not giving me my 4 thousand dollars because of that right? I should just wait and it'll be in my bank? I should also note that in my 2nd term assessment form it said I will be receiving the 4 thousand dollars as well so please just tell me I'm paranoid.

Just wait, this fall a lot of the bursaries were done differently from the loans. I know that my bursary was transferred much faster than my osap. Having access to the line of credit won't change anything. If it has been after the 10 business days then I would look into it, but it is still early so you are just being paranoid.

[Donomight25]

Hi BBQ nsx and cksmom...


I recently received OSAP for about $14k. 2 months after receiving my initial deposit of $9k (5k went to the school), I started working. Worked for 3 months and made about $18.5k.

Not a student anymore, considering salary.

They sent me a loan overpayment notice in Oct sometime.

What does this mean for my income tax? Will they appropriate my income tax to the federal portion that is outstanding as an over-payment? Will they touch my income tax at all?
I plan to file common-law with dependent

thanks!

D

[omega11]

Hi BBQ nsx and cksmom...


I recently received OSAP for about $14k. 2 months after receiving my initial deposit of $9k (5k went to the school), I started working. Worked for 3 months and made about $18.5k.

Not a student anymore, considering salary.

They sent me a loan overpayment notice in Oct sometime.

What does this mean for my income tax? Will they appropriate my income tax to the federal portion that is outstanding as an over-payment? Will they touch my income tax at all?
I plan to file common-law with dependent

thanks!

D

I once also received a notice of overpayment. But my case was different in the sense that I told them i was taking more courses than I really was but i didn't know because it was my first time. So they anyways told me that we are letting you go this time but the next time u get an overpayment we will not give you OSAP anymore..

[the_cure]

Cheers professor iris, just recieved it today <33333

[Donomight25]

I once also received a notice of overpayment. But my case was different in the sense that I told them i was taking more courses than I really was but i didn't know because it was my first time. So they anyways told me that we are letting you go this time but the next time u get an overpayment we will not give you OSAP anymore..

Not the OSAP I am worried about. I can pay for school now.

It's the tax side of things.

[Donomight25]

Bump...been a few days. Anyone have an answer to my question a few posts up?

[pop9751]

Hi I was wondering what kind of implications there would be if I withdrew from my studies from OSAP. B/c I am planning on restarting university next year so I was wondering if they would not give me any b/c I withdrew ... Would appreciate any advice!

[aznblade]

just wondering.. what the hell is the ontario student access grant? it apprently says on my osap 2nd installment. i'm guessing i have to go to school's financial office and tell them to release the grant?

[san_one]

I go to York and I haven't picked up my second installment. I have 6+6+9= 21 credits for this year. I had a course I was thinking of taking to which I signed up. It was a 3 credit course. Last week I dropped this 3 credit course and now I am wondering if OSAP will lower my funds? My course load is at 70% and I was told 18 credits is assumed to be a full course load.
Any one would be able to answer that?
Thanks for reading!

[gamer123]

Is it possible for OSAP to issue you the loans, but you choose not to take/cash them?

A friend of mine claims that, from what he can remember, he did not take all the loans issued by OSAP during his first 3 years. When he checks online it only shows how much OSAP issued, not how much he actually cashed.

So basically his "book value" (balance) is different than OSAPs. If he calls in, can OSAP tell how much he actually cashed and not the total issued amount?

[Octavius]

One: OSAP gave me $0.00 for funding this year. They even went so far as to send the funding papers to my University to sign and send back.

In order to "Stick it to them" I decided to make them do more paperwork. I signed it and sent it back requesting that I get my OSAP money ASAP ;)

Just wondering - what will they do next? (Nothing is my guess...)


Two: I'll be working this summer in Edmonton instead of going back to Ontario. Will I still be eligible to apply for OSAP next year? The summer job is directly related to my degree study program and it would have been unlikely for me to land a similar job in Ontario for the summer. I'm unsure whether I'll be going back to Ontario after getting my degree - I'm leaning more towards "yes". I have a house in my name in Ontario (jointly owned with a family member) if it makes any difference...


Three: I'll probably end up making about $13,000 in 2010. My tuition will be about $12,500, rent is about $7,200, books are $1,500 and I've got general living expenses. Any idea if I'll be able to max out my OSAP for the year next academic year? I've currently got $0 in OSAP loans.

Thanks.

[Octavius]

Not an expert, but I doubt they'll give you anything if your financial situation will not change next year. I don't think it matters where you work in the summer, but the fact that you co-own a house probably counts against you. Their logic is that OSAP loans are meant to supplement the studies of those who cannot afford it any other way. If you have some real estate and/or cars, they might think that you should liquidate that first, and then consider getting a government loan.

On the other hand, see what kind of bursaries and scholarships are available from your school.

I made 35k last year, this year I'll only make like 13k. I also had 30k worth of cash, whereas I'll have next to none at the end of the summer. So my financial situation in this case will have changed dramatically.

I'm a co-owner of a house for a family member only due to the fact that they couldn't get the house on their own. I hold their share in the house in trust until they can qualify for the mortgage on their own. I've got an email from my lawyer stating as such, so I'm not too worried about that.

[heaven0128]

Hi, i just sent in my osap application and this is my first time applying. i'm considered a dependent. I'm not quite clear on how it all works but i know you can get funding to cover living expenses (rent, food, etc) but how do you go about applying for that extra money? because when it gave me the estimate of what i might get it was only a little more then the total cost of tuition. on the application i put that i'm currently living with my parents but that i wont be during my program. but if i don't get enough funding then i wont be able to move out. so how do i find out about that?

Thanks for any help!

[silencedx]

does anyone know if the course loads go by year or term? I go to York and the said to be eligible for the health plan i have to have a full course load which i do.

I applied for OSAP in june thinking i was going to go in Sept,( i was put on the waiting list and the program was full so they offered me winter admission) my OSAP funding was just under $4800 for a 60% courseload for fall/winter. and since the most credits you can take in a term is 15 (which im taking) i guess the credit that as a 50% course load for the year when its a 100% course load for the term.

my funding has dropped from 4800 to 1600 with no loans from OSAP. what can i do, i recieved to low income family grant as well as 1st year student. i thought i would as least recieve 3500 since i have a full term. does it mean anything if im going to summer school?

what can i do, or is this it?

i applied for the regular loan. would it help it i apply for the part-time loan?

[tnguyenviet]

does anyone know if the course loads go by year or term? I go to York and the said to be eligible for the health plan i have to have a full course load which i do.

I applied for OSAP in june thinking i was going to go in Sept,( i was put on the waiting list and the program was full so they offered me winter admission) my OSAP funding was just under $4800 for a 60% courseload for fall/winter. and since the most credits you can take in a term is 15 (which im taking) i guess the credit that as a 50% course load for the year when its a 100% course load for the term.

my funding has dropped from 4800 to 1600 with no loans from OSAP. what can i do, i recieved to low income family grant as well as 1st year student. i thought i would as least recieve 3500 since i have a full term. does it mean anything if im going to summer school?

what can i do, or is this it?

i applied for the regular loan. would it help it i apply for the part-time loan?


No - summer school is a completely different school term. OSAP will only fund you if you take a full couse load in the summer, if ur just taking 2-3, they wont.

[Professor Iris]

No - summer school is a completely different school term. OSAP will only fund you if you take a full couse load in the summer, if ur just taking 2-3, they wont.

Only partially correct, it depends on the program and the university. For example at mine, You can't take more than 3 courses in the spring/summer term, that is full time.

[onefive]

Say im going to school im finishing up my program (last semester) and i want to take a break then take another program.. what would happen to osap? will i have to start paying when im on my break?

[heaven0128]

Can anyone tell me how much OSAP will give you (on top of tuition money) for living expenses?

[UberN00b]

Can anyone tell me how much OSAP will give you (on top of tuition money) for living expenses?

no.

go do the osap estimator, itll give you a better idea than one of us make up a number for you.

[heaven0128]

i tried to do the estimator but the school i'm going to isn't on the list so it wont let me do it

[sunnyd71]

Say im going to school im finishing up my program (last semester) and i want to take a break then take another program.. what would happen to osap? will i have to start paying when im on my break?

Unless your break is less than 6 months, unfortunately yes. I am in the same boat.

[silencedx]

anyone know why OSAP would issue me only the low income family grant and ontario acess grant with no loans? is there any way i can appeal.

also how much are you allowed to make during the year working.

[Donomight25]

I recently received OSAP for about $14k. 2 months after receiving my initial deposit of $9k (5k went to the school), I started working. Worked for 3 months and made about $18.5k.

Not a student anymore, considering salary.

They sent me a loan overpayment notice in Oct sometime.

What does this mean for my income tax? Will they appropriate my income tax to the federal portion that is outstanding as an over-payment? Will they touch my income tax at all?
I plan to file common-law with dependent

thanks!

D

[samm]

These OSAP threads are unofficially dead. Honestly, just go ask your school's financial aid office. I got a great response in 1 business day.

[Donomight25]

these osap threads are unofficially dead. Honestly, just go ask your school's financial aid office. I got a great response in 1 business day.

laaaaaaaaaaaame.

[asianada]

Does a married couple both applying for osap have the repayments in one lump sum? Or is it considered a separate osap application?

[mpc2323]

I sent out the supporting documents for my osap application on march 17th but my status is still the same except for the signature and declaration documentation is gone. Does this mean they need more documentation explaining my academic probation?


Shouldn't OSAP start a new request if they need more documentations? Now I'm not sure if they got all my documents.. wtf is going on?

[Free Willy]

If I make $7000 this summer, is there any chance I'll get OSAP funding this fall?

[matradley]

If I make $7000 this summer, is there any chance I'll get OSAP funding this fall?

You probably should be good for a lower amount. Try the OSAP Calculator - http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca/cgi-bin/lansaweb?procfun+AWPROC0607+D050607+OSP+ENG - it is a bit old, but it should give you an idea.

[Sami]

Hi,

so my wife took OSAP 7-8 years ago ($8k) before we even met. When we met, she moved to my province and continued her studies here. She declared that we live together and since she moved with me, hasn't taken any OSAP.

She dropped out and can't find a decent job as she doesn't speak french in La Belle province...

Each of us pays his own expenses, but I noticed that they asked her for total income (mine and hers), does that mean I am responsible for her loan just because we are common law partners?

Can she apply for RAP? what is the best solution?

I don't want to pay a debt that I had no part in...

[Professor Iris]

Hi,

so my wife took OSAP 7-8 years ago ($8k) before we even met. When we met, she moved to my province and continued her studies here. She declared that we live together and since she moved with me, hasn't taken any OSAP.

She dropped out and can't find a decent job as she doesn't speak french in La Belle province...

Each of us pays his own expenses, but I noticed that they asked her for total income (mine and hers), does that mean I am responsible for her loan just because we are common law partners?

Can she apply for RAP? what is the best solution?

I don't want to pay a debt that I had no part in...

None the less you are expected to contribute financially. She can apply for RAP, but depending on your combined income she may not be eligible, she also won't be eligible if she has defaulted on her payments. Best solution is she applies and gets repayment assistance, it does not hurt to apply.

[Sami]

None the less you are expected to contribute financially.

why so? if your wife/gf gets bankrupt, has credit card debt, why am I expected to contribute? each is responsible for own finances.

[rocklee389]

Aug 01, 2009 Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan $6,682
Aug 01, 2009 Canada Student Grant for Persons from Middle-Income Families $372
Nov 17, 2009 Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan $1,998
Nov 17, 2009 Canada Student Grant for Persons from Middle-Income Families $372
Dec 17, 2009 Ontario Access Grant for 2nd Year Students $2,482
Academic Year Totals: $8,680 $3,226
Grand Total: $8,680 $3,226

Hey my loans for this year is $8680. I thought the max I would have to pay back for a year is $7000. Is this correct? Or am I going to have to pay back $8680?

[HBP]

why so? if your wife/gf gets bankrupt, has credit card debt, why am I expected to contribute? each is responsible for own finances.

That's marriage son, you share assets and you share debts.

[Professor Iris]

Aug 01, 2009 Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan $6,682
Aug 01, 2009 Canada Student Grant for Persons from Middle-Income Families $372
Nov 17, 2009 Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan $1,998
Nov 17, 2009 Canada Student Grant for Persons from Middle-Income Families $372
Dec 17, 2009 Ontario Access Grant for 2nd Year Students $2,482
Academic Year Totals: $8,680 $3,226
Grand Total: $8,680 $3,226

Hey my loans for this year is $8680. I thought the max I would have to pay back for a year is $7000. Is this correct? Or am I going to have to pay back $8680?

You don't have to pay back grants, and there is a Ontario Student Opportunity Grants (OSOG) which means that you don't have to pay more than $7000 back in a two term school year, but you are assessed for that the next year so if you weren't supposed to get more than $7000 you don't get that grant and you have to pay it back yourself.

[ryeman]

hey, just curious if osap covers courses taken during the spring/summer period.
is there a minimum amount of courses i have 2 take first or how does it work?

[tnguyenviet]

hey, just curious if osap covers courses taken during the spring/summer period.
is there a minimum amount of courses i have 2 take first or how does it work?

3 courses

[Professor Iris]

3 courses

You need to check with your school, and do you mean spring/summer combined or just one or the other?

[lilVC]

I've got an interesting issue if someone can help me out...

Basically, I've got some extra cash (Tax returns and a very little bit left from OSAP) and would love to invest it and make something out of it (or lose it..) but I'm afraid that OSAP would stop lending me money or reduce my amount if I were to start investing.

May someone please shed a little light on how OSAP operates this kind of action and if they were to reduce my OSAP or cancel my application is there anyway getting around it? I really want to start investing..Anyways help on this would be really appreciated.

[Professor Iris]

I've got an interesting issue if someone can help me out...

Basically, I've got some extra cash (Tax returns and a very little bit left from OSAP) and would love to invest it and make something out of it (or lose it..) but I'm afraid that OSAP would stop lending me money or reduce my amount if I were to start investing.

May someone please shed a little light on how OSAP operates this kind of action and if they were to reduce my OSAP or cancel my application is there anyway getting around it? I really want to start investing..Anyways help on this would be really appreciated.

Next year you will have to list that as assets, which they tend to expect you to use for your education. Depending on how much it is it won't make much difference, but it is probably best to start investing after school if you are on osap. Put it in a savings account (or better yet your parents so it isn't under your name and you don't have to tell osap about it) in case you don't get as much osap next year. You could also put it on your osap loan right now, that does not affect you in any way aside from having less to pay back later.

[lilVC]

Thanks for the reply Prof. Would I still have to list it as assets if the money I'm using is my tax returns (something I've already included in my application last term-Gross income).

Also, if I were to put it under my parent's name it would still affect how much I receive since I need to report my parent's information in my OSAP application?

[Professor Iris]

Thanks for the reply Prof. Would I still have to list it as assets if the money I'm using is my tax returns (something I've already included in my application last term-Gross income).

Also, if I were to put it under my parent's name it would still affect how much I receive since I need to report my parent's information in my OSAP application?

You can easily look up assets on the osap site, it is easy to find their list of definitions, just to double check. Investments are assets, it doesn't matter where the money came from. You could receive a $10 000 tax return and put in your bank account and osap would still see you as having $10 000 in savings. Unless you're parents would put that money on their tax return it wouldn't affect anything, their assets don't apply to osap.

[Blue_Thunder13]

I was wondering if anyone could help me with my situation...This would be my first time applying for OSAP and I will be living away from home with a friend for my upcoming semester but won't be required to pay any rent.


So my question is would OSAP require any kind of documentation for proof of residency that way I can get all of documents ready ahead of hand since I won't be able to pay for schooling without OSAP.


Also not sure if its important but my mailing address would be to my parents house but I would be living at my friends address.

Thank you in advance!

[Setz]

When does OSAP open for 2010-2011 applications/renewals?

Also: I forgot my security answers. Is there any way to log-in or get my OAN? Before I would sign in with my SIN, not my OAN, but they removed this feature. :S

[a_y3n]

If one were to get RAP, would going on a short vacation (a week or so) affect their eligibility for RAP?

[Professor Iris]

When does OSAP open for 2010-2011 applications/renewals?

Also: I forgot my security answers. Is there any way to log-in or get my OAN? Before I would sign in with my SIN, not my OAN, but they removed this feature. :S

I don't know for sure, but I think that you need to either call them or contact your financial aid office, I had to do this once, but it was years ago. I think that I went to my financial aid office, as I got locked out and it said to contact them. Either way they should be able to tell you what to do.

[Professor Iris]

If one were to get RAP, would going on a short vacation (a week or so) affect their eligibility for RAP?

It would not affect anything, as you would still be residing in Canada, and it would not affect your income. Except that it might affect your income, lowering it as most people don't work during vacation, which would just increase your eligibility. I personally intend to try to work extra in the months before applying and then less for the ones where you have to show your income.

[Ryvius]

My osap is usually lower than the estimated loans and grants when I pick it up, however, when I went to pick up my osap today, the amount on the form is around $2000 less than the amount currently listed on the site, which one should be correct?

[Setz]

I figured out my OAN today, but I don't see a 2010-11 application? When do they open?

[SecuritySic]

I heard they open after May 28th.

[tardisismyhome]

My osap is usually lower than the estimated loans and grants when I pick it up, however, when I went to pick up my osap today, the amount on the form is around $2000 less than the amount currently listed on the site, which one should be correct?

Are you sure you're not receiving any grants later?

From my experience, some grants (like the Ontario Access Grant) don't appear on the loan form and usually are released at a later date.

[Ryvius]

Are you sure you're not receiving any grants later?

From my experience, some grants (like the Ontario Access Grant) don't appear on the loan form and usually are released at a later date.

Both the loan and grants are listed on the form that I have to sign. I asked the guy at registrar and he said that it might come in different installments, but on the osap site, it only listed one...

[Setz]

Both the loan and grants are listed on the form that I have to sign. I asked the guy at registrar and he said that it might come in different installments, but on the osap site, it only listed one...

This is normal. Same thing happened for me in first year. My OSAP loan (and grants) totaled 6700$ but I only got 2600$ in September, then 1800$ in November, then the remainder in January. I wouldn't be concerned: even if the website says it's all in one payment, it's not. Seldom do students get the total of their loan (and grants) in one installment.

[Ryvius]

This is normal. Same thing happened for me in first year. My OSAP loan (and grants) totaled 6700$ but I only got 2600$ in September, then 1800$ in November, then the remainder in January. I wouldn't be concerned: even if the website says it's all in one payment, it's not. Seldom do students get the total of their loan (and grants) in one installment.

I usually get installments by semesters, so I should be getting the full amount in one installment since this is my osap for summer. I took a look at someone's summer osap with multi-installments and the website will actually tell you that the first installment will be in may then another in june. The osap website is telling me that the full amount will be released to my account after may 3rd. Guess I will give the osap or the registrar a call later on.

[LovelySparkle]

For the academic year of 2009-2010 I was a first year university student at UTSC. But I realized the school, and program I was in, was not for me. So I applied to, and got into, Centennial college - I'm going to be starting over completely at a new school. But here's my issue: at UTSC a 100% course load is five courses each semester. I took four courses each semester, but failed two (one each semester). Would I be put on OSAP probation? I passed more than 60% of my course load, but I just passed 60% of a full course load.

I also read somewhere that if there are multiple year one OSAP applications, than you're put on OSAP probation - I would have that because of the first year university (for 2009-2010) and for this upcoming year at Centennial (2010-2010). So could OSAP put me on suspension because of those two things (60% course load and switching of schools) in a single year? I hope not. :(

Also, I am aware (as I've experienced this before) that OSAP does not (necessarily) cover all funds. How would paying with OSAP and bank loans work?

[Soorma]

OSAP application forms for the 2010-2011 FALL/WINTER year has been released I believe.

Which form should I be filling out :confused:
Being new to applying for OSAP, I could use help on figuring out what form I need to fill out in order to get loan/grant support. Also, are there additional forms to request and fill out because my parents will be handling the tuition fees for me.

- Thanks

[LovelySparkle]

The new OSAP application (for 2010-2011) is up. Why didn't they ask me for my 2009 income verification? :confused: They asked for my parents' 2009 income verification, and mine (estimate, really) for 2010...but not mine for 2009. :confused:

[sunnyd71]

I hate that they now force you to use the OSAP Access Number instead of SIN. Is there anywhere to find it? Do they put it on any of the documents they send?

I don't know the variation of my security question I used to recover it but I'll keep trying. They are closed until Tuesday so I can't call.

[badmus]

The new OSAP application (for 2010-2011) is up. Why didn't they ask me for my 2009 income verification? :confused: They asked for my parents' 2009 income verification, and mine (estimate, really) for 2010...but not mine for 2009. :confused:

I think it depends on how long you have left high school, they asked for mine (2009 and 2010) but they didn't ask for my parents income for any of the 2 years because I have been out of high school for more than the required years.


OSAP application forms for the 2010-2011 FALL/WINTER year has been released I believe.

Which form should I be filling out :confused:
Being new to applying for OSAP, I could use help on figuring out what form I need to fill out in order to get loan/grant support. Also, are there additional forms to request and fill out because my parents will be handling the tuition fees for me.

- Thanks
Just follow the link from the York website and then click new user registration on the login page and take it from there, if you have already registered with OSAP just follow the instructions for creating a new application for this coming year, its really easy to do.

[Soorma]

Just follow the link from the York website and then click new user registration on the login page and take it from there, if you have already registered with OSAP just follow the instructions for creating a new application for this coming year, its really easy to do.

I managed to find out how to create my user account for OSAP. I just don't know which forms I need to fill out. Are there specific ones that I will need since my parents will manage tuition fees? How do you guys determine how much income is being gathered in the household :confused:...

[Beeg]

A tip? Don't do it.

The government promised to help you.

Then is mercilous after you graduate.

Get a credit card...real debt...not the Ontario scam money.

[and1balla]

I live in Mississauga and go to Ryerson U. its a one hour commute. This coming year, I will not be able to study properly at home because there are too many relatives coming for the year..so I need to get a residence in ryerson. Will OSAP pay for my residence? I cant afford without osap lol. If i commute next year i will fail for sure.

thx in advance

[Albina]

hey guys, I have a problem with the application on the website.
so i log in and go to the new application, answer the MC questions and then when i check "agree" to the terms of the agreement, this comes up:

Your session has timed out. Therefore, you have been logged out of the OSAP website. Please select the following link to log in.

I log in again like they said, same thing comes up. over and over.

:confused::confused:

[AnonGoal]

Any way to get your OAN quickly without answering the 2 challenge questions? :?::?:

[Setz]

I live in Mississauga and go to Ryerson U. its a one hour commute. This coming year, I will not be able to study properly at home because there are too many relatives coming for the year..so I need to get a residence in ryerson. Will OSAP pay for my residence? I cant afford without osap lol. If i commute next year i will fail for sure.

thx in advance

OSAP will only consider paying for residence if you live 40km or more from campus.

[omchow]

When does OSAP open for 2010-2011 applications/renewals?

Also: I forgot my security answers. Is there any way to log-in or get my OAN? Before I would sign in with my SIN, not my OAN, but they removed this feature. :S

Just checked today and I see a link for the 2010-2011.

[LovelySparkle]

I think I should cancel my OSAP application and get an Education Line of Credit from the bank. What are your opinions of me thinking about doing this?

[mr_toast]

I think I should cancel my OSAP application and get an Education Line of Credit from the bank. What are your opinions of me thinking about doing this?

Realize it's a bank, and banks aren't governments, and they won't give you an "extended grace period" if you need one. But, they will offer a potentially lower interest rate than OSAP and you might just get lucky with a large credit limit. If you don't get that large credit limit, SOL.


hey guys, I have a problem with the application on the website.
so i log in and go to the new application, answer the MC questions and then when i check "agree" to the terms of the agreement, this comes up:

Your session has timed out. Therefore, you have been logged out of the OSAP website. Please select the following link to log in.

I log in again like they said, same thing comes up. over and over.

:confused::confused:

This isn't a technology help site, just keep that in mind. Try clearing your cookies and cache, then try again.


I managed to find out how to create my user account for OSAP. I just don't know which forms I need to fill out. Are there specific ones that I will need since my parents will manage tuition fees? How do you guys determine how much income is being gathered in the household :confused:...

You fill out the online multiple choice form that determines your household income and your OSAP allocation. Household income is your mother's and your father's income. Yours is asked for separately. When you've finished that, your parents need to sign the declaration form which you need to hand in to your school's financial aid office. If your parents are managing tuition fees, does that mean they're paying it all for you, or paying some of it? If they're paying all of it, why do you need OSAP? If they're paying some of it, OSAP should cover the rest for you.

[akirika]

whos the fkin genius that changed the osap website

now i gotta call them to get my login

[LovelySparkle]

I had to place one of those fraud alerts on my credit file, due to a misplaced form with my SIN number on it. If I apply for a loan, I'll get a call to confirm it's me. The thing is, I'll be in England for three weeks. I don't know what to do if the call comes in while I'm out of the country. >:(


Realize it's a bank, and banks aren't governments, and they won't give you an "extended grace period" if you need one. But, they will offer a potentially lower interest rate than OSAP and you might just get lucky with a large credit limit. If you don't get that large credit limit, SOL.
Ah good points. I guess I'll wait it out a bit longer.


whos the fkin genius that changed the osap website
My thoughts too, haha.

[Soorma]

Realize it's a bank, and banks aren't governments, and they won't give you an "extended grace period" if you need one. But, they will offer a potentially lower interest rate than OSAP and you might just get lucky with a large credit limit. If you don't get that large credit limit, SOL.



This isn't a technology help site, just keep that in mind. Try clearing your cookies and cache, then try again.



You fill out the online multiple choice form that determines your household income and your OSAP allocation. Household income is your mother's and your father's income. Yours is asked for separately. When you've finished that, your parents need to sign the declaration form which you need to hand in to your school's financial aid office. If your parents are managing tuition fees, does that mean they're paying it all for you, or paying some of it? If they're paying all of it, why do you need OSAP? If they're paying some of it, OSAP should cover the rest for you.

The MC form is online and prior to creating a user account ?
My parents can pay only some of it.

[Xeerochild]

What the hell is going on... I can no longer log into my OSAP, it keeps saying the information I'm entering is wrong, but it's been my same number and password for over a year now.

Ugh, I actually got locked out for 24 hours because of my "many attempts to break in."

[mr_toast]

The MC form is online and prior to creating a user account ?
My parents can pay only some of it.

Why are you worrying about your OSAP form now when you haven't created a username yet? Create your username, and THEN fill out the appropriate school's OSAP form.

[cuongp]

is it just me or is anyone else having problems through the OSAP website?

everytime I try to apply for OSAP for 2010-2011 period and click on "I have read and agree to the blah blah blah" and click Next, it just logs me out

[dragon_drift]

How do you guys sign up for the textbook grant of $150? I noticed they changed the website layout this year. I tried applying for the $150 Textbook grant, but it made me go through the OSAP application, and even then, I'm not sure if I did it properly.

[mr_toast]

How do you guys sign up for the textbook grant of $150? I noticed they changed the website layout this year. I tried applying for the $150 Textbook grant, but it made me go through the OSAP application, and even then, I'm not sure if I did it properly.

The grant is assessed with your OSAP application. There is no separate form for the grant. You'll receive a check for the $150 in October-November.

[vma03]

So yeah ... stupid me forgot my OAN and tried one too many times to guess my securtiy questions and got locked out of the site lolol. I have to go to a financial aid office at any university to get my temporary password (even though I know my password....) fml. I'm taking a trip downtown anyways, so I'm just going to go to Ryerson. Any Ryerson students know where the financial aid office is, and would like to give me directions on how to get there? lol.

And to get my OAN, do I have to call my financial aid office as well?

[93CivicSi]

I have a problem. I accept to the terms and conditions and click on "Save and Next" and it shows an Error:

"Error

Your session has timed out. Therefore, you have been logged out of the OSAP website. Please select the following link to log in."

I cleared cache and cookies but I still get the same error. HELP!

[librakhan]

there is something going on with the osap website i got locked out as well.

[mr_toast]

So yeah ... stupid me forgot my OAN and tried one too many times to guess my securtiy questions and got locked out of the site lolol. I have to go to a financial aid office at any university to get my temporary password (even though I know my password....) fml. I'm taking a trip downtown anyways, so I'm just going to go to Ryerson. Any Ryerson students know where the financial aid office is, and would like to give me directions on how to get there? lol.

And to get my OAN, do I have to call my financial aid office as well?

Get off at Dundas station, go to surface level. Go to the north east corner (in front of the big- ***** video billboard) and walk east to Victoria Street. Walk north along Victoria to Gould Street, cross the street, and walk along the peestrian way. Go left into the building, down the steps, turn right, walk until you reach the financial aid office. You're going in the right direction when you pass the following things in this order: Registrar on left, Faculty cashier on left, student cashier on right, student help center on left, lounge and starbucks on right, financial aid on left.

Also, I'm having problems with the application too. But no biggie. I wasn't aware school started next week.

[Xeerochild]

I finally broke into my own account. The 24 hour lock lifted and I was able to reguess my answers lol.

I haven't tried signing up for the 2010-2011 application though, will take care of that tommorow and report back here. I'm just glad I was able to get back in.

[jchrist]

I'm also unable to get past ratifying the application terms and conditions; clicking on "Save & Next" causes my login session to time out. I've made it known to the webmaster earlier today. Here's hoping that they rectify the issue before June comes around.

[Professor Iris]

For those with session time outs, I know that this has happened to me a lot in the past, especially when the application just comes out, with too many people trying to access the site at once, so it may work for you at another time.

[93CivicSi]

For those with session time outs, I know that this has happened to me a lot in the past, especially when the application just comes out, with too many people trying to access the site at once, so it may work for you at another time.

Are you sure? Because I tried it during night time when everyone sleeps (1AM-6AM) . Dont ask why, I have sleeping problems.

[DRGN89]

so this is my situation. i just submitted my osap form online and got an estimate of $4900. I have no income and my dad has a tax return which said his income was $5650. I also have no assets and my dad is also widowed. my tuition is roughly $3100 which comes up to $3800ish after all the charges. I've applied to the Sheridan Business Administration - Accounting program which is 3 years. Any advice on what I should've gotten?

[mr_toast]

so this is my situation. i just submitted my osap form online and got an estimate of $4900. I have no income and my dad has a tax return which said his income was $5650. I also have no assets and my dad is also widowed. my tuition is roughly $3100 which comes up to $3800ish after all the charges. I've applied to the Sheridan Business Administration - Accounting program which is 3 years. Any advice on what I should've gotten?

Sounds right on target. The loan estimate is usually not the total amount you'll receive: it doesn't factor in low-income grants and such. That would probably kick it to 6000+.

[heat]

Stupid thing logs me off :mad:

[Soorma]

:confused:

I'm confused about what year I will be starting into. Since I have been granted transfer credits and approved to be advanced standing on the OUAC site, does that mean I will start in year 2 of my program or will I be a year 1 student.
I have to take year 1 courses in my first year at the University which is why I don't know which to select, year 1 or year 2 student.
I just saved and exited my application because of the confusion. Granted advanced standing for my program with the credits but taking year 1 courses has led me to believe I could be a year 1 or 2 student.
Please help.

[matradley]

Are you entering the first year of the program, then yes. Even if you are a CAAT, you will probably end up starting at year 1. You can still be considered Advance Standing with credits in other courses throughout the program. This is pretty much what I am doing since I am a CAAT transfer also.

[jchrist]

The OSAP website issue with regard to session timeouts has been resolved according to the webmaster.

[BryceS]

so this is my situation. i just submitted my osap form online and got an estimate of $4900. I have no income and my dad has a tax return which said his income was $5650. I also have no assets and my dad is also widowed. my tuition is roughly $3100 which comes up to $3800ish after all the charges. I've applied to the Sheridan Business Administration - Accounting program which is 3 years. Any advice on what I should've gotten?
My income and RESP withdrawls > University costs + living costs and I was approved for $10,800.

The thing is that my sister is also at university the same time as me. I also own a car in my name. Maybe they made a mistake and you should call them.

I didn't fudge any numbers on the OSAP application.

[Soorma]

Are you entering the first year of the program, then yes. Even if you are a CAAT, you will probably end up starting at year 1. You can still be considered Advance Standing with credits in other courses throughout the program. This is pretty much what I am doing since I am a CAAT transfer also.

It will be my first year at the University within the program choice. The program requires that I achieve 120 credits total and I was granted 30 credits as a College Transfer Student. I figured since I only have 90 credits left, that meant I was granted a year off and made me automatically a second year student :confused:

[Xeerochild]

When do you guys think it would be best to apply for OSAP?

I'm entering my second year at UofT (St. George), and I'm waiting for my "formal" invitiation to Rotman Commerce. As of now, I'm just a regular Art/Sci Commerce student, with the regular Art/Sci tuition and expenses. Since OSAP takes into consideration the program that you're in, should I wait until I get the invite, accept it, then apply?

I'm guaranteed admission into Rotman, but aparently invites don't go out until June. Also, the difference in tuition between Rotman and regular Art/Sci is double. I suppose I could always apply now then just have them readjust it later, or should I just skip that mess and wait it out?

[mtbmxrider]

My osap estimate was over 10,000 while each year prior (1 and 2) I received roughly $5000 /year. The difference this year, my siblings are out of university, I own a car, and my net worth is more.

?

If they estimated lower, my grant through the university would be renewed which is $2000 and I would much prefer a grant then a loan.

I am supposed to report osap's contribution to my earnings for this grant renewal, is their a chance of a re-estimate prior to mid June barring I submit the necessary signed documents to them?

[hackslash]

I just applied for OSAP, and my estimate is enough to cover school for me, so now I want to spend the money I have on a car. How does one go about reporting this to OSAP? Im probably only going to spend about 2000 on a car, I've read that it wont affect OSAP unless its over 5000?

Also, does it matter that I have a few grand in my bank account, or should I move it to another account? I reported my income correctly, so OSAP does know I have that money either way I suppose.

EDIT: Also, once I get to this point, I should pretty much be guaranteed to get it right? I dont want to finish the app and find out the estimate was wrong and not have enough for school after buying a car.

[DRGN89]

thanks for the advice guys. i think it could've been because i put my dad as self employed. the thing was the 2009 tax return he was under unemployment, so maybe if i put him as not self employed it might boost the estimate a little bit. i talked to an advisor which my girlfriend used and she said i should've gotten at least $10,000. i went to the school to have my OSAP application cancelled today which was supposed to be affective immediately but the app is still there in my OSAP account.

[1barginxhunter91]

when can students apply for osap for this upcoming fall semester?

thanks

[93CivicSi]

when can students apply for osap for this upcoming fall semester?

thanks

Application for 2010-2011 are already up. You can start now!

[1barginxhunter91]

Application for 2010-2011 are already up. You can start now!

Thanks

[Maria007]

I HATE how the the osap website is updated and cant use my SIN number to log in like before. I have been trying to get in, but with my 3rd try it says im locked out for 24 hours. EXTREAMLY annoying. I went to the finanical aid office at school and Im guessing the temp. password they gave me is written incorrect becuase that wont work either. Anybody having the same problems?

[jayo123456]

In regards to owning a vehicle:

Previous two years I had a vehicle under my name with a value of about just under $10,000, but I put the value as 7k in the OSAP application.


I sold that Vehicle, picking up a new one tomorrow, and the value of it is just hoovering over 10k, but i'm getting it for 8k.


Will OSAP deny me this year? What do they look at, the blue book value? Or the value you purchased/claimed it was?

[decode]

i have a question

my brother stayed back a year in high school this year to upgrade some marks.. but then realized he did not want to do another year in high school. he graduated in june 2009.

when should he report his 'last attendance of high school full time"? he did not finish a 5th year and left school in november, so technically he hasnt been attending for 6 months.. he does not have any new marks on his transcript since june 2009. would he also qualify for the queen elizabeth scholarship?

thanks!

[rock249]

I HATE how the the osap website is updated and cant use my SIN number to log in like before. I have been trying to get in, but with my 3rd try it says im locked out for 24 hours. EXTREAMLY annoying. I went to the finanical aid office at school and Im guessing the temp. password they gave me is written incorrect becuase that wont work either. Anybody having the same problems?

I Know exactly what you mean. I have been trying to access my OSAP account as well and the past few years I've only used my SIN # to log-in so I do not know my OSAP Access #. Even worse is when I click on "Forgot OSAP Access #" and answered the two security questions, the answers are somehow wrong. I've tried countless times but no success. Will the financial aid office at my school be able to help me out with this?

[93CivicSi]

1. Are they still giving the Queen Elizabeth Grant through OSAP?
2. How do I apply for the Queen Elizabeth Grant?
3. When is the deadline for Queen Elizabeth Grant?

[Maria007]

I Know exactly what you mean. I have been trying to access my OSAP account as well and the past few years I've only used my SIN # to log-in so I do not know my OSAP Access #. Even worse is when I click on "Forgot OSAP Access #" and answered the two security questions, the answers are somehow wrong. I've tried countless times but no success. Will the financial aid office at my school be able to help me out with this?

same here got my securiy asnwers wrong lol

go to the financial office, they will giv eyou a temporary password, and it might be case sensitive. When I tried logging in with my password, I didint realize that I had one capital letter, and it locked me out again! :mad:
I went back and they showed me it is case sensitive, the ladt day to submit osap stuff is june 1st if you havent given in for the summer semester.

[mr_toast]

In regards to owning a vehicle:

Previous two years I had a vehicle under my name with a value of about just under $10,000, but I put the value as 7k in the OSAP application.


I sold that Vehicle, picking up a new one tomorrow, and the value of it is just hoovering over 10k, but i'm getting it for 8k.


Will OSAP deny me this year? What do they look at, the blue book value? Or the value you purchased/claimed it was?

Technically it's depreciated value, but if you want a simpler number, claim the price you paid for it.


i have a question

my brother stayed back a year in high school this year to upgrade some marks.. but then realized he did not want to do another year in high school. he graduated in june 2009.

when should he report his 'last attendance of high school full time"? he did not finish a 5th year and left school in november, so technically he hasnt been attending for 6 months.. he does not have any new marks on his transcript since june 2009. would he also qualify for the queen elizabeth scholarship?

thanks!

"Last attendance of high school" is the last time he set foot in a classroom. If that happened to be November, it was November. QE2 Scholarships are based on your latest high school marks and are assessed with your OSAP application if it's submitted before the end of June I think.


1. Are they still giving the Queen Elizabeth Grant through OSAP?
2. How do I apply for the Queen Elizabeth Grant?
3. When is the deadline for Queen Elizabeth Grant?

1. Yes.
2. Apply for OSAP, they're assessed together.
3. I think it's the end of June. To be safe, apply ASAP.

[Soorma]

How do I determine how much course load I have in my first year?
I have 4 courses the whole year.

[mr_toast]

How do I determine how much course load I have in my first year?
I have 4 courses the whole year.

Considering your school's full-time courseload is 5 courses per semester or more:

4/10 = 40%

[Professor Iris]

Considering your school's full-time courseload is 5 courses per semester or more:

4/10 = 40%

You need to look at your school's website to see what they consider a full course load. For example, at my university a regular full course load is 5 full course equivalent credits (5 FCE), i.e. full full year one credit courses, or five half credit courses each semester or some combination thereof. In this example 4 full credit courses would be 80% of a full course load and 4 half credit courses would be 40% of a full course load. OSAP for full-time students requires a course load of 60% or more (different for students with disabilities).

[aaquib]

Ended up with only $4700! Any suggestions?

[mr_toast]

Ended up with only $4700! Any suggestions?

You're not stuck with "only" $4700. The OSAP estimate is how much they predict you will get for the loan portion. Grants aren't taken into consideration yet. Depending on how things go, it could bump you up to about $7000.

[Soorma]

You need to look at your school's website to see what they consider a full course load. For example, at my university a regular full course load is 5 full course equivalent credits (5 FCE), i.e. full full year one credit courses, or five half credit courses each semester or some combination thereof. In this example 4 full credit courses would be 80% of a full course load and 4 half credit courses would be 40% of a full course load. OSAP for full-time students requires a course load of 60% or more (different for students with disabilities).

The four courses I have, run from start of the school year to the end; year-long courses.

3 credits - 1 semester
6 credits - Year long but shorter lecture
9 credits - Year long but long lectures & tutorials

My courses :

2 : 6 credit courses
2 : 9 credit courses


Therefore, I have 4 year long courses this FALL/WINTER. Where does that leave me with course load.
http://sfs.yorku.ca/aid/osap/eligibility/index.htm
I checked out the link above but still :S

[vma03]

So on my OSAP main page, it says I submitted two applications. I did an application for the 2010-2011 year and the renewal application .... are they both the same things? lol. If so, what do I do now? (ps, one application estimates a higher loan than the other even though they both have the same information).

[mr_toast]

The four courses I have, run from start of the school year to the end; year-long courses.

3 credits - 1 semester
6 credits - Year long but shorter lecture
9 credits - Year long but long lectures & tutorials

My courses :

2 : 6 credit courses
2 : 9 credit courses


Therefore, I have 4 year long courses this FALL/WINTER. Where does that leave me with course load.
http://sfs.yorku.ca/aid/osap/eligibility/index.htm
I checked out the link above but still :S

I'm assuming you would add them up and divide by two, then use that calculator. I get 15 (2x6=12, 2x9=18, 12+18=30, 30/2=15 credits per semester).

[Soorma]

I'm assuming you would add them up and divide by two, then use that calculator. I get 15 (2x6=12, 2x9=18, 12+18=30, 30/2=15 credits per semester).

I found my University course load calculator online.
It states this firstly,

3 credit course - 1 semester
6 credit course - Split evenly 3 credit per term. Year long course.
9 credit course - Not sure how to split this. 4.5 per term :confused:. Year long course.

Please help figure this out. Thanks.

[Gero43]

Hi guys,
I need help answering one question of the OSAP application. I read it over and over again and it confuses me.

I finished high school about 3 years ago outside Canada and I did not study anywhere until January this year when I got into College, which I dropped out on April this year (1 term) because I got accepted into University for September.

Based on this information, does the following statements apply to me? I am between this one or None of the Above.

The question says:
Read each of the following statements. Select the FIRST statement that describes your current situation. You can only select one statement.
Both of the following statements are true:

* I have NOT been a full-time high school student at a high school for at least 12 months in a row on 2 or more occasions.
* I have NOT been a full-time postsecondary student for at least 12 months in a row on 2 or more occasions.

** The first statement I think is true as I havent attended to any high school for about 2-3 years in a row (the period since I finished high school in my country until I got into college). The second one is the one I'm not sure about.
Any help interpreting would be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

[mr_toast]

I found my University course load calculator online.
It states this firstly,

3 credit course - 1 semester
6 credit course - Split evenly 3 credit per term. Year long course.
9 credit course - Not sure how to split this. 4.5 per term :confused:. Year long course.

Please help figure this out. Thanks.

That's precisely what I figured out.


Hi guys,
I need help answering one question of the OSAP application. I read it over and over again and it confuses me.

I finished high school about 3 years ago outside Canada and I did not study anywhere until January this year when I got into College, which I dropped out on April this year (1 term) because I got accepted into University for September.

Based on this information, does the following statements apply to me? I am between this one or None of the Above.

The question says:
Read each of the following statements. Select the FIRST statement that describes your current situation. You can only select one statement.
Both of the following statements are true:

* I have NOT been a full-time high school student at a high school for at least 12 months in a row on 2 or more occasions.
* I have NOT been a full-time postsecondary student for at least 12 months in a row on 2 or more occasions.

** The first statement I think is true as I havent attended to any high school for about 2-3 years in a row (the period since I finished high school in my country until I got into college). The second one is the one I'm not sure about.
Any help interpreting would be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

An occasion in this context means the extended period in which you haven't been in high school, meaning, in your case, you haven't been in high school for the 2-3 years, and this equals one occasion. Likewise, you've been a postsecondary student, but only for 4 months or so. Again, that's one occasion. Therefore, none of them would relate to you. Continue down the list.

[fathobo231]

I am confused with the income part of the application can someone help me?

Jan 1/10 to Dec 31/10:
Jan 1/10 to Jun 29/10:
Jun 30/10 to Sep 8/10:

I got a $2,000 bursary from the school I am going to and also going to receive $1,000 scholarship if I keep my current average and have about $2,000 in RESP to use so I am confused what amount to put for these dates and I worked for a few days and made about $200 so I should put that in also

[mr_toast]

I am confused with the income part of the application can someone help me?

Jan 1/10 to Dec 31/10:
Jan 1/10 to Jun 29/10:
Jun 30/10 to Sep 8/10:

I got a $2,000 bursary from the school I am going to and also going to receive $1,000 scholarship if I keep my current average and have about $2,000 in RESP to use so I am confused what amount to put for these dates and I worked for a few days and made about $200 so I should put that in also

I don't think you include scholarships or bursaries. Don't hold me to it. RESP is claimed in a different part: they'll ask you how much you're withdrawing.

Therefore, you're left with the $200 you're getting for a few days' work. Is it under the table? An honourarium? Are they issuing you a T4 for tax purposes? If they're issuing a T4, note the income. If not, don't.

[fathobo231]

It wasn't under the table it was a real job just wasn't the right work for me

[Soorma]

Do I have to give my OEN number :confused:
If so, where can I find this?

[mr_toast]

It wasn't under the table it was a real job just wasn't the right work for me

It'll depend on when you received the $200 then.

eg. Say you received the $200 on March 1st. You would claim this:
Jan 1/10 to Dec 31/10: $200
Jan 1/10 to Jun 29/10: $200
Jun 30/10 to Sep 8/10: $0

eg. Say you intend to receive another $200 on July 15th. You would claim this:
Jan 1/10 to Dec 31/10: $400
Jan 1/10 to Jun 29/10: $200
Jun 30/10 to Sep 8/10: $200


Do I have to give my OEN number :confused:
If so, where can I find this?

I can only guess and saay it's your access number, used to access your OSAP profile. It's 9 digits.

[jordana5000]

How accurate is the estimate that OSAP gives you when finished the application, I got an estimate of $18,000 which seems like a lot..?



I'm not complaining because I really need anything/everything I can get.



Please get at me!

[Soorma]

How can I get and submit the following forms for OSAP:

History of Ontario Residency

Also,
after receiving the signature and declaration forms VIA mail by the ministry, who should I mail it back to? My University financial office or back to the ministry?

- Thank you

[SaNTi iTNaS]

I only got an estimate of $3600... Each semester for my program costs $2000+

... How does that work? :cry:

[PhilRelgStudent]

I only got an estimate of $3600... Each semester for my program costs $2000+

... How does that work? :cry:

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/restaurants/images/070714_mcdonalds.jpg

[PhilRelgStudent]

You're not stuck with "only" $4700. The OSAP estimate is how much they predict you will get for the loan portion. Grants aren't taken into consideration yet. Depending on how things go, it could bump you up to about $7000.

It says that the estimate may include both the grants and loans portion. :/

[Jon Lai]

I only got an estimate of $3600... Each semester for my program costs $2000+

... How does that work? :cry:


Ended up with only $4700! Any suggestions?

You guys are funny. OSAP is to help you out, not to pay your entire tuition in full.

[mr_toast]

My turn.

My estimate's $0. WTF.

[Gero43]

Hi again, thanks Mr Toast for the help. As I changed the answered to the other question, now I have to answer Parents Income and stuff like that.

Just one more question any of you may be able to help me.
I live with my father, my mother is out of the country, they are married but separated and none of them will help me financing my studies at all.
I have to answer the "Parental Info" section and when I click that my parents are married, it asks me the following:

**How many dependent children, including the student, do the parents who are completing this section have?

I thought I am independent as Im older than 19 and have been out of highschool for 3 years and financing university by myself, but this question says the opposite. Also I have already answered somewhere before that I am Independent, it doesnt make sense at all. There isnt any answer of 0, only 1 or more (because it says including the student so it's assuming im independent and i dont know why).

Neither my mother nor my father earn much money, my application wont be affected anyway, but I dont want to bother my mother for this purposes as she lives out of the country.

Any advice on how to answer the question?

Edit: If I answer that my parents are not married, it gives me the option to choose that they are separated which is what they actually are. So, does the word "married" doesnt include "separated" for OSAP? . Also, the question about the dependant children remains the same, am I considered dependant because my father and I live in the same place during the summer even though Im 20 years old?

Thanks

[Soorma]

So, this estimate is for one full academic term or year :confused:
Also,
I will be automatically considered for grants, scholarships and bursaries if OSAP thinks I should be or did I have to indicate that on my application form.

[RandomSanity]

Hi again, thanks Mr Toast for the help. As I changed the answered to the other question, now I have to answer Parents Income and stuff like that.

Just one more question any of you may be able to help me.
I live with my father, my mother is out of the country, they are married but separated and none of them will help me financing my studies at all.
I have to answer the "Parental Info" section and when I click that my parents are married, it asks me the following:

**How many dependent children, including the student, do the parents who are completing this section have?

I thought I am independent as Im older than 19 and have been out of highschool for 3 years and financing university by myself, but this question says the opposite. Also I have already answered somewhere before that I am Independent, it doesnt make sense at all. There isnt any answer of 0, only 1 or more (because it says including the student so it's assuming im independent and i dont know why).

Neither my mother nor my father earn much money, my application wont be affected anyway, but I dont want to bother my mother for this purposes as she lives out of the country.

Any advice on how to answer the question?

Edit: If I answer that my parents are not married, it gives me the option to choose that they are separated which is what they actually are. So, does the word "married" doesnt include "separated" for OSAP? . Also, the question about the dependant children remains the same, am I considered dependant because my father and I live in the same place during the summer even though Im 20 years old?

Thanks

Whether you are dependent or not actually comes from how long you have been out of secondary school. There should be a question that asks you what year did you last attend secondary school. If you have been out of secondary school for at least four years, you are considered independent and you will no longer be required to fill out your parents information at all, as it will all be based on your own income.

I found this incredibly silly as well, as I was also in the situation of having parents that were both poor, and unable to support me during school, let alone help me pay my tuition.

If your parents are separated (as in divorced) you should choose the not married and separated option.

[lilianc]

hi, all:

JUst have a question on the expected living expenses during the school year and whether OSAP will look into these numbers to make a decision on how much money each student should get. Is there anywhere in the OSAP application for us to list all these expenses? For instance, I'm moving to downtown Toronto this September and rent is going to be very expensive. The living expense will be higher compare to some other student living at home. Does it mean I'm going to get more OSAP? Thanks

[enjoyIncubus]

Last year, my mother, my only dependent parent broke her arm and could not work for 8 months of the year.
However, she recieved disability cheques from her employer on a bi-weekly basis. Would this could as "Other Income" not listed in her income tax?

[enjoyIncubus]

I also have another question.
By the time I finish my current degree I expect to have about a $30,000 OSAP debt accumulated.
Although, within a month after I obtain my degree I plan to start my apprenticeship to become an electrician. I know the interested doesn't start accumulating until you are out of post-secondary education for 6 months, but with the way the apprenticeship works I will be on a job-site for the better part of 4-5 years, only being in an Ontario college for about 10 of those months in in 2, 4, and 4 month intervals every couple of years.
So basically, will my apprenticeship freeze the interest and allow me to make money and pay off the $30,000 debt although I am not technically at an Ontario college for much of it?

[Professor Iris]

I also have another question.
By the time I finish my current degree I expect to have about a $30,000 OSAP debt accumulated.
Although, within a month after I obtain my degree I plan to start my apprenticeship to become an electrician. I know the interested doesn't start accumulating until you are out of post-secondary education for 6 months, but with the way the apprenticeship works I will be on a job-site for the better part of 4-5 years, only being in an Ontario college for about 10 of those months in in 2, 4, and 4 month intervals every couple of years.
So basically, will my apprenticeship freeze the interest and allow me to make money and pay off the $30,000 debt although I am not technically at an Ontario college for much of it?

Interest does accumulate during the six month grace period after you leave you school, you just don't have to make payments. If while you are in school during the apprenticeship you might be eligible for suspending interest accumulation in that period, but if you don't go back to school within 6 months of leaving it, you are stuck paying interest.

[mr_toast]

So, this estimate is for one full academic term or year :confused:
Also,
I will be automatically considered for grants, scholarships and bursaries if OSAP thinks I should be or did I have to indicate that on my application form.

The estimate is for one full school year. OSAP will determine your eligibility for all grants. You don't need to indicate anywhere that you want to be eligible. Just applying for OSAP makes you eligible.


hi, all:

JUst have a question on the expected living expenses during the school year and whether OSAP will look into these numbers to make a decision on how much money each student should get. Is there anywhere in the OSAP application for us to list all these expenses? For instance, I'm moving to downtown Toronto this September and rent is going to be very expensive. The living expense will be higher compare to some other student living at home. Does it mean I'm going to get more OSAP? Thanks

It depends if your parents' house is 40km or more from the school you're going to. If it is, then yes, OSAP would most likely accommodate for the change in dependence. But, if your parents live within 40km of the school, the Ontario government expects you to live at home, not independently.


Last year, my mother, my only dependent parent broke her arm and could not work for 8 months of the year.
However, she recieved disability cheques from her employer on a bi-weekly basis. Would this could as "Other Income" not listed in her income tax?

Sorry to hear about your mother's arm, hope she's doing well. I might be completely off, but disability income comes on a T4A or something at year's end. If you received a T4A slip or anything else regarding this for income taxes, then yes, it's included. But, if it's Worker's Comp payment, I don't think it's claimed. So, in short: if you received a slip for income tax, don't include it in "Other Income". If you didn't receive a slip, include it in "Other Income".


I also have another question.
By the time I finish my current degree I expect to have about a $30,000 OSAP debt accumulated.
Although, within a month after I obtain my degree I plan to start my apprenticeship to become an electrician. I know the interested doesn't start accumulating until you are out of post-secondary education for 6 months, but with the way the apprenticeship works I will be on a job-site for the better part of 4-5 years, only being in an Ontario college for about 10 of those months in in 2, 4, and 4 month intervals every couple of years.
So basically, will my apprenticeship freeze the interest and allow me to make money and pay off the $30,000 debt although I am not technically at an Ontario college for much of it?

I'm not familiar with apprenticeships and the sort, but basically, if you get paid during the apprenticeship, you're deemed "financially capable" to pay off the OSAP loans, whether it be over 9.5 years or over 15. You could also try to claim an extended interest grace period, allowing you to keep your loan interest-free until such time as you're able to start paying it back.

[Professor Iris]

You could also try to claim an extended interest grace period, allowing you to keep your loan interest-free until such time as you're able to start paying it back.

I think that you mean interest relief; this only applies to the provincial part of the loan, the federal portion has the repayment assistance program. For the interest relief program (which is being changed this year sometime), you don't get out of the interest that accumulates during the six month grace period, that interest either has to be paid or added to the loan (capitalized), and if you qualify for interest relief (it is based on gross income per month and amount of payments, there is a chart somewhere but I can't find a current working link) the government will pay the interest while you are in an interest relief period.

[Soorma]

The estimate is for one full school year. OSAP will determine your eligibility for all grants. You don't need to indicate anywhere that you want to be eligible. Just applying for OSAP makes you eligible.

OK. Thanks a lot for the help with OSAP. I finished up my application yesterday and I have to wait and see now what happens.

[mr_toast]

To all renewal applicants of OSAP (2nd, 3rd, and 4th years):

Make sure your application is for the school year and not for the summer. I didn't check and got a $0 estimate. You've been warned.

[al3x89]

disregard.. called some number and got the info i needed.

[Said212]

Hey guys, maybe someone can help me with my situation.

Im a Canadian Resident, but my Parents left the country for good BEFORE first year. My address is at my friend's place in Scarborough, but I do live on Rez and spend A LOT more. How do I let OSAP know that they aren't with me?

Also,

The Queen Elizabeth renewal isn't available for reapplying? Is it instantly taken into consideration? Thanks!

[mr_toast]

Hey guys, maybe someone can help me with my situation.

Im a Canadian Resident, but my Parents left the country for good BEFORE first year. My address is at my friend's place in Scarborough, but I do live on Rez and spend A LOT more. How do I let OSAP know that they aren't with me?

Also,

The Queen Elizabeth renewal isn't available for reapplying? Is it instantly taken into consideration? Thanks!

If you keep an 80% average I think, the QE2 scholarship renews itself every year.

[Gero43]

Hi again, thanks for those who answered my questions. I already sent my application, now I would like to estimate how much help I will be receiving.
The aid estimator doesnt work on the website and OSAP gives me one opportunity to estimate the help after I completed the application.
It says "dont guess", so Im wondering how can I know how much are "Books and equipment" for my program. I know the tution and compulsory fees, just need to know the books and equipment. Doesnt it depends on the courses I take?
In case this may be useful information: Bachelor of Commerce Honours , University of Ottawa. (Telfer School of Management).

Thanks again!!

[matradley]

Anyone ever have to do a "mandatory appraisal" on their vehicle for OSAP? I have a 2009 vehicle and when OSAP checked with MTO regarding the value, it noted "$0." I tried calling around to appraisal companies and they told me that MTO "really" should have the value. I am going to Service Canada today to get a Used Vehicle report. Anyone ever have any issues with this?

[mr_toast]

Hi again, thanks for those who answered my questions. I already sent my application, now I would like to estimate how much help I will be receiving.
The aid estimator doesnt work on the website and OSAP gives me one opportunity to estimate the help after I completed the application.
It says "dont guess", so Im wondering how can I know how much are "Books and equipment" for my program. I know the tution and compulsory fees, just need to know the books and equipment. Doesnt it depends on the courses I take?
In case this may be useful information: Bachelor of Commerce Honours , University of Ottawa. (Telfer School of Management).

Thanks again!!

I wish I got to guess how much I'd need...

It would depend if you're in residence or not. Basically, follow this:

Tuition (max $7000) + Residence (max $5000) + Transport (cost for a monthly Ottawa bus pass) + Books/Equipment (Assume $130/course)

Living expenses come out of your own pocket.

[qpalzm]

Hey guys,

I think I can answer a lot of questions with just one key answer you need to know; might do a great job of getting rid of some of the big misconceptions of OSAP and its purpose and ultimatley your expectations.

The biggest factor for OSAP is if you are considered an "independent" or "dependent" student. By their definition, you would have to be removed from HS at least four years. Most people applying to OSAP are just coming out of HS or they aren't that far removed it, meaning, they will look at your parents, assets, on top of what you earn and so forth..which basically gurantees that you will not get full funding, not anywhere near.(assuming your parents arent bums and they work..chances are, they do) And they don't even have to earn much. So you'll be lucky if you get enough for your courses let alone extra for expenses.

If they consider you idependent though, different story. They are looking just at you. If you are doing very minimal work(they do expect you to earn at least some money), lets say 6k a year, then not only could you get enough for courses but good chance you get some for expenses because you are independent and you earn little.

It was funny reading some posts though with people suggesting that earning of 50k by their parents is so little. Or suggesting that they only own a home, and two cars, so that's not much of assets. Umm yeah, it totally is. OSAP isn't there to give you money for free, they are there if you basically have nothing, have nobody to rely on, etc.

[qpalzm]

The system is basically made up of OSAP's "expectations". Even if you are independent, if you say that you will earn $0 for the year, they would question how you would live with not even a part-time job. So if you do earn little as independent, they will help with expenses, but it won't be totally...you could get up to $500/month.

[mr_toast]

Hey guys,

I think I can answer a lot of questions with just one key answer you need to know; might do a great job of getting rid of some of the big misconceptions of OSAP and its purpose and ultimatley your expectations.

The biggest factor for OSAP is if you are considered an "independent" or "dependent" student. By their definition, you would have to be removed from HS at least four years. Most people applying to OSAP are just coming out of HS or they aren't that far removed it, meaning, they will look at your parents, assets, on top of what you earn and so forth..which basically gurantees that you will not get full funding, not anywhere near.(assuming your parents arent bums and they work..chances are, they do) And they don't even have to earn much. So you'll be lucky if you get enough for your courses let alone extra for expenses.

If they consider you idependent though, different story. They are looking just at you. If you are doing very minimal work(they do expect you to earn at least some money), lets say 6k a year, then not only could you get enough for courses but good chance you get some for expenses because you are independent and you earn little.

It was funny reading some posts though with people suggesting that earning of 50k by their parents is so little. Or suggesting that they only own a home, and two cars, so that's not much of assets. Umm yeah, it totally is. OSAP isn't there to give you money for free, they are there if you basically have nothing, have nobody to rely on, etc.

Living in Toronto on $6k/year? You wish! Life in Toronto's hard. For an independent, they would have to make an easy $20k per year, assuming a $1000/month apartment to themselves and a significant other, food, and small expenditures on the side. I dunno about Ottawa, but by figuring out the math, an apartment would have to be less than $250/month to make a living independently off $6k/year, assuming parents are out of the picture.

Having said that, you're totally right. It's basically based on your dependency status, how much your parents have, how much they make, what they own, what they use it for, where you live, what do you drive... You could of course flat-out lie on the application. Speaking of which, OSAP asks for your personal assets, not your parents'. A house would qualify as your parents' asset.

[qpalzm]

I dunno about Ottawa, but by figuring out the math, an apartment would have to be less than $250/month to make a living independently off $6k/year, assuming parents are out of the picture.

There is no way you would be able to have your own place but living with roommates is the reality for most students.(here in Ottawa its possible to get a room for $400/month, all inclusive)

You see its that frame of mind I was talking about. Where does it say that OSAP has to provide money for you so you can live alone? If you are independent, OSAP assumes you are rather educated by this point(since you are 4 years removed from school - your prospects for work then are much better), logically you've been living on your own at least 4yrs and taking care of yourself(so it shows them you are capable to work) and/or you have had time to save.

If a person didn't do any of those things, I think its really nice of them to give any support for expenses.

I'm personally more sad for the dependents where their parents are expected to support them but parents won't.

[qpalzm]

To use my example. I'm an independent student and during the school year will earn around 6k, lets say a bit more so that with taxes, my earnings are $500/month clear. OSAP only looks at my earnings, assets, investments..and I have none or very little. As a result of having that advantage "independent status", I get 11k for the year, 5.5k per semester.

So:
3k per semester for my courses(i'm taking 4 per semester) but this includes books and stuff.
$400/month to rent a room with roomates.
$150 for food.
$150 for bills.
$100 for transportation
----------------------------------------------------------------
3.8k


So 5.5k(what I get from OSAP per semester), minus 3.8k = 1.7k for four month term = $425 extra support from OSAP/month. On top of that I earn $500/month . Total money per month, $925

So its possible here in Ottawa. But again, OSAP is not social assistance, they don't cater to your every dream and idea of how you want to live.

[mr_toast]

There is no way you would be able to have your own place but living with roommates is the reality for most students.(here in Ottawa its possible to get a room for $400/month, all inclusive)

You see its that frame of mind I was talking about. Where does it say that OSAP has to provide money for you so you can live alone? If you are independent, OSAP assumes you are rather educated by this point(since you are 4 years removed from school - your prospects for work then are much better), logically you've been living on your own at least 4yrs and taking care of yourself(so it shows them you are capable to work) and/or you have had time to save.

If a person didn't do any of those things, I think its really nice of them to give any support for expenses.

I'm personally more sad for the dependents where their parents are expected to support them but parents won't.

Frankly, if anything, it's easier for dependents, not sad. Parents should know how to manage their money wisely because then, this university thing catches them by surprise and all of a sudden the parents don't have money to help pay for school. If the parents earn $50k/year, there's no excuse about not being able to part with even a few thousand.

Also, your math is wrong. This is why education is good, yeah? :P
3k per semester for my courses(i'm taking 4 per semester) [if you're lucky to only pay $3k/semester. My tuition came to $3250/semester at Ryerson.
$520 for books ($130 x 4 courses per semester)
$1600 to rent a room with roomates. ($400 x 4)
$600 for food. (4 months)
$600 for bills. (4 months)
$500 for transportation (4 months)
----------------------------------------------------------------
$6820/4 months. Divided by 4, you get: $1705.

So, this is how it actually works. To prevent late fees, you pay tuition and books first, to get started. You're already in the hole $3920. Then OSAP comes into your bank at 5.5k. You'll have $1080 to divvy up between the other expenses. Add your income of $6k per year, and you just might pull it off.

And of course OSAP isn't social assistance. It's a loan. It tells you five times it's a loan before letting you even start the application.