OSAP tips/advice/questions (Old)

[moly]

It never hurts to apply.

He'll know later in life that this is probably the best debt a person will ever get in his/her life. Where else do you get an interest free loan? Worse case he gets the money even if he doesn't need it, make some money off interest or something then pay it back when interest is about to be calculated just before grad.

Thanks, BBQPorkBun! Your advice sounds very logical. One more question. We have joint bank account. Does it mean that he can choose to report to OSAP any amount on his behalf (from $0 to $all amount available)?
Thank you for all your help!

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks, BBQPorkBun! Your advice sounds very logical. One more question. We have joint bank account. Does it mean that he can choose to report to OSAP any amount on his behalf (from $0 to $all amount available)?
Thank you for all your help!

Pretty much

[unce]

You might get it based on your salary and high monthly payment but thats all they are going to consider. its not their issue if you choose to live on your own or your family needs financial help

Thank you

[Nyte]

Hi. I just recently graduated during the summer. I didn't get a job until September, and my repayment starts in December. They are asking for 450 a month and I don't think I can afford to pay that...esp since I live on my own. My parents make very little money, and I have to help them out at times, but I don't live with them. Is there a section I can indicate that? I just got the form for application for interest relief.

My salary is 35000 a year - am I eligible for interest relief? Also would they take into account of my living expenses? (rent, food etc)


I think you can extend the amount of time the loan is amortized over. Default was at 9.5 years. I think the max they stated (assuming I'm reading it correctly) was 174 months, so around 14.5 years.

Which brings me to another question. Considering you can overpay at any time (reducing the principle), why would anyone want to change their loan terms to increase their monthly payments?

[BBQPorkBun]

I think you can extend the amount of time the loan is amortized over. Default was at 9.5 years. I think the max they stated (assuming I'm reading it correctly) was 174 months, so around 14.5 years.

Which brings me to another question. Considering you can overpay at any time (reducing the principle), why would anyone want to change their loan terms to increase their monthly payments?

some people who are able to make a larger payments will do that without having to do any manual transactions, less maintenance

[Nyte]

some people who are able to make a larger payments will do that without having to do any manual transactions, less maintenance

Then just setup an automatic bill payment using online banking. That way, you maintain full control over how much you pay. Should you ever want/need the extra money for something else, its easy to change. You could probably change the loan term again as well, but that's a fair bit more hassle and slow.

[cutcopypaste]

Cut, OSAP does provide grants and bursaries to those with permanent disabilities, etc. There is the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and The Canada Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities. The CA grant can be applied for with your OSAP application and the Bursary is a seperate application as you know. You have to apply for the CA grant each year from what we've been told. Are you 100% sure you applied for it this year by ticking the correct box during the application? There is also Ontario's Assistive Devices Program to help with medical supply costs in case you didn't know. It covers up to 75% of the cost of meters and testing supplies for those who do not have private coverage.
Here's the link to the ADP diabetes fact sheet... http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/adp/diabetic.html

I did apply for that, yeah. The Access Grant is what they only gave me $1300/$2000 of because I guess I'm working too much, and the Bursary money is weird because it can ONLY be used to cover things that you need because of your disability to function at school and insulin pumps/meters/test strips/insulin are not considered to fall under that category. I'm hopefully getting on the ADP soon because my $6000 insulin pump broke just after the warranty expired but I need to get an appointment with a Endo first.. which is in the works and should happen ok but is nonetheless stressful.. just thankful medtronic is lending me a pump while I work all this out... thanks a bunch for all the information, though

[decode]

I have a question concerning OSAP.

I will need it for my summer term. but I'm not sure where to start in terms of how the process will work that way. Is it different to collect your money in the summer? Where will I go to get it since I believe that they only give it out in the fall term right?

I made an OSAP account last year, but did not end up using it for my first 2 terms, but will for my 3rd. Will I still have the chance to get the grants that the government gives with osap?

[BBQPorkBun]

I have a question concerning OSAP.

I will need it for my summer term. but I'm not sure where to start in terms of how the process will work that way. Is it different to collect your money in the summer? Where will I go to get it since I believe that they only give it out in the fall term right?

I made an OSAP account last year, but did not end up using it for my first 2 terms, but will for my 3rd. Will I still have the chance to get the grants that the government gives with osap?

Only your financial aid office would know that.

grants have nothing to do with your accounts.

[dewlana]

I just signed up to this forum b/c I am dealing with an OSAP mess, and I'm so thankful for your insight BBQ-

I tend to get a little long winded, so I apologize in advance for the novel.

My husband has used up all 30 months (plus the additional 24 months they can allot you) of interest relief. We don't have a very high income, he is the sole breadwinner making just around 20 k and I stay at home with our 2 children. We can't afford the student loan payment by a long shot. We also can't really afford the interest only payment (nor does my husband qualify for debt reduction for another 3 years). I plan on going to school in the future (5-6 years) and I'll need OSAP when I go. If we default on the loan, will it affect my ability to qualify for OSAP when I decide to go to school? Don't get me wrong, we're going to try to pay at least the interest only, but I want to know what I'm in for.

Thanks for your help!

[Professor Iris]

I ended up working more, getting a raise, and almost $8000 (before taxes) in back pay for a complaint filed before I started working. Needless to say I was not expecting all of this extra income. I have ended up making a lot more than I expected (though I don't have anything to show for it except no credit card bills, a little less on my line of credit and a nice pair of winter boots, and hopefully a good income tax return), so I'm sure that osap will want back all of the almost $12000 for this year (good buy grant money). What I wanted to know after all that rambling is when do they usually check your income and tell you what your overpayment is and how much time after they tell you do you have to pay? I know that it is basically right away, but then you are eligible to apply for the next year right? I also thought that income checks don't usually happen until you already have your fall installment anyway. I already have past overpayments, in the amount of $1000-2000 I think. Will I probably have to pay back all of my overpayments or just one? I'm really worried about it, I would have been in better shape if I hadn't gotten the extra pay. Thanks for your help and sorry about the longwinded post.

[BBQPorkBun]

I just signed up to this forum b/c I am dealing with an OSAP mess, and I'm so thankful for your insight BBQ-

I tend to get a little long winded, so I apologize in advance for the novel.

My husband has used up all 30 months (plus the additional 24 months they can allot you) of interest relief. We don't have a very high income, he is the sole breadwinner making just around 20 k and I stay at home with our 2 children. We can't afford the student loan payment by a long shot. We also can't really afford the interest only payment (nor does my husband qualify for debt reduction for another 3 years). I plan on going to school in the future (5-6 years) and I'll need OSAP when I go. If we default on the loan, will it affect my ability to qualify for OSAP when I decide to go to school? Don't get me wrong, we're going to try to pay at least the interest only, but I want to know what I'm in for.

Thanks for your help!

Im sorry to hear you are in this situation. You are correct, if you default on the loan you will most likely not get osap again. try to think of it as if you would loan money to a stranger who hasen't paid you back the first time. defaulting on the loan would also lead to other implications such as not being able to buy a home, get a credit card. you might even have a hard time getting a cell phone. going to collections is not a good thing, you'll constantly be harassed and ive seen them go as far as going into your account and taking the money.

Can he not get a better job or work more hours? You both have to do what you gotta do to pay down the loan. even paying interest only is not a solution. good luck.

[BBQPorkBun]

I ended up working more, getting a raise, and almost $8000 (before taxes) in back pay for a complaint filed before I started working. Needless to say I was not expecting all of this extra income. I have ended up making a lot more than I expected (though I don't have anything to show for it except no credit card bills, a little less on my line of credit and a nice pair of winter boots, and hopefully a good income tax return), so I'm sure that osap will want back all of the almost $12000 for this year (good buy grant money). What I wanted to know after all that rambling is when do they usually check your income and tell you what your overpayment is and how much time after they tell you do you have to pay? I know that it is basically right away, but then you are eligible to apply for the next year right? I also thought that income checks don't usually happen until you already have your fall installment anyway. I already have past overpayments, in the amount of $1000-2000 I think. Will I probably have to pay back all of my overpayments or just one? I'm really worried about it, I would have been in better shape if I hadn't gotten the extra pay. Thanks for your help and sorry about the longwinded post.

checks come usually after the school year. the more drastic the difference, usually the more severe the consequence. this 8 k covers which period(s) though? during the school year, or does that include summer, or income for the whole calendar year? generally don't make the difference so big

[dewlana]

Im sorry to hear you are in this situation. You are correct, if you default on the loan you will most likely not get osap again. try to think of it as if you would loan money to a stranger who hasen't paid you back the first time. defaulting on the loan would also lead to other implications such as not being able to buy a home, get a credit card. you might even have a hard time getting a cell phone. going to collections is not a good thing, you'll constantly be harassed and ive seen them go as far as going into your account and taking the money.

Can he not get a better job or work more hours? You both have to do what you gotta do to pay down the loan. even paying interest only is not a solution. good luck.

Thanks for your quick answer!

Even if it's his loan that defaulted, and then I apply for it I'll be denied? My husband has no interest in going to school again, so won't be applying for OSAP.

Is there somewhere on the OSAP site that would list this information, or a place I can call to verify this? It's not that I don't believe you, but it feels so unfair. I guess I'm just a little emotional that I have to potentially give up on my dream.

Working more hours isn't really possible. On top of his FT job (that offers no OT) he works from home to bring in other income. Better paying jobs don't really exist around here unless you have an education, and my husband did not complete school.

We would be able to afford the loan payments if we filed for bankruptcy, but I don't want to go down that road if I don't have to.

[Professor Iris]

checks come usually after the school year. the more drastic the difference, usually the more severe the consequence. this 8 k covers which period(s) though? during the school year, or does that include summer, or income for the whole calendar year? generally don't make the difference so big

The 8k was just a single cheque, based on my hours 2002-2006, and I got it a couple of weeks ago, so all together I've made about $26k this calendar year, I thought that I would only make 1-2k more than my estimate, I tried really hard to have a close estimate this year so I wouldn't have another overpayment. Oh well, just worried that I'll end up taking money out on a credit card and still going into collection when they want their money back.

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for your quick answer!

Even if it's his loan that defaulted, and then I apply for it I'll be denied? My husband has no interest in going to school again, so won't be applying for OSAP.

Is there somewhere on the OSAP site that would list this information, or a place I can call to verify this? It's not that I don't believe you, but it feels so unfair. I guess I'm just a little emotional that I have to potentially give up on my dream.

Working more hours isn't really possible. On top of his FT job (that offers no OT) he works from home to bring in other income. Better paying jobs don't really exist around here unless you have an education, and my husband did not complete school.

We would be able to afford the loan payments if we filed for bankruptcy, but I don't want to go down that road if I don't have to.

I don't know of any links but logically thats how it would work. Even if you apply for interest relief they ask for income of your household. You apply for everything as one entity now. He defaults on the loan, should we loan his wife money? probably not. you gotta think of a plan to get out of this rut, if after so many years of working he is still at that income level, something has to happen to change things. perhaps move somewhere else.

don't give up your dream, its never too late, especially to go to school

[BBQPorkBun]

The 8k was just a single cheque, based on my hours 2002-2006, and I got it a couple of weeks ago, so all together I've made about $26k this calendar year, I thought that I would only make 1-2k more than my estimate, I tried really hard to have a close estimate this year so I wouldn't have another overpayment. Oh well, just worried that I'll end up taking money out on a credit card and still going into collection when they want their money back.

i honestly don't think you have anything to worry about. you don't have to report the 8k, thats not income for 07 or this year. income is determined by when the dollars was earned, not when its paid. so this 8k is not income for this year.

in terms of taxes you are suppose to redo all your other year's income taxes but the amount is so insignificant that i wouldn't bother.

[Ryuu]

Just checked OSAP earlier to find that my loan for this year is fully released. But there should be ~$600 to be released in January, now it just says the full amount issued for this year is released to me. I check my bank account and didn't recieve it:confused: Not sure when this change happened but I'll check my account later to see if I do get it.

My grant stayed the same, with full amount to be released in Jan. though.

Anything to worry about? Should I contact them and see if it's a mistake or something?

[arsenal6]

Question for you great ppl:

I am a York 2nd year and I am on osap obviously...I am working 10-15 hrs a week right now I wonder if I worked 30-40 hrs during the strike will it kill my osap? In need of some help ><!

[decode]

Hi again! I have another question if you don't mind.


So I was doing some reading and apparently you can get a winter release for OSAP?

Hmm .. how exactly does that work? Does the money have to be used to pay off that term only? Can I apply for OSAP and use it for my tuition for the summer?

[MacEngI]

Just checked OSAP earlier to find that my loan for this year is fully released. But there should be ~$600 to be released in January, now it just says the full amount issued for this year is released to me. I check my bank account and didn't recieve it:confused: Not sure when this change happened but I'll check my account later to see if I do get it.

My grant stayed the same, with full amount to be released in Jan. though.

Anything to worry about? Should I contact them and see if it's a mistake or something?

Look at "Total funding issued" in your OSAP account for more information.

[wbastien]

Hi BBQ,
do you know why OSAP would adjust the loan after the parent's income is verified? I was originally getting around $8500 (decreased after I got the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship), but now when I went to check they reduced it to ~$7000, so everything I was getting from OSAP was already given to me in first semester. I am not working during the school year so I am not making anything extra, also if anything my parents income decreased because they moved to Nova Scotia and my mom couldn't find a decent job right away. Do I talk to OSAP directly or go to my financial aid office to find out why it was adjusted?

[Ryuu]

Look at "Total funding issued" in your OSAP account for more information.
Thanks, I found the $600 there and under it, it says:

* Negotiable Date: Jan 01, 2009

* This loan instalment cannot be released until after the negotiable date. If you are attending an institution in Canada, you cannot pick up your loan document until that date. If you are attending an institution outside Canada and you have already received your loan document in the mail, you cannot negotiate it until that date.

But then, shouldn't it be on the Funding Summary page under "To be Released" along with my grant? Why would it suddenly get added to the "Released to Date" amount :confused:

Maybe I'm just paranoid here lol

[BBQPorkBun]

Question for you great ppl:

I am a York 2nd year and I am on osap obviously...I am working 10-15 hrs a week right now I wonder if I worked 30-40 hrs during the strike will it kill my osap? In need of some help ><!

sorry, im on vacation still, but here it is.

yes, nothings changed, u still need to pay tuition you paid and you still have to report the extra income earned. try to get something cash based.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi again! I have another question if you don't mind.


So I was doing some reading and apparently you can get a winter release for OSAP?

Hmm .. how exactly does that work? Does the money have to be used to pay off that term only? Can I apply for OSAP and use it for my tuition for the summer?

releases typically happen at the beginning of each term including the summer.

you can apply for summer osap when summer approaches, they would not disburse any money to you beforehand.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi BBQ,
do you know why OSAP would adjust the loan after the parent's income is verified? I was originally getting around $8500 (decreased after I got the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship), but now when I went to check they reduced it to ~$7000, so everything I was getting from OSAP was already given to me in first semester. I am not working during the school year so I am not making anything extra, also if anything my parents income decreased because they moved to Nova Scotia and my mom couldn't find a decent job right away. Do I talk to OSAP directly or go to my financial aid office to find out why it was adjusted?

no, they have their reasons, but whatever reason it is does not matter now. id go to financial aid for help but report to osap the change in your parents income now compared to when you first did the application. this may be in the form of an appeal process. after that they would look at your case again and reassess it. good luck

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks, I found the $600 there and under it, it says:



But then, shouldn't it be on the Funding Summary page under "To be Released" along with my grant? Why would it suddenly get added to the "Released to Date" amount :confused:

Maybe I'm just paranoid here lol

released to date means you should have already got it. call the nslsc and they can give you a more accurate picture of when and what was disbursed. if its 600 dollars that you should have got but didn't, its something they can look into on their end.

[immunomsk]

Hi BBQporkbun! First of all thank you very much for your dedicated support!

Second, I have a bit of an odd situation that has not been brought up yet:

I finished undergrad last spring.
I am accepted into a grad. program for immunology in Toronto (start sept 2008).
In negotiation with the particular department, I have been allowed to join a laboratory in Sloan-Kettering/Cornell for the period between Oct. 2008-Sept 2009.
I am still technically "in the program" but not officially enrolled/taking courses etc. Eitherway I will definitely enroll in a phd/msc program by this summer.

I was wondering if:
a)my "income" reported to osap is pre-tax/health etc.
b) My income for this internship (~35000 pre-tax total) should be reported in two parts (2008 tax year and again 2009 tax year) or if the income is calculated as a rolling year/contract.
c)Am I eligible for IR as someone temporarily living in New York?

[CSK'sMom]

Thanks, I found the $600 there and under it, it says:



But then, shouldn't it be on the Funding Summary page under "To be Released" along with my grant? Why would it suddenly get added to the "Released to Date" amount :confused:

Maybe I'm just paranoid here lol

Don't panic. It seems everyone's is reading that way currently. From what we can figure those funds have already been released through OSAP (in Nov.) and sitting waiting for the release date in Jan. Ironically our son's shows the loan amount is released but the grant amount isn't as of yet. His grant comes this term as a cheque that needs to be picked up at FinAid.

[immunomsk]

and one more question....my income needs to be less than $25 000/year to be approved for interest relief?? (the person I spoke to on the phone mentioned $2075/month). Is this figure written in stone, or is there a +/- value that is acceptable (say 2200/mth)
If you are to pay osap on top of monthly expenses in NY you would not survive with that salary.

[Professor Iris]

and one more question....my income needs to be less than $25 000/year to be approved for interest relief?? (the person I spoke to on the phone mentioned $2075/month). Is this figure written in stone, or is there a +/- value that is acceptable (say 2200/mth)
If you are to pay osap on top of monthly expenses in NY you would not survive with that salary.

There is a chart on the osap website that shows based on how much your monthly payments are how much income you may make and still qualify for interest relief. Now, you can make little money the month you apply and then make a lot more for the six months of interest relief, and keep doing that, but otherwise there isn't leeway. I'm not sure how it works with living temporarily in New York, but basically you must reside in Canada to be eligible for interest relief.

[nsX-]

Just curious as I'm 1 month away from my first year of college , what are the procedures to getting the OSAP funds.Will they just send me a cheque in the mail after the supposed release date stated on the website?Or do I go to my financial aid and picking up the cheque in person.I'd like to be prepared on what I'm to do when the time comes.

[Professor Iris]

Just curious as I'm 1 month away from my first year of college , what are the procedures to getting the OSAP funds.Will they just send me a cheque in the mail after the supposed release date stated on the website?Or do I go to my financial aid and picking up the cheque in person.I'd like to be prepared on what I'm to do when the time comes.

You need to bring your s.i.n. card and government issued photo id as well as a void cheque or banking information to your financial aid office. They can tell you more info and when you can pick it up. For instance at my school some years only 3rd and 4th year students can pick up the first day.

[nsX-]

Thanks .Not sure if I have any voided cheques or any cheques at all for that matter , but I'll stop by my local bank and try to get some.

[kevin01]

if my mom's getting paid by the WSIB as an insurance claim, and not by an employer, does she have to file taxes? Would that count as an income?

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi BBQporkbun! First of all thank you very much for your dedicated support!

Second, I have a bit of an odd situation that has not been brought up yet:

I finished undergrad last spring.
I am accepted into a grad. program for immunology in Toronto (start sept 2008).
In negotiation with the particular department, I have been allowed to join a laboratory in Sloan-Kettering/Cornell for the period between Oct. 2008-Sept 2009.
I am still technically "in the program" but not officially enrolled/taking courses etc. Eitherway I will definitely enroll in a phd/msc program by this summer.

I was wondering if:
a)my "income" reported to osap is pre-tax/health etc.
b) My income for this internship (~35000 pre-tax total) should be reported in two parts (2008 tax year and again 2009 tax year) or if the income is calculated as a rolling year/contract.
c)Am I eligible for IR as someone temporarily living in New York?

a) its always pre tax pre everything
b) report it for the period in which they request it. one of them will not be a contract amount though
c) no, so don't say your living in ny

[BBQPorkBun]

and one more question....my income needs to be less than $25 000/year to be approved for interest relief?? (the person I spoke to on the phone mentioned $2075/month). Is this figure written in stone, or is there a +/- value that is acceptable (say 2200/mth)
If you are to pay osap on top of monthly expenses in NY you would not survive with that salary.

stone

nobody told you to live in new york, not osap's problem

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks .Not sure if I have any voided cheques or any cheques at all for that matter , but I'll stop by my local bank and try to get some.

all they really need is the numbers at the bottom of you cheques

[BBQPorkBun]

if my mom's getting paid by the WSIB as an insurance claim, and not by an employer, does she have to file taxes? Would that count as an income?

everyone has to file taxes no matter what. is what shes getting considered income? i don't believe so but the forms you get will tell what you need to know.

[CSK'sMom]

everyone has to file taxes no matter what. is what shes getting considered income? i don't believe so but the forms you get will tell what you need to know.

if my mom's getting paid by the WSIB as an insurance claim, and not by an employer, does she have to file taxes? Would that count as an income?

Just to clarify for kevin, yes WSIB is considered income and she must file her taxes. She'll have to file anyway for things like GST credit and your OSAP income verification. It's considered non-taxable IIRC but is included in calculating credits (GST), non-refundable tax credits and gross income. I do my FIL's taxes every year and deal with WSIB pension income with his...

[gogoranger]

hey BBQ! By the way thanks for your response the other time. Anyway, I'm considering applying to a different program at a different school while getting OSAP, would this be a problem? Do I have to give all the money back first and apply again?

[rilhouse]

BBQ, is there a limit to the number of times you can apply for interest relief?

[BBQPorkBun]

hey BBQ! By the way thanks for your response the other time. Anyway, I'm considering applying to a different program at a different school while getting OSAP, would this be a problem? Do I have to give all the money back first and apply again?

no no, just apply, theres no issue. people switch programs/schools all the time.

[BBQPorkBun]

BBQ, is there a limit to the number of times you can apply for interest relief?

no limit on applies, yes limit on how much you can get. 5 yrs worth

[Hype1]

So I was approved for interest relief in November, however when I visited the Canlearn site I noticed that my amount owing went up by a few dollars. I thought the interests would stop accumulating once I got approved. Whats going on?

[BBQPorkBun]

So I was approved for interest relief in November, however when I visited the Canlearn site I noticed that my amount owing went up by a few dollars. I thought the interests would stop accumulating once I got approved. Whats going on?

they accumulate it on your behalf, and at the end of the month, the gov't pays the interest portion. should be ok.

[umop]

I had a bit of a problem with OSAP and YorkU and wanted to get some feedback.

I applied early and my app got verified/accepted early. I was told to check York's Document Tracker regularly to find out when I can pick up my documents. I checked throughout the entire summer and multiple times a day when the start of the school year was getting closer. I continued checking a few times a day throughout all of September and my documents still weren't available.

I didn't call to see what was up because I was sure they'd tell me to continue checking online, or that my papers aren't ready yet and that it's too early.

So about mid-October I finally got around to calling and it turns out somebody at York forgot to do something (either they misplaced my papers, or didn't update the site properly, or something to that effect).

I got my papers and my money but I was also charged a late fee on my tuition. When I picked up my papers I forgot to ask if they'd drop the late fee.

So my question is - if I had complained, would they have dropped the late fee? What if I complained now? I also didn't care too much at the time cause it was only about $30.

[BBQPorkBun]

I had a bit of a problem with OSAP and YorkU and wanted to get some feedback.

I applied early and my app got verified/accepted early. I was told to check York's Document Tracker regularly to find out when I can pick up my documents. I checked throughout the entire summer and multiple times a day when the start of the school year was getting closer. I continued checking a few times a day throughout all of September and my documents still weren't available.

I didn't call to see what was up because I was sure they'd tell me to continue checking online, or that my papers aren't ready yet and that it's too early.

So about mid-October I finally got around to calling and it turns out somebody at York forgot to do something (either they misplaced my papers, or didn't update the site properly, or something to that effect).

I got my papers and my money but I was also charged a late fee on my tuition. When I picked up my papers I forgot to ask if they'd drop the late fee.

So my question is - if I had complained, would they have dropped the late fee? What if I complained now? I also didn't care too much at the time cause it was only about $30.

From their point of view, you are late, thats it, doesn't matter why

[killoverme]

Question...

Due to the recent York U strike I have been able to work for money, or else i wouldn't have.

I wrote down about 200 for the "during school" income and i think i've made over 1500 already =/ should i e-mail them or something?

[BBQPorkBun]

Question...

Due to the recent York U strike I have been able to work for money, or else i wouldn't have.

I wrote down about 200 for the "during school" income and i think i've made over 1500 already =/ should i e-mail them or something?

meh, worry about it later when you make a more significant amount

[skyblue12]

ok i've got a question, If i want to withdraw a second installment from the RESP in January. Question is will it affect my OSAP for second term? Do I have to report this to my registrar? Will it result in overpayment if i don't report?

[killoverme]

meh, worry about it later when you make a more significant amount

okay lol. whats significant? max i'll make i think is about 2k anyways.

[badmus]

Hi again bbq. I told osap in the income form I got that I was going to earn around 9k this year but because of the york strike and some other things I think I am going to earn around 11k, should I let them know about it or should I wait and see what I earn for the first 4 months of next year since I have to tell them that as well?.

Thanks

[bestknightmare]

somewhere in the OSAP site, it say there is a maximum amount of how much we NEED to repay back....somethink like for 2semester program, it is $8000, for 3semester program, it is $12000. Is this true? What if I am borrowing $20000 this year (for 3 semester program), does this mean I only need to repay $12000?

[help_questions]

hey bbq.

I go to york and as most know, classes are canceled b/c of the strike.

For OSAP, I was approved for 34 weeks of funding (1 full school year). So, if the school year gets extended to 37 weeks (for example) would I become eligible for additional funding?

[molala]

somewhere in the OSAP site, it say there is a maximum amount of how much we NEED to repay back....somethink like for 2semester program, it is $8000, for 3semester program, it is $12000. Is this true? What if I am borrowing $20000 this year (for 3 semester program), does this mean I only need to repay $12000?

Yeup, it's called Ontario Student Opportunity Grant

http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/Plan_Grants_full_newapp_osog_12345.htm

This is the eligibility requirement

Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for a grant if you meet all of the following requirements:

You negotiated a Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan in the 2007–2008 academic year.
You are entitled to a student loan(s) that exceeds $7,000 for a two-term academic year or $10,500 for a three-term academic year. If you received a Millennium Bursary (CMB) in the 2007–2008 academic year, you may still be eligible for an Ontario Student Opportunity Grant if your outstanding student loan(s), after the CMB has been released, exceeds $6,500 for a two-term academic year or $10,000 for a three-term academic year.
You are enrolled in a full-time program for two terms or three terms.
You have completed your academic year.

in your case, you only need to repay $10,500

[Evil Baby]

Is OSAP's interest rate variable? It's Prime + 2.5 right?

[rickyw]

im beginning to pay my student loans. i received all the documentation to give osap permission to take the money straight from my account. i think i was $90 or whatever the minimum payment is.

so how i mailed them all the forms they told me to fill out and mail back. i did not get any confirmation letter so what do i do now? am i all set up now?

[EAMAY]

Hey BBQ great thread, very informative you have been helping peopel for years and you deserve all the thanks your getting and more.

My question is: If I am living in toronto and want to attend york and live on campus will osap pay for my living expenses? Are there any appeal processes or special circumstances they take into consideration?

[badmus]

Is OSAP's interest rate variable? It's Prime + 2.5 right?

yes it is according to this link http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/gradosap.html
you can also google it if you need more answers

[BBQPorkBun]

ok i've got a question, If i want to withdraw a second installment from the RESP in January. Question is will it affect my OSAP for second term? Do I have to report this to my registrar? Will it result in overpayment if i don't report?

you don't need to report anything, resp should have been listed as an asset on your original application and is already taken into consideration. when you withdraw it is up to you

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi again bbq. I told osap in the income form I got that I was going to earn around 9k this year but because of the york strike and some other things I think I am going to earn around 11k, should I let them know about it or should I wait and see what I earn for the first 4 months of next year since I have to tell them that as well?.

Thanks

earn it then tell them

[BBQPorkBun]

somewhere in the OSAP site, it say there is a maximum amount of how much we NEED to repay back....somethink like for 2semester program, it is $8000, for 3semester program, it is $12000. Is this true? What if I am borrowing $20000 this year (for 3 semester program), does this mean I only need to repay $12000?

yes

[BBQPorkBun]

hey bbq.

I go to york and as most know, classes are canceled b/c of the strike.

For OSAP, I was approved for 34 weeks of funding (1 full school year). So, if the school year gets extended to 37 weeks (for example) would I become eligible for additional funding?

no

[BBQPorkBun]

im beginning to pay my student loans. i received all the documentation to give osap permission to take the money straight from my account. i think i was $90 or whatever the minimum payment is.

so how i mailed them all the forms they told me to fill out and mail back. i did not get any confirmation letter so what do i do now? am i all set up now?

you're all set, there is no confirmation letter. if its bothering you, call the nslsc to confirm they received it

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQ great thread, very informative you have been helping peopel for years and you deserve all the thanks your getting and more.

My question is: If I am living in toronto and want to attend york and live on campus will osap pay for my living expenses? Are there any appeal processes or special circumstances they take into consideration?

they would assist with living if your home is more than 40 km from your school. there is an appeal process to explain why you need more funding if you choose to do so.

[NoTime]

I am currently working a part-time job (10 hrs a week) in addition to being a full time student and I am trying to save up money. What do you recommend I should do with the money? (if investments, where? and what kind?)

When do we apply for OSAP again (going into 2nd year undergrad)? Should I use up all my money in my bank account b4 applying?

[jwei]

Okay heres the scenario for "someone".

Say before Sept 08, this student was in high school and entering uni in the fall.

When applying for osap, she put about $2000 from Jan-June, then $800 from June to Sept, and then $0 during the school year as she did not plan to work.

At the end of the year, she finally checks everything and she actually got the numbers wrong.

She actually made about $2000 from Jan- June, $1600 from June-Sept, and originally not planning to work, but ended up doing so, made $1000 during the school year.

So this leaves about $1800 missing from the report.

She plans to let them know that she actually made about $700 during the school year, leaving an approximate $1100 missing from the application (give or take $100).

Is this too big of a difference? What do you suggest she do? And lastly, is there an approximate magic number to be off by? Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

I am currently working a part-time job (10 hrs a week) in addition to being a full time student and I am trying to save up money. What do you recommend I should do with the money? (if investments, where? and what kind?)

When do we apply for OSAP again (going into 2nd year undergrad)? Should I use up all my money in my bank account b4 applying?

go have fun, you have the rest of your life to save. keep it for emergencies in a savings acct (ING or something).

you are suppose to disclose all your assets, having assets will get you a smaller loan, i'll leave it at that.

[BBQPorkBun]

Okay heres the scenario for "someone".

Say before Sept 08, this student was in high school and entering uni in the fall.

When applying for osap, she put about $2000 from Jan-June, then $800 from June to Sept, and then $0 during the school year as she did not plan to work.

At the end of the year, she finally checks everything and she actually got the numbers wrong.

She actually made about $2000 from Jan- June, $1600 from June-Sept, and originally not planning to work, but ended up doing so, made $1000 during the school year.

So this leaves about $1800 missing from the report.

She plans to let them know that she actually made about $700 during the school year, leaving an approximate $1100 missing from the application (give or take $100).

Is this too big of a difference? What do you suggest she do? And lastly, is there an approximate magic number to be off by? Thanks!

its too little to affect anything, id just leave it, they'll let it pass by. if you are thousands off then i would say something. they assess your loan assuming you would make approx 1500 in the summer anyways.

[rilhouse]

hey BBQ, do some OSAP CSRs work from home? i thought i heard kids yelling in the background when i called or maybe it's just a rowdy office?

[jwei]

its too little to affect anything, id just leave it, they'll let it pass by. if you are thousands off then i would say something. they assess your loan assuming you would make approx 1500 in the summer anyways.

Ok cool. So should one even bother to report the 700 anyway? Or will it just be a waste of time? Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

hey BBQ, do some OSAP CSRs work from home? i thought i heard kids yelling in the background when i called or maybe it's just a rowdy office?

rowdy office

[rory_b]

Hi, I have a question. I am in the process of signing up for OSAP for a post grad certificate program. It's 2 semesters in class plus a mandatory 4 month co-op work term. Since the co-op is mandatory, does that mean the program is 3 semesters? My estimated loan is around $14000, does that mean I will have to pay back $12000?

Thanks.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I have a question. I am in the process of signing up for OSAP for a post grad certificate program. It's 2 semesters in class plus a mandatory 4 month co-op work term. Since the co-op is mandatory, does that mean the program is 3 semesters? My estimated loan is around $14000, does that mean I will have to pay back $12000?

Thanks.

don't go on the estimated amt, it can be terribly inaccurate. whats most likely going to happy is you'll get an amt for 2 semesters and pay a max of 7000.

[NeoSlasher]

Heya, I have a question to anyone willing to provide an answer...

I've been out of college for about 6 months now, and OSAP has started pestering me to start making payments. I believe I've missed one payment so far. I was going to fax in some papers today to start making payments, as much as I dont want to...

I plan on going back to school come September. Reason Ive taken so much time off college as I did is because I dropped out and am redoing grade 12 so that I can make it into university. Also, during this time that I will be out of school and redoing grade 12, Im working a full time job (40 hours a week... although my work classifies me as a part timer, dont know why). I make $14.30 an hour. I am putting all this money towards paying off some other debts I have, like my credit card debt and my debt to my grandmother towards college tuition I borrowed, then I hope to save up at least another $6000 to pay for my first year of schooling. Is there any way I can avoid making payments until going back to school in september?

TL : DR
Been out of college too long, OSAP wants money from me. Im going back to school in September. I'm making a decent amount of money, $14.30 an hour. Can I avoid making payments somehow?

[BBQPorkBun]

Heya, I have a question to anyone willing to provide an answer...

I've been out of college for about 6 months now, and OSAP has started pestering me to start making payments. I believe I've missed one payment so far. I was going to fax in some papers today to start making payments, as much as I dont want to...

I plan on going back to school come September. Reason Ive taken so much time off college as I did is because I dropped out and am redoing grade 12 so that I can make it into university. Also, during this time that I will be out of school and redoing grade 12, Im working a full time job (40 hours a week... although my work classifies me as a part timer, dont know why). I make $14.30 an hour. I am putting all this money towards paying off some other debts I have, like my credit card debt and my debt to my grandmother towards college tuition I borrowed, then I hope to save up at least another $6000 to pay for my first year of schooling. Is there any way I can avoid making payments until going back to school in september?

TL : DR
Been out of college too long, OSAP wants money from me. Im going back to school in September. I'm making a decent amount of money, $14.30 an hour. Can I avoid making payments somehow?

The short answer is no. I don't really get the 'don't want to' part. You borrowed, hence you pay back. To osap your other debts mean nothing, all they know is you owe them money.

If it helps, you can go on interest only payments until september.

[NeoSlasher]

The short answer is no. I don't really get the 'don't want to' part. You borrowed, hence you pay back. To osap your other debts mean nothing, all they know is you owe them money.

If it helps, you can go on interest only payments until september.


I knew that OSAP wouldn't care about my other debts, I was just trying to explain why it is that I wanted to postpone my payments. I was just hoping there was a way to put my payments on hold if I could somehow prove intent to go back to school as soon as September, but I guess not... woulda been nice to get my higher interest debts out of the way first is all.

Anywho, thanks muchly for your help BBQPorkBun :)

[Raven_007]

Is there some debt reduction program? I know OSAP had something like that in the past. On their website there is only "Debt Reduction in Repayment" after 5 years out of school, but I know in the past (3-5 years ago) people filled out some form and got their debt reduced.

[rilhouse]

Is there some debt reduction program? I know OSAP had something like that in the past. On their website there is only "Debt Reduction in Repayment" after 5 years out of school, but I know in the past (3-5 years ago) people filled out some form and got their debt reduced.

i could be wrong but i think that form was for people who got a loan before the $7K max per semester rule. if there is a form a can fill out to reduce my debt, i need that form!!

[Raven_007]

i could be wrong but i think that form was for people who got a loan before the $7K max per semester rule. if there is a form a can fill out to reduce my debt, i need that form!!

Possible. The people I spoke to graduated in '02-'04, so that could be it ($7K max per 2 semesters), but if anyone knows of any other form, please let us know.

[ibiz]

So i'm a first year student and getting funding my first year was no problem, the thing is that next year my situation might be a little different and I was wondering if someone might have some insight on my situation.

My mom is looking at moving (for work related reasons) and i really don't want to be up rooted so i've decided to look for a place of my own. My parents would be paying for the majority of my rent but I'm unsure if this would affect my OSAP funding.

So basically would living on my own change my OSAP? Either negatively or positively? Any insight would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

[robman_rob]

Yeup, it's called Ontario Student Opportunity Grant

http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/Plan_Grants_full_newapp_osog_12345.htm

This is the eligibility requirement

Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for a grant if you meet all of the following requirements:



in your case, you only need to repay $10,500


Hey Guys I have a problem, interest is cummulating for me already at around $9 a day :( I visited this thread about a few months ago asking for advice on the "automated system" for ontario student opportunity grant (OSOG). I met the requirements and well it would be nice if i got some payment reduction to reduce my daily interest. When I call national student loans service, they say they can't help me on this matter, and they also say they took over osap, so there is no one i can call for help on this matter. is that true? (what i want help is with getting information on when i supposedly would get some debt reduction through OSOG.)

[nsX-]

So i'm a first year student and getting funding my first year was no problem, the thing is that next year my situation might be a little different and I was wondering if someone might have some insight on my situation.

My mom is looking at moving (for work related reasons) and i really don't want to be up rooted so i've decided to look for a place of my own. My parents would be paying for the majority of my rent but I'm unsure if this would affect my OSAP funding.

So basically would living on my own change my OSAP? Either negatively or positively? Any insight would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

Most likely you would just end up recieving more funds from OSAP , than if you were living with your parents.

[BBQPorkBun]

Possible. The people I spoke to graduated in '02-'04, so that could be it ($7K max per 2 semesters), but if anyone knows of any other form, please let us know.

the max was always there (it use to be 6k)
debt reduction was also always there.

the DR rule was you have to use up 5 yrs of IR before you can qualify
which means u have to be making really low income for 5 years

http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca/aw/ENG/not_secure/OSAP1016.htm#S6-400

[BBQPorkBun]

So i'm a first year student and getting funding my first year was no problem, the thing is that next year my situation might be a little different and I was wondering if someone might have some insight on my situation.

My mom is looking at moving (for work related reasons) and i really don't want to be up rooted so i've decided to look for a place of my own. My parents would be paying for the majority of my rent but I'm unsure if this would affect my OSAP funding.

So basically would living on my own change my OSAP? Either negatively or positively? Any insight would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

you'll get more assistance, and with ur parents helping out you should be fine. don't let osap know u may get helped though, assume worse case scenario.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey Guys I have a problem, interest is cummulating for me already at around $9 a day :( I visited this thread about a few months ago asking for advice on the "automated system" for ontario student opportunity grant (OSOG). I met the requirements and well it would be nice if i got some payment reduction to reduce my daily interest. When I call national student loans service, they say they can't help me on this matter, and they also say they took over osap, so there is no one i can call for help on this matter. is that true? (what i want help is with getting information on when i supposedly would get some debt reduction through OSOG.)

its true, theres nothing that can be done. you are not going to get debt reduction. unless you are unemployed, you likely won't get IR either.

[robman_rob]

its true, theres nothing that can be done. you are not going to get debt reduction. unless you are unemployed, you likely won't get IR either.

my mistake, i meant ontario student opportunity grant, not debt reduction. and i'm unemployed currently, and i'll apply for IR later when i am allowed too. but what i don't understand is the ontario student opportunity grant, i meet the requirements, i wonder how long the system takes.

[nr_sid]

Hi, I just have a question... does OSAP have varied academic restrictions for different universities, or is it all the same for all universities?

thanks

[b34r]

if you're living away, does it matter how far?
my sister applied for osap last year, but didn't get it because of my dad's income (even though he doesn't help out at all with tuition or other school costs...also, she lives at home and commutes to school via GO bus). I live in Mississauga, so if I move to Toronto to go to school at UTSG or York, would that be far enough for my dad's income to not be a factor? Or would I be able to put my mom's income (which is significantly less, but she lives near Guelph, and obviously I dont live with her)?
Really counting on OSAP to pay for tuition, books, and rent while I'm in school, so just looking for advice on how to get the most, cause like i said, i wont be getting any help from parents, even though osap considers my dads income high enough to not give my sister anything. :mad:

[Raven_007]

the max was always there (it use to be 6k)
debt reduction was also always there.

the DR rule was you have to use up 5 yrs of IR before you can qualify
which means u have to be making really low income for 5 years

http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca/aw/ENG/not_secure/OSAP1016.htm#S6-400

Do you know when max changed from 6K to 7K?

If DR rule did not change in the past 5-7 years, than those people must have gotten more than 6K per 2 semesters.

[BBQPorkBun]

if you're living away, does it matter how far?
my sister applied for osap last year, but didn't get it because of my dad's income (even though he doesn't help out at all with tuition or other school costs...also, she lives at home and commutes to school via GO bus). I live in Mississauga, so if I move to Toronto to go to school at UTSG or York, would that be far enough for my dad's income to not be a factor? Or would I be able to put my mom's income (which is significantly less, but she lives near Guelph, and obviously I dont live with her)?
Really counting on OSAP to pay for tuition, books, and rent while I'm in school, so just looking for advice on how to get the most, cause like i said, i wont be getting any help from parents, even though osap considers my dads income high enough to not give my sister anything. :mad:

your dads income is considered regardless. you may get more funding than what you currently get if your school is more than 40km from your home but with your dad's income, sounds like it may be hard because its still considered.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I just have a question... does OSAP have varied academic restrictions for different universities, or is it all the same for all universities?

thanks

i don't think this is a criteria to choose your university =p

its generally the same, just do your best

[BBQPorkBun]

Do you know when max changed from 6K to 7K?

If DR rule did not change in the past 5-7 years, than those people must have gotten more than 6K per 2 semesters.

1999 i believe

not necessarily

[PrisonBreak]

Hi, i go to Ryerson University. I applied for osap last summer and got the 60% of my loan as promised and they said that i would get 40% during the winter for my winter term. So do i have to apply again, or do something to get the remaining 40% balance because i havent recieved it and neither have i gotten any documents in the mail. So im just wondering whether or not i have to do anything to get the 40%. Or do i just wait for it to be deposited in my bank account. Thanks alot

[CSK'sMom]

Hi, i go to Ryerson University. I applied for osap last summer and got the 60% of my loan as promised and they said that i would get 40% during the winter for my winter term. So do i have to apply again, or do something to get the remaining 40% balance because i havent recieved it and neither have i gotten any documents in the mail. So im just wondering whether or not i have to do anything to get the 40%. Or do i just wait for it to be deposited in my bank account. Thanks alot

Check on your school website or student site as to when OSAP papers can be picked up for winter term. You'll have to go through exactly the same procedure this term as last, including SIN, id and banking info.

[99rs]

what happens to loans that has not been paid since let say 1997. i have a friend that have to leave school/Canada for personal reasons. If she chooses to move back to canada what happens to her OSAP loans; is there a place to contact so she knows how much to pay back? Does she have to pay back the original loan PLUS the interests over the last 12 years :eek:

[aznblade]

question here~

i applied to osap last year for funding but wasnt able to get any cause of the resp that my mom gotten me and my brother. the question is do i have to go through the process of applying again? when do i have to apply (for the rest of my two years in college)? is there a certain date that i have to apply by?

thanks!

[Justine]

Wow, this thread has over 100 pages. I didn't read it all.

I graduated at the end of 06 and was part time for a bit so I went into repayment mode during my last two terms let's say. I have been on interest relief since then, haven't made any payments at all. I work, but I make under the minimum (which is like around $1400), am single and living on my own. I am currently on relief till April. I don't know if I should consolidate my loans, they are hefty like over $30,000 and I have credit card debt, bills etc. I know my interest relief will run out eventually, any advise?

I know getting a good paying job and starting to pay it off would be the dieal way to go. However... that is a problem at the moment, since I don't have one. Do they reduce the amount that you need to pay back at all? if you are over the max?

[jsingh21]

Im suppose to write a letter to osap on why i havent progressed academically (on probation) anybody have a sample/template cuz i have no idea wat to do...

i messed up first yr, and so far 2nd yr ive done rele good and im applyin for the winter term, i thought i would be fine since i did rele well but they still want a letter and i have no clue where to start...any help would be awesome


Ps who would i address this letter too anyways

Pss i started a letter, stating why i did bad, but it only a short paragraph

[Justine]

Im suppose to write a letter to osap on why i havent progressed academically (on probation) anybody have a sample/template cuz i have no idea wat to do...

i messed up first yr, and so far 2nd yr ive done rele good and im applyin for the winter term, i thought i would be fine since i did rele well but they still want a letter and i have no clue where to start...any help would be awesome


Ps who would i address this letter too anyways

Pss i started a letter, stating why i did bad, but it only a short paragraph

I had to get one of those while I was in school, I think I had my academic advisor write it, that's what they asked for though. Just stating that I am minimizing my course load and taking more electives to raise my average.

If you are writing it yourself I would write something about finding it difficult to adjust to university life, moving away from home, quick pace of the learning, if any of those apply, family issues? relationship issues? And of course state that you are doing much better now and will continue to do so.

[henrycao8]

I am interested in taking courses during the summer this year. When should I start applying for OSAP?

[kimbot]

I went to pick up my osap today but they wouldnt release my funds because I'm only enrolled in 3 courses (out of 5). The osap rep said my loan will be reassessed. I thought I would still get the full amount as long as I maintained 60% courseload?

[Raven_007]

1999 i believe

not necessarily

OK, thanks. I'll try to verify in a couple of weeks when the OSAP phone line will be less busy.

[BBQPorkBun]

what happens to loans that has not been paid since let say 1997. i have a friend that have to leave school/Canada for personal reasons. If she chooses to move back to canada what happens to her OSAP loans; is there a place to contact so she knows how much to pay back? Does she have to pay back the original loan PLUS the interests over the last 12 years :eek:

what happens is basically shes wanted by a collections company. osap sells the debt to a collections company who would be out looking for her. she can call the NSLSC to get a number to call the collection company and negotiate something to settle the loan. but even after that happens, her credit is destroyed so she won't even be able to get something like a cell phone without a large deposit

[BBQPorkBun]

question here~

i applied to osap last year for funding but wasnt able to get any cause of the resp that my mom gotten me and my brother. the question is do i have to go through the process of applying again? when do i have to apply (for the rest of my two years in college)? is there a certain date that i have to apply by?

thanks!

summer, based on school year

[BBQPorkBun]

Wow, this thread has over 100 pages. I didn't read it all.

I graduated at the end of 06 and was part time for a bit so I went into repayment mode during my last two terms let's say. I have been on interest relief since then, haven't made any payments at all. I work, but I make under the minimum (which is like around $1400), am single and living on my own. I am currently on relief till April. I don't know if I should consolidate my loans, they are hefty like over $30,000 and I have credit card debt, bills etc. I know my interest relief will run out eventually, any advise?

I know getting a good paying job and starting to pay it off would be the dieal way to go. However... that is a problem at the moment, since I don't have one. Do they reduce the amount that you need to pay back at all? if you are over the max?

nope, just keep on going on IR and go for that higher paying job

[BBQPorkBun]

Im suppose to write a letter to osap on why i havent progressed academically (on probation) anybody have a sample/template cuz i have no idea wat to do...

i messed up first yr, and so far 2nd yr ive done rele good and im applyin for the winter term, i thought i would be fine since i did rele well but they still want a letter and i have no clue where to start...any help would be awesome


Ps who would i address this letter too anyways

Pss i started a letter, stating why i did bad, but it only a short paragraph

Just say something along the lines of you had trouble with the transition and you needed time to adjust but you are good now. Short letter is fine, they are not expecting a long story.

[BBQPorkBun]

I am interested in taking courses during the summer this year. When should I start applying for OSAP?

april

[BBQPorkBun]

I went to pick up my osap today but they wouldnt release my funds because I'm only enrolled in 3 courses (out of 5). The osap rep said my loan will be reassessed. I thought I would still get the full amount as long as I maintained 60% courseload?

nope, you are still considered full time at 60% which means you don't have to pay back your loan but thats it. why would someone at 60% get the same money as 100%?

[sunnyd71]

nope, you are still considered full time at 60% which means you don't have to pay back your loan but thats it. why would someone at 60% get the same money as 100%?

This may depend on the institution. At mine, each course counts as 20% but if you have an 80%, 100% or 120% load they charge you the same "Full-Time student" tuition. Not sure about 60% though.

[nsX-]

Quick question , about doing my income taxes or what not.What reciepts should I keep?Few of my friends said textbooks and tuition which is reasonable , but what other expenses should I keep?Such as laptop which is needed , food etc...Thanks~

[sunnyd71]

If you are living within 40 km from the institution and living at home, does that ensure that you are not receiving a living allowance from OSAP? Or is it just reduced?

Thanks for all the great info BBQ.

[BBQPorkBun]

Quick question , about doing my income taxes or what not.What reciepts should I keep?Few of my friends said textbooks and tuition which is reasonable , but what other expenses should I keep?Such as laptop which is needed , food etc...Thanks~

textbooks, public transportation, rent, tuition, memberships to professional organizations

[BBQPorkBun]

If you are living within 40 km from the institution and living at home, does that ensure that you are not receiving a living allowance from OSAP? Or is it just reduced?

Thanks for all the great info BBQ.

they treat that as living at home, hence not simply reduced

[jwei]

Generally speaking, whats the max value to be inaccurate by?

[rilhouse]

hey BBQ, after getting a copy of my credit report i found out OSAP had reported me as delinquent over a 6 month period. that was wrong since i was on IR during that time. called OSAP and they agreed to "remove negative comments" from my credit report.

do you have any idea how long it will take to have these comments removed? i am going to have to get another credit report to confirm all comments were removed but don't want to waste $ buy ordering it too early.

thanks.

[badmus]

I just adjusted my income and osap said I received an overpayment which I am not contesting, but my questions are
- what effect would this overpayment have on my future osap applications
- how do they calculate overpayment

Thanks again

[nsX-]

BBQ , you wouldn't happen to know what the percentage of income you get back after doing income taxes now would you?My brother is telling me probably around 60-80% , just wondering~

[BBQPorkBun]

Generally speaking, whats the max value to be inaccurate by?

no idea what you are talking about

[BBQPorkBun]

hey BBQ, after getting a copy of my credit report i found out OSAP had reported me as delinquent over a 6 month period. that was wrong since i was on IR during that time. called OSAP and they agreed to "remove negative comments" from my credit report.

do you have any idea how long it will take to have these comments removed? i am going to have to get another credit report to confirm all comments were removed but don't want to waste $ buy ordering it too early.

thanks.

call the nslsc to see if they have actually communicated this to the credit bureau first. after they done their part, i would try to call the credit bureau directly to see if you can get some time frames there. my estimate would be a pure shot in the dark.

[BBQPorkBun]

I just adjusted my income and osap said I received an overpayment which I am not contesting, but my questions are
- what effect would this overpayment have on my future osap applications
- how do they calculate overpayment

Thanks again

- nothing really if its not too grossly different

- what you did get - what you should have got = overpayment

[BBQPorkBun]

BBQ , you wouldn't happen to know what the percentage of income you get back after doing income taxes now would you?My brother is telling me probably around 60-80% , just wondering~

if you are a student, you should be getting back 100% for a few years using your tuition credits unless your parents transferred them to their name.

[preshans]

hi BBQPorkBun, so let me get this straight...I apply for osap and goin to live off campus at Mac for year 1 (Life Sci). I did the calculator and got 14 k. But teh total debt that I have to pay back is 7k? So technically I only have to pay back the 7 k?

[nr_sid]

i don't think this is a criteria to choose your university =p

its generally the same, just do your best
sorry I wasn't clear enough in my first post.

I meant in terms of probation, the rule on what university marks would prevent me from continuing to receive OSAP - are they all the same for different universities?

[jwei]

no idea what you are talking about

lol, sorry.

What $$ amount can you be inaccurately under by (not include in the application) to be deemed not sufficient enough for a re-assessment?

[BBQPorkBun]

hi BBQPorkBun, so let me get this straight...I apply for osap and goin to live off campus at Mac for year 1 (Life Sci). I did the calculator and got 14 k. But teh total debt that I have to pay back is 7k? So technically I only have to pay back the 7 k?

yup

[BBQPorkBun]

sorry I wasn't clear enough in my first post.

I meant in terms of probation, the rule on what university marks would prevent me from continuing to receive OSAP - are they all the same for different universities?

i wouldn't know for sure but i would guess its diff. prob no universal rule on what probation is

[asdisme]

Just quick question, would $$ in my TFSA affect my OSAP loans and fundings?

[BBQPorkBun]

Just quick question, would $$ in my TFSA affect my OSAP loans and fundings?

yes as part of assets

[sunnyd71]

yes as part of assets

How about RDSP's. They are exempt from being included as assets or income for things like social assistance in Ontario but no word on OSAP that I've heard.

BBQ, any idea?

[BBQPorkBun]

How about RDSP's. They are exempt from being included as assets or income for things like social assistance in Ontario but no word on OSAP that I've heard.

BBQ, any idea?

OSAP doesn't say to exclude it so I assume that you are suppose to include it. don't think this applies to many students though

[sdm242]

Just quick question, would $$ in my TFSA affect my OSAP loans and fundings?

yes as part of assets

I've been wondering about this too. According to the online calculator for my situation (married with kids), it appears that a certain amount of savings in an RRSP isn't counted against you in terms of qualifying for OSAP. So I'm wondering how the TFSA will work, seeing as it could be considered as similar to an RRSP for savings for retirement. I have a feeling the government won't see it this way though. (An aside....I realize that the online calculator isn't always entirely accurate).

[BBQPorkBun]

I've been wondering about this too. According to the online calculator for my situation (married with kids), it appears that a certain amount of savings in an RRSP isn't counted against you in terms of qualifying for OSAP. So I'm wondering how the TFSA will work, seeing as it could be considered as similar to an RRSP for savings for retirement. I have a feeling the government won't see it this way though. (An aside....I realize that the online calculator isn't always entirely accurate).

RRSP is not a TFSA

[Mo15]

Alright, I need some help,and this thread is pretty big, so if my question has been answered before, just point me in the right direction.

Alright, so I applied for Osap in my first year, and received my money. I finished first year in may. I then took 1 summer course, which I dropped half way through (i don't know if this information is important, but I'm mentioning it just in case.) So in august, I reapply for OSAP. I get a letter from the NSLSC on the 24th saying it's time to repay my loan. How ever, it says "If you have recently submitted or cashed a new loan, you don't have to do anything." At this point I still haven't picked up my loan, but I thought since I submitted it, I would be okay. Just now I checked my status on the NSLSC website and it says I'm in repayment. Oh my god. On the 31st of December, they attempted to take money out of my account. However, I didn't have enough. I'm panicking right now. I reapplied, how is it that I'm in repayment? Can someone help me out? I'm still attending school full time. What do I do from here?

[BBQPorkBun]

Alright, I need some help,and this thread is pretty big, so if my question has been answered before, just point me in the right direction.

Alright, so I applied for Osap in my first year, and received my money. I finished first year in may. I then took 1 summer course, which I dropped half way through (i don't know if this information is important, but I'm mentioning it just in case.) So in august, I reapply for OSAP. I get a letter from the NSLSC on the 24th saying it's time to repay my loan. How ever, it says "If you have recently submitted or cashed a new loan, you don't have to do anything." At this point I still haven't picked up my loan, but I thought since I submitted it, I would be okay. Just now I checked my status on the NSLSC website and it says I'm in repayment. Oh my god. On the 31st of December, they attempted to take money out of my account. However, I didn't have enough. I'm panicking right now. I reapplied, how is it that I'm in repayment? Can someone help me out? I'm still attending school full time. What do I do from here?

are you getting any osap for this year? you applied but did you get any

if no, then the explaination is they dunno you are in school and went into repayment

if yes, well you can't be in school and recieving osap and in repayment at the same time so i don't see how you can have two status's at one time. so i doubt this is the scenario

statement clearly reads 'submitted or cashed a new loan'. no new loan means assumed to be in repayment unless proven otherwise

[don242]

RRSP is not a TFSA

I think that much is obvious. I believe the original question had to do with if assets in a TFSA are weighted the same as cash on hand or weighted more like a RRSP (which seems to be weighted less) in terms of how much OSAP you are eligible for.

It seems OSAP weights RRSPs different from cash outside of RRSP in savings since they are considered retirement savings. So it seems reasonable to think a TFSA is weighted the same as a RRSP since it is also a retirement vehicle that is as good as a RRSP. Of course "reasonable" and "sensible" are probably not something most relate to things like OSAP.

[ashgotti]

Does anyone know if I'm able to pay a lump sum of my loan back to lower my monthly payment? I've been paying every month for almost a year and have saved up a bit of money.

[henrycao8]

I am interested in studying during the summer. When should I start applying for OSAP?

[BBQPorkBun]

I think that much is obvious. I believe the original question had to do with if assets in a TFSA are weighted the same as cash on hand or weighted more like a RRSP (which seems to be weighted less) in terms of how much OSAP you are eligible for.

It seems OSAP weights RRSPs different from cash outside of RRSP in savings since they are considered retirement savings. So it seems reasonable to think a TFSA is weighted the same as a RRSP since it is also a retirement vehicle that is as good as a RRSP. Of course "reasonable" and "sensible" are probably not something most relate to things like OSAP.

then don't get osap

[BBQPorkBun]

Does anyone know if I'm able to pay a lump sum of my loan back to lower my monthly payment? I've been paying every month for almost a year and have saved up a bit of money.

you can pay any amount extra at anytime. don't save it, just keep paying it off. all the amounts you aren't paying off are accumulating interest for you.

you can lower your monthly pmt to as low as the interest portion of each month only if you wanted.

[Mo15]

are you getting any osap for this year? you applied but did you get any

if no, then the explaination is they dunno you are in school and went into repayment

if yes, well you can't be in school and recieving osap and in repayment at the same time so i don't see how you can have two status's at one time. so i doubt this is the scenario

statement clearly reads 'submitted or cashed a new loan'. no new loan means assumed to be in repayment unless proven otherwise

Well I called the NSLSC today while at school and the lady said that I'm not in repayment. I checked my status today when I got home and it currently says that I'm in study. She did say that I owed some sort of "late interest fee" or something to that effect that was 35$ and that I'm not due for repayment until December 1st. I do feel reassured now, but I'm also confused and somewhat pissed. Why did they try to take the $78 from my account? Where the hell did this fee come from? Also, when they tried to take the money, I didn't have that much in the bank, so the transaction bounced. Because of this, the bank charged me $40. So now they cost me $40 and on top of that want me to pay $35. What a bunch of *******s.

[asdisme]

yes as part of assets

Thanks for the information. So if I maxed out my TFSA ($5k), how much would that affect my osap loan and estimate?

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for the information. So if I maxed out my TFSA ($5k), how much would that affect my osap loan and estimate?

alot cuz it doesn't appear you need osap

[BBQPorkBun]

Well I called the NSLSC today while at school and the lady said that I'm not in repayment. I checked my status today when I got home and it currently says that I'm in study. She did say that I owed some sort of "late interest fee" or something to that effect that was 35$ and that I'm not due for repayment until December 1st. I do feel reassured now, but I'm also confused and somewhat pissed. Why did they try to take the $78 from my account? Where the hell did this fee come from? Also, when they tried to take the money, I didn't have that much in the bank, so the transaction bounced. Because of this, the bank charged me $40. So now they cost me $40 and on top of that want me to pay $35. What a bunch of *******s.

ok, the money you owe to the nslsc is not a fee, but its interset owed for being in repayment for a while, how that happened i dunno. but to make sure every sept/oct that you are on full time student status.

the bank fee, try to get them to reverse it by calling them. most often they give a one time gesture if its a first time.

[don242]

then don't get osap

alot cuz it doesn't appear you need osap

If you don't know the answer, you can just say so.

You assume someone who has $5K in their TFSA doesn't need OSAP??? That could be the full extent of their savings. Somehow I doubt $5K goes very far for school.

The question is how is assets in a TFSA weighted as compared to the weighting of a RRSP? Or the weighting of assests outside of any retirement vehicle?

[BBQPorkBun]

If you don't know the answer, you can just say so.

You assume someone who has $5K in their TFSA doesn't need OSAP??? That could be the full extent of their savings. Somehow I doubt $5K goes very far for school.

The question is how is assets in a TFSA weighted as compared to the weighting of a RRSP? Or the weighting of assests outside of any retirement vehicle?

common sense tells you that when you have your own funds, why would anyone give you an interest free loan? with regard to rrsp, if you want to go to school, saving for retirement should not be your priority. why would the public give you a free loan so that your rrsp can continue growing? TFSA is just that, a savings account. call it retirement vehicle, savings vehicle, incentive to improve the economy, whatever, assets is assets and is at your disposal.

[don242]

common sense tells you that when you have your own funds, why would anyone give you an interest free loan? with regard to rrsp, if you want to go to school, saving for retirement should not be your priority. why would the public give you a free loan so that your rrsp can continue growing? TFSA is just that, a savings account. call it retirement vehicle, savings vehicle, incentive to improve the economy, whatever, assets is assets and is at your disposal.

Ok, I am not debating the whether or not the government should give OSAP to people or the criteria for determining the amount to be given. The bottom line is OSAP has a set formula for calculating if a person is eligible and how much they can receive. If a person is eligible then why shouldn't they get what they qualify for, that is the point of the system. I am not sure why you are blowing a simple question into a debate about eligibility.

When OSAP calculates how much you are eligible for they do not weight RRSPs the same as cash on hand. That is OSAPs rules, not mine. I was just wondering if a TFSA was weighted the same as a RRSP or weighted like cash in hand? If you don't know, maybe someone else does?

[asdisme]

alot cuz it doesn't appear you need osap

Well that is all my savings fund that I put into the account just to reap in some extra $. I don't have a part-time job or anything. So I guess I kind of do need osap, but to osap they will see that I don't since that is ALL my money.

[Wall2Wall]

Question, I got 1400 extra from osap and I got another 100 extra this semester. I deposited it into a savings account. Do they keep track and will this affect the amount I recieve next time I apply?

[CSK'sMom]

asdisme, OSAP expects you to contribute to your education expenses if you have any assets (ie cash). They don't care if it's all the money you have, they just see it as cash you should be using towards your school expenses. There are ways around it if you read this thread.

don, I don't think anyone can say with any certainty how OSAP is going to look at TFSA's as they are too new. When the new applications come out we'll all know for sure how they will be dealt with. Personally, I suspect they will be seen as cash or savings accounts as there are no penalties to withdraw from them unlike RRSP's.

[don242]

don, I don't think anyone can say with any certainty how OSAP is going to look at TFSA's as they are too new. When the new applications come out we'll all know for sure how they will be dealt with. Personally, I suspect they will be seen as cash or savings accounts as there are no penalties to withdraw from them unlike RRSP's.

I figure this is the case as well about a TFSA. I just wasn't sure if there was any actual information yet about it.

[asdisme]

asdisme, OSAP expects you to contribute to your education expenses if you have any assets (ie cash). They don't care if it's all the money you have, they just see it as cash you should be using towards your school expenses. There are ways around it if you read this thread.

don, I don't think anyone can say with any certainty how OSAP is going to look at TFSA's as they are too new. When the new applications come out we'll all know for sure how they will be dealt with. Personally, I suspect they will be seen as cash or savings accounts as there are no penalties to withdraw from them unlike RRSP's.

Thanks for the information, I will wait for the new application to read upon the TFSA criteria :D

[Wall2Wall]

can anyone help answer my question? Thanks lol

[don242]

Question, I got 1400 extra from osap and I got another 100 extra this semester. I deposited it into a savings account. Do they keep track and will this affect the amount I recieve next time I apply?

Each time you apply you have to state all of your assets and what you owe. So if you put the money in your bank account, you will need to tell them the balances of your accounts so yes any money you still have will affect your next claim.

[minttea]

...There are ways around it if you read this thread.

could you point me to where those ways or give a brief summary? I read most of the thread but I don't remember seeing it or missed it completely.

Each time you apply you have to state all of your assets and what you owe. So if you put the money in your bank account, you will need to tell them the balances of your accounts so yes any money you still have will affect your next claim.

I don't remember having to state the amount of money in my bank account or is it labelled as something else? Because I do some cash jobs here and there and (sadly) I do not want to put all my money into school...

[BBQPorkBun]

can anyone help answer my question? Thanks lol

The immediate overpayment will not affect next year unless they asked for some of it back and you didnt pay them for it. they are assets for next years application though...unless you spend it...or keep it somewhere else

[BBQPorkBun]

could you point me to where those ways or give a brief summary? I read most of the thread but I don't remember seeing it or missed it completely.



I don't remember having to state the amount of money in my bank account or is it labelled as something else? Because I do some cash jobs here and there and (sadly) I do not want to put all my money into school...

joint accounts, hold it with someone else, in a cookie jar, just don't make your banking transactions have an obvious trail that you are setting this money aside somewhere.

if you don't invest in yourself, who will? =)

[BBQPorkBun]

Each time you apply you have to state all of your assets and what you owe. So if you put the money in your bank account, you will need to tell them the balances of your accounts so yes any money you still have will affect your next claim.

I believe osap doesn't care what you owe. but if you do owe something, pay it off with your assets (don't apply with having 5k in cash in bank and 6k line of credit debt)

[don242]

I don't remember having to state the amount of money in my bank account or is it labelled as something else? Because I do some cash jobs here and there and (sadly) I do not want to put all my money into school...

I am definitely no expert on the subject since it has been some time since I had OSAP. We are just start to think about it again since my wife will be going back to school. I just remember having to provide a copy of my bank statements.

Regardless I am sure they still need to know your whole financial picture which includes and money on hand in your bank account.

If you manage your money well, including what you get from OSAP, you can get through school without using all your money for school. I don't think we even used half of what OSAP gave us.

[Pho6]

hey guys its my first time applying for osap and does anybody know the consequences of not putting down that you received RESP is? i wasn't aware that i got it until my parents told me after i collectedf my first osap... and now im going to pickup my 2nd instalment and i'm finally writing it down on the income change request form.

[shannn]

So guys, I submitted my TTG application on September 15, but it still says, "Web App Submitted". Should I call someone? I would really like to have my $150 to pay some bills

Thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

hey guys its my first time applying for osap and does anybody know the consequences of not putting down that you received RESP is? i wasn't aware that i got it until my parents told me after i collectedf my first osap... and now im going to pickup my 2nd instalment and i'm finally writing it down on the income change request form.

thats fine, depending on the amount you probably just have to pay back some of it

[minttea]

Thanks for the replies!

I have found something odd today. For my second wave of OSAP funding this year, I was supposed to receive $2000 (as it still says in the "Total funding issued" box) but the direct deposit I received was only $1600.

Does anyone know why this may have happened? I didn't work during the school year and only did a few random cash jobs over the summer...

[wisdom_kid]

I have used about 6 thousand dollars from my credit line. Would my OSAP be affected by this?

[nsX-]

bbq I'm planning on dropping a course due to it not fitting in my time schedhule.Me doing so do I have to inform OSAP / student help desk at my school if I drop a course?

[001Stunna]

A friend of mine currently went on probation and is only allowed to take 3 classes from the normal 5. He went to pick up his osap and was told they have to reprocess it etc. He is currently thinking though of fully leaving that program and applying for something else within the university or in college.

Now question being...
1)can he still go pick up that Osap money and then withdraw from the program?
2)Will he have to give back the Millenium access grant cheque he received when he picked up his second term osap?
3)Will he have to start paying off the current OSAP now even though he is applying for another program for next fall?
4)Since he is changing programs he will have to reapply for osap all over again correct?

[jsingh21]

Heres my letter for osap (probation)

Dear ?????

I failed to progress academically because I had troubles keeping up with the work load of first year engineering and the much quicker pace from high school. And I moved from a small town of couple thousand people to Toronto which took awhile to get use to, but I have now adjusted nicely. Also, I was thinking about switching out of engineering and therefore I did not put forth my best effort, but I have since decided to stay in my program. My plan is to finish up my remaining first year courses this semester (winter 2009). Last semester I was much easier since I have adjusted to university life, my goal is to achieve a GPA of 3.0 at the end of this semester.


****************************
Hows does this sound like??, any thing i should add....who do i address this to? thankss

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for the replies!

I have found something odd today. For my second wave of OSAP funding this year, I was supposed to receive $2000 (as it still says in the "Total funding issued" box) but the direct deposit I received was only $1600.

Does anyone know why this may have happened? I didn't work during the school year and only did a few random cash jobs over the summer...

call the nslsc, websites are often not updated. they can also give you a reason

[BBQPorkBun]

I have used about 6 thousand dollars from my credit line. Would my OSAP be affected by this?

it wouldn't, they don't look at your debt

[BBQPorkBun]

bbq I'm planning on dropping a course due to it not fitting in my time schedhule.Me doing so do I have to inform OSAP / student help desk at my school if I drop a course?

you are suppose to inform osap yes. but i do encourage you take something else useful to you that may fit your schedule if you want the amount of funding you got not to change

[BBQPorkBun]

A friend of mine currently went on probation and is only allowed to take 3 classes from the normal 5. He went to pick up his osap and was told they have to reprocess it etc. He is currently thinking though of fully leaving that program and applying for something else within the university or in college.

Now question being...
1)can he still go pick up that Osap money and then withdraw from the program?
2)Will he have to give back the Millenium access grant cheque he received when he picked up his second term osap?
3)Will he have to start paying off the current OSAP now even though he is applying for another program for next fall?
4)Since he is changing programs he will have to reapply for osap all over again correct?

1) if he gets away with that, he'll start paying interest on it, so i don't know why he would want that.
2) the money, yes
3) yes
4) yes

[BBQPorkBun]

Heres my letter for osap (probation)

Dear ?????

I failed to progress academically because I had troubles keeping up with the work load of first year engineering and the much quicker pace from high school. And I moved from a small town of couple thousand people to Toronto which took awhile to get use to, but I have now adjusted nicely. Also, I was thinking about switching out of engineering and therefore I did not put forth my best effort, but I have since decided to stay in my program. My plan is to finish up my remaining first year courses this semester (winter 2009). Last semester I was much easier since I have adjusted to university life, my goal is to achieve a GPA of 3.0 at the end of this semester.


****************************
Hows does this sound like??, any thing i should add....who do i address this to? thankss

other than grammer, it is what it is

if you were requested to send a letter, you should know where to send it, check the correspondence you got.

[umop]

If I change the stream I'm in (not the program I'm in), do I have to report that to OSAP and will that have any effects on any funding I receive?

For example, if I'm in the Administrative Studies program and decided to switch from the Accounting Stream to the Marketing Stream (while still being in the Admin Studies program), would I have to report that?

[help_questions]

Hey BBQ:

According to http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/01/15/8029936-sun.html, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities is looking at giving additional help to York students, in the event of an extended school year.

I am wondering if you have any idea what type of help might be offered?

Also, do you think they would increase the maximum one can get, seeing how the study period will (possibly) surpass the 34 weeks that was assumed when we applied for our loans?

Thanks in advance!

[al3x89]

Hey guys, I applied for OSAP back when school started just incase I didn't have a job for winter (as I have a seasonal job). I ended up not having one so I collected my first payment for OSAP and I'm thinking about grabbing my second one on Monday.

I just have a question.

This is my first year in college, and next year I most likely won't apply for OSAP... leaving me with about $2500 owing the government next year if I take the second payment.

I would like to take that second payment because I need money for bills, but I want to know ... what's the payment plan after I graduate next year?

I would ask the person at the office, however... I wont be able to get in touch till Monday so I want to think about it over the weekend.

I currently collected almost $1500. I can come up with that easily in one month once school is done and I have my summer job which starts in April. But $2500 would be a lil too much for me to put away as I need to save for a new car.

The only way I will collect the second payment is if their payment plan is reasonable after I graduate. So does anyone know how it works?

[nsX-]

doesn't really look like i'll be filling the class up.I don't mind losing out funds for that one class.But if dropping the class will cause me to lose 4-5hundread from my funds i'll just re enlist in that class.My profs said i really dont need to and that it will be fine ,but i'll head by student help desk next week.

[BBQPorkBun]

If I change the stream I'm in (not the program I'm in), do I have to report that to OSAP and will that have any effects on any funding I receive?

For example, if I'm in the Administrative Studies program and decided to switch from the Accounting Stream to the Marketing Stream (while still being in the Admin Studies program), would I have to report that?

its still a BACS, not really a switch, and certainly tuition and all that is the same so i wouldn't bother

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQ:

According to http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/01/15/8029936-sun.html, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities is looking at giving additional help to York students, in the event of an extended school year.

I am wondering if you have any idea what type of help might be offered?

Also, do you think they would increase the maximum one can get, seeing how the study period will (possibly) surpass the 34 weeks that was assumed when we applied for our loans?

Thanks in advance!

no idea what type of help
no, they won't increase it

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey guys, I applied for OSAP back when school started just incase I didn't have a job for winter (as I have a seasonal job). I ended up not having one so I collected my first payment for OSAP and I'm thinking about grabbing my second one on Monday.

I just have a question.

This is my first year in college, and next year I most likely won't apply for OSAP... leaving me with about $2500 owing the government next year if I take the second payment.

I would like to take that second payment because I need money for bills, but I want to know ... what's the payment plan after I graduate next year?

I would ask the person at the office, however... I wont be able to get in touch till Monday so I want to think about it over the weekend.

I currently collected almost $1500. I can come up with that easily in one month once school is done and I have my summer job which starts in April. But $2500 would be a lil too much for me to put away as I need to save for a new car.

The only way I will collect the second payment is if their payment plan is reasonable after I graduate. So does anyone know how it works?

firstly, you always collect it, no matter what, because its an interest free loan, no brainer.

secondly, your debt is by default spread across like 10 years, so what is that like 10 bucks a month? suggest you pay it off sooner than that but you are not expected to come up with you whole debt amount shortly after graduating.

[AirCarnivore]

When do I reapply for osap for my second year of university?

Is it at the same time I applied for osap before I entered university?

[al3x89]

firstly, you always collect it, no matter what, because its an interest free loan, no brainer.

secondly, your debt is by default spread across like 10 years, so what is that like 10 bucks a month? suggest you pay it off sooner than that but you are not expected to come up with you whole debt amount shortly after graduating.

Wow, only $10 a month... should I ask for more then? (I understand the interest will accumulate ...)Because when I applied I had a job and they said if that changes to come back and change it and my amount will increase...

[CSK'sMom]

Wow, only $10 a month... should I ask for more then? (I understand the interest will accumulate ...)Because when I applied I had a job and they said if that changes to come back and change it and my amount will increase...

al3x89, go to the OSAP site and run the calculator for your estimated repayment amount. You can also play with the amortization on the loan amount to see how it adjusts your repayment amount. It will also calculate your estimated tax credits on the interest amount...

[BBQPorkBun]

When do I reapply for osap for my second year of university?

Is it at the same time I applied for osap before I entered university?

yes

[sdfjy]

Hi, I am a new graduate student. Anyone know if I can get OSAP when I am earning $$ from scholarship and got paid by working as a TA?

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I am a new graduate student. Anyone know if I can get OSAP when I am earning $$ from scholarship and got paid by working as a TA?

its always worth a try, nobody can give you a definite yes or no

[wisdom_kid]

I went to pickup my OSAP today, but they rejected me saying OSAP is still negotiating my funds. This was odd because I don't work or anything, so my OSAP shouldn't change.

I checked the OSAP website and it said my funds will be released on FEB 26. I am going to call my financial aid office to see what is going on, but I just wanted to know if this is normal?

[BBQPorkBun]

I went to pickup my OSAP today, but they rejected me saying OSAP is still negotiating my funds. This was odd because I don't work or anything, so my OSAP shouldn't change.

I checked the OSAP website and it said my funds will be released on FEB 26. I am going to call my financial aid office to see what is going on, but I just wanted to know if this is normal?

can't say off the top of my head. could be some other situation that cause the delay. call the nslsc and maybe they can provide some insight.

[bebemui]

What is a funding certificate?

[jonhbong]

Hey guys Im going to fanshawe, I got about 6000 from osap, got like 3500 in the fall and about 2400 in the winter.

All worked out in the fall but now when they desposited the money into my account which, minus tuition, was about $1000 they only ended up giving me $200, wtf is the deal with that, I ran the numbers and they owe me a good 700-800, does this happen often?

Also, are there any tricks at fanshawe or in ontario in general to getmore money from anywhere? Im ****ing starving and cant pay my rent now that osap screwed me

[swamobil]

Great thread! I appreciate the time/effort that many have put into this resource.
Of course I have a question. Here it is:
Background

I have completed the OSAP web-app, signed and mailed my sig./declaration pages and completed my Program Information Form with advisor at Athabasca University.
Checking status on the OSAP site indicated they are awaiting the Program Info Form from Athabasca.


Query
If Athabasca mails it today to OSAP and discounting transit time, would anyone have an idea of when the confirmation of loan & amount would be completed?

Thanks all!

Steven

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey guys Im going to fanshawe, I got about 6000 from osap, got like 3500 in the fall and about 2400 in the winter.

All worked out in the fall but now when they desposited the money into my account which, minus tuition, was about $1000 they only ended up giving me $200, wtf is the deal with that, I ran the numbers and they owe me a good 700-800, does this happen often?

Also, are there any tricks at fanshawe or in ontario in general to getmore money from anywhere? Im ****ing starving and cant pay my rent now that osap screwed me

call the nslsc, see if they reassessed you or something, only they can give you an answer.

[BBQPorkBun]

What is a funding certificate?

document that proves the loan and the amount

[BBQPorkBun]

Great thread! I appreciate the time/effort that many have put into this resource.
Of course I have a question. Here it is:
Background

I have completed the OSAP web-app, signed and mailed my sig./declaration pages and completed my Program Information Form with advisor at Athabasca University.
Checking status on the OSAP site indicated they are awaiting the Program Info Form from Athabasca.


Query
If Athabasca mails it today to OSAP and discounting transit time, would anyone have an idea of when the confirmation of loan & amount would be completed?

Thanks all!

Steven

the nslsc has a set of rough timelines

[swamobil]

the nslsc has a set of rough timelines
Thanks BBQPorkBun.
From this site:
http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/postsec/faq/index.shtml#_how_long_process

9) Q. How long do government student loans take to process?

A. Normally, it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for an application to be assessed by your province or territory of residence. Online applications are often processed more quickly.

Cheers,

Steven

[scotto123]

I have yet to apply to OSAP for the 2009-2010 year.

However, I need some help to whomever has the answer.

I have made almost 20k the past year working part time and going to college.
I pay my own bills, insurance, rent, etc. I also get paid monthly so most of my money gets taken towards bills and whatnot, so it's hard to budget my money as much as I would hope.

I just graduated a 3 year program at Loyalist College and will be going to Trent University in September of 2009. I also just signed a lease on a house close to the university and will be paying 425 a month. I have a car that I pay 240 bucks a month towards insurance as well.

My question is, will I be penalized for making so much money the year previous to my period of study? I will have no help from my parents and I've been paying my way through school and paying all my expenses myself since graduating high school. I still live at home but I pay rent.

[robert_a1981]

I failed to pick up my grant/bursary from the previous academic year totalling close to $2000. I know its stupid of me but was under the impression that it was included with the loan documents. Will greatly appreciate if anyone who has been in this situation and was able to retrieve the money will reply. Also would greatly appreciate if anyone can give me some insight on what to do.

[nsX-]

I just picked up my OSAP funds and noticed I was short money as well.Any idea as to where that money went? I'm missing around 700-900.

[minttea]

Hey guys Im going to fanshawe, I got about 6000 from osap, got like 3500 in the fall and about 2400 in the winter.

All worked out in the fall but now when they desposited the money into my account which, minus tuition, was about $1000 they only ended up giving me $200, wtf is the deal with that, I ran the numbers and they owe me a good 700-800, does this happen often?

Also, are there any tricks at fanshawe or in ontario in general to getmore money from anywhere? Im ****ing starving and cant pay my rent now that osap screwed me

I just picked up my OSAP funds and noticed I was short money as well.Any idea as to where that money went? I'm missing around 700-900.

Same thing happened for me---they deposited the rest the day after. Was about to make a call today before I realized there was another deposit made after the first

[BBQPorkBun]

I have yet to apply to OSAP for the 2009-2010 year.

However, I need some help to whomever has the answer.

I have made almost 20k the past year working part time and going to college.
I pay my own bills, insurance, rent, etc. I also get paid monthly so most of my money gets taken towards bills and whatnot, so it's hard to budget my money as much as I would hope.

I just graduated a 3 year program at Loyalist College and will be going to Trent University in September of 2009. I also just signed a lease on a house close to the university and will be paying 425 a month. I have a car that I pay 240 bucks a month towards insurance as well.

My question is, will I be penalized for making so much money the year previous to my period of study? I will have no help from my parents and I've been paying my way through school and paying all my expenses myself since graduating high school. I still live at home but I pay rent.

20k a year should be a good enough budget to not have to borrow money. with tuition credits you wouldn't be paying any taxes. the car is something they are going to see as not necessary to have, so maybe sell that if you have to? my prediction is you are not going to get much if any really, suggest you do a budget and plan ahead.

but again, its always worth a try.

[sdfjy]

its always worth a try, nobody can give you a definite yes or no

I did try, but the system said I can borrow $0. So dose is make sense if i still send them the package?

[yaoixlover]

hey i have a question about osap, i'm in my third year of university and i want to move out in the beginning of my 4th year! i've been living at home the whole time, but this year my mom started a home daycare and i can hardly have a moment without a baby clinging on me or wanting to play or crying!! its reallly reaaallly distracting! and, my parents are not doing great financially either so they cant really help me out!! so what i'm trying to ask is would osap increase the amount of money/ help me out ? or do you think they wont?? how can i go about so that i can move out?? any help is really appreciated

[BBQPorkBun]

hey i have a question about osap, i'm in my third year of university and i want to move out in the beginning of my 4th year! i've been living at home the whole time, but this year my mom started a home daycare and i can hardly have a moment without a baby clinging on me or wanting to play or crying!! its reallly reaaallly distracting! and, my parents are not doing great financially either so they cant really help me out!! so what i'm trying to ask is would osap increase the amount of money/ help me out ? or do you think they wont?? how can i go about so that i can move out?? any help is really appreciated

if the home is more than 40 km away from the school yes, else no.

[SEDragon]

Hey guys, I need some help.
EDIT: Main questions are the underlined sentence and about the OSAP info change form, for those who don't wanna read the whole thing =).

So, unfortunately I got suspended...more info regarding that in my thread (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684681) (which I will update soon btw). Anyways, I've been trying to take care of the rest of my OSAP loans for this year (the amount to be released in January) as well as my grant.

The lady at Student Financial Assistance say that I won't get any of that. But I thought the grant amount is based on the whole year, just all paid out in Jan? So shouldn't I get some of the grant at least? I'm confused and don't really trust what she said, cause that lady looked like she's in a hurry to get home or something.

She also said that I don't have to talk to the people at the OSAP or NSLSC booths, cause they will send the loan+grant back directly to the Ministry. And then she just gave me a form to fill out and sent me off.

And I don't really know how to fill out this form now that I looked at it more carefully lol.
It's a "OSAP INFORMATION CHANGE FORM".
It has two sections which looks something like this ("--" being checkboxes):
Changes in Program of Study
--Fall billing units changed to ________ units
--Winter billing units changed to ________ units
--Withdrew from the university
--Changed my program of study to: __________________________
...Effective date: ______________ Year of study: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Cancellation of Funds or Application
--Cancel my loan document(s) in the amount of $__________
--Cancel my grant cheque in the amount of $__________
--Cancel my OSAP application
...Reason for cancellation _____________________________

I only remember her saying to put in "zero" for "Winter billing units" in the first section. I'm not sure if I have to check anything else :confused: Such as "Withdrew from the university" or the entire second section -_-... Anyone filled out one of these before? Or know how to fill it out? Please help, I really want to get this over with. I also want to apply for Interest Relief, I hope I'm eligible for it.

Thanks in advance, any help is greatly appreciated.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey guys, I need some help.
EDIT: Main questions are the underlined sentence and about the OSAP info change form, for those who don't wanna read the whole thing =).

So, unfortunately I got suspended...more info regarding that in my thread (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684681) (which I will update soon btw). Anyways, I've been trying to take care of the rest of my OSAP loans for this year (the amount to be released in January) as well as my grant.

The lady at Student Financial Assistance say that I won't get any of that. But I thought the grant amount is based on the whole year, just all paid out in Jan? So shouldn't I get some of the grant at least? I'm confused and don't really trust what she said, cause that lady looked like she's in a hurry to get home or something.

She also said that I don't have to talk to the people at the OSAP or NSLSC booths, cause they will send the loan+grant back directly to the Ministry. And then she just gave me a form to fill out and sent me off.

And I don't really know how to fill out this form now that I looked at it more carefully lol.
It's a "OSAP INFORMATION CHANGE FORM".
It has two sections which looks something like this ("--" being checkboxes):
Changes in Program of Study
--Fall billing units changed to ________ units
--Winter billing units changed to ________ units
--Withdrew from the university
--Changed my program of study to: __________________________
...Effective date: ______________ Year of study: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Cancellation of Funds or Application
--Cancel my loan document(s) in the amount of $__________
--Cancel my grant cheque in the amount of $__________
--Cancel my OSAP application
...Reason for cancellation _____________________________

I only remember her saying to put in "zero" for "Winter billing units" in the first section. I'm not sure if I have to check anything else :confused: Such as "Withdrew from the university" or the entire second section -_-... Anyone filled out one of these before? Or know how to fill it out? Please help, I really want to get this over with. I also want to apply for Interest Relief, I hope I'm eligible for it.

Thanks in advance, any help is greatly appreciated.

no, you will no longer get any money. would you even give more money to yourself? pretty obvious. you only apply and possibly get IR after 6 months grace period in which interest would be accumulating.

i have responded to your own post to hopefully give you some pointers.

[tinhtai]

hi BBQPorkBun,

Is there any relationship between RSP and OSAP? Is it that if you have RSP, the amount of lending would be less?

[BBQPorkBun]

hi BBQPorkBun,

Is there any relationship between RSP and OSAP? Is it that if you have RSP, the amount of lending would be less?

yes

[PE4CE]

Sorry to bump up a pretty dumb question. If I want to pay back some of the loans right now, how would I start if I want to pay online or in person?

[vanessie]

Hey guys,

I did an assessment on OSAP website to see how much money I could potentially get, and it was $11,900. I'm hoping to move on campus next year and residence plus tuition pretty much add up to that amount, so I'd need every cent basically.
Of course I'll need more money to live.
Approx. how much money can I have in a savings account and how much can I earn working before OSAP lowers the amount they give?

[BBQPorkBun]

Sorry to bump up a pretty dumb question. If I want to pay back some of the loans right now, how would I start if I want to pay online or in person?

online i think you just set up internet banking as a bill
in person, in mississauga, city centre drive, 9th floor, call for more accurate address

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey guys,

I did an assessment on OSAP website to see how much money I could potentially get, and it was $11,900. I'm hoping to move on campus next year and residence plus tuition pretty much add up to that amount, so I'd need every cent basically.
Of course I'll need more money to live.
Approx. how much money can I have in a savings account and how much can I earn working before OSAP lowers the amount they give?

have 0 in savings
wouldn't go over 2k in earnings to be safe

[nsX-]

BBQ just wondering on the consequences to going from 6 courses to 4.I've already dropped one course and on the verge of dropping another due to an unfortunate mishap.I will be informing my student financial aid on me dropping the 2 course ,but will I lose funds for next term ?

[mingyang]

what does it mean that the

Assessment Loan/Grant were 3,000 and 5,000 respectively(for example)
but
Issued to date Loan was 8,000.

the finaid office told me I only have to pay that 3,000, but the canlearn.ca says I have to pay 8,000.

thanks BBQ

[SEDragon]

no, you will no longer get any money. would you even give more money to yourself? pretty obvious. you only apply and possibly get IR after 6 months grace period in which interest would be accumulating.

i have responded to your own post to hopefully give you some pointers.

Thanks for replying (here and in my thread).

I thought I can apply for IR right away hmm...guess not lol. So if I'm approved for IR, will they cover all the interest accumulated since beginning of the grace period? Or just the interest accumulated during the 6 months(?) I'm on IR?

Also, the people at Financial Assistance said I wouldn't have to do anything, cause they will send the money I'm supposed to get back to OSAP (as well as my refunded tuition for this semester). So I'm assuming they will contact and update my file with OSAP? Sounds a little too good to be true...lol

[BBQPorkBun]

BBQ just wondering on the consequences to going from 6 courses to 4.I've already dropped one course and on the verge of dropping another due to an unfortunate mishap.I will be informing my student financial aid on me dropping the 2 course ,but will I lose funds for next term ?

yes

[BBQPorkBun]

what does it mean that the

Assessment Loan/Grant were 3,000 and 5,000 respectively(for example)
but
Issued to date Loan was 8,000.

the finaid office told me I only have to pay that 3,000, but the canlearn.ca says I have to pay 8,000.

thanks BBQ

i can't really tell by the info you've given me. if you want a clear answer, call the nslsc

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for replying (here and in my thread).

I thought I can apply for IR right away hmm...guess not lol. So if I'm approved for IR, will they cover all the interest accumulated since beginning of the grace period? Or just the interest accumulated during the 6 months(?) I'm on IR?

Also, the people at Financial Assistance said I wouldn't have to do anything, cause they will send the money I'm supposed to get back to OSAP (as well as my refunded tuition for this semester). So I'm assuming they will contact and update my file with OSAP? Sounds a little too good to be true...lol

you have to pay grace period interest no matter what, thats why you can't apply now.

[deeplove]

picked up the loan last term. As for this term, after discussing with my family we've decided not to borrow money this term. Do I need to call my school's financial aid/OSAP office and tell them I'm still in school? Will they assume i'm no longer in school simply because I haven't gone in to pick up the 2nd loan amount?

Thanks in advance.

[BBQPorkBun]

picked up the loan last term. As for this term, after discussing with my family we've decided not to borrow money this term. Do I need to call my school's financial aid/OSAP office and tell them I'm still in school? Will they assume i'm no longer in school simply because I haven't gone in to pick up the 2nd loan amount?

Thanks in advance.

uh...why wouldn't you pick up an interest free loan? at the very least you can put it in a tax free savings account or something.

to answer your question, if you don't take the loan, it does not mean they think you are out of school, however, next year they will assume you are out until you tell them you are not.

[sailor88]

What if you're very unlucky and end up with interest relief for more than 6 months. For example, I was really sick and in the hospital more than 10 times in the last year and because of that I couldn't really get a job. Now I would like to go back to school, but I can't afford it. Will OSAP help me?

[mr jbb]

hey bbq big fan,
quick question. for osap they are only asking for an estimate of how much you think youll make it never says how much you did. so can you just lowball the estimate?
second, If I have an rsp will that affect my osap standing (do i need to report that or do they just want my income as stated on my income taxes?)
lastly if any how can I best lower my reported income for osap(are there any loopholes to put money in without needing to declare it(rsp,charity,ect))

thanks a ton,

jb

[BBQPorkBun]

What if you're very unlucky and end up with interest relief for more than 6 months. For example, I was really sick and in the hospital more than 10 times in the last year and because of that I couldn't really get a job. Now I would like to go back to school, but I can't afford it. Will OSAP help me?

having interest relief is not a bad thing or any sort of penalty against your record if thats what you are thinking. its just an assistance thing.

as long as your loan is in good standing, even if you were on interest relief, there should be no issue with you going back to school with osap assistance

[BBQPorkBun]

hey bbq big fan,
quick question. for osap they are only asking for an estimate of how much you think youll make it never says how much you did. so can you just lowball the estimate?
second, If I have an rsp will that affect my osap standing (do i need to report that or do they just want my income as stated on my income taxes?)
lastly if any how can I best lower my reported income for osap(are there any loopholes to put money in without needing to declare it(rsp,charity,ect))

thanks a ton,

jb

1) yes, my rule has always been assume 0 till you actually make it. worse case is you just return some money after if you happen to make alot

2) yes, there is a field for rsps

3) income is hard to get away from, savings or assets is alot easier. try to find a cash job

[umop]

I received a letter from the National Loans centre which said how much I owe for this (2008-2009) academic year, and how much my monthly payment is. My question is, when do I start paying this monthly fee? This is my first of four years at unviersity so will I have to begin re-paying now or when I'm done the four years?

[mr jbb]

1) yes, my rule has always been assume 0 till you actually make it. worse case is you just return some money after if you happen to make alot

2) yes, there is a field for rsps

3) income is hard to get away from, savings or assets is alot easier. try to find a cash job

Thanks for the quick reply,
If I lowball the estimate and I make more when would I have to return it? (Ive never been asked on a form how much I actually made)Is there an a process where they audit you? and If so is it common?

[mingyang]

I received a letter from the National Loans centre which said how much I owe for this (2008-2009) academic year, and how much my monthly payment is. My question is, when do I start paying this monthly fee? This is my first of four years at unviersity so will I have to begin re-paying now or when I'm done the four years?

pay after u graduate, they just let you know in advance.

[unleashed]

Hey, I just got a question regarding Interest Relief. So taking IR doesn't ruin or lower your credit rating in anyway correct?, as well your loan remains in good standing?. I'd like to apologize in advance if these questions seem trivial but felt were important to me.

Thank You.

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for the quick reply,
If I lowball the estimate and I make more when would I have to return it? (Ive never been asked on a form how much I actually made)Is there an a process where they audit you? and If so is it common?

they don't audit you unless you've raised red flagged (excuse the pun) by doing something wrong. making more income than you estimated is very common. its ur responsiblity to let osap know of ur increased income

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey, I just got a question regarding Interest Relief. So taking IR doesn't ruin or lower your credit rating in anyway correct?, as well your loan remains in good standing?. I'd like to apologize in advance if these questions seem trivial but felt were important to me.

Thank You.

you are correct

[Wilmega]

I have just recieved my Osap repayment papers. I am currently working part time and am returning to school part time (york) for the winter semester. I earn about 600-800 per month working part time. Will I qualify for interest relief?

[km190103]

I was reassessed for my loan (I got more money)...does the money automatically go into my account or do i have to get something from financial aid office at my university? I received a notice around Jan 15th..But I've yet to see anything...

[CSR]

Got my $150 textbook grant today!

[BBQPorkBun]

I have just recieved my Osap repayment papers. I am currently working part time and am returning to school part time (york) for the winter semester. I earn about 600-800 per month working part time. Will I qualify for interest relief?

most likely but its because of low income, nothing to do with you going to school

[BBQPorkBun]

I was reassessed for my loan (I got more money)...does the money automatically go into my account or do i have to get something from financial aid office at my university? I received a notice around Jan 15th..But I've yet to see anything...

if you've given osap a void cheque before, then they probably have ur info. if you want to make sure, call the nslsc. they can also tell you when it will be disbursed

[EAMAY]

hey bbq, Just wondering how many hours does osap allow you to work during the school year before they start deducting the amount your getting from osap.

If i qualify for full osap, then during the year i plan on working 30 or more hours while doing school, will this affect the amount that I get from osap? Because if it does I dont think its worth it to work and study because i would be working for money that I would have any ways got if i didnt work in the first place? Can you shed some light on this, thanks.

[BBQPorkBun]

hey bbq, Just wondering how many hours does osap allow you to work during the school year before they start deducting the amount your getting from osap.

If i qualify for full osap, then during the year i plan on working 30 or more hours while doing school, will this affect the amount that I get from osap? Because if it does I dont think its worth it to work and study because i would be working for money that I would have any ways got if i didnt work in the first place? Can you shed some light on this, thanks.

its not by hours, is by amount, and i wouldn't make more than 2k for the year and yes, its not worth it to kill yourself working many hours during school because they will lessen your osap

[enjoyIncubus]

I'm a first year student and I'm coming from a single parent family. So, this year I got about $12, 000 from OSAP, about $5, 000 of which was a grant. The time is coming when I have to start looking for a summer job, but I know that the more I make this summer the less OSAP will give me. I want to work 40 hours a week for a job that pays half decent wages so I can afford to have fun this summer and have money saved to pay the rest of my tuition (that OSAP doesnt cover) next year, and for some spending money. But the more that I make, the less OSAP will give me, so really I'd be working my ass off all summer, working 40 hours a week and at the end of it all only be a little bit better off than I would if I didnt work at all. What do you guys suggest?

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm a first year student and I'm coming from a single parent family. So, this year I got about $12, 000 from OSAP, about $5, 000 of which was a grant. The time is coming when I have to start looking for a summer job, but I know that the more I make this summer the less OSAP will give me. I want to work 40 hours a week for a job that pays half decent wages so I can afford to have fun this summer and have money saved to pay the rest of my tuition (that OSAP doesnt cover) next year, and for some spending money. But the more that I make, the less OSAP will give me, so really I'd be working my ass off all summer, working 40 hours a week and at the end of it all only be a little bit better off than I would if I didnt work at all. What do you guys suggest?

Work till you made about 2k, then quit and have fun

[Jon Lai]

Hey guys,

I'm at Waterloo, on Co-op right now and have school again in May. When should I apply for OSAP for the coming term and when is the due date to do so?

[help_questions]

I'm a first year student and I'm coming from a single parent family. So, this year I got about $12, 000 from OSAP, about $5, 000 of which was a grant. The time is coming when I have to start looking for a summer job, but I know that the more I make this summer the less OSAP will give me. I want to work 40 hours a week for a job that pays half decent wages so I can afford to have fun this summer and have money saved to pay the rest of my tuition (that OSAP doesnt cover) next year, and for some spending money. But the more that I make, the less OSAP will give me, so really I'd be working my ass off all summer, working 40 hours a week and at the end of it all only be a little bit better off than I would if I didnt work at all. What do you guys suggest?

get a cash job......

[Octavius]

BBQPorkBun...Great Thread. I started at page 1 a few hours ago and I'm now at page 35. I plan on getting through the rest of this thread tomorrow.

Anyway, my questions (if you don't mind ;))

I'm an Ontario resident and have been all my life. I've lived with either my parents (when they were together) or just with my mom (since about 2005). I've always pulled my own weight and I've always helped out with expenses around the house.

I've applied for OSAP either twice or three times (I think twice) and both times it stated that I wasn't eligible. Fine, whatever. I made ends meet and managed to come out debt free. It sucked, but it worked out.

I found out a little while ago that I got into an out-of-province law school for Sept 2009.

I have been working more or less full time since May 2008 with the feds making around 40k/year. I was given a raise this year at 43k/year starting this past January 2009. I figure that by the time I'll be starting law school, I'll have made 28k gross (pretty similar amount to what I made last year...as I was a student for 4 months). I'm hoping to convince work to give me either a 1 year unpaid leave of absence or to allow me to "telework" on a part time basis (2 days a week). No idea whether either of these options will be feasible.

I'll obviously have to leave ON to go to school. My girlfriend and I won't be common-law for a year after we move in together, so that's kind of a non-issue for OSAP (I believe). Most places to live in the city that I will be living in average around $1000/month. Tuition will be around 12k and books an additional 2k. Without food, internet, cell phone, or public transit passes, I'm already 26k in the hole.

I own a car, but it will be transferred to my mom's name before I apply for OSAP. My mom and I both own a house, however, this was only done because my mother was ineligible to receive a mortgage on her own on account of her separation with my father. Without me being on the title, she wouldn't have had a place to live. I've never made a mortgage payment, nor have I paid hydro or gas. My mom takes care of everything with respect to the house...I was only put on the title to satisfy the bank's requirements for a mortgage. If I explain this situation to the OSAP people, will they be willing to overlook the fact that I "own" a house? I can provide them with passbooks for my mom's account that shows mortgage payments coming out of her account every week since we moved in...same with the gas and hydro.

I also have some actual assets under my name...but it's kind of complicated.

I've got about 3k in GIC's that mature in about a year from now...I can't redeem them before this date. I've got 4k in GIC's that mature in two years from now, again, I am not permitted to touch this money prior to the maturity date. Finally, I've got a market value of $8100.00 in TD Mutual Funds, but as a result of the economic downtown, my mutual funds are worth about 5k at best. Redeeming now would be a colossal waste of money.

With respect to my GICs and Mutual Funds, I plan on using these the second I get access to them (or in the case of the mutual funds, when I just hit the break even point), so I will not need anywhere near the same amount of OSAP in my 2nd and third year as I will in my first. How understanding would OSAP be of this position?

Finally, what's the maximum amount of OSAP a person can receive for law school?

Thanks.

[BBQPorkBun]

BBQPorkBun...Great Thread. I started at page 1 a few hours ago and I'm now at page 35. I plan on getting through the rest of this thread tomorrow.

Anyway, my questions (if you don't mind ;))

I'm an Ontario resident and have been all my life. I've lived with either my parents (when they were together) or just with my mom (since about 2005). I've always pulled my own weight and I've always helped out with expenses around the house.

I've applied for OSAP either twice or three times (I think twice) and both times it stated that I wasn't eligible. Fine, whatever. I made ends meet and managed to come out debt free. It sucked, but it worked out.

I found out a little while ago that I got into an out-of-province law school for Sept 2009.

I have been working more or less full time since May 2008 with the feds making around 40k/year. I was given a raise this year at 43k/year starting this past January 2009. I figure that by the time I'll be starting law school, I'll have made 28k gross (pretty similar amount to what I made last year...as I was a student for 4 months). I'm hoping to convince work to give me either a 1 year unpaid leave of absence or to allow me to "telework" on a part time basis (2 days a week). No idea whether either of these options will be feasible.

I'll obviously have to leave ON to go to school. My girlfriend and I won't be common-law for a year after we move in together, so that's kind of a non-issue for OSAP (I believe). Most places to live in the city that I will be living in average around $1000/month. Tuition will be around 12k and books an additional 2k. Without food, internet, cell phone, or public transit passes, I'm already 26k in the hole.

I own a car, but it will be transferred to my mom's name before I apply for OSAP. My mom and I both own a house, however, this was only done because my mother was ineligible to receive a mortgage on her own on account of her separation with my father. Without me being on the title, she wouldn't have had a place to live. I've never made a mortgage payment, nor have I paid hydro or gas. My mom takes care of everything with respect to the house...I was only put on the title to satisfy the bank's requirements for a mortgage. If I explain this situation to the OSAP people, will they be willing to overlook the fact that I "own" a house? I can provide them with passbooks for my mom's account that shows mortgage payments coming out of her account every week since we moved in...same with the gas and hydro.

I also have some actual assets under my name...but it's kind of complicated.

I've got about 3k in GIC's that mature in about a year from now...I can't redeem them before this date. I've got 4k in GIC's that mature in two years from now, again, I am not permitted to touch this money prior to the maturity date. Finally, I've got a market value of $8100.00 in TD Mutual Funds, but as a result of the economic downtown, my mutual funds are worth about 5k at best. Redeeming now would be a colossal waste of money.

With respect to my GICs and Mutual Funds, I plan on using these the second I get access to them (or in the case of the mutual funds, when I just hit the break even point), so I will not need anywhere near the same amount of OSAP in my 2nd and third year as I will in my first. How understanding would OSAP be of this position?

Finally, what's the maximum amount of OSAP a person can receive for law school?

Thanks.

no idea.

probably none, access to funds is access to funds, they don't care about your gain/loss nor should they, its not up to your preference. you can get access to GIC's, you just forfeit interest or get a bit of a penalty.

combined with working during school, don't see how you can't get through year 1. (try to live in a cheap hole somewhere like most students, your cost of living is too high). after you have nothing after year 1, you can get osap in year 2

[Octavius]

no idea.

probably none, access to funds is access to funds, they don't care about your gain/loss nor should they, its not up to your preference. you can get access to GIC's, you just forfeit interest or get a bit of a penalty.

combined with working during school, don't see how you can't get through year 1. (try to live in a cheap hole somewhere like most students, your cost of living is too high). after you have nothing after year 1, you can get osap in year 2

Fair enough, thanks.

[Octavius]

One last question...

With respect to OSAP, what if I have a credit card with a 15k balance? Since it would more or less cancel out my net worth (voiding the GIC's and the mutual funds...exception being my mom's house, which I've explained already), would I then have a greater chance at getting OSAP?

I'm not entirely sure whether or not I will be working during the school year...if my work is uncooperative in allowing me to telework then I may just not work during the year and focus solely on school.

[Jon Lai]

Hey guys,

I'm at Waterloo, on Co-op right now and have school again in May. When should I apply for OSAP for the coming term and when is the due date to do so?

^^

[BBQPorkBun]

One last question...

With respect to OSAP, what if I have a credit card with a 15k balance? Since it would more or less cancel out my net worth (voiding the GIC's and the mutual funds...exception being my mom's house, which I've explained already), would I then have a greater chance at getting OSAP?

I'm not entirely sure whether or not I will be working during the school year...if my work is uncooperative in allowing me to telework then I may just not work during the year and focus solely on school.

They not looking at your net worth, don't care about your debts, thats your choice to go that route. hence answer is no.

On a side note, collecting 3% in GIC while paying 20% in credit card, not such a great idea.

[BBQPorkBun]

^^

end of march

[Octavius]

They not looking at your net worth, don't care about your debts, thats your choice to go that route. hence answer is no.

On a side note, collecting 3% in GIC while paying 20% in credit card, not such a great idea.

Indeed. I was thinking of taking advantage of a 0% Interest MBNA offer for 12 months.

Anyway, you've answered my questions. Thanks very kindly, you've been most helpful.

[The Master]

Hey BBQ ...Im not sure if you can answer this question or not but how do we go about claiming the interest on our loans when doing our taxes? does OSAP send out a form/letter stating how much you have paid??

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQ ...Im not sure if you can answer this question or not but how do we go about claiming the interest on our loans when doing our taxes? does OSAP send out a form/letter stating how much you have paid??

yes, they will send you like a summary sheet on whats happened in the past year, including interest paid

[The Master]

thanks....any idea when??end of feb? march?

[BBQPorkBun]

thanks....any idea when??end of feb? march?

nope, but before tax season

[carladelpilar]

hi, i have a question regarding osap. i am full time student at uoft, and i am planning to make 10 000 from today until september, do you know how much will i be getting, or have some estiamte about it. i do not live with my parents and i want to maximize the osap funding. i tried the estimator at the osap website but doesnt work. thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

hi, i have a question regarding osap. i am full time student at uoft, and i am planning to make 10 000 from today until september, do you know how much will i be getting, or have some estiamte about it. i do not live with my parents and i want to maximize the osap funding. i tried the estimator at the osap website but doesnt work. thanks

you probably won't get anything, cuz there is going to be plenty of students who will make a lot less than that. but never harm in trying.

[NoTime]

do you recommend paying off the OSAP loan as soon as possible (that is before finishing the degree)?

Also I heard of the grant that if you have more than $7000 in outstanding loans (culminating from 2-3 years of school), you only have to pay back $7000. Is that true?

thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

do you recommend paying off the OSAP loan as soon as possible (that is before finishing the degree)?

Also I heard of the grant that if you have more than $7000 in outstanding loans (culminating from 2-3 years of school), you only have to pay back $7000. Is that true?

thanks

if you have some money, throw a lump sum toward your loan the week before you start accumulating interest. and even after that, yes pay it off asap

no, that 7k thing you are mentioning is within a two semester school year. so if i got 9k in 2008, i pay back 7k of that. if i got 8k in 2009, i pay back 7k of that.

[mr jbb]

hey,
If I add a course do I need to tell osap or do they just know?

[BBQPorkBun]

hey,
If I add a course do I need to tell osap or do they just know?

They tend to know things that only lower the amount they give you and not the other way around, so i'd let them know your new course load either way.

[Justine]

Hey BBQ ...Im not sure if you can answer this question or not but how do we go about claiming the interest on our loans when doing our taxes? does OSAP send out a form/letter stating how much you have paid??
I got a statement this week laying out all the interest payments that I got relief for last year.

[NoTime]

I just wanted to check, will OSAP charge interest on my loans during the summer months (when I am out of school)?

thanks

[f_r_h]

Hi,

I am wondering if having a large amount of cash in my bank account, say 10k, as opposed to having a smaller amount, say 2k, affects how much money i would get from OSAP. Should I take some money out?

Thx.

[CSR]

I just wanted to check, will OSAP charge interest on my loans during the summer months (when I am out of school)?

thanks

no, if you're going back/went back to school in Sept.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,

I am wondering if having a large amount of cash in my bank account, say 10k, as opposed to having a smaller amount, say 2k, affects how much money i would get from OSAP. Should I take some money out?

Thx.

The question asks how much you have in assets, so makes no diff if u had 2k at 5 banks.

[tastetheaudioxx]

Considering the length of this thread, I have to admit I didn't read through the whole thing, I apologize if these questions are a little redundant/repetitive.

I'm currently in my first year of university, living away from home. I applied for OSAP last summer in June to receive my interest free gov. loan, with no problems.. I got accepted, reassessed and ended up getting a little less than what they initially told me, but I wasn't too concerned by that, because I was expecting it. After I applied last year, I ended up getting more scholarships then I anticipated, and ended up having more income thus ended up getting roughly 1,500$ more in income during the summer months (because I didn't know how much I would be working during the summer and when I was quitting) for the time period of January 2008-August 2008. So as a result, I put all of this extra cash into a saving's account - which upped my balance enough, also something I hadn't anticipated at all when I applied. Are they allowed to check bank account balances (checking, savings, GIC)? If so, do they still count everything - even if some of the funds in those accounts are not intended for education purposes?

If so.. what should I do? Or, is there something I need to do to let them know? Or will they figure it out? It's not like I hid anything from them, it's just that my guesstimations ended up being off. (If they check) The only reason my account balance went up like it did is because of the scholarships I hadn't anticipated receiving, and I just needed a place to put that.

I was also wondering, how big of a discrepancy warrants having your funds coming from OSAP getting taken away anyway? I keep hearing the numbers have to be quite grossly different but.. what's their definition of grossly? Is a couple thousand considered grossly? Because that can happen easily with missed guesstimations and/or calculation mistakes. For example... revenu guesstimation: 3000$, final revenu: 5000$; scholarship guesstimation: 2500$, final amount 8000$... do they consider situations like that "grossly"?

Thank you for your time

[BBQPorkBun]

Considering the length of this thread, I have to admit I didn't read through the whole thing, I apologize if these questions are a little redundant/repetitive.

I'm currently in my first year of university, living away from home. I applied for OSAP last summer in June to receive my interest free gov. loan, with no problems.. I got accepted, reassessed and ended up getting a little less than what they initially told me, but I wasn't too concerned by that, because I was expecting it. After I applied last year, I ended up getting more scholarships then I anticipated, and ended up having more income thus ended up getting roughly 1,500$ more in income during the summer months (because I didn't know how much I would be working during the summer and when I was quitting) for the time period of January 2008-August 2008. So as a result, I put all of this extra cash into a saving's account - which upped my balance enough, also something I hadn't anticipated at all when I applied. Are they allowed to check bank account balances (checking, savings, GIC)? If so, do they still count everything - even if some of the funds in those accounts are not intended for education purposes?

If so.. what should I do? Or, is there something I need to do to let them know? Or will they figure it out? It's not like I hid anything from them, it's just that my guesstimations ended up being off. (If they check) The only reason my account balance went up like it did is because of the scholarships I hadn't anticipated receiving, and I just needed a place to put that.

I was also wondering, how big of a discrepancy warrants having your funds coming from OSAP getting taken away anyway? I keep hearing the numbers have to be quite grossly different but.. what's their definition of grossly? Is a couple thousand considered grossly? Because that can happen easily with missed guesstimations and/or calculation mistakes. For example... revenu guesstimation: 3000$, final revenu: 5000$; scholarship guesstimation: 2500$, final amount 8000$... do they consider situations like that "grossly"?

Thank you for your time

plz stop saying 'guesstimation'

if you got more scholarship than u anticipated, its your responsiblity to let osap know so they can reassess you again.

all funds available are for education use. if not, then shouldn't go to school or get a student loan, thats their position.

when you get to the thousands, thats pretty significant.

its income, not revenue

[federationofstudents]

Can someone explain to me the system of how OSAP works?

I'm assuming that I pay no interest on my loans while in school, but interest accumulates once I get out of school?

Does that mean that if I owe $30, 000 in student loans but pay it back immediately after graduation, I pay essentially no interest?

Thanks!

[killoverme]

Can someone explain to me the system of how OSAP works?

I'm assuming that I pay no interest on my loans while in school, but interest accumulates once I get out of school?

Does that mean that if I owe $30, 000 in student loans but pay it back immediately after graduation, I pay essentially no interest?

Thanks!

yes.

[tastetheaudioxx]

plz stop saying 'guesstimation'

if you got more scholarship than u anticipated, its your responsiblity to let osap know so they can reassess you again.

all funds available are for education use. if not, then shouldn't go to school or get a student loan, thats their position.

when you get to the thousands, thats pretty significant.

its income, not revenue

I'm sorry the use of that word, only used 4 times in all of what I said, bothered you.

How do I let them know? Is there a process that you have to go through? Form to fill out, perhaps?

Thank you for the insight.

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm sorry the use of that word, only used 4 times in all of what I said, bothered you.

How do I let them know? Is there a process that you have to go through? Form to fill out, perhaps?

Thank you for the insight.

its ok, dun worry about it

go to you schools financial aid office and they'll help you out with the process.

[Professor Iris]

I think that this has been addressed but I would like to qualify, if osap determines that you have a large overpayment, if you pay it do you then return to normal eligibility status in regards to future funding?

[BBQPorkBun]

I think that this has been addressed but I would like to qualify, if osap determines that you have a large overpayment, if you pay it do you then return to normal eligibility status in regards to future funding?

yes, no reason for them not to give you a loan next time around

[newgame99]

Hi there, I was browsing through the thread and I have a few questions. I have registed for athbasca University which is a university that is delivered via onlilne. I am currently debating wether I should go part-time or full-time? However if I am part-time I have to pay interest on the loan, while I am in school. Does anybody know how much the interest there would be and when the interest starts?

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi there, I was browsing through the thread and I have a few questions. I have registed for athbasca University which is a university that is delivered via onlilne. I am currently debating wether I should go part-time or full-time? However if I am part-time I have to pay interest on the loan, while I am in school. Does anybody know how much the interest there would be and when the interest starts?

the rates would be no diff as if u went to school at a local university near you, probably prime +2.5. and interest would start as soon as you get the loan.

[Professor Iris]

Hi there, I was browsing through the thread and I have a few questions. I have registed for athbasca University which is a university that is delivered via onlilne. I am currently debating wether I should go part-time or full-time? However if I am part-time I have to pay interest on the loan, while I am in school. Does anybody know how much the interest there would be and when the interest starts?

Before you decide also look at what constitutes a full course load. To be considered full time for osap you need to take 60% of a full course load.

[andrew2good4u]

quick question.
I kno eventually I'll go to my student aid office to get things done but I'd like to see what yuo have to say.

I got max osap this past year.
I would like to have a 60% courseload in the summer
is it possible for me to do an osap rollover?

[jason_3108]

i am taking 5 courses this summer (full course load). when should i apply and do i use the profile i created last summer?? i am in first year.
thank you.

[Juls4444]

I was wondering:
If the OSAP term is until April 30th, but I work before that at the end of April but only get paid in May, does this still count as income during the school year? Is it actually employment dates or when you are paid?
Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

quick question.
I kno eventually I'll go to my student aid office to get things done but I'd like to see what yuo have to say.

I got max osap this past year.
I would like to have a 60% courseload in the summer
is it possible for me to do an osap rollover?

not sure what u mean by rollover, why don't you describe what you think it means.

[BBQPorkBun]

i am taking 5 courses this summer (full course load). when should i apply and do i use the profile i created last summer?? i am in first year.
thank you.

yes, your profile should keep track of whats happened and what you've borrowed each year

[BBQPorkBun]

I was wondering:
If the OSAP term is until April 30th, but I work before that at the end of April but only get paid in May, does this still count as income during the school year? Is it actually employment dates or when you are paid?
Thanks!

Its when the income is earned, not when its paid

[andrew2good4u]

not sure what u mean by rollover, why don't you describe what you think it means.

Our school has something called the osap rollover form which allows you to extend your osap funding a term.

Basically I'll just reword my question.
If I get max osap for fall and winter, it is possible to get anything to take courses for the summer?

[ppthomas]

[QUOTE=a

Basically I'll just reword my question.
If I get max osap for fall and winter, it is possible to get anything to take courses for the summer?[/QUOTE]

Yes ..for summer you have to apply again. like how u did that in starting of the skool year ....

so whn u apply in sept u can do for winter and fall
and whn u apply in summer u can do for the 2 sems


Good luck with ur studies....
i m a out of skool so my advice will be try avoiding borrowing more from osap, and try some part time job.

[ECSTATIC]

Hi there. I'm not sure if this question has been asked:
When do you pick up the OSAP money? Is it in August, beginning of September, late September?
Thanks :)

[BBQPorkBun]

Our school has something called the osap rollover form which allows you to extend your osap funding a term.

Basically I'll just reword my question.
If I get max osap for fall and winter, it is possible to get anything to take courses for the summer?

yes, apply again for summer term

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi there. I'm not sure if this question has been asked:
When do you pick up the OSAP money? Is it in August, beginning of September, late September?
Thanks :)

usually beg of sept when ur going to the school everyday already

[jason_3108]

yes, your profile should keep track of whats happened and what you've borrowed each year

do u know when should i apply for that if i am taking summer school??

[BBQPorkBun]

do u know when should i apply for that if i am taking summer school??

sometime in april is fine

[newgame99]

Quick Question about part time OSAP deadline? I am applying to Athabasca University for 2 courses. According to the OSAP deadline https://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/App_ptapp_deadlines_1234.htm my deadline is within the first 30 days of the your study period start date ?

So I can apply after my course period has started?

[EAMAY]

if i qualify for max osap amount which is around 11k I only have to pay back around 7K because the rest would be bursaries and grants.

So my question is if i apply for, and get scholarships (including entrance scholarships) will it just replace my grants that I am going to get anyway or... will it go towards the 7k that I have to pay back?

[gettingadeal]

if i qualify for max osap amount which is around 11k I only have to pay back around 7K because the rest would be bursaries and grants.

So my question is if i apply for, and get scholarships (including entrance scholarships) will it just replace my grants that I am going to get anyway or... will it go towards the 7k that I have to pay back?
It would be added as money that you have for your school so it would go more toward the 7K that you have to pay back.
Don't forget though that there are new grants starting this school year and this would increase the amount of grants you might have got say last year.

[BBQPorkBun]

Quick Question about part time OSAP deadline? I am applying to Athabasca University for 2 courses. According to the OSAP deadline https://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/App_ptapp_deadlines_1234.htm my deadline is within the first 30 days of the your study period start date ?

So I can apply after my course period has started?

yes, anyone can apply full time or part time even when their course has started. I just advised my friend apply to the current school year of 08-09 and that just happened two months ago.

[BBQPorkBun]

if i qualify for max osap amount which is around 11k I only have to pay back around 7K because the rest would be bursaries and grants.

So my question is if i apply for, and get scholarships (including entrance scholarships) will it just replace my grants that I am going to get anyway or... will it go towards the 7k that I have to pay back?

Its not a direct relationship, where if you get x scholarship, your loan goes down by x.

Scholarships you would get would now be basically cash in the bank or assets. So if you had 0 assets before. now you have lets say 1000. they will do a reassessment now as if you had 1000 from before and see what you SHOULD have got, then change your amount accordingly. Your loan may change, or it may not, depending on their formula.

[multifish]

Hi, I got a question.
I go to York and due to the strike, it has changed the schedule of the remaining school year. I have decided not to attend school during the winter term and will be back in the summer. My question is about the reassessment part of osap. Now that I won't be under the same workload and won't be in school for a semester, would osap require me to pay back a large sum of the loan money and will they take back the grant I've receive this year right away?

[EAMAY]

Its not a direct relationship, where if you get x scholarship, your loan goes down by x.

Scholarships you would get would now be basically cash in the bank or assets. So if you had 0 assets before. now you have lets say 1000. they will do a reassessment now as if you had 1000 from before and see what you SHOULD have got, then change your amount accordingly. Your loan may change, or it may not, depending on their formula.

ah ok, thanks

[eliteblaze2]

Which prime rate does OSAP use? Anyone have a web link? Searched everywhere but can't find out what they base their Prime on.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I got a question.
I go to York and due to the strike, it has changed the schedule of the remaining school year. I have decided not to attend school during the winter term and will be back in the summer. My question is about the reassessment part of osap. Now that I won't be under the same workload and won't be in school for a semester, would osap require me to pay back a large sum of the loan money and will they take back the grant I've receive this year right away?

Yes, pretty much. They will reassess your loan as if you applied for one term. Not a good idea generally.

If you do go through with this, also make sure you are full time in the summer, if not, interest on the part you already owe dates back to january 1st

[BBQPorkBun]

Which prime rate does OSAP use? Anyone have a web link? Searched everywhere but can't find out what they base their Prime on.

Prime business rate 3%

http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca/en/rates/digest.html

[myster]

If I have a sizable capital gain (around the range of 10000) this year, for OSAP purposes next year, do I have to report the 10000 gain or just the taxable portion of it (e.g., half of that at 5000)?

[BBQPorkBun]

If I have a sizable capital gain (around the range of 10000) this year, for OSAP purposes next year, do I have to report the 10000 gain or just the taxable portion of it (e.g., half of that at 5000)?

The question asks for income prior to tax, 10k is your income.

[Usuyami]

Hey, I was in university out of high school and was not interested in getting an education at all. I partied and dropped out and partied and dropped out again. Both times I borrowed money from OSAP. Shortly after dropping out, I worked construction for a year and paid off my debt to OSAP. Last fall, I went back to school but this time OSAP found me ineligible for a loan due to my past academic record. Right now I'm getting A's in all my courses so I'm wondering if it would be possible to get a loan from OSAP starting next year. Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey, I was in university out of high school and was not interested in getting an education at all. I partied and dropped out and partied and dropped out again. Both times I borrowed money from OSAP. Shortly after dropping out, I worked construction for a year and paid off my debt to OSAP. Last fall, I went back to school but this time OSAP found me ineligible for a loan due to my past academic record. Right now I'm getting A's in all my courses so I'm wondering if it would be possible to get a loan from OSAP starting next year. Thanks!

I can't give you a definite answer on that but certainly do try. And if they turn you down, file for an appeal, explain how you've turned a new leaf and include proof of your new marks. It makes for a pretty convincing case to be eligible. I also hope you did not default on your loans before paying them back, credit can also affect the outcome.

Good Luck!

[Octavius]

Just out of curiosity, when does the 2009-2010 OSAP application open up?

[BBQPorkBun]

Just out of curiosity, when does the 2009-2010 OSAP application open up?

Revisit the website to find out, July would be a good bet.

[Usuyami]

I can't give you a definite answer on that but certainly do try. And if they turn you down, file for an appeal, explain how you've turned a new leaf and include proof of your new marks. It makes for a pretty convincing case to be eligible. I also hope you did not default on your loans before paying them back, credit can also affect the outcome.

Good Luck!

Thanks, but what does it mean to default on my loans?

[CSK'sMom]

Just out of curiosity, when does the 2009-2010 OSAP application open up?

It should go live in May sometime Octavius. They recommend applying at least 10 weeks before your study period begins.

[Octavius]

It should go live in May sometime Octavius. They recommend applying at least 10 weeks before your study period begins.

Thanks.

I plan on applying as early as I can. I doubt I'll get anything, but if I can get even $1,000, then it's a $1000 less that I'll have to use from my professional student line of credit.

Guess I'll take a look when I get back from my trip to Edmonton =)

[Jon Lai]

Can anyone tell me how to apply for OSAP for my 1B term from May-August? I remember I have to submit reassessment or something?

This is because of coop at Waterloo. Thanks.

[havoks]

Can anyone tell me how to apply for OSAP for my 1B term from May-August? I remember I have to submit reassessment or something?

This is because of coop at Waterloo. Thanks.

Submit a reinstatement form to the SAFA office: http://safa.uwaterloo.ca/forms/OSAP%20Forms%202008_09/2008_2009%20Reinstatement.pdf

[CSK'sMom]

Thanks.

I plan on applying as early as I can. I doubt I'll get anything, but if I can get even $1,000, then it's a $1000 less that I'll have to use from my professional student line of credit.

Guess I'll take a look when I get back from my trip to Edmonton =)

Definitely do. At the very least you'll have already applied for the T&T grant which will be worth $300 next year. There are also a ton of new grants and programs in the Federal budget. :)

[Donomight25]

Hey there,

I applied for OSAP back in Jan via webapp, and have had a tough time understanding the whole process.

A month after the application (early Feb), I got a letter with my calculated funding and OSSG grants. I just sent them the last required document under my 'Checklist' with OSAP, and other than that, they need a conformation of enrollment form.

So here are my questions.


When does OSAP complete their credit check for eligibility?

Do applicants always get an estimation letter in the mail?

Under 'Current Status' it says:
Your application has been received and OSAP funding calculated.
Your OSAP funding will not be released until the items under "Checklist" are completed.

Does this mean that all they are waiting on is the affidavit and enrollment form, or is this a general term everyone see's while being processed?

Thanks!

D

[Juls4444]

Its when the income is earned, not when its paid

This was my original question:
I was wondering:
If the OSAP term is until April 30th, but I work before that at the end of April but only get paid in May, does this still count as income during the school year? Is it actually employment dates or when you are paid?
Thanks!

I am just curious how OSAP knows when it is earned vs when it is paid. Is this normally looked at on the pay stub and calculated? I know the payment is made to me on May 15th.
Just a little more clarification... thanks so much.

[paetsr]

Awesome thread btw; looked through it and couldn't find an answer that would relate to my situation.

I had interest relief for 6 months already and I applied again, this time rejected. I make gross income 2280.00 gross / month and my cutoff is 2075.00 according to the payments I make on the income eligibility chart.

In a nutshell: can I request to have my repayments increased to bump me up another category then reapply to interest relief based on the new numbers? E.g. Make my monthly payments from 381.00 to 575.00 so that my cutoff will be 2334.00 thereby technically allowing me to be able to be eligible for interest relief? :?:

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey there,

I applied for OSAP back in Jan via webapp, and have had a tough time understanding the whole process.

A month after the application (early Feb), I got a letter with my calculated funding and OSSG grants. I just sent them the last required document under my 'Checklist' with OSAP, and other than that, they need a conformation of enrollment form.

So here are my questions.


When does OSAP complete their credit check for eligibility?

Do applicants always get an estimation letter in the mail?

Under 'Current Status' it says:
Your application has been received and OSAP funding calculated.
Your OSAP funding will not be released until the items under "Checklist" are completed.

Does this mean that all they are waiting on is the affidavit and enrollment form, or is this a general term everyone see's while being processed?

Thanks!

D

you can ask the nslsc for timelines
no estimation letter, no point for doing that
it means do the stuff on the chklist, if you already have, wait.

[BBQPorkBun]

This was my original question:
I was wondering:
If the OSAP term is until April 30th, but I work before that at the end of April but only get paid in May, does this still count as income during the school year? Is it actually employment dates or when you are paid?
Thanks!

I am just curious how OSAP knows when it is earned vs when it is paid. Is this normally looked at on the pay stub and calculated? I know the payment is made to me on May 15th.
Just a little more clarification... thanks so much.

no problem
its never when its paid. so take that out of the equation, its not considered at all

[BBQPorkBun]

Awesome thread btw; looked through it and couldn't find an answer that would relate to my situation.

I had interest relief for 6 months already and I applied again, this time rejected. I make gross income 2280.00 gross / month and my cutoff is 2075.00 according to the payments I make on the income eligibility chart.

In a nutshell: can I request to have my repayments increased to bump me up another category then reapply to interest relief based on the new numbers? E.g. Make my monthly payments from 381.00 to 575.00 so that my cutoff will be 2334.00 thereby technically allowing me to be able to be eligible for interest relief? :?:

you use to be able to do that in the old days (prior to 2001) when banks held your debt, but now you can't manipulate that anymore cuz its all directly from the gov't. you have one of those cases where it actually benefits you alot more to get less pay and be in IR.

nice try

[march9]

for osap during summer semester (may-august), are there grants available?

[dakondakblade]

Thanks for all the help in here guys, appreciate it!

Just have a quick question or two

1- I graduated Print Journalism last may ( 08) and applied for Interest free status which I believe expires April. However, I am going back to Sheridan in September. Already submitted my offer of acceptance and everything via OCAS.

Now I am trying to apply for OSAP for next year ( live away from my parents and I only make 1400 a month, while expenses are about 1100 a month)

However when I log in to my OSAP profile, I don't see an option for 09/10.

Is this because I can't apply until April/May?
Or is because I have to wait until my interest free status expires? I have spoke to both Finan Aid at Sheridan as well as someone from the NSLSC and they both basically contradict each other.

2- Even though I would be making about 1000 a month during the school year, would I still qualify for the $8,000 that I have annually received for the last 2 years?

ANy help u can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for all the help in here guys, appreciate it!

Just have a quick question or two

1- I graduated Print Journalism last may ( 08) and applied for Interest free status which I believe expires April. However, I am going back to Sheridan in September. Already submitted my offer of acceptance and everything via OCAS.

Now I am trying to apply for OSAP for next year ( live away from my parents and I only make 1400 a month, while expenses are about 1100 a month)

However when I log in to my OSAP profile, I don't see an option for 09/10.

Is this because I can't apply until April/May?
Or is because I have to wait until my interest free status expires? I have spoke to both Finan Aid at Sheridan as well as someone from the NSLSC and they both basically contradict each other.

2- Even though I would be making about 1000 a month during the school year, would I still qualify for the $8,000 that I have annually received for the last 2 years?

ANy help u can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks!

apply for IR in May, apply for osap in july
no, thats not a good assumption, factors are different now

[Donomight25]

you can ask the nslsc for timelines
no estimation letter, no point for doing that
it means do the stuff on the chklist, if you already have, wait.


I guess a more direct question is: Do they do the credit check when my checklist is complete, or is it done right after I fill out the web app?

Also, the 'estimation letter' is actually a 'Notice of Assessment', and gives me a loan amount, grant amounts and OSSG amounts. Does everyone get this?

D

[Donomight25]

So, got an update today online with OSAP.

Under 'Whats next' it says:

"After the items under "Checklist" are completed, your funding will be released".

So, does that mean I can FINALLY go to school?


D

[BBQPorkBun]

I guess a more direct question is: Do they do the credit check when my checklist is complete, or is it done right after I fill out the web app?

Also, the 'estimation letter' is actually a 'Notice of Assessment', and gives me a loan amount, grant amounts and OSSG amounts. Does everyone get this?

D

don't know the first one, does it matter?
notice of assessment is not an estimation

[Donomight25]

Another quick question:

I estimated that I would make $7k in my pre-study period. I will have an actual income of $0 for that period.

How much does my pre-study income effect my assessment? Will they re-assess me based on no income?

D

[BBQPorkBun]

Another quick question:

I estimated that I would make $7k in my pre-study period. I will have an actual income of $0 for that period.

How much does my pre-study income effect my assessment? Will they re-assess me based on no income?

D

it directly affects your assessment
no, it will be based on what you estimated initially
any estimates should be estimated at 0 until you actually make it, this is to protect yourself

[Neovingian]

Hey my gf is in a pickle with student loans centre for her fed loans. She was on int relief applied for extended over the holidays sent back in her forms on 28 days later due to delays with moving and the write her back saying her app was stale dated. When she called in no one could tell her the definition of what classifies an app as being stale dated. Only about 28-30 days eleapsed since teh date of app & when they received the int relief application.

In this case we want to know can she appeal this or who can she talk to to clarify "staledated" status. Also does she have to re-apply for int relife all over again? We're both a lil confused 7 the people working @ the student loans centre are no help. One girl even said she was new & isn't familiar with teh processes

Any help would be appreciated.

[Donomight25]

it directly affects your assessment
no, it will be based on what you estimated initially
any estimates should be estimated at 0 until you actually make it, this is to protect yourself

So, would estimating a lower amount ($0) on my application have made my OSAP assessment amount go up or down?

Are they going to penalize me for not making that amount, or anything at all during my pre-study period?

D

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey my gf is in a pickle with student loans centre for her fed loans. She was on int relief applied for extended over the holidays sent back in her forms on 28 days later due to delays with moving and the write her back saying her app was stale dated. When she called in no one could tell her the definition of what classifies an app as being stale dated. Only about 28-30 days eleapsed since teh date of app & when they received the int relief application.

In this case we want to know can she appeal this or who can she talk to to clarify "staledated" status. Also does she have to re-apply for int relife all over again? We're both a lil confused 7 the people working @ the student loans centre are no help. One girl even said she was new & isn't familiar with teh processes

Any help would be appreciated.

you were late, apply again, theres really no excuse for these things, the place is just in mississauga, just hand it in if u have to.

[BBQPorkBun]

So, would estimating a lower amount ($0) on my application have made my OSAP assessment amount go up or down?

Are they going to penalize me for not making that amount, or anything at all during my pre-study period?

D

Who gets more loans, the guy (or gal) who thinks he will make no money in the summer or the guy who think he's gonna make alot of money?

There can't be penalties for an estimation, just let them know what you've actually made.

[minttea]

for osap during summer semester (may-august), are there grants available?

I would also like to know this if possible :)!

[BBQPorkBun]

I would also like to know this if possible :)!

For grants to apply for that period, i believe the application must be on a whole year basis, sept to august. If you are just applying for the summer only, you probably won't get any.

[preshans]

HEY BBQPorkBun, I did the osap aid calculator.

Expected Costs : $15 000
Estimated OSAP Funding: $7400
Estimated Outstanding Debt:$6200
Estimated TAX CREDIT: $2000

So let me understand this...They will be giving me $15 000. I only have to pay back $6200. What is about teh $2000. Do I get that back or......

[Jon Lai]

HEY BBQPorkBun, I did the osap aid calculator.

Expected Costs : $15 000
Estimated OSAP Funding: $7400
Estimated Outstanding Debt:$6200
Estimated TAX CREDIT: $2000

So let me understand this...They will be giving me $15 000. I only have to pay back $6200. What is about teh $2000. Do I get that back or......

$15000 is what your tuition and everything costs, not what you'll get. You'll get $7400.

[T-dawg]

Hi,
I heard some kid mention in school that if I'm full time for three consecutive semesters, my total loan (that I owe the government) will reduce automatically? is this true or garbage?

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,
I heard some kid mention in school that if I'm full time for three consecutive semesters, my total loan (that I owe the government) will reduce automatically? is this true or garbage?

no

[Donomight25]

Few more questions:

As a DISTANCE EDUCATION student, where are the confirmation of enrolment forms sent? The OSAP website says the financial aid office at my school, and my financial adviser says they'll be sent to ME with my first set of loan documents.

Where do they go?

and; are the loan documents and the enrolment form sent together? Or am i filling out the enrolment form then waiting for the loan docs in the mail?

Thanks,

D

[BBQPorkBun]

Few more questions:

As a DISTANCE EDUCATION student, where are the confirmation of enrolment forms sent? The OSAP website says the financial aid office at my school, and my financial adviser says they'll be sent to ME with my first set of loan documents.

Where do they go?

and; are the loan documents and the enrolment form sent together? Or am i filling out the enrolment form then waiting for the loan docs in the mail?

Thanks,

D

on the COE, somewhere on the page it will say which copy goes where. as to how your school does their admin, you're gonna have to ask them

[T-dawg]

If I go to grad school in the states, does anyone know if I can still get OSAP? if so, how much is it per year?

Thanks..

[BBQPorkBun]

If I go to grad school in the states, does anyone know if I can still get OSAP? if so, how much is it per year?

Thanks..

unless its an exchange program which i guess this is not, then no
heres a school eligibility link you can try to confirm

https://osap.gov.on.ca/cgi-bin/lansaweb?procfun+proc0809+SCH0809+OSP+eng

[Donomight25]

on the COE, somewhere on the page it will say which copy goes where. as to how your school does their admin, you're gonna have to ask them

COE is a certificate of entitlement?

[rilhouse]

hey BBQ, i'm on interest relief and i got this new loan agrement in the mail & it says i need to sign and send back. it says that the repayment terms of my loan have changed but the principal and payment amount is the same. any idea what this is about?

[BBQPorkBun]

COE is a certificate of entitlement?

no, confirmation of enrollment (proof you are in school)

[BBQPorkBun]

hey BBQ, i'm on interest relief and i got this new loan agrement in the mail & it says i need to sign and send back. it says that the repayment terms of my loan have changed but the principal and payment amount is the same. any idea what this is about?

loan agreement? i have to know what it is exactly. off the top of my head it could be the consolidation agreement you need to sign before getting IR. is this your first time on IR?

[Justine]

Has anyone been on EI and asked for Osap interest relief? My 6 months is going to be up soon and I need to call in. They check if you pre-qualify for the relief and ask how much you will make in the next month, I won't make anything but I know EI counts as income, so should I even say that I am on EI? or just say the amount that I'd make on my EI?

Just wondering if anyone has had problems with this, so that I am prepared.

[nsX-]

Hey BBQ I'm thinking of withdrawing from my 2nd term in College for Accounting and Finance.Obviously I'm on OSAP ;) ,I got a entrance bursary from the school and I'm withdrawing and plan on attending a different campus (same college) to get a certificate in pre health (bio, chem , phys , calc)I was just wondering if the entrance bursary can be transferred over or will I just end up losing it , and what will happen with the OSAP funds I'm set to receive in May.I was told I would have an Overpayment of 10%.Does that mean I have to pay back my loan right away since I'm withdrawing or whats the deal. Thanks~

[preshans]

hey im in gr.12 and got accepted to the program i wanted to get in this september. I tried filling out teh osap form online but it says

"You are not eligible for OSAP funding because you are applying less than 90 days before the end of your study period."

What's going on?

[CSK'sMom]

hey im in gr.12 and got accepted to the program i wanted to get in this september. I tried filling out teh osap form online but it says

"You are not eligible for OSAP funding because you are applying less than 90 days before the end of your study period."

What's going on?

You can't apply for OSAP yet. The application for Fall 09 will go online sometime around May/June.

[BBQPorkBun]

Has anyone been on EI and asked for Osap interest relief? My 6 months is going to be up soon and I need to call in. They check if you pre-qualify for the relief and ask how much you will make in the next month, I won't make anything but I know EI counts as income, so should I even say that I am on EI? or just say the amount that I'd make on my EI?

Just wondering if anyone has had problems with this, so that I am prepared.

yeah, actually i have.
just tell them the income part, doesn't matter the source.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQ I'm thinking of withdrawing from my 2nd term in College for Accounting and Finance.Obviously I'm on OSAP ;) ,I got a entrance bursary from the school and I'm withdrawing and plan on attending a different campus (same college) to get a certificate in pre health (bio, chem , phys , calc)I was just wondering if the entrance bursary can be transferred over or will I just end up losing it , and what will happen with the OSAP funds I'm set to receive in May.I was told I would have an Overpayment of 10%.Does that mean I have to pay back my loan right away since I'm withdrawing or whats the deal. Thanks~

you just have to be reassessed. obviously factors could be diff now, tuition etc. so they will assess what you should have got as if you started with health. if its a small diff they won't do anything. as long as your course load is the same, chances are things are the same. don't pay anything until u get a letter saying, 'you must pay _____ back'

[dsb101]

Hi all,

I am planning to live on residence next year at UofT St George Campus...It'd be my last year there...

I live near the Science Centre and I was wondering if OSAP would be willing to loan me money?... It takes me around an hour to commute so I am planning to get a letter from TTC stating that it takes me more than hour and send it to OSAP...

Would this be suffice for OSAP?
Any other ways to get through this..
Thank you

[ECSTATIC]

Hey guys! Just one quick question:
If I apply for OSAP in May, roughly when will I be able to pick it up and use the money for school-related purchases? I will be attending YorkU in the fall (Schulich). Thanks!

[CSK'sMom]

Hey guys! Just one quick question:
If I apply for OSAP in May, roughly when will I be able to pick it up and use the money for school-related purchases? I will be attending YorkU in the fall (Schulich). Thanks!

You won't get your loan papers till the first week or so of school. You then negotiate the loan (usually on campus or at your post office) and the loan amount is then deposited into your account about 10 days later....

[fruitpassion]

I am a Gr. 12 student researching on OSAP...
I came up to a statement that really confused me.
Though the question may be really lame but it really concerns me

My high school is semestered, last semester I took 3 credits and this semester I am taking 2... may consider on dropping one more credit course.. which leaves me with 1 course. My situation makes me a part time secondary student

OSAP says that to be eligible, the student must be FULL-TIME...does full time refer to university post-secondary studies or to secondary studies? And if it refers to secondary studies...does that make me ineligible to apply for OSAP???

=S
Help please! Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi all,

I am planning to live on residence next year at UofT St George Campus...It'd be my last year there...

I live near the Science Centre and I was wondering if OSAP would be willing to loan me money?... It takes me around an hour to commute so I am planning to get a letter from TTC stating that it takes me more than hour and send it to OSAP...

Would this be suffice for OSAP?
Any other ways to get through this..
Thank you

no it won't, their rule is 40 km, and you are like 10 km away, so not even close. yeah it make take an hour, but to osap it doesn't justify having to move. an hour is not that bad, many people do that to get to work. if you are commuting from brampton, thats another story.

[Professor Iris]

I am a Gr. 12 student researching on OSAP...
I came up to a statement that really confused me.
Though the question may be really lame but it really concerns me

My high school is semestered, last semester I took 3 credits and this semester I am taking 2... may consider on dropping one more credit course.. which leaves me with 1 course. My situation makes me a part time secondary student

OSAP says that to be eligible, the student must be FULL-TIME...does full time refer to university post-secondary studies or to secondary studies? And if it refers to secondary studies...does that make me ineligible to apply for OSAP???

=S
Help please! Thanks!

They are referring to being a fulltime university student.

[factum7000]

hello!

I will be graduating in April, so after April end OSAP interest would start to accrue; I would not have to repay OSAP until October (6 months later) I believe.

Is it possible to get interest relief for May, June, and July?
I will not start work until end of July, thus will be very poor in the meantime.


I intend on paying a huge chunk of OSAP (at least half of my loan) in April and the rest of it after I start my job in July. Therefore, I'm not sure how the repayment plan works, but I want to get rid of my debt asap. My goal is to fully pay off my loan within 8 months.

I am not sure who to speak to regarding repayment scheduling, etc since the financial aid office at my university are really clueless. Any advice on repayment would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

[Professor Iris]

You can't get interest relief until the 6 months is up. Talk to the NLSC about scheduling payments.

[factum7000]

ok, great thanks!

[Justine]

yeah, actually i have.
just tell them the income part, doesn't matter the source.

So if I get $900 from ei, I should tell them my monthly income is $900? Should I mention that it's ei?

[BBQPorkBun]

hello!

I will be graduating in April, so after April end OSAP interest would start to accrue; I would not have to repay OSAP until October (6 months later) I believe.

Is it possible to get interest relief for May, June, and July?
I will not start work until end of July, thus will be very poor in the meantime.


I intend on paying a huge chunk of OSAP (at least half of my loan) in April and the rest of it after I start my job in July. Therefore, I'm not sure how the repayment plan works, but I want to get rid of my debt asap. My goal is to fully pay off my loan within 8 months.

I am not sure who to speak to regarding repayment scheduling, etc since the financial aid office at my university are really clueless. Any advice on repayment would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

seems like you just want to make two lump sum payments. you can send them a cheque, get them to withdrawl out of your acct. basically you can pay however you like anytime you like. no point in changing payments amounts, just decide one day to pay the rest of it off

[BBQPorkBun]

So if I get $900 from ei, I should tell them my monthly income is $900? Should I mention that it's ei?

yes, income is fine. fact that its ei means nothing.
ei is paid weekly so make sure you submit an accurate amount.

[factum7000]

seems like you just want to make two lump sum payments. you can send them a cheque, get them to withdrawl out of your acct. basically you can pay however you like anytime you like. no point in changing payments amounts, just decide one day to pay the rest of it off

thanks!

[pajo]

I received $12,000 from OSAP and I'm graduating in April. So, now I only have to pay back $7,000, right???


Thanks in advance

[hi-everyone]

Hi, I just found this thread here! I was trying to use the OSAP estimator but it does not for now! In general, how much do you think someone, who is going to first year of sciences, is eligible for if: stay at rez (cost like 10K) and lives far from home, and parents make like 60K in total. Total cost: around 17K for first year.

BTW, I know maybe this has been answered by now, but I just couldn't go through 158 pages to find the answer :P :(

p.s. do you have to mention the exact amount of your RESP for osap application. If yes, how significant is the impact on the loan that they give you?

Thank you so much :D

[CSK'sMom]

Hi, I just found this thread here! I was trying to use the OSAP estimator but it does not for now! In general, how much do you think someone, who is going to first year of sciences, is eligible for if: stay at rez (cost like 10K) and lives far from home, and parents make like 60K in total. Total cost: around 17K for first year.

BTW, I know maybe this has been answered by now, but I just couldn't go through 158 pages to find the answer :P :(

p.s. do you have to mention the exact amount of your RESP for osap application. If yes, how significant is the impact on the loan that they give you?

Thank you so much :D

The OSAP calculator should be back up in May, after this term is over. In the mean time, for a guesstimate, you can try the online calculator on the www.canlearn.ca website. Just remember it's only a very rough estimate only. As for the RESP, yes you must report it just like all other assets and it does reduce your eligibility amount. OSAP is not set up to entirely pay for everything, you are expected to contribute...

[hi-everyone]

The OSAP calculator should be back up in May, after this term is over. In the mean time, for a guesstimate, you can try the online calculator on the www.canlearn.ca website. Just remember it's only a very rough estimate only. As for the RESP, yes you must report it just like all other assets and it does reduce your eligibility amount. OSAP is not set up to entirely pay for everything, you are expected to contribute...

but that's not good! b/c I already have enough in my RESP to cover all my first year... so based on that calculator, I will get only 2k. But if I don't enter my RESP I can get like 13K. It's a HUGE difference. And I really don't want to spend all my RESP in first year :(:cry:

[BBQPorkBun]

but that's not good! b/c I already have enough in my RESP to cover all my first year... so based on that calculator, I will get only 2k. But if I don't enter my RESP I can get like 13K. It's a HUGE difference. And I really don't want to spend all my RESP in first year :(:cry:

thats the point of an RESP

[Professor Iris]

but that's not good! b/c I already have enough in my RESP to cover all my first year... so based on that calculator, I will get only 2k. But if I don't enter my RESP I can get like 13K. It's a HUGE difference. And I really don't want to spend all my RESP in first year :(:cry:

Until your RESP is given to you it isn't your money, it is a savings of your parents, so you only have to include how much of it you plan on using. For example I got $1k for 4 years from my RESP, my parents wanted it that way, so I only put down $1k for each of those years applications.

[Professor Iris]

I received $12,000 from OSAP and I'm graduating in April. So, now I only have to pay back $7,000, right???


Thanks in advance

That sounds right if you got that $12 000 all in one year, and if after they check your taxes for this year that is the amount that you should have been eligible for.

[BBQPorkBun]

Until your RESP is given to you it isn't your money, it is a savings of your parents, so you only have to include how much of it you plan on using. For example I got $1k for 4 years from my RESP, my parents wanted it that way, so I only put down $1k for each of those years applications.

um...no

the point of the question is asking how much assets you have access to. the student is the registered beneficiary so the money is 'meant' for him to use. you cannot say, i plan to use it all in year 4, hence i will put down 0 for year 1. that information would be useless and these numbers are not meant to reflect personal choices. you can choose to not withdrawal the RESP, but the question is not asking that. osap has to evaluate how much you have access to, to properly assess the need. so the question is asking, how much do u have, not how much you plan to use.

[Professor Iris]

Sorry, I didn't interpret it that way. I don't know the details of my resp, just that that's what I could get from it, so that's what I always put and it luckily worked out for me. Couldn't your parents technically take that money out again though? I mean it wouldn't make sense because they'd be penalized through taxes and stuff, but is it really your asset when you can't even access it without your parents and they could choose not to give it to you and say transfer it to another child? Just trying to figure out the technical details of some of these more vague aspects of osap and osap definitions. The definition on the osap site specifies cashed-in RESPs, doesn't that mean the amount you have are using that year, the cashed-in portion? Here's the definition: Income - Total Gross

You must provide all taxable and non-taxable income from all world-wide sources (except if it is an income item from the list of Income - Not to be Reported in your OSAP Application provided below). For example, you must include employment, child-support and alimony payments, monetary gifts, lottery winnings, and government benefits, cashed-in RRSPs, cashed-in RESPs, and any other income (e.g., awards, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, grants, interest, investments, and/or trust fund income). All income is verified with Canada Revenue Agency. The ministry may also contact any of the government bodies that administer income support in order to verify income. I'm not trying to argue with you, just to understand the situation better.

[Mokamonkey]

Hey everyone, I'm a 26 yo single independent applying to college for the first time for Sept start. I read through most of the forum and want to thank everyone for their input!

My questions are about the actual application. If starting in September 2009, do they really want your financial information dating back to January of the previous year (2008)? Or is it 12 months (Sept 2008-Sept2009), or 16 months (May 2008-Sept 2009)? I know they verify income with CRA, but how far back?

Last year my gross worth was 22,000$, but my financial situation changed in October due to lay-offs: time for a real education and career. From Jan-Sept 2009 I'll be lucky if my gross worth is 9000$. I haven't any savings, or RRSP's, RESP's, etc. ..

I guess I'd like to know if you'd think I would even qualify for OSAP now, based on the financial information and your past experiences. Hopefully someone has been in a similar situation and can offer some insight. Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

Sorry, I didn't interpret it that way. I don't know the details of my resp, just that that's what I could get from it, so that's what I always put and it luckily worked out for me. Couldn't your parents technically take that money out again though? I mean it wouldn't make sense because they'd be penalized through taxes and stuff, but is it really your asset when you can't even access it without your parents and they could choose not to give it to you and say transfer it to another child? Just trying to figure out the technical details of some of these more vague aspects of osap and osap definitions. The definition on the osap site specifies cashed-in RESPs, doesn't that mean the amount you have are using that year, the cashed-in portion? Here's the definition: Income - Total Gross

You must provide all taxable and non-taxable income from all world-wide sources (except if it is an income item from the list of Income - Not to be Reported in your OSAP Application provided below). For example, you must include employment, child-support and alimony payments, monetary gifts, lottery winnings, and government benefits, cashed-in RRSPs, cashed-in RESPs, and any other income (e.g., awards, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, grants, interest, investments, and/or trust fund income). All income is verified with Canada Revenue Agency. The ministry may also contact any of the government bodies that administer income support in order to verify income. I'm not trying to argue with you, just to understand the situation better.

sure, no problem

you are talking about income, im talking about assets. the 1k you got is technically not your income. but they seem to ask for that to be included. however under assets, the 4k should have been put down.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey everyone, I'm a 26 yo single independent applying to college for the first time for Sept start. I read through most of the forum and want to thank everyone for their input!

My questions are about the actual application. If starting in September 2009, do they really want your financial information dating back to January of the previous year (2008)? Or is it 12 months (Sept 2008-Sept2009), or 16 months (May 2008-Sept 2009)? I know they verify income with CRA, but how far back?

Last year my gross worth was 22,000$, but my financial situation changed in October due to lay-offs: time for a real education and career. From Jan-Sept 2009 I'll be lucky if my gross worth is 9000$. I haven't any savings, or RRSP's, RESP's, etc. ..

I guess I'd like to know if you'd think I would even qualify for OSAP now, based on the financial information and your past experiences. Hopefully someone has been in a similar situation and can offer some insight. Thanks!

no reason really why you wouldn't qualify really, its always worth a try

[Mokamonkey]

Thank-you for responding BBQ - if you don't mind I would like a little more clarification, if you can answer. My only query left is whether they want your 2008 tax return at time of applying for OSAP, or do they base their desicion on only 2009 income (therefor verifying it with your 2009 taxes in 2010)?

I'd like to add this question too - How much does debt effect your application? I know they don't care how much debt you have when in relation to your income, but do they judge whether you're too in debt to borrow? I'm about 20k in debt BUT have a decent credit score and have never missed payments. Making my payments have been tough but I've buckled down and I live within a very strict budget. I am used to a living income of 1000$ per month like most students who are paying rent and going to school. Do they turn down "good, but overextended" credit?

[CSK'sMom]

Moka, IIRC they ask about income on the application for specific time periods, not for the whole year. They specifically ask about the 16 week pre-study period, study period, etc. They do not ask about your debt on the application at all, they don't care. What they do care about though is your credit rating, previous bankruptcy, etc. For example a previous bankruptcy or default on anything could disqualify you from OSAP alltogether...

[mr jbb]

hey I got this from osap...
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. Generally, the verification of student income starts in late fall 2009.

when I reported my income on osap I estimated 8000 i made 16000 what will end up happening? can they take away what theyve given me?

[Professor Iris]

hey I got this from osap...
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. Generally, the verification of student income starts in late fall 2009.

when I reported my income on osap I estimated 8000 i made 16000 what will end up happening? can they take away what theyve given me?

They can determine that you are in overpayment status, meaning that you got more money than you should have, and they can ask for it back. Whether or not they will do this depends on a number of factors though.

[Donomight25]

When DO they check with CRA? My webapp was submitted in Jan.
My wifes income has been verified, but not mine. This usual, or they waiting on my 2008 return (Which was filed in Feb)>?

[Stalkie17]

Hi everybody.

I am currently finished high school and in the process of beginning to apply for OSAP. Now I am completely registered with them, but when I go to apply for OSAP this year, there is no 09/10 option. All I see is a 08/09. Does anybody know if this is because its to early to apply? Any information about this would be much appreicated.

Thanks

Tyler

[CSK'sMom]

Hi everybody.

I am currently finished high school and in the process of beginning to apply for OSAP. Now I am completely registered with them, but when I go to apply for OSAP this year, there is no 09/10 option. All I see is a 08/09. Does anybody know if this is because its to early to apply? Any information about this would be much appreicated.

Thanks

Tyler

Tyler, it's too early yet to apply. The 09/10 application won't be online till sometime in May, possibly even June from what I'm hearing. There were lots of changes to student loans in this year's budget which may slightly delay the application going live online. Just keep checking from time to time...

[hi-everyone]

To BBQPorkBun:

So is it right that you choose how much of your RESP you're gonna spend each year. So let's say some one has 15K, and they want to only spend 5K on the first year. So when filling the osap app, you only indicate 5K for your RESP? And is there anyway for them to find out who much RESP and other savings you have?

[Stalkie17]

Tyler, it's too early yet to apply. The 09/10 application won't be online till sometime in May, possibly even June from what I'm hearing. There were lots of changes to student loans in this year's budget which may slightly delay the application going live online. Just keep checking from time to time...

Ok thanks a lot.

[darkmelody]

Hi,
Im currently in grade 12 and I haven't applied for osap yet.
Three questions:

1. I am planning to go to a Waterloo co-op program. Will the money I earn from co-op affect the amount of money I recieve from OSAP?

2. Also, will gaining money from scholarships and grants affect the amount of money I recieve from OSAP?

3. And from reading your first post, I shouldn't be getting a job this summer right?

Thanks alot.

[Usuyami]

Hey, I was in university out of high school and was not interested in getting an education at all. I partied and dropped out and partied and dropped out again. Both times I borrowed money from OSAP. Shortly after dropping out, I worked construction for a year and paid off my debt to OSAP. Last fall, I went back to school but this time OSAP found me ineligible for a loan due to my past academic record. Right now I'm getting A's in all my courses so I'm wondering if it would be possible to get a loan from OSAP starting next year. Thanks!

Hi, I posted this a while back. My final marks for the first term was A+ overall. Just wondering how I could get the appeal or review process started. When I login to my OSAP account and try to start a new OSAP app, it automatically denies me.

Restricted Access

You cannot apply for OSAP because you have not maintained satisfactory academic progress. Therefore, you are not eligible for OSAP funding.

If you are going to school in Ontario you must contact the financial aid office at your institution for details. If you are going to school outside Ontario contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Called the financial aid office but no one picked up! I'll drop by tomorrow morning. Can they do anything for me or do I need to contact the NSLSC directly? I'm interested in continuing my education during summer, so I would like to show OSAP I am serious about my studies this time around asap.

[BBQPorkBun]

To BBQPorkBun:

So is it right that you choose how much of your RESP you're gonna spend each year. So let's say some one has 15K, and they want to only spend 5K on the first year. So when filling the osap app, you only indicate 5K for your RESP? And is there anyway for them to find out who much RESP and other savings you have?

no, under assets, you will be indicating you have 15k in assets

for some reason people think its an advantage to delay using the RESP and the more they delay the better but think about this in a long term view.

the more assets you have the less they will loan you because they don't have to and you'll be fine. even if you can plan to use 5k each year and they only consider that portion, they will say, ok, then u only need about 7k, but you owe back 7k, besides an interest free loan theres not much gain.

if it was me personally, i would use as much as i can, all 15k in year one. then get loans of 13k for year 2,3,4 while owing only 7k each year. the system says its beneficial to be poor and have nothing, so put yourself in that position as soon as possible.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,
Im currently in grade 12 and I haven't applied for osap yet.
Three questions:

1. I am planning to go to a Waterloo co-op program. Will the money I earn from co-op affect the amount of money I recieve from OSAP?

2. Also, will gaining money from scholarships and grants affect the amount of money I recieve from OSAP?

3. And from reading your first post, I shouldn't be getting a job this summer right?

Thanks alot.

yes
yes
get a job, make a bit, 2k should be ok

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I posted this a while back. My final marks for the first term was A+ overall. Just wondering how I could get the appeal or review process started. When I login to my OSAP account and try to start a new OSAP app, it automatically denies me.



Called the financial aid office but no one picked up! I'll drop by tomorrow morning. Can they do anything for me or do I need to contact the NSLSC directly? I'm interested in continuing my education during summer, so I would like to show OSAP I am serious about my studies this time around asap.

Call NSLSC and ask them to escalate the call

[Mysteek]

Whoa I was just notified that I have 8k in RESPs, but there is a total of about 18k in the 'pot' that is under both me and my younger sister's name.

When applying for OSAP, am I supposed to report that I have 18k as assets? I guess I am technically allowed to use the money my parents saved up for my sister since our names are included together.

I would feel bad using my sister's money, as RESPs stopped after I turned 18 (I'm 20 now) and I was only supposed to have access to 8k.

Thanks.

[sdm242]

There were lots of changes to student loans in this year's budget which may slightly delay the application going live online.

Can you tell me where to find this information about changes to student loans this year? I've googled already and can't seem to find anything. Thanks!

[CSK'sMom]

Can you tell me where to find this information about changes to student loans this year? I've googled already and can't seem to find anything. Thanks!


Most are covered on the www.canlearn.ca site as well as the federal budget website. Things like access grants are being done away with and being replaced with a monthly stripend ranging from $100-$250/month. There are other changes as well to some scholarships like The Canada Millennium Scholarship Fund (CMSF) which is ending this school year..

[don242]

Most are covered on the www.canlearn.ca site as well as the federal budget website. Things like access grants are being done away with and being replaced with a monthly stripend ranging from $100-$250/month. There are other changes as well to some scholarships like The Canada Millennium Scholarship Fund (CMSF) which is ending this school year..
Thanks for the info. For some reason I was searching for info from the provincial budget and not the federal...guess that's why I couldn't find it.

[haoster]

hi
if i have a leased vehicle under my name, am i still eligible for applying OSAP? last time I checked online, it asked how much assets i have. if its more than 5k if i remember correct, they wont loan me anything.
the question is, does LEASED vehicle count as my assets?
thank you

[umop]

If I drop a 3-credit course during second semester, and my course load drops from 100% to 90%, do I have to report this to OSAP? Will this affect my funding?

[BBQPorkBun]

hi
if i have a leased vehicle under my name, am i still eligible for applying OSAP? last time I checked online, it asked how much assets i have. if its more than 5k if i remember correct, they wont loan me anything.
the question is, does LEASED vehicle count as my assets?
thank you

5k does not mean you won't get any loans but the that and the car won't help. its always worth a try though. there will be a field for leased vehicle.

[BBQPorkBun]

If I drop a 3-credit course during second semester, and my course load drops from 100% to 90%, do I have to report this to OSAP? Will this affect my funding?

yes yes

[umop]

yes yes

So how do I do that? And when would I do it? As soon as possible after I drop the course?

[BBQPorkBun]

So how do I do that? And when would I do it? As soon as possible after I drop the course?

go stop your schools financial aid office for assistance. yes, don't do it before you actually drop it.

[umop]

Alright. But I still don't understand how exactly this will affect my OSAP entitlement. If I've received all my funds for the year, how will dropping a course change anything?

[CSK'sMom]

Alright. But I still don't understand how exactly this will affect my OSAP entitlement. If I've received all my funds for the year, how will dropping a course change anything?

It can result in an overpayment which may have to be repayed before you are entitled to any further loans. Think of it this way, they have calculated your loan amount based on your course load. Drop a course and it will reduce the amount of your loan KWIM?

[umop]

It can result in an overpayment which may have to be repayed before you are entitled to any further loans. Think of it this way, they have calculated your loan amount based on your course load. Drop a course and it will reduce the amount of your loan KWIM?

So I'll have to pay them back the amount equal to the tuition for that one course? And how would that work? Just send them a check before the next school year starts?

[CSK'sMom]

You may have to umop or they may deduct that amount off the top of your loan next year...

[asdisme]

go stop your schools financial aid office for assistance. yes, don't do it before you actually drop it.

What if you dropped it and never reported it?

[BBQPorkBun]

So I'll have to pay them back the amount equal to the tuition for that one course? And how would that work? Just send them a check before the next school year starts?

you are just causing yourself trouble if you don't, you don't want to be on their watch list

its not going to equate to an amount equal to one course, could be more or less. depends on their formula, they can say because he has one course less, now he needs less transport cost etc.

[BBQPorkBun]

What if you dropped it and never reported it?

they will find out eventually, and then u'll be flagged as someone who doesn't report it, could increase your chance of an audit, could just be watched more closely, number of implications.

[asdisme]

they will find out eventually, and then u'll be flagged as someone who doesn't report it, could increase your chance of an audit, could just be watched more closely, number of implications.

Darn, should of asked this earlier before dropping a course. But I went to ask and they gave me this form to fill out... :confused: Are they suppose to do that or do they do it on the computer?

[squall458]

I dropped courses and added courses all the time in my undergrad years and OSAP never did care. They registrar office said they only care if I drop to being a part time student then OSAP is going to want to know.

[squall458]

How hard is it to get the amount you owe reduced instead of interest relief? Are they specific things they are looking for?

[Professor Iris]

I believe that debt reduction only occurs after a number of years of interest relief, and they are changing both programs, there is more info on the canlearn website, which CSK'sMom pointed out.

[killoverme]

How hard is it to get the amount you owe reduced instead of interest relief? Are they specific things they are looking for?

I believe that debt reduction only occurs after a number of years of interest relief, and they are changing both programs, there is more info on the canlearn website, which CSK'sMom pointed out.

Yup its 5 years after you start repaying

[joe_j]

I'm graduating this June and I just received my statement saying I have a $19,000 loan. Are there any grants (asides from the textbook & tech grant) that I may be eligible for or ways that I can reduce this amount so that I don't have to pay back all of the $19,000?

[asdisme]

I dropped courses and added courses all the time in my undergrad years and OSAP never did care. They registrar office said they only care if I drop to being a part time student then OSAP is going to want to know.

Yeah I've heard that from someone too, so I think it is true :lol: *phew* what a relief. Thanks for your info!

[lame23]

So this is my situation,

I drop out from school oct 2008, and last week I have received a letter from osap that I need to repay them. The thing is, im planning on going back this september full time, Im currently working part time and have about 1-2 grand saved up. what is the best approach in my case, should I just pay the interest for now, and go ahead with the monthly payment, specified by the letter sent by osap? or pay a lumpsum and do a monthly payment? what are disadvantages or advantages of doing either way? also, will paying a lumpsum affect my osap amount next year, as I am planning on using osap again? also, in my options there is no way I can pay off my federal loan first, should I call them first, or send my loan agreement, and then call? any suggestions is appreciated! Also, I notice that interest is caluclated prim+2.50, prime is 2.50, is there anyway I can lock in with this interest? also is better to lock in at this interest, even though Im going back to school this septemebr?

[samm]

I'm graduating this June and I just received my statement saying I have a $19,000 loan. Are there any grants (asides from the textbook & tech grant) that I may be eligible for or ways that I can reduce this amount so that I don't have to pay back all of the $19,000?

If you borrowed 19k, then pay back the 19k. I doubt there are any grants for you since you're not a student after June. Move on with your life and find a job that will pay if off.

[nsX-]

Hey BBQ I was just wondering since I'm only a first year student and took OSAP for my first year , If I decided to not go on OSAP next year do I have to pay back OSAP right away? Or I pay them once I finish school?

[tmlbro1700]

Hi, I am really confused and nervous.
I applied to ryerson architecture and the cut off is 80 and I have about 82 right now. The interview went alright, but I have a feeling I won't be accepted and I don't want to stay back for another year. Is there any way that I can still apply to another university for example U of T because I don't think I'm getting in.

[BBQPorkBun]

I dropped courses and added courses all the time in my undergrad years and OSAP never did care. They registrar office said they only care if I drop to being a part time student then OSAP is going to want to know.

thats not true, so i wouldn't bank on that

[BBQPorkBun]

So this is my situation,

I drop out from school oct 2008, and last week I have received a letter from osap that I need to repay them. The thing is, im planning on going back this september full time, Im currently working part time and have about 1-2 grand saved up. what is the best approach in my case, should I just pay the interest for now, and go ahead with the monthly payment, specified by the letter sent by osap? or pay a lumpsum and do a monthly payment? what are disadvantages or advantages of doing either way? also, will paying a lumpsum affect my osap amount next year, as I am planning on using osap again? also, in my options there is no way I can pay off my federal loan first, should I call them first, or send my loan agreement, and then call? any suggestions is appreciated! Also, I notice that interest is caluclated prim+2.50, prime is 2.50, is there anyway I can lock in with this interest? also is better to lock in at this interest, even though Im going back to school this septemebr?

pay as much as u could ending off with 0 cash left in your account in august, its most advantageous to apply with nothing.

no point in locking, just do what i say above

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQ I was just wondering since I'm only a first year student and took OSAP for my first year , If I decided to not go on OSAP next year do I have to pay back OSAP right away? Or I pay them once I finish school?

u can pay them when u finish school, but u have to let them know u are still in school, fill in the confirmation of enrollment (COE), go to financial aid for that

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I am really confused and nervous.
I applied to ryerson architecture and the cut off is 80 and I have about 82 right now. The interview went alright, but I have a feeling I won't be accepted and I don't want to stay back for another year. Is there any way that I can still apply to another university for example U of T because I don't think I'm getting in.

wrong thread

[jl319]

If you have osap, graduate in April for example, plan on doing another degree in sept, you start school, but then drop out in your first term back, will you owe interest on osap between graduation and the time you dropped out (even though you confirmed enrollment in sept)?

Thanks

[fooey]

I have a question about Interest Relief.

I graduated back in June 2008. I still don't have a job and is currently living under my parent's roof. I had OSAP for 4 years. And I was looking into applying to Interest Relief, then I saw that the application is only for those students who applied for grants BEFORE 2001. Is this true? You can't apply to interest relief if you got OSAP after 2001?

[BBQPorkBun]

If you have osap, graduate in April for example, plan on doing another degree in sept, you start school, but then drop out in your first term back, will you owe interest on osap between graduation and the time you dropped out (even though you confirmed enrollment in sept)?

Thanks

yes u do

[BBQPorkBun]

I have a question about Interest Relief.

I graduated back in June 2008. I still don't have a job and is currently living under my parent's roof. I had OSAP for 4 years. And I was looking into applying to Interest Relief, then I saw that the application is only for those students who applied for grants BEFORE 2001. Is this true? You can't apply to interest relief if you got OSAP after 2001?

think you read it wrong, anyone can get it

[Maria007]

Hi BBQPorkBun I have left a message about a question regarding OSAP in your inbox plaese get to me soon as possible,thanks for the help.

[nomik2]

I am a PEY (co-op) student at UofT nearing the end of my 15 month term. I took OSAP for my 2nd and 3rd year and now have paid most of it off. Thing is, bcuz I spent so much money paying off the loan, I don't have much left for my last year in school.

Can I still get OSAP and UTAPS if possible? Or is my income now too high for me to be eligible. I would have made around $50k (over 15 months) by the time school starts in September.

[em]

I am a PEY (co-op) student at UofT nearing the end of my 15 month term. I took OSAP for my 2nd and 3rd year and now have paid most of it off. Thing is, bcuz I spent so much money paying off the loan, I don't have much left for my last year in school.

Can I still get OSAP and UTAPS if possible? Or is my income now too high for me to be eligible. I would have made around $50k (over 15 months) by the time school starts in September.

On UTAPS application, you need to fill out "Your Gross Income from the Summer of 2009" and "Yearly income as reported on line 150 of the 2008 Canadian individual income tax return", so they will know about your income....but you can call them to ask if your income's too high for UTAPS.

Also, UTAPS are pretty much only for students with max OSAP, so if you don't get full OSAP, you probbly wont get UTAP.

[BBQPorkBun]

I am a PEY (co-op) student at UofT nearing the end of my 15 month term. I took OSAP for my 2nd and 3rd year and now have paid most of it off. Thing is, bcuz I spent so much money paying off the loan, I don't have much left for my last year in school.

Can I still get OSAP and UTAPS if possible? Or is my income now too high for me to be eligible. I would have made around $50k (over 15 months) by the time school starts in September.

you should always try to apply. when you say assets you have equal to 0, that will be factor in their decision on how much to give you. more careful planning would probably have you not pay back 10k of that for your last year just in case. but do try to apply.

[nomik2]

you should always try to apply. when you say assets you have equal to 0, that will be factor in their decision on how much to give you. more careful planning would probably have you not pay back 10k of that for your last year just in case. but do try to apply.

I will def. apply....but I am hoping to get UTAPS more than anything.

[squall458]

thats not true, so i wouldn't bank on that

This is for U of T (St. george). I finished there and did 5 years in total. I dropped and added all the time. I told my registrar this too and they told me to not worry unless you are dropping to part time status. This is what my registrar told me to do. I did and I never had a problem. Again, this is only for U of T and possibly just my faculty/program/etc. I am not advising anyone else to do this.

[sunnyd71]

It depends on the school I believe. At U of T and Guelph there is one set fee for full-time students in a major and variable fees for part time.

Example:

2 courses is part time at $500 each: $1000
4 courses is full time, full time fee is charged: $3000
5 courses and 6 courses is still full time: $3000

So dropping a course doesn't necessarily change how much you are paying and therefore doesn't change anything for OSAP purposes. Dropping to part-time does change things.

[BBQPorkBun]

yes, i should have said, it depends on school, so i wouldn't count on it being a sure thing

[crazypal]

It depends on the school I believe. At U of T and Guelph there is one set fee for full-time students in a major and variable fees for part time.

Example:

2 courses is part time at $500 each: $1000
4 courses is full time, full time fee is charged: $3000
5 courses and 6 courses is still full time: $3000

So dropping a course doesn't necessarily change how much you are paying and therefore doesn't change anything for OSAP purposes. Dropping to part-time does change things.

your partially right, i'm at u of t and dropping a course changes the amount you have to pay. The exception to this was management students who had a fixed sem so not only does it depend on the university, it might also depend on the program as well.

[Homer88]

Hey BBQPorkBun, just got a quick question for you. I'm going to be doing an 16 internship starting from May 7, and according to NSLSC my study period ends in May 2009. Now I know I have to start paying off my OSAP loans in the duration of my internship... My question is, is it possible to pay off OSAP without any interests accumulated?

Also, can I choose to pay it all off (I owe about 9k) in 4-5 months instead of the 114 months they suggest?

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQPorkBun, just got a quick question for you. I'm going to be doing an 16 internship starting from May 7, and according to NSLSC my study period ends in May 2009. Now I know I have to start paying off my OSAP loans in the duration of my internship... My question is, is it possible to pay off OSAP without any interests accumulated?

Also, can I choose to pay it all off (I owe about 9k) in 4-5 months instead of the 114 months they suggest?

unfortunately, the first 6 month grace period is interest nobody could get away from, the 10 months following you could apply for interest relief until you start school again.

yes, you can always pay your osap off anytime u want in whichever amounts.

[CSR]

I know UofT treats co-op work terms as "full time" status, thus you will be granted full time status and be eligible for interest relief.

Note sure about internships.

[Homer88]

I know UofT treats co-op work terms as "full time" status, thus you will be granted full time status and be eligible for interest relief.

Note sure about internships.

Thanks BBQPorkBun. I'm not quite sure how the interest works. So say the interest rate is 6%, and I decide to pay off the entire amount (I owe them 9000) in December (right after the grade period). How much in total will I be paying back by then? Would you recommend me just paying it all off in one shot so I can get this over with or apply for interest relief?

We're considered as part-time students for internships

[CSR]

Thanks BBQPorkBun. I'm not quite sure how the interest works. So say the interest rate is 6%, and I decide to pay off the entire amount (I owe them 9000) in December (right after the grade period). How much in total will I be paying back by then?

We're considered as part-time students for internships

6 months of interest. The "grace period" isn't really a grace period at all since interest starts accumulating the last day of your schooling.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO BEGIN REPAYING MY STUDENT LOANS?

While you are in school, the interest on your student loans is paid by the provincial and federal governments.
You are responsible to start repaying your loan six months after completing your studies or when you are no longer a full-time postsecondary student.
The interest on your student loan begins to accrue from the time you stop being a full-time postsecondary student.


http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca/aw/ENG/not_secure/osap1016.htm

[myster]

6 months of interest. The "grace period" isn't really a grace period at all since interest starts accumulating the last day of your schooling.



http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca/aw/ENG/not_secure/osap1016.htm

So...

even though you pay it off completely 6 months after u graduate, you still have to pay for the 6 months of interest?

[Professor Iris]

So...

even though you pay it off completely 6 months after u graduate, you still have to pay for the 6 months of interest?

Yes. You could pay it off before the six months is over though, which would lessen or reduce the amount of interest you'd be paying.

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks BBQPorkBun. I'm not quite sure how the interest works. So say the interest rate is 6%, and I decide to pay off the entire amount (I owe them 9000) in December (right after the grade period). How much in total will I be paying back by then? Would you recommend me just paying it all off in one shot so I can get this over with or apply for interest relief?

We're considered as part-time students for internships

doesn't matter what the interest is, pay it off in may if you can. during the grace period you accumulate interest, so pay it off before that starts

[Homer88]

doesn't matter what the interest is, pay it off in may if you can. during the grace period you accumulate interest, so pay it off before that starts

But you said... "unfortunately, the first 6 month grace period is interest nobody could get away from". I'm a bit confused... so if I pay off the full amount in May, versus if I pay off the full amount in December (that is right after the grace period). Whats the difference in the amount I'm paying back to the loaners (for example my loan was 9000)?

Thanks again :)

[BBQPorkBun]

But you said... "unfortunately, the first 6 month grace period is interest nobody could get away from". I'm a bit confused... so if I pay off the full amount in May, versus if I pay off the full amount in December (that is right after the grace period). Whats the difference in the amount I'm paying back to the loaners (for example my loan was 9000)?

Thanks again :)

difference is the interest. approx 9k*int rate*6/12

[Donomight25]

How many days apart are the deposits from the federal/provincial gvmt?
Being a distance education student, where does the Canada Study Grant get sent?

[blazing24]

What happens if I don't pick up my OSAP for second semester?

[bestknightmare]

i believe the interest rate for osap is prime + 2.5%.

does that rate count from the day when the loan started (say, 4 years ago) or the day I start to repay? (say next month?) and is the rate dynamic and changes throughout the next 10 years when I repay the debt?

because today the bank of Canada cut interest rate by half. will osap borrower benefit from that?

[BBQPorkBun]

How many days apart are the deposits from the federal/provincial gvmt?
Being a distance education student, where does the Canada Study Grant get sent?

call NSLSC for timelines and where your disbursements go

[BBQPorkBun]

What happens if I don't pick up my OSAP for second semester?

then you don't get the money as if you never borrowed it

[BBQPorkBun]

i believe the interest rate for osap is prime + 2.5%.

does that rate count from the day when the loan started (say, 4 years ago) or the day I start to repay? (say next month?) and is the rate dynamic and changes throughout the next 10 years when I repay the debt?

because today the bank of Canada cut interest rate by half. will osap borrower benefit from that?

starts when u stop school (next month)
yes, its a floating rate
yes, borrowers benefit

[Juls4444]

If I pay back all of my OSAP this month (before interest starts) will I get a refund cheque once my OSOG is figured out? This makes the most sense right, if I can afford to pay it right off?
Thanks so much BBQ!

[samm]

If I pay back all of my OSAP this month (before interest starts) will I get a refund cheque once my OSOG is figured out? This makes the most sense right, if I can afford to pay it right off?
Thanks so much BBQ!

good question! i want to know this aswell.

does OSAP in anyway affect your credit rating? i assume if i make regular payments and eventually pay it off, then there will be no harm to my credit?

[sdm242]

Just thought I'd let everyone know that the student financial assistance estimator is back online at canlearn.ca.

[pacman99]

I was wondering, does OSAP provide student loans for canadians that go to an approved international school for further study? Or will I be restricted to student loans through banks?

[BBQPorkBun]

If I pay back all of my OSAP this month (before interest starts) will I get a refund cheque once my OSOG is figured out? This makes the most sense right, if I can afford to pay it right off?
Thanks so much BBQ!

if you pay more than what you are suppose to owe, you will automatically get refund, yes.

[BBQPorkBun]

good question! i want to know this aswell.

does OSAP in anyway affect your credit rating? i assume if i make regular payments and eventually pay it off, then there will be no harm to my credit?

your credit rate improves if u make regular payments or pay it off via lump sum. theres no harm if u do what ur suppose to do

[BBQPorkBun]

I was wondering, does OSAP provide student loans for canadians that go to an approved international school for further study? Or will I be restricted to student loans through banks?

approved by what? if its on osap's ok list, then its all good.

http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/Sea_school_12.htm

[J-star]

This is my situation, basically I am a student who is planning to go to school in another province.

After doing 2 years at Humber, which me and my mom were barley able to afford(I only was able to afford 2 courses for the last semester). I am now stuck in this situation, I want to apply for osap and give my mothers income which is 70k(she works two jobs and is a single parent), but having to support 5 people(Me, 3 brothers and 1 sister).

But my mom insists that I say that I live on my own, so that I will get the full osap coverage because she just cannot afford to pay for my school any longer. What are the chances of me getting osap if I say what is real versus(and true) saying what isn't(basically a lie) and what are the risks?

Usually i wouldn't worry about this, but I had a friend who went out to Quebec for school and didn't get the money he needed. So what ended up happening was he couldn't get his books to keep up in class, and he couldn't pay rent to keep a roof over his head. Things got pretty ugly, I just don't want to go down that same path...any help would be much appreciated

[pacman99]

approved by what? if its on osap's ok list, then its all good.

http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/Sea_school_12.htm

yes it's on that list. So is there a maximum amount of funding (i.e. 60%) that OSAP will consider me for? It says: "School is approved for the Canada portion of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan."
The program I'm looking for has tuition costs of about $40,000 a year. I was under the impression that since I was going to another country as an international student, OSAP wouldn't bother helping me at all.

Also, someone posted a link for an OSAP loan estimate that works for Canadian schools. Any chance there's one for international ones too?

[J-star]

O i forgot to mention the reason why I would say I live on my own is because Me and my mom have different last names...

[BBQPorkBun]

yes it's on that list. So is there a maximum amount of funding (i.e. 60%) that OSAP will consider me for? It says: "School is approved for the Canada portion of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan."
The program I'm looking for has tuition costs of about $40,000 a year. I was under the impression that since I was going to another country as an international student, OSAP wouldn't bother helping me at all.

Also, someone posted a link for an OSAP loan estimate that works for Canadian schools. Any chance there's one for international ones too?

there is a max, but its not a % of ur cost or anything like that.

i don't know the details but you shouldn't be a international student if this is some sort of exchange program.

if thats your tuition the max isn't going to come close to that. did you think osap was going to give u 40k plus living expenses to do what you want to do?

[pacman99]

there is a max, but its not a % of ur cost or anything like that.

i don't know the details but you shouldn't be a international student if this is some sort of exchange program.

if thats your tuition the max isn't going to come close to that. did you think osap was going to give u 40k plus living expenses to do what you want to do?

haha no! I have alternate sources of funding too. I expected OSAP to give me nothing but was surprised when people kept telling me OSAP does provide loans for those that become international students. So wanted to confirm what sort of funding I can expect, if any at all.
This isn't an exchange program. I'll be going as a full international student, not affiliated to any university in Canada. But I'm glad they might be able to provide me with something, even if it's just a break on interest on my current OSAP amount until I graduate from that program.

[BBQPorkBun]

haha no! I have alternate sources of funding too. I expected OSAP to give me nothing but was surprised when people kept telling me OSAP does provide loans for those that become international students. So wanted to confirm what sort of funding I can expect, if any at all.
This isn't an exchange program. I'll be going as a full international student, not affiliated to any university in Canada. But I'm glad they might be able to provide me with something, even if it's just a break on interest on my current OSAP amount until I graduate from that program.

interest not accumulating you will get for sure, and its always worth applying. good luck

[BBQPorkBun]

This is my situation, basically I am a student who is planning to go to school in another province.

After doing 2 years at Humber, which me and my mom were barley able to afford(I only was able to afford 2 courses for the last semester). I am now stuck in this situation, I want to apply for osap and give my mothers income which is 70k(she works two jobs and is a single parent), but having to support 5 people(Me, 3 brothers and 1 sister).

But my mom insists that I say that I live on my own, so that I will get the full osap coverage because she just cannot afford to pay for my school any longer. What are the chances of me getting osap if I say what is real versus(and true) saying what isn't(basically a lie) and what are the risks?

Usually i wouldn't worry about this, but I had a friend who went out to Quebec for school and didn't get the money he needed. So what ended up happening was he couldn't get his books to keep up in class, and he couldn't pay rent to keep a roof over his head. Things got pretty ugly, I just don't want to go down that same path...any help would be much appreciated

your situation brings up many questions,

didn't you apply for osap before? why would your mom have to pay for it all
if you are going to school out of province, how is it lying to say you are living on your own?
doing 2 courses, were you working?
are all your siblings dependants?

diff last name is not relevant

[J-star]

Hmm..maybe this will clear some things up..

"didn't you apply for osap before? why would your mom have to pay for it all"

Naw, I never applied for OSAP because my mom had some money saved up(about 2k)and i had a bursary, the program I took isn't nearly as expensive as University is going to cost.

"if you are going to school out of province, how is it lying to say you are living on your own?"

I thought they took into consideration how I was living now, because i figured if I put down I am a student living on my own working part time and going to school right now, then ya ill get osap versus me saying i live with my mother right now.

"doing 2 courses, were you workin"

yea I was working, and yea all my siblings are dependents 2 are in high school and the other 2 came from my outside of Canada but are working.

"diff last name is not relevant"

Are you sure that last name is irrelevant, because couldn't people get away with saying they live on their own. Say maybe they rent out a basement, when it really is them living with their parents? And you put on the app that you live on your own, how could they know if I rented out a basement or not?
Are they going to give me money what is based on that app?

Hope this helped you come up with a answer...sorry in advance if your still unclear about some things...

[sourkeys]

What if I move out on my own and my parents are not supplying any sort of aid to me? is there anyway of not incuding them on the osap application?

[don242]

Let's say I have no money saved at this point but have an income. My wife is going to school this coming fall. We apply for OSAP shortly and indicate our assets and income, etc. Then over the summer we cut back on everything to try to build some savings before the school year. Is that money saved over the 4 months considered a change in our finacial situation? I will have indicated my income and obviously it is assumed that income continues over the summer and beyond. I am just wondering if it is worth the effort to put us through the next 4 months not spending a cent if it is just going to be held against us and reduce the amount of OSAP we receive.

[wonderboy]

hi i made a thread but i thought i would post the stuff here to maybe get more replies..

i was in engineering at UofT... and i've gotten kicked out.. and i got a letter from osap saying i couldn't recieve funding anymore... i don't remember the details, but anyways so i'm finishing up the first year of comp. sci. at ryerson now, and i wanna know what the details are of getting osap back again... I can't find any information online...
Thanks

i called OSAP and they said i have to pass all my courses and stuff..

the problem is first term i didn't work as much, and had a B average.. but this term, i ran out of money, and i had to work 30-40 hours, and i did bad in my courses this year because of that.. so i'm failing at least a course, and i had to drop a course mid way through the semester... so does that mean no osap next year neither???

because it's a bit of a catch-22, if i have to work like this again next year, i don't think i'm gonna do well again..

what can i do?

the guy wasn't very helpful on the phone, no details and stuff. he said he could help me once i get my marks for this term and apply for osap..

also isn't there any guidelines on line that detail these kind of situtaion.. googled it and searched for it on osap site.. but nothing..

i want some concrete info lol..

[BBQPorkBun]

-you said you could only afford 2 courses. so why wouldn't you apply for osap if thats u could afford with ur moms savings and your bursary?

-when you apply for osap for sept 09, they care where you are living in sept 09, they don't care where you live now

-if they are working, they are not dependants, so the answer is no, they are not all dependants

-no you cannot get away with that kind of technicality. because you file taxes. no additional income recognized by your mom, no rent claimed by you, kind of obvious.

to answer your question then, ur not lying, apply as living away from home because i assume thats what you will be doing





Hmm..maybe this will clear some things up..

"didn't you apply for osap before? why would your mom have to pay for it all"

Naw, I never applied for OSAP because my mom had some money saved up(about 2k)and i had a bursary, the program I took isn't nearly as expensive as University is going to cost.

"if you are going to school out of province, how is it lying to say you are living on your own?"

I thought they took into consideration how I was living now, because i figured if I put down I am a student living on my own working part time and going to school right now, then ya ill get osap versus me saying i live with my mother right now.

"doing 2 courses, were you workin"

yea I was working, and yea all my siblings are dependents 2 are in high school and the other 2 came from my outside of Canada but are working.

"diff last name is not relevant"

Are you sure that last name is irrelevant, because couldn't people get away with saying they live on their own. Say maybe they rent out a basement, when it really is them living with their parents? And you put on the app that you live on your own, how could they know if I rented out a basement or not?
Are they going to give me money what is based on that app?

Hope this helped you come up with a answer...sorry in advance if your still unclear about some things...

[BBQPorkBun]

What if I move out on my own and my parents are not supplying any sort of aid to me? is there anyway of not incuding them on the osap application?

nope unless u been out of high school for 4 yrs

[BBQPorkBun]

Let's say I have no money saved at this point but have an income. My wife is going to school this coming fall. We apply for OSAP shortly and indicate our assets and income, etc. Then over the summer we cut back on everything to try to build some savings before the school year. Is that money saved over the 4 months considered a change in our finacial situation? I will have indicated my income and obviously it is assumed that income continues over the summer and beyond. I am just wondering if it is worth the effort to put us through the next 4 months not spending a cent if it is just going to be held against us and reduce the amount of OSAP we receive.

yes, its a change in financial position. no, its not worth it, its most beneficial to be poor when applying to osap, cuz assets/savings will be held against you if they find out.

[BBQPorkBun]

hi i made a thread but i thought i would post the stuff here to maybe get more replies..

if you can't do both things, don't

work full time, pay for part time courses, and u'll eventually finish.

[jchoochee]

It is FREE, FREE because I am a member

this weekend only April 25, I wanted to share this with everyone.

He will tell yu where to get free scholarships.

FREe money to start your own business

[sunnyd71]

What does interest relief take into account? Is it only income or income and assets? I would also assume that at that point OSAP would only care about personal and spousal income and no longer parental correct?

[J-star]

-you said you could only afford 2 courses. so why wouldn't you apply for osap if thats u could afford with ur moms savings and your bursary?

-when you apply for osap for sept 09, they care where you are living in sept 09, they don't care where you live now

-if they are working, they are not dependants, so the answer is no, they are not all dependants

-no you cannot get away with that kind of technicality. because you file taxes. no additional income recognized by your mom, no rent claimed by you, kind of obvious.

to answer your question then, ur not lying, apply as living away from home because i assume thats what you will be doing

-Hmm well I didnt end applying for osap because I was trying to avoid it. It was a GAS program, and I didnt wanna use osap just yet, so ya I avoided it best as possible.

-o0o0o ok i didnt know that thanx

-OOO ok i didnt know that either, ok so then only my 1 brother and sister are dependents.

- oo ok that taxes thing makes sense. thanx again.

Soo then my question is with only 2 dependents and a single mom PLuS living off campus what are the chances of getting the proper osap money so i can pay for tution,books and rent?

[BBQPorkBun]

What does interest relief take into account? Is it only income or income and assets? I would also assume that at that point OSAP would only care about personal and spousal income and no longer parental correct?

1) family income (not including parental)
2) # of kids
3) monthly payment

[BBQPorkBun]

-Hmm well I didnt end applying for osap because I was trying to avoid it. It was a GAS program, and I didnt wanna use osap just yet, so ya I avoided it best as possible.

-o0o0o ok i didnt know that thanx

-OOO ok i didnt know that either, ok so then only my 1 brother and sister are dependents.

- oo ok that taxes thing makes sense. thanx again.

Soo then my question is with only 2 dependents and a single mom PLuS living off campus what are the chances of getting the proper osap money so i can pay for tution,books and rent?

you'll get a substantial amount close to the max im guessing, but your mom's income is not too shabby. if u want an estimate, use the osap calculator

https://nslsc.canlearn.ca/eng/default.aspx

[electriclady13]

Hi BBQ,

I graduated and got my 3 yr accounting diploma and I am currently working right now earning $30k/year. I want to get my degree and it will take me pretty much 2 years to complete it. I tried using the OSAP estimator and I am only getting $900 for 2 semesters (at SENECA that's where i will be going to get my degree)

So my situation is:

1.) need to go to school full time so I could get a better paying job.

2.) I have a car approx. $10,000 value according to VRM canada. It's just a 2002 honda accord se but apparently it costs that much. only 138k km.

3.) monthly payments for car is $200 and insurance $200 =$400

4.) right now b/c i have been working and earning $2000 per month, osap is only giving me $900.

5.) live with parents

6.) i have OSAP balance of $3k which could be easily be paid off. I did default 2x but it's been almost a year since I last defaulted and now paying my monthly payments on time.

My plan is:

1.) save 16,000 until i could go back to school next year for sem 5 & 6 plus coop of 4 months (tuition, car, car insurance, monthly personal, cellphone) for the next 12 months of school (including coop). ( I do not want to owe osap a lot of $, that's why i prefer to save and just ask for 2 sems worth of money, and I am not able to get any $ now anyway)

2.) then after i use up my savings, go and ask for sem 7 & 8 for OSAP money.

My question is:

1.) would i be getting osap $ for sem 7 & 8 if i do not work whatsoever during sem 5 & 6? I will be working and getting paid for coop for 4 months before sem 7 & 8 resumes.

2.) by the time I ask for OSAP, my car would be worth around $5k. Would OSAP give me some $ to cover for my $400 worth of car expenses?

3.) Is it better if I transfer my car ownership under my bf's name and then apply for osap? or live on my own?

4.) what is the best way for me to get the maximum amount of money from osap? ( i do not have any financial help from family or bf)

[BBQPorkBun]

1a) first see if the defaults not allow you to get loans again
1b) your car will be the cause of not getting loans
1c) you are working and getting paid, so not sure why you ask if u don't work, you'll get less osap cuz of it.

2) no

3) living on ur own gives u more expenses. transferring to bf, if u want that risk. its alot of hassle.

4) best way...sell the car, not save, not work, but thats not what i recommend u to do though. you say you don't want to owe osap too much yet you are trying to get as much loans as possible. an interest free loan is great and you should be owing them as much as you can instead of saving.




Hi BBQ,

I graduated and got my 3 yr accounting diploma and I am currently working right now earning $30k/year. I want to get my degree and it will take me pretty much 2 years to complete it. I tried using the OSAP estimator and I am only getting $900 for 2 semesters (at SENECA that's where i will be going to get my degree)

So my situation is:

1.) need to go to school full time so I could get a better paying job.

2.) I have a car approx. $10,000 value according to VRM canada. It's just a 2002 honda accord se but apparently it costs that much. only 138k km.

3.) monthly payments for car is $200 and insurance $200 =$400

4.) right now b/c i have been working and earning $2000 per month, osap is only giving me $900.

5.) live with parents

6.) i have OSAP balance of $3k which could be easily be paid off. I did default 2x but it's been almost a year since I last defaulted and now paying my monthly payments on time.

My plan is:

1.) save 16,000 until i could go back to school next year for sem 5 & 6 plus coop of 4 months (tuition, car, car insurance, monthly personal, cellphone) for the next 12 months of school (including coop). ( I do not want to owe osap a lot of $, that's why i prefer to save and just ask for 2 sems worth of money, and I am not able to get any $ now anyway)

2.) then after i use up my savings, go and ask for sem 7 & 8 for OSAP money.

My question is:

1.) would i be getting osap $ for sem 7 & 8 if i do not work whatsoever during sem 5 & 6? I will be working and getting paid for coop for 4 months before sem 7 & 8 resumes.

2.) by the time I ask for OSAP, my car would be worth around $5k. Would OSAP give me some $ to cover for my $400 worth of car expenses?

3.) Is it better if I transfer my car ownership under my bf's name and then apply for osap? or live on my own?

4.) what is the best way for me to get the maximum amount of money from osap? ( i do not have any financial help from family or bf)

[danman227460]

Hi BBQ,

I graduated and got my 3 yr accounting diploma and I am currently working right now earning $30k/year. I want to get my degree and it will take me pretty much 2 years to complete it. I tried using the OSAP estimator and I am only getting $900 for 2 semesters (at SENECA that's where i will be going to get my degree)

So my situation is:

1.) need to go to school full time so I could get a better paying job.

2.) I have a car approx. $10,000 value according to VRM canada. It's just a 2002 honda accord se but apparently it costs that much. only 138k km.

3.) monthly payments for car is $200 and insurance $200 =$400

4.) right now b/c i have been working and earning $2000 per month, osap is only giving me $900.

5.) live with parents

6.) i have OSAP balance of $3k which could be easily be paid off. I did default 2x but it's been almost a year since I last defaulted and now paying my monthly payments on time.

My plan is:

1.) save 16,000 until i could go back to school next year for sem 5 & 6 plus coop of 4 months (tuition, car, car insurance, monthly personal, cellphone) for the next 12 months of school (including coop). ( I do not want to owe osap a lot of $, that's why i prefer to save and just ask for 2 sems worth of money, and I am not able to get any $ now anyway)

2.) then after i use up my savings, go and ask for sem 7 & 8 for OSAP money.

My question is:

1.) would i be getting osap $ for sem 7 & 8 if i do not work whatsoever during sem 5 & 6? I will be working and getting paid for coop for 4 months before sem 7 & 8 resumes.

2.) by the time I ask for OSAP, my car would be worth around $5k. Would OSAP give me some $ to cover for my $400 worth of car expenses?

3.) Is it better if I transfer my car ownership under my bf's name and then apply for osap? or live on my own?

4.) what is the best way for me to get the maximum amount of money from osap? ( i do not have any financial help from family or bf)

Another way is to look outside of OSAP for loans. You can go get a student line of credit. That would be the best alternative route if OSAP is not giving you any money. You should be qualify if you work and have decent credit.

OSAP is a PITA. You literally have to be broke to get the most from OSAP. You can't own a car, can't have a job that pays you too much and can't have anything saved up.

[samm]

I have a question regarding Athabasca and OSAP.

So I'm going to be graduating next year. Hopefully I'll find a full time job in my field. However, I heard that if you take an (1) online course, OSAP would consider you still in school, hence no interest. Is this true?

[BBQPorkBun]

I have a question regarding Athabasca and OSAP.

So I'm going to be graduating next year. Hopefully I'll find a full time job in my field. However, I heard that if you take an (1) online course, OSAP would consider you still in school, hence no interest. Is this true?

no, you have to be doing 3 courses in one term to be considered full time 3/5 =60% (at least)

if it works like u say, i think many of us including me would be doing 1 course till the end of time.

[nsX-]

just curious on my next OSAP payment coming with in the next month or so.My first payment I received in Feb gave me like 65-70% of what I was suppose to receive and the rest went towards my 2nd term tuition fees , Will they do the same for this payment coming up?

[J-star]

Here's another question for you....BBQ.....

If you get the loan from OSAP...and you want to pay for Res/off Campus....will they just give me 1 big cheque or will they pay it to the school/land lord monthly?

thx in advance

[CSK'sMom]

Here's another question for you....BBQ.....

If you get the loan from OSAP...and you want to pay for Res/off Campus....will they just give me 1 big cheque or will they pay it to the school/land lord monthly?

thx in advance

Your total loan amount will come in 2 installments, Sept and Jan. for a typical school year. Most schools will require that you sign off on your loan papers that they get their tuition directed to the school and you get the rest. You will get the rest as 1 payment both times. You had best learn how to budget and pay your own bills as once it's gone it's gone...

[BBQPorkBun]

just curious on my next OSAP payment coming with in the next month or so.My first payment I received in Feb gave me like 65-70% of what I was suppose to receive and the rest went towards my 2nd term tuition fees , Will they do the same for this payment coming up?

if all the factors remain the same i would assume yes. usually the two disbursement periods are sept then jan, the typical start of the two terms. u can call the nslsc to double check.

[samm]

no, you have to be doing 3 courses in one term to be considered full time 3/5 =60% (at least)

if it works like u say, i think many of us including me would be doing 1 course till the end of time.

how bout in terms of Masters courses that AU offers?

[Treylakes]

Bbqpork,

1. Will you advise someone to pay off their osap as much as they can within their 6 months grace period? Do I still accum..interest within this same time period?

[BBQPorkBun]

how bout in terms of Masters courses that AU offers?

gotta be full time, whatever osap and AU agrees is full time

[BBQPorkBun]

Bbqpork,

1. Will you advise someone to pay off their osap as much as they can within their 6 months grace period? Do I still accum..interest within this same time period?

yes, but thats assuming you have a job and all.

interest still accumulates but is calculated daily, so the lessor the loan, the less the daily interest, so yes asap is best.

however, if you think with this economy, getting a job is unlikely and with the prime rate the lowest in recent history. then even if u have money, you may want to use it for living and go on interest relief for a while

[killoverme]

yes, but thats assuming you have a job and all.

interest still accumulates but is calculated daily, so the lessor the loan, the less the daily interest, so yes asap is best.

however, if you think with this economy, getting a job is unlikely and with the prime rate the lowest in recent history. then even if u have money, you may want to use it for living and go on interest relief for a while

yup thats what i'm thinking, interest relief is only if you have a below x income right?

and if so whats the below?

[makyla82]

has this thread taken over your life yet? :)

few questions for you:

i'm currently at the end of my consumer proposal (almost bankruptcy), it is discharged mid-june. wondering if i should wait to apply for osap until after the proposal is removed from my credit history, will it have any affect on my application?

also, my car was recently written off. i am going to be getting a cheque in the mail in the next week or so. my plan was to invest in gic's to get a bit extra out of that lump sum payment, but do i have to declare that as an asset? if i do (hide your eyes now all those living in the refined air of the moral highground), i'm probably going to put it in my bf's savings account :twisted:.

i don't know if it makes a difference, but i'm 26 and have been on my own since 18. going back to school after some time out in the "real" world.

[CSK'sMom]

has this thread taken over your life yet? :)

few questions for you:

i'm currently at the end of my consumer proposal (almost bankruptcy), it is discharged mid-june. wondering if i should wait to apply for osap until after the proposal is removed from my credit history, will it have any affect on my application?

also, my car was recently written off. i am going to be getting a cheque in the mail in the next week or so. my plan was to invest in gic's to get a bit extra out of that lump sum payment, but do i have to declare that as an asset? if i do (hide your eyes now all those living in the refined air of the moral highground), i'm probably going to put it in my bf's savings account :twisted:.

i don't know if it makes a difference, but i'm 26 and have been on my own since 18. going back to school after some time out in the "real" world.


Well I can tell you that on the OSAP application they specifically ask about bankruptcy and it can mean a denial of all loans. IIRC a consumer proposal stays on your credit file for 3 or 4 years so OSAP will see it. They do a credit check and if you have anything in default, bankruptcy, etc. it can severely affect wether you can qualify or not. As for the cash for the car, yep it will affect your OSAP as well and should be declared as an asset...

[BBQPorkBun]

yup thats what i'm thinking, interest relief is only if you have a below x income right?

and if so whats the below?

http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/PDF/0506/Income%20Eligibility%20Chart%20-%20August%201%20%202005.pdf

[BBQPorkBun]

its not so bad, i check once in a while. do a bit everyday and it won't feel like work.

ya, bankruptcy is not a good thing. i mean objectively, would you lend money to you? so theres almost no chance of getting asap, answering anything else is not really useful (but fyi, theres always the what you could do, and then theres what you should do, you pick what you prefer), maybe wait for about 7 yrs before your record is clear again. do try though, always worth trying



has this thread taken over your life yet? :)

few questions for you:

i'm currently at the end of my consumer proposal (almost bankruptcy), it is discharged mid-june. wondering if i should wait to apply for osap until after the proposal is removed from my credit history, will it have any affect on my application?

also, my car was recently written off. i am going to be getting a cheque in the mail in the next week or so. my plan was to invest in gic's to get a bit extra out of that lump sum payment, but do i have to declare that as an asset? if i do (hide your eyes now all those living in the refined air of the moral highground), i'm probably going to put it in my bf's savings account :twisted:.

i don't know if it makes a difference, but i'm 26 and have been on my own since 18. going back to school after some time out in the "real" world.

[kdotc]

i found out recently osap charged me interest because they thought i wasn't going to school because i guess my osap messed up in the beginning of the year. Theres like $350 interest charged even though i been taking osap from first year. can i get this refunded? i talked to national student loans and they said they can't do anything about it.

[makyla82]

thanks. my proposal is actually done in june, so if all goes as promised my credit history should purged by the 15th of that month. i was just wondering if i should wait until that date to apply, seems as though i should. as for the extra money i really don't feel badly, it is a loan that i will pay back, not money that is being donated to me. the amount of money osap will give me is simply not enough to live on with out working to the point of affecting my grades.

:)

[killoverme]

http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/PDF/0506/Income%20Eligibility%20Chart%20-%20August%201%20%202005.pdf

so if i make below 1600 a month, i pay 0-35 a month? and would the "35" i do pay goes towards the interest ($300 interest, gov pays 265 i pay 35) and principle stays the same correct?

[Professor Iris]

so if i make below 1600 a month, i pay 0-35 a month? and would the "35" i do pay goes towards the interest ($300 interest, gov pays 265 i pay 35) and principle stays the same correct?

Not quite, the first column is how much your payments are supposed to be, which is based upon the size of your osap loan. If you make less than the number beside that then you are eligible for interest relief. In which case osap pays your interest portion and you don't have to pay anything, though you can make payments while on interest relief.

[Batman.]

If i applied for osap last year and I got it, do I have to reapply for my second year or is it automatic?

[JENOVA]

If i applied for osap last year and I got it, do I have to reapply for my second year or is it automatic?

Auto, just sign the papers with a new void cheque when you return to school.

[emoci]

If i applied for osap last year and I got it, do I have to reapply for my second year or is it automatic?

It is not automatic... (but it is much simpler)

-You need to login at OSAP.GOV.ON.CA using your OSAP number and password.
-Resubmit an application for 2009-2010
-The good news is the new application will be prefilled with your program info and such.
-You'll still have to provide your income (and/or expected income) and that of your parents as per tax return for 2008...

[BBQPorkBun]

i found out recently osap charged me interest because they thought i wasn't going to school because i guess my osap messed up in the beginning of the year. Theres like $350 interest charged even though i been taking osap from first year. can i get this refunded? i talked to national student loans and they said they can't do anything about it.

nah, its ur responsibility to make sure its not messed up and they have the correct info.

[BBQPorkBun]

thanks. my proposal is actually done in june, so if all goes as promised my credit history should purged by the 15th of that month. i was just wondering if i should wait until that date to apply, seems as though i should. as for the extra money i really don't feel badly, it is a loan that i will pay back, not money that is being donated to me. the amount of money osap will give me is simply not enough to live on with out working to the point of affecting my grades.

:)

yeah, thats the challenge for most students. though when ur short, you gotta do what u gotta do, so take the B instead of the A and find employment.

[BBQPorkBun]

Auto, just sign the papers with a new void cheque when you return to school.

its not auto, plz don't give people the impression they don't have to do anything come the following yr

[Batman.]

It is not automatic... (but it is much simpler)

-You need to login at OSAP.GOV.ON.CA using your OSAP number and password.
-Resubmit an application for 2009-2010
-The good news is the new application will be prefilled with your program info and such.
-You'll still have to provide your income (and/or expected income) and that of your parents as per tax return for 2008...


i can only see the option for 2008-2009, is the 2009-2010 not out yet? Thanks a lot for the help btw, I appreciate it!

[CSK'sMom]

i can only see the option for 2008-2009, is the 2009-2010 not out yet? Thanks a lot for the help btw, I appreciate it!

Nope, the 9/10 applications and the aid estimator are still not updated. It may be another month or more before they are online due to all the changes to student aid in the federal budget this year....

[peterk]

Nope, the 9/10 applications and the aid estimator are still not updated. It may be another month or more before they are online due to all the changes to student aid in the federal budget this year....


This will be the first time I'm applying where i'm actually going to complete the whole process. Cause I've always had too much money, but now I'm poor. So if the application comes out in the next month. and I do it immediately, how do I work in the money I'll (hopefully) make over the summer? If at the time I fill it out and my banks accounts are close to zero, then I'm not lying, what If I make 5000 over the rest of the summer?

[CSK'sMom]

This will be the first time I'm applying where i'm actually going to complete the whole process. Cause I've always had too much money, but now I'm poor. So if the application comes out in the next month. and I do it immediately, how do I work in the money I'll (hopefully) make over the summer? If at the time I fill it out and my banks accounts are close to zero, then I'm not lying, what If I make 5000 over the rest of the summer?

During the application process it will ask you specific questions pertaining to estimated income during your pre-study period. You're giving an estimate and as BBQ says, it's better to underestimate than overestimate if you aren't a salary employee. When you pick up your loan papers you'll be required to give an accurate amount, and yes they do check. Use your asset numbers (bank account, etc.) the day (or month) you apply. Basically because you are expected to contribute to your school expenses so both the asset and earnings numbers are taken into consideration and it sounds like you'll do ok for funding... Just be smart and don't blow every penny you make this summer due to the expectation of contributing to your expenses.

[sunnyd71]

I just got a letter saying I'm on academic probation because of low grades. I didn't really understand this since I have never gotten a grade lower than 78 in my 5 years at University. Also, I'm ahead of all the people I started with in my program since I took courses during my co-op.

Aside from the fact I've been put on academic probation for some odd reason, are there any consequences to this?

[djino]

My cousin is going through some hard times and was asking me some stuff on OSAP. I thought I'd ask it here for some better advice for him.

He started University in the Fall of '99 and has been taking OSAP to pay for school ever since. OSAP wasn't enough so he worked part time during school and his grades took effect. After his 2nd to 3rd year of University he decided to work Fulltime and School part time. 2007, he basically took that year off of School as he started making good money at his fulltime job and had to pay back OSAP at the sametime which was affordable for him as he's never missed an OSAP payment.

Unfortunately last summer he got laid off (though received a decent severance package), but went on Interest Relief for 6 months. He figured he still had better get a job during the school year as he knew figured he wouldnt be able to qualify for OSAP assistance.

He started working again (fulltime) in November (2008) along with taking 1 course each term in hopes to complete his degree. Now with Winter Term just completed, he has 4 courses left to take to obtain his degree. His Interest Relief stopped 2 months ago and has been paying back his student loans. 2 out of the 4 remaining courses are offered this summer term and would like to complete them. He is currently working fulltime making $28K/year. Since he is currently paying back OSAP aswell as going back to school part time (2 courses) - is there anyway he can:

1) Go on Interest Relief for another 6 months OR'
2) Get OSAP to pay for the 2 courses this summer as well as the remaining 2 this Fall - to graduate

Life's been hard on him lately (financially). He pays all his bills on time, pretty sure he has a decent credit score. But with trying to complete his degree along with paying his existing OSAP debt, his expenses pretty much = his income where has bearly any left over money to breath (living pay cheque to pay cheque). As currently he cannot afford to pay for summer classes without some assistance.

FYI, with his Severence in 2008 his reported annual income was 50.5K (though with his current salary he makes 28K/year). What can he do?

djino

[Mysteek]

@BBQ: It just occured to me that you suggested that we try to have as little in the bank as possible when applying. Do you recommend that I get a laptop for post-secondary now (before applying) rather than later, just to be safe?

I currently have just a little over 3k saved myself, but I already have plans to use 1k in the summer vacationing with family, so perhaps it would look better if I had less before entering summer?

[nman123]

Hey guys can you help me out, I'm in high school right now and I just made a OSAP account for college which im attending in September 2009. I'm at the OSAP Online Service page where it says Start a new OSAP app for: 2008-2009 but when I move my mouse over the 2008-2009 link it says "Apply for a program starting anytime between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009". Should I click on link and apply to this anyways even though my Seneca program starts in September 2009?

I also have another question later on when they ask me about how much I am expected to make before School and during the school year. I had a seasonal type job that was only temporary so should i just put $0 because I don't have a job right now and $0 because Im unsure how much money if when I get a job during 1st year.

[CSK'sMom]

Hey guys can you help me out, I'm in high school right now and I just made a OSAP account for college which im attending in September 2009. I'm at the OSAP Online Service page where it says Start a new OSAP app for: 2008-2009 but when I move my mouse over the 2008-2009 link it says "Apply for a program starting anytime between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009". Should I click on link and apply to this anyways even though my Seneca program starts in September 2009?

I also have another question later on when they ask me about how much I am expected to make before School and during the school year. I had a seasonal type job that was only temporary so should i just put $0 because I don't have a job right now and $0 because Im unsure how much money if when I get a job during 1st year.

You might try reading at least the last couple of pages of the thread. ;) The 9-10 OSAP application is not online yet. Neither is the aid estimator. It will be probably another month or so before it goes active. No, you cannot use the 8-9 school year application. You are expected to contribute to your education expenses so you'd best start looking for a summer job. You will need to give an estimate of what you'll earn over the summer. If you don't have a job lined up for during school than obviously your inschool earnings would be zero at this point. When and if you start working while in school you will have to notify OSAP of this change and provide the appropriate estimation of income. You'll also have to provide this info when picking up loan papers each semester...

[BBQPorkBun]

I just got a letter saying I'm on academic probation because of low grades. I didn't really understand this since I have never gotten a grade lower than 78 in my 5 years at University. Also, I'm ahead of all the people I started with in my program since I took courses during my co-op.

Aside from the fact I've been put on academic probation for some odd reason, are there any consequences to this?

yes, or they wouldn't bother notifying you, go find out why

[BBQPorkBun]

1) has he applied?
2) has he applied?

if no, try applying, then go from there


My cousin is going through some hard times and was asking me some stuff on OSAP. I thought I'd ask it here for some better advice for him.

He started University in the Fall of '99 and has been taking OSAP to pay for school ever since. OSAP wasn't enough so he worked part time during school and his grades took effect. After his 2nd to 3rd year of University he decided to work Fulltime and School part time. 2007, he basically took that year off of School as he started making good money at his fulltime job and had to pay back OSAP at the sametime which was affordable for him as he's never missed an OSAP payment.

Unfortunately last summer he got laid off (though received a decent severance package), but went on Interest Relief for 6 months. He figured he still had better get a job during the school year as he knew figured he wouldnt be able to qualify for OSAP assistance.

He started working again (fulltime) in November (2008) along with taking 1 course each term in hopes to complete his degree. Now with Winter Term just completed, he has 4 courses left to take to obtain his degree. His Interest Relief stopped 2 months ago and has been paying back his student loans. 2 out of the 4 remaining courses are offered this summer term and would like to complete them. He is currently working fulltime making $28K/year. Since he is currently paying back OSAP aswell as going back to school part time (2 courses) - is there anyway he can:

1) Go on Interest Relief for another 6 months OR'
2) Get OSAP to pay for the 2 courses this summer as well as the remaining 2 this Fall - to graduate

Life's been hard on him lately (financially). He pays all his bills on time, pretty sure he has a decent credit score. But with trying to complete his degree along with paying his existing OSAP debt, his expenses pretty much = his income where has bearly any left over money to breath (living pay cheque to pay cheque). As currently he cannot afford to pay for summer classes without some assistance.

FYI, with his Severence in 2008 his reported annual income was 50.5K (though with his current salary he makes 28K/year). What can he do?

djino

[BBQPorkBun]

sure, but i would have like 1 k there as backup just in case.

you also should consider cashflow as some schools ask for pmt before u actually get money in the bank from osap

@BBQ: It just occured to me that you suggested that we try to have as little in the bank as possible when applying. Do you recommend that I get a laptop for post-secondary now (before applying) rather than later, just to be safe?

I currently have just a little over 3k saved myself, but I already have plans to use 1k in the summer vacationing with family, so perhaps it would look better if I had less before entering summer?

[Donomight25]

Hey BBQ,

I know OSAP requires like...31/hrs a week @ minimum wage for 16weeks prior to my study start date.

Whats the penalty for not meeting those expectations? Am I put into overpayment status?

My study start date is May 1st, making my pre-study period Jan-Apr (i applied for OSAP in Jan). I work seasonal, always have. I make $$ during the summer, and the wife works in the winter, part-time in the summer. She also was working during my pre-study period.

[alee23]

Hi, I did a quick search and found that if you repay your students loans, you can reapply for OSAP for your MBA. However, I was wondering what if my undergrad loans weren't paid off or weren't fully paid off, would I be qualified for OSAP then?

Also, does the $7000 over rule you don't pay back still have effect for postgrad?

Thanks.

[BBQPorkBun]

Not sure what you are asking, osap doesn't require that you work

Hey BBQ,

I know OSAP requires like...31/hrs a week @ minimum wage for 16weeks prior to my study start date.

Whats the penalty for not meeting those expectations? Am I put into overpayment status?

My study start date is May 1st, making my pre-study period Jan-Apr (i applied for OSAP in Jan). I work seasonal, always have. I make $$ during the summer, and the wife works in the winter, part-time in the summer. She also was working during my pre-study period.

[BBQPorkBun]

yes and yes,

loans for mba is not contingent on paying off other loans, not sure where you got that from.

and bonus is if you had any interest relief before, going back to school resets the counter so you get a new fresh batch of IR when you grad again

enjoy


Hi, I did a quick search and found that if you repay your students loans, you can reapply for OSAP for your MBA. However, I was wondering what if my undergrad loans weren't paid off or weren't fully paid off, would I be qualified for OSAP then?

Also, does the $7000 over rule you don't pay back still have effect for postgrad?

Thanks.

[gruegoo]

Nevermind, I found the answer buried in the OSAP website.

Mods please delete.

[iheartdeals]

"Make lump sum payments. This is one of the fastest ways to get rid of debt. Any payments you make while attending school are applied directly to the principal of your loan. This means that the total amount of your loan will decrease, resulting in less interest charged in the long run. Payments made during the 6-month grace period first pay off your accumulating interest. Any remaining funds are applied to your outstanding loan principal, which again would decrease the total amount of your loan and overall interest charges."

What's it mean by first paying off your accumulating interest?
I.e. if I owe $10,000, and during the 5th month of my 6th month grace period--I make a lump sum payment of $10,000--then essentially I owe nothing right? I won't have to pay the 5 months of "accrued" interest right?

Just want to double check because that dreaded time is coming...soon.

[djino]

"Make lump sum payments. This is one of the fastest ways to get rid of debt. Any payments you make while attending school are applied directly to the principal of your loan. This means that the total amount of your loan will decrease, resulting in less interest charged in the long run. Payments made during the 6-month grace period first pay off your accumulating interest. Any remaining funds are applied to your outstanding loan principal, which again would decrease the total amount of your loan and overall interest charges."

What's it mean by first paying off your accumulating interest?
I.e. if I owe $10,000, and during the 5th month of my 6th month grace period--I make a lump sum payment of $10,000--then essentially I owe nothing right? I won't have to pay the 5 months of "accrued" interest right?

Just want to double check because that dreaded time is coming...soon.

Incorrect. Interest accrues daily. So within a 5 month period on a balance of $10,000 with 5.00% Interest, you would have an additional $208 to pay.

the 6 month grace period means you DO NOT have to make payments to the loan, but Interest still accrues from the First day you are NOT in fulltime status.

djino

[iheartdeals]

Oh really?

What about all those summers where I wasn't in interest free status--but in grace status because I had those four months off from school (May - August) and that I was going back to school within the 6 months allowed in September. Does that mean interest accrued during those months as well?

Then the grace status upon graduation for the 6 months doesn't mean much--it just means you can defer payment of that considerably small amount of interest (when comparing to the principle amount) for 6 months..

[Professor Iris]

Oh really?

What about all those summers where I wasn't in interest free status--but in grace status because I had those four months off from school (May - August) and that I was going back to school within the 6 months allowed in September. Does that mean interest accrued during those months as well?

Then the grace status upon graduation for the 6 months doesn't mean much--it just means you can defer payment of that considerably small amount of interest (when comparing to the principle amount) for 6 months..

Had you not returned to school after those 4 months then interest would have been charged for those months. Since you did go back then there wasn't interest charged, assuming you filled out your confirmation of enrollment form (which keeps interest from accruing while in full time studies).

[iheartdeals]

^ oh okay--that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying! I guess the best thing is to pay it off all at once when I graduate. I'm in co-op so I've saving up for that day lol

[mr jbb]

hey,
2 questions...
1st I have a letter saying that my income is going to verified in the fall. I stated half of what I actually ended up making (stated 8000 made 16000). will they take away my money or do they not actually verify?
2nd can I state I pay my parents rent (pay them $200 a month and theyll report it) and claim on my osap so that theyll give me more money?

thanks

[muns786]

If I apply o OSAP (along with the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the topscholorship) do I have to take the loan from osap like not take the financial aid. I just want to get the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the topscholorship.

Thanks

[emoci]

If I apply o OSAP (along with the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the topscholorship) do I have to take the loan from osap like not take the financial aid. I just want to get the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the topscholorship.

Thanks

It is an interest-free loan. If you don't need to use it, put it in the bank, let it gain some interest, and when the time comes pay it back in full ...

[NoTime]

If I get summer OSAP for a 1 FCE and I've gotten OSAP for the 08-09 session, how will that affect my OSAP for my 09-10 session.


Financially (I am an average student 3.4 gpa),
is it better to take a 100% course load in 09-10 fall to winter (5 FCE)

OR

take one FCE in summer and then take 4 FCE in 09-10 fall session?

thanks

[Professor Iris]

If I get summer OSAP for a 1 FCE and I've gotten OSAP for the 08-09 session, how will that affect my OSAP for my 09-10 session.


Financially (I am an average student 3.4 gpa),
is it better to take a 100% course load in 09-10 fall to winter (5 FCE)

OR

take one FCE in summer and then take 4 FCE in 09-10 fall session?

thanks

That depends on a few things, will one FCE make you a full time student and qualify you for additional osap? Will the school charge you the same if you take 4 FCE versus 5 FCE? If the school still considers you a full time student with the reduced course load, then you would most likely be getting the same amount of osap doing 4 or 5 FCE. That has been my experience as well as several others, but people in different programs and schools have had changes in their osap eligibility. Best to talk to your financial aid office on that one I would think. If they are charging the same you could also pick up an extra FCE and it wouldn't hurt unless the course load was too much for you.

[EARTHY]

I paid my OSAP back in full cent for cent, did I not have to do that?

[umop]

The 2009 - 2010 application will be coming out sometime in May, but I won't be able to enrol in courses until July.

What if I don't know what my course load will be when I'm filling out the application? Do I make an educated guess, and if my course load happens to be different than what I originally put down, I just notify them afterwards?

[BBQPorkBun]

-they verify

-they'll probably suspect something shady and ask you to provide rental agreements, receipts, month by month banking transactions of the money coming out, post dated cheques you written etc.

hey,
2 questions...
1st I have a letter saying that my income is going to verified in the fall. I stated half of what I actually ended up making (stated 8000 made 16000). will they take away my money or do they not actually verify?
2nd can I state I pay my parents rent (pay them $200 a month and theyll report it) and claim on my osap so that theyll give me more money?

thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

I paid my OSAP back in full cent for cent, did I not have to do that?

theres no detail surrounding your circumstances...so...

sometimes yes, sometimes no, eventually yes...so...i dunno, did u?

[BBQPorkBun]

The 2009 - 2010 application will be coming out sometime in May, but I won't be able to enrol in courses until July.

What if I don't know what my course load will be when I'm filling out the application? Do I make an educated guess, and if my course load happens to be different than what I originally put down, I just notify them afterwards?

yup, but the app doesn't come out till like mid to late summer

[hi-everyone]

Hi BBQPorkBun,

I had a question, is there any way for universities to check and see how much RESP you have? I know this is not exactly an OSAP question, but i thought you might know!

Thanks ;)

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi BBQPorkBun,

I had a question, is there any way for universities to check and see how much RESP you have? I know this is not exactly an OSAP question, but i thought you might know!

Thanks ;)

no, universities is not interested in policing that. they don't care if you use or not, have alot or little

[hi-everyone]

no, universities is not interested in policing that. they don't care if you use or not, have alot or little

what if you are applying for a bursary? can they check it then to see whether you deserve the bursary or not?

[PoRco]

BBQPorkBun has really invested a lot of his time into this thread. I've been checking up on this thread randomly every now and then since last year, and I'm shocked to see him posting still :O ( I have this post book marked and I use it as a shortcut to redflag deals :P )

I have a question for you PorkBun, my dad sent me money as a a ' final gift ' before he cuts me off . The amount he sent me is enough to pay one year tuition fees.

However, I do not want to use it for that. I rather save it for emergency situations.

Will OSAP check my bank balance?

[BBQPorkBun]

what if you are applying for a bursary? can they check it then to see whether you deserve the bursary or not?

no, they won't invest in a system like that, usually they just rely on your honesty and ask you to prove things from your own documents.

[BBQPorkBun]

BBQPorkBun has really invested a lot of his time into this thread. I've been checking up on this thread randomly every now and then since last year, and I'm shocked to see him posting still :O ( I have this post book marked and I use it as a shortcut to redflag deals :P )

I have a question for you PorkBun, my dad sent me money as a a ' final gift ' before he cuts me off . The amount he sent me is enough to pay one year tuition fees.

However, I do not want to use it for that. I rather save it for emergency situations.

Will OSAP check my bank balance?

How do you know this is a him? must be the sarcasm in the tone.

tell your dad to keep the money for you, spare yourself the hassle. if you don't prefer that, then create a joint account at another bank. then they can't prove the money is yours.

[umop]

I recently checked my Financial Document Tracker and it said I have Extended Loan Assistance documents available for pickup, and it's dated April 3.

What is this, and why am I receiving it this late? It can't be OSAP cause I already received all my OSAP funds.

[danman227460]

I recently checked my Financial Document Tracker and it said I have Extended Loan Assistance documents available for pickup, and it's dated April 3.

What is this, and why am I receiving it this late? It can't be OSAP cause I already received all my OSAP funds.

Are you at York? Students at york received extra funds due to the strike.
If not, did you apply for Summer school assistance?
If not, then you have to call in and ask what it is.

[PoRco]

How do you know this is a him? must be the sarcasm in the tone.

tell your dad to keep the money for you, spare yourself the hassle. if you don't prefer that, then create a joint account at another bank. then they can't prove the money is yours.

Lol, well.. my bad for presumptions.

Thanks for your quick reply :) .He has already sent the money, what if I send it back, would they check my history and ask "where did this money go? ".

Might be a really stupid question, and forgive me for asking this, I don't mean to suggest that your supposed to know everything. Just gave it a shot.

Thnx tho :)

[canadianmom]

Sorry if this has been asked before but there are just too many pages to be going through to find out. OSAP site says application available mid May...any idea when it will be available? Its the 23rd and still not there. First time doing this...my DD waiting to apply.
Thanks for any info

[CSK'sMom]

Sorry if this has been asked before but there are just too many pages to be going through to find out. OSAP site says application available mid May...any idea when it will be available? Its the 23rd and still not there. First time doing this...my DD waiting to apply.
Thanks for any info

It's expected to be available late this year due to all the changes in student aid in the federal budget. I've heard that it could be a couple of more weeks (maybe longer) before it's available. Unfortunately the aid estimator is also not updated for the same reason. The estimator on the www.canlearn.ca is online at the moment but may not be very accurate due to the changes...

[BBQPorkBun]

Lol, well.. my bad for presumptions.

Thanks for your quick reply :) .He has already sent the money, what if I send it back, would they check my history and ask "where did this money go? ".

Might be a really stupid question, and forgive me for asking this, I don't mean to suggest that your supposed to know everything. Just gave it a shot.

Thnx tho :)

oh no no, don't worry, i was just teasing

yeah, send it back, if anything just say you were helping him with some money transfering, they can't prove otherwise.

[canadianmom]

It's expected to be available late this year due to all the changes in student aid in the federal budget. I've heard that it could be a couple of more weeks (maybe longer) before it's available. Unfortunately the aid estimator is also not updated for the same reason. The estimator on the www.canlearn.ca is online at the moment but may not be very accurate due to the changes...


Thank you

[BeckyH2008]

HI BBQ,

I was wondering if you could answer this question. I have been accepted into a new Masters program that will start this July. The program only got approved this April so it is really new. I called the financial aid department at the university and they told me that it could take several months for the paper work to go through because it is a new program. She also said that last time it took 6 months (she said that was an unusual case). When I asked if it did take that long to process, if i would get the money for the previous months and she said she didnt know. Do you have any experience with this? The program starts in July but I could possibly move it to September, would that be a better thing to do? I need the money to help pay for tuition and rent.

Any advice?

[Professor Iris]

HI BBQ,

I was wondering if you could answer this question. I have been accepted into a new Masters program that will start this July. The program only got approved this April so it is really new. I called the financial aid department at the university and they told me that it could take several months for the paper work to go through because it is a new program. She also said that last time it took 6 months (she said that was an unusual case). When I asked if it did take that long to process, if i would get the money for the previous months and she said she didnt know. Do you have any experience with this? The program starts in July but I could possibly move it to September, would that be a better thing to do? I need the money to help pay for tuition and rent.

Any advice?

A friend had this problem last year. She talked to the people running it and they registered in a different program so that would be registered in time. It might be something to look into.

[BeckyH2008]

A friend had this problem last year. She talked to the people running it and they registered in a different program so that would be registered in time. It might be something to look into.



Can you explain what you mean by that exactly. Did you mean that the financial aid department at the university placed them under another program that was already approved so they could get their money?

[Professor Iris]

Can you explain what you mean by that exactly. Did you mean that the financial aid department at the university placed them under another program that was already approved so they could get their money?

It wasn't the financial aid department, it was the professors running the program, it was done for osap and due to university regulations because of timelines of program approval and of registration in the program. So it went through the registrars office. I would try talking to financial aid, registrar, and the program heads to see if you can be technically in a different program to get your money to pay tuition, and then just transfer into yours when everything in set up. As I said, it didn't happen to me, so I'm sure of the technical details.

[BBQPorkBun]

HI BBQ,

I was wondering if you could answer this question. I have been accepted into a new Masters program that will start this July. The program only got approved this April so it is really new. I called the financial aid department at the university and they told me that it could take several months for the paper work to go through because it is a new program. She also said that last time it took 6 months (she said that was an unusual case). When I asked if it did take that long to process, if i would get the money for the previous months and she said she didnt know. Do you have any experience with this? The program starts in July but I could possibly move it to September, would that be a better thing to do? I need the money to help pay for tuition and rent.

Any advice?

when you say last time it took 6 months, what do u mean? it being a new program and something done 'last time' is contradicting

yes, you get money for the whole program no matter when you apply, even if from sept to april, you apply in nov, you still get money as if you applied in august.

this is really a cashflow issue, you have several options

1) go to financial aid and ask for payment deferrals or a payment schedule/plan, this will help, with it being special circumstances as you say, you may have leverage to negotiate this

2) borrow from family

3) line of credit - apply for this before you actually need it. the best time to apply for credit is when you don't need it.

you'll have the easiest time probably with number 1, try to work something out with them

[BeckyH2008]

when you say last time it took 6 months, what do u mean? it being a new program and something done 'last time' is contradicting

yes, you get money for the whole program no matter when you apply, even if from sept to april, you apply in nov, you still get money as if you applied in august.

this is really a cashflow issue, you have several options

1) go to financial aid and ask for payment deferrals or a payment schedule/plan, this will help, with it being special circumstances as you say, you may have leverage to negotiate this

2) borrow from family

3) line of credit - apply for this before you actually need it. the best time to apply for credit is when you don't need it.

you'll have the easiest time probably with number 1, try to work something out with them



HI BBQ,

sorry what i meant, which i should have been more clear on, is that last year when there was another new problem-it took them 6 months for everything to be approved before people got their money. When I asked the lady at the financial aid office if that means lets say the paper work doesnt get done till February, if I would still get the amount from July-Feb given to me, she said she didnt know. I know that even if you apply in November, you get the full amount from september but does it matter if its a new program and hasnt been approved yet?

Thanks for answering the question and giving some tips. I am contact the school now regarding payment options.

[BBQPorkBun]

HI BBQ,

sorry what i meant, which i should have been more clear on, is that last year when there was another new problem-it took them 6 months for everything to be approved before people got their money. When I asked the lady at the financial aid office if that means lets say the paper work doesnt get done till February, if I would still get the amount from July-Feb given to me, she said she didnt know. I know that even if you apply in November, you get the full amount from september but does it matter if its a new program and hasnt been approved yet?

Thanks for answering the question and giving some tips. I am contact the school now regarding payment options.

so is it approved yet or not? in your initial post you said it just got approved in april. confusing...

if its been approved, then its your school's job to let osap know this is a program at your school. so this depends on how fast your school does that, once thats done, shouldn't be an issue.

[Octavius]

Just thought I'd chime in and say that the 2009-2010 OSAP application is now live.

[canadianmom]

Just thought I'd chime in and say that the 2009-2010 OSAP application is now live.

Thank you!

[206bw]

When you graduate, is it possible to pay off all the debt before the 6 month interest free period ends? either in series or lump sum.

[illy27]

hi
my sister needs a co-signer for mortgage and i'm the only person eligible...but i rely on OSAP funding for school....would my being a co-signer affect my funding?
thanks

[EchoedMemory]

I just finished submitting my application and was greeted by a big fat ZERO for the estimator on the application... I don't mean the calculator that is on the website but the last page of the application itself.

Is this a glitch? Did anyone else get that number as well?

[BBQPorkBun]

When you graduate, is it possible to pay off all the debt before the 6 month interest free period ends? either in series or lump sum.

yes, you can pay it whenever you want, but i hope you are refering to interest relief and not the grace period. grace period always accumulates interest.

[BBQPorkBun]

hi
my sister needs a co-signer for mortgage and i'm the only person eligible...but i rely on OSAP funding for school....would my being a co-signer affect my funding?
thanks

if a question is asked on the application about something like that, then yes it will

also you should look into if doing that affects your credit record in any way, just to be safe

[Mokamonkey]

I just finished submitting my application and was greeted by a big fat ZERO for the estimator on the application... I don't mean the calculator that is on the website but the last page of the application itself.

Is this a glitch? Did anyone else get that number as well?

I just finished my app and everything came out fine. At the end of the app it estimated my funding to something appropriate. No big zero for me. Sorry Bud - maybe you don't qualify :(

[SaNTi iTNaS]

I would appreciate some help for filling out the 2009-2010 application:

It's my first time going to college, just took my assessment tests about two weeks ago. I still don't have my schedule or the results from the tests.

I'm at the part of the application where it asks "What percentage of a full course load will you be taking?" and I'm not sure ow to go about answering it.

Should I want until I have my results, and schedule?

Thanks,

- SaNTi

Edit: "Are you taking your program of study through correspondence or distance education?"

Not sure what this is either.

[Mokamonkey]

Correspondence is schooling by mail. If you're going to be taking courses in a class room, then put no.

Do you plan on taking college full time? If so, put 100%.

[SaNTi iTNaS]

^ Thanks.

Yeah, I am planning on being full time. However, In previous posts I noticed someone mention you should wait until you have your class schedule.

Thanks for the help.

[a_y3n]

Hey,
I'd like to know if having a credit card debt of $3000 will affect the amount of OSAP loans I will be getting.
I applied for the 0% mastercard last year and interest will be accumulating starting from June (but I should be able to pay off the debt by end of summer).
Thanks!

[CSK'sMom]

Hey,
I'd like to know if having a credit card debt of $3000 will affect the amount of OSAP loans I will be getting.
I applied for the 0% mastercard last year and interest will be accumulating starting from June (but I should be able to pay off the debt by end of summer).
Thanks!
No, they don't care what you owe. That means they won't give you enough to pay it either. They do care about your credit worthiness though, as in late payments, defaults, etc. The money you make in the summer will be expected to help pay your education expenses though...

[Mysteek]

If someone already sent off the application, is there a way to edit it? There was a clear mistake made :(

Would she have to contact the school's financial aid?

[jetpackjeff]

My estimate is 3000 less than last year and the only thing that has changed is my income has actually gotten a lot lower. What gives? if it stays like this I won't be able to pay for school.

[danman227460]

^ Thanks.

Yeah, I am planning on being full time. However, In previous posts I noticed someone mention you should wait until you have your class schedule.

Thanks for the help.

Yes. Some schools make you pay a flat rate, no matter how many courses you take while some charge you per course.

I don't have much experience as what universities does but I know York is per course while Trent is a flat rate. The amount you get would differentiate depending on how many courses you take in a pay per course while it would stay the same at a flat rate school no matter how many courses you took, as long as you are still considered full time.

My estimate is 3000 less than last year and the only thing that has changed is my income has actually gotten a lot lower. What gives? if it stays like this I won't be able to pay for school.

Parents income change, you reported something that you didn't last year?

[jetpackjeff]

Parents income slightly lower this year, actually....

[SherryBerry]

I just tried to apply for OSAP for 2009-2010, and I clicked on "New Student" trying to create an account (going into first year of university, never touched OSAP before), but it gave me an error message stating that my SIN is already in the system, that I am not a new student, and asked me to enter the correct password??? I tried it a couple more times and got locked out of the system. Is it possible that someone used my SIN to apply for student loan? How likely is that to happen? Any other logical explaination?

[danman227460]

Parents income slightly lower this year, actually....

call them up and ask. You can petition an appeal and if you have sufficent grounds, you might be successful. I never had to do one but I think its either done through OSAP or your university. Just call up OSAP and inquire why you got less funds.

I just tried to apply for OSAP for 2009-2010, and I clicked on "New Student" trying to create an account (going into first year of university, never touched OSAP before), but it gave me an error message stating that my SIN is already in the system, that I am not a new student, and asked me to enter the correct password??? I tried it a couple more times and got locked out of the system. Is it possible that someone used my SIN to apply for student loan? How likely is that to happen? Any other logical explaination?

Call them up and ask. Get a credit report also and check if there are any irregularities in the report. You can get a free one from Transunion or Equifax but they take a LONG time to arrive. Pay for one if you want a faster result.

Another thing could be you typed in the number wrong. I don't think they show your SIN number and its all hidden. You might have hit the wrong key by accident.

[SherryBerry]

Call them up and ask. Get a credit report also and check if there are any irregularities in the report. You can get a free one from Transunion or Equifax but they take a LONG time to arrive. Pay for one if you want a faster result.

Would you know which number I should call? I can't seem to find the appropriate one on the website.

Another thing could be you typed in the number wrong. I don't think they show your SIN number and its all hidden. You might have hit the wrong key by accident.

I tried it 3 times and got locked out, got the same error message everytime.

[BeckyH2008]

Hi BBQ,

I went to complete the new osap form online but it states that the 2009-2010 application is only for programs starting in August 1, 2009-July 31, 2010. My program starts in July 6, 2009. the program is a masters 3 term program. Does that mean i use the 2008-2009 application? I already used the 2008-2009 application for my last program that was september 2008-April 2009 and i got the max amount. Does that mean if i use the same year application i wont get more money-the max three term amount?

[BBQPorkBun]

If someone already sent off the application, is there a way to edit it? There was a clear mistake made :(

Would she have to contact the school's financial aid?

put in writing directly to nslsc, skip the middle man

[BBQPorkBun]

id prefer you not give advice that would confuse people, thanks

1) its an estimate, wait to see what you get
2) who you call cannot tell you what you got what you got, but we are not even there yet
3) appeals are for after they decide what to give you, again we are not there yet
4) its not credit, its not SIN

just wait till the official word, then go from there


call them up and ask. You can petition an appeal and if you have sufficent grounds, you might be successful. I never had to do one but I think its either done through OSAP or your university. Just call up OSAP and inquire why you got less funds.



Call them up and ask. Get a credit report also and check if there are any irregularities in the report. You can get a free one from Transunion or Equifax but they take a LONG time to arrive. Pay for one if you want a faster result.

Another thing could be you typed in the number wrong. I don't think they show your SIN number and its all hidden. You might have hit the wrong key by accident.

[BBQPorkBun]

Would you know which number I should call? I can't seem to find the appropriate one on the website.



I tried it 3 times and got locked out, got the same error message everytime.

refer to response above

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi BBQ,

I went to complete the new osap form online but it states that the 2009-2010 application is only for programs starting in August 1, 2009-July 31, 2010. My program starts in July 6, 2009. the program is a masters 3 term program. Does that mean i use the 2008-2009 application? I already used the 2008-2009 application for my last program that was september 2008-April 2009 and i got the max amount. Does that mean if i use the same year application i wont get more money-the max three term amount?

use the 09-10, it should be fine

[SherryBerry]

4) its not credit, its not SIN


Sorry but I don't understand the response?

When I tried to create an account, it asked me to put in my SIN and create a password, and when I tried to do so, it said my SIN is already on file and the password is wrong? I never tried to create an account on OSAP before.

[BeckyH2008]

use the 09-10, it should be fine


I tried that, but then u have to state your start date with a drop down bar and i put in July and an error came up saying that you can only input programs starting in August 2009. I called the financial aid office at the school and the lady said that i would have to use the 08 application.


What do you suggest?

I am thinking of just starting in September if the school will let me to make things easier. Its hard when the people in the financial office at the school are of little help.

[jumbomumbo]

Would anyone be able to tell me if an Ontario adult school is considered as a full-time Ontario high school?

I'm trying to fill out my Osap form but i'm stuck on the current information status section!! :?:

Thanks for your help in advance!!!

[CSK'sMom]

Sorry but I don't understand the response?

When I tried to create an account, it asked me to put in my SIN and create a password, and when I tried to do so, it said my SIN is already on file and the password is wrong? I never tried to create an account on OSAP before.

Sherry, you need to deal with this as danman suggested. Pull a credit report from both agencies and see what's on it to begin with. Hopefully nothing but it should be done. Next phone OSAP asap to get the ball rolling on their end. Hopefully it's just someone else input their SIN wrong on this years app. and it can be quickly rectified on their end. This is nothing to play with for several reasons. Between identity theft and someone else possibly applying for a recieving OSAP under you SIN this could be a huge mess to clean up before you are eligible for funding.

[SherryBerry]

Sherry, you need to deal with this as danman suggested. Pull a credit report from both agencies and see what's on it to begin with. Hopefully nothing but it should be done. Next phone OSAP asap to get the ball rolling on their end. Hopefully it's just someone else input their SIN wrong on this years app. and it can be quickly rectified on their end. This is nothing to play with for several reasons. Between identity theft and someone else possibly applying for a recieving OSAP under you SIN this could be a huge mess to clean up before you are eligible for funding.

Do I contact the NSLSC directly with the toll-free number listed on the OSAP website?

[CSK'sMom]

Do I contact the NSLSC directly with the toll-free number listed on the OSAP website?

Yes. They should be able to direct you on how exactly to deal with it in regards to getting it straightened out on their end. Please keep us informed as well as it may help anyone else that ends up in the same situation, od forbid.

[westover17]

I was wondering, when you get your osap estimate, is that a per semester estimate or a full year estimate ? cuz it doesnt tell you anywhere on the site

[CSK'sMom]

I was wondering, when you get your osap estimate, is that a per semester estimate or a full year estimate ? cuz it doesnt tell you anywhere on the site
It's for the full year westover. It's split into 2 payments payable at the beginning of each semester.

[dayobliss]

Hey everyone,

Thank you to all you posters helping us out with OSAP questions!

I've learned a lot of useful stuff here.

Anyways, I was hoping someone might be able to help me with my question!

On the application one of the questions asks whether I "have ever received a post-secondary degree, certificate, or diploma". Now I am currently finishing up my undergraduate degree from university and will have graduated by September (I'm finishing up my last course in the summer). So even though I have not technically received a post-secondary degree, I am anticipating having one by September.

Should I be putting "no" or "yes" for this answer?

I called the college that I will be attending and their financial aid office said to put "no" for now and then change it to "yes" later. Just to be sure, I did a bit of recon and called a few other school's financial aid offices to see what their response to the question would be. I ended up getting a mixed bag of answers. Some said to put "no" because I have not graduated yet and some said to put "yes" because I will be graduating by the time I need the OSAP loan. Does anyone know how answering this questions would affect getting my loan? Or what the protocol is for graduating students?? One school I called even suggested that if I put "no" then it might affect my loan because it looks like I started school but never finished.

FYI, I am considered to be an independent who has been out of highschool for 4 or more years. During those 4 years I was enrolled fulltime in a degree program and then the fifth year (this past year) I did part time university.

Thanks for the help!

[sukidasuika]

I have a dilemma:
- this past semester I ended up with a total of 2.5 credits (dropped some courses)
- I already received an "OSAP Probation" letter last year which I fixed by writing a statement/"supporting documentation"
- I have applied for OSAP for the summer session and have been approved

My questions:
- Will I still be eligible for OSAP for 2009-2010?

TIA

[Professor Iris]

Can anybody help on how to apply to osap for the summer term? My program I guess technically runs September to April, but I am taking classes this summer, is there anyway I can funding for this? I started doing a new application for 2008-2009 but only found my regular program dates. It would just be part time so I'm not even sure if it would be worth it, but I thought I should check it out. Thanks.

[napalmfrog]

Can anybody help on how to apply to osap for the summer term? My program I guess technically runs September to April, but I am taking classes this summer, is there anyway I can funding for this? I started doing a new application for 2008-2009 but only found my regular program dates. It would just be part time so I'm not even sure if it would be worth it, but I thought I should check it out. Thanks.

For summer there is usually a renewal form one can get through the Business or Registrar's office on campus.

[Dayne67]

Hi, I'm an independent student (+24 years old) who's been accepted a VERY expensive professional university program. I was hoping to get some advice on my situation.

My yearly tuition by itself will be around $58k. I'm looking at total expenses of around $77k per year. Since I've been working for a couple of years, I've managed to save up around $85k. Recently, I transferred most of this money to my parents' account (i.e. gave them ownership).

Now when OSAP verifies my assets (i.e. bank account statements, etc.), which at this time are well under what's required for first year, they will probably now see that I only have $5k. But would they also look into my financial transaction history? If so, can they contest if I tell them that it was just a monetary gift to my parents?

I really need OSAP for each of my 4 years of education - to at least reduce some of my reliance on high interest private loans.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[SherryBerry]

Yes. They should be able to direct you on how exactly to deal with it in regards to getting it straightened out on their end. Please keep us informed as well as it may help anyone else that ends up in the same situation, od forbid.

Will do, thank you.

[BBQPorkBun]

Sherry, you need to deal with this as danman suggested. Pull a credit report from both agencies and see what's on it to begin with. Hopefully nothing but it should be done. Next phone OSAP asap to get the ball rolling on their end. Hopefully it's just someone else input their SIN wrong on this years app. and it can be quickly rectified on their end. This is nothing to play with for several reasons. Between identity theft and someone else possibly applying for a recieving OSAP under you SIN this could be a huge mess to clean up before you are eligible for funding.

sorry, got the cases mixed up and i missed reading berry's post, do as mom says. alot of responses lately and im on vacation =p

[BBQPorkBun]

I tried that, but then u have to state your start date with a drop down bar and i put in July and an error came up saying that you can only input programs starting in August 2009. I called the financial aid office at the school and the lady said that i would have to use the 08 application.


What do you suggest?

I am thinking of just starting in September if the school will let me to make things easier. Its hard when the people in the financial office at the school are of little help.

i don't believe you can even use the 08-09 application anymore. what i would do personally is just put in august then write a separate note to osap that your program actually starts in july.

yes, i have the same pov, you want to make these applications as dumbproof as possible for all the parties invovled.

[BBQPorkBun]

I have a dilemma:
- this past semester I ended up with a total of 2.5 credits (dropped some courses)
- I already received an "OSAP Probation" letter last year which I fixed by writing a statement/"supporting documentation"
- I have applied for OSAP for the summer session and have been approved

My questions:
- Will I still be eligible for OSAP for 2009-2010?

TIA

sure, don't see why not

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I'm an independent student (+24 years old) who's been accepted a VERY expensive professional university program. I was hoping to get some advice on my situation.

My yearly tuition by itself will be around $58k. I'm looking at total expenses of around $77k per year. Since I've been working for a couple of years, I've managed to save up around $85k. Recently, I transferred most of this money to my parents' account (i.e. gave them ownership).

Now when OSAP verifies my assets (i.e. bank account statements, etc.), which at this time are well under what's required for first year, they will probably now see that I only have $5k. But would they also look into my financial transaction history? If so, can they contest if I tell them that it was just a monetary gift to my parents?

I really need OSAP for each of my 4 years of education - to at least reduce some of my reliance on high interest private loans.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

wow, hope its worth it

even 5k is alot, if they want to make a case about it, they can go into transactionary proof, but your argument of it being a gift won't fly, cuz well... it just doesn't make sense. also you should probably be more concerned with income part.

theres student line of credits out there that have a rate lower than the usual LOC's, you might want to get that asap to protect yourself for future years. best time to ask for credit is when you don't need it.

worse comes to worse, you don't get osap this year, concentrate on building credit for later on.

[sdm242]

Hi BBQ,

I went to complete the new osap form online but it states that the 2009-2010 application is only for programs starting in August 1, 2009-July 31, 2010. My program starts in July 6, 2009. the program is a masters 3 term program. Does that mean i use the 2008-2009 application? I already used the 2008-2009 application for my last program that was september 2008-April 2009 and i got the max amount. Does that mean if i use the same year application i wont get more money-the max three term amount?

Yes, you use the 2008/09 application...this is what I found on the OSAP website:

"Important: 2008-2009 Programs
If you are applying for OSAP assistance for a program that started between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009, you must complete the 2008-2009 forms."
http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/Not_secure/RESOURCE_forms_12.htm

[BeckyH2008]

i don't believe you can even use the 08-09 application anymore. what i would do personally is just put in august then write a separate note to osap that your program actually starts in july.

yes, i have the same pov, you want to make these applications as dumbproof as possible for all the parties invovled.

Yes, you use the 2008/09 application...this is what I found on the OSAP website:

"Important: 2008-2009 Programs
If you are applying for OSAP assistance for a program that started between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009, you must complete the 2008-2009 forms."
http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/Not_secure/RESOURCE_forms_12.htm



HI BBQ,

As the person wrote above, online it starts on the OSAP website i should be using the o8-o9 form, It does still work. IF i were to use the 09-10 one, who would i write the letter to? The financial office at the school??

[Dayne67]

wow, hope its worth it

even 5k is alot, if they want to make a case about it, they can go into transactionary proof, but your argument of it being a gift won't fly, cuz well... it just doesn't make sense. also you should probably be more concerned with income part.

theres student line of credits out there that have a rate lower than the usual LOC's, you might want to get that asap to protect yourself for future years. best time to ask for credit is when you don't need it.

worse comes to worse, you don't get osap this year, concentrate on building credit for later on.

Well, my income is $58k per year. I do have enough personal funds for one year. But for later years, I will rely on my parents and private/government loans. All in all, I will graduate with about $100-150k in loans. It just sucks that there is a good chance that I'll be denied OSAP this year. Is there any loop hole that can allow me to somehow downgrade my personal assets to qualify for OSAP?

But I am in the process of getting a student LOC that has an interest rate of prime, which is only 2.25% these days.

And I think that in the end, it will definitely be worth it. It's something that I will definitely want to do. And the field does provide great job security and it does pay pretty well.

[asxt]

quick q for UofT, is our UofT applicant number the same thing as the student number that OSAP is asking for?

[CSK'sMom]

quick q for UofT, is our UofT applicant number the same thing as the student number that OSAP is asking for?

Different school but it's what we used for our son's app last night. His acceptance letter has a OCAS student number at the top which is different than his OCAS application number (which is also needed). This is a new question this year on the application.

[asxt]

Different school but it's what we used for our son's app last night. His acceptance letter has a OCAS student number at the top which is different than his OCAS application number (which is also needed). This is a new question this year on the application.

ahh okay. i guess i'll just get the Tcard and use the number off that

just didnt want to put in the wrong number and go through all the hassle (if any) of changing it back to the correct one

thanks :)

[BBQPorkBun]

HI BBQ,

As the person wrote above, online it starts on the OSAP website i should be using the o8-o9 form, It does still work. IF i were to use the 09-10 one, who would i write the letter to? The financial office at the school??

you would write it directly to the nslsc.
but instead of moving on via taking a leap of faith, call up the nslsc (1-888-815-4514 ) and ask. if the person answering does not know the answer, ask them to escalate the issue (they have more knowledgable people backing them up)

[BBQPorkBun]

Well, my income is $58k per year. I do have enough personal funds for one year. But for later years, I will rely on my parents and private/government loans. All in all, I will graduate with about $100-150k in loans. It just sucks that there is a good chance that I'll be denied OSAP this year. Is there any loop hole that can allow me to somehow downgrade my personal assets to qualify for OSAP?

But I am in the process of getting a student LOC that has an interest rate of prime, which is only 2.25% these days.

And I think that in the end, it will definitely be worth it. It's something that I will definitely want to do. And the field does provide great job security and it does pay pretty well.

well what you've done so far is what you can do, which is not have any personal assets in your name. lets hope they don't dig further.

i know osaps better than anything else, but when u talk about this amount of money, i don't think you should rely on osap being a major contributor to begin with, good luck with everything

[BeckyH2008]

you would write it directly to the nslsc.
but instead of moving on via taking a leap of faith, call up the nslsc (1-888-815-4514 ) and ask. if the person answering does not know the answer, ask them to escalate the issue (they have more knowledgable people backing them up)

HI BBQ,

I did call and i was transferred over to someone who did answer my question. I was told to use the 2008 application and I would still get money.
Thank you so much for all your help, I appreciate it. I only wish the people at the financial aid offices could be as helpful as you are.

[Ryougo]

Hello,


I looked through parts of this thread and couldn't really find the rules for asking, so I'd like to explain my situation and see if anyone could please offer some advice.

I'm in the final stages of picking between two graduate programs, one of which will require me to move to Alberta and probably have combined tuition and living expenses of 20k a year. I was primarily planning to support myself with a combination of OSAP and a line of credit and I'd have a few questions.

1. I understand there is a lower maximum loan amount for someone going to a private out of province school but since I'm going to a public one I can still get the potentially maximum of 350 per week?

2. The Ontario Student Opportunity Grant limits debt to 7000 for a normal academic year or 10500 for a year including summers (Which is my case), I was wondering if it only counts if I go to a Ontario school?

3. The biggest choice I have to make is whether I should declare myself to be a independent student or not? I ideally would like to maximize my OSAP loan especially to get the most out of the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant, but my parents would like to occasionally send me money if needed. I'm afraid of been banned from OSAP and being forced to immediately repay my loans, if I declare myself to be independent should I completely avoid any support from my family?

4. At the end of the process I may have as much as 21k in debt from OSAP, I was wondering how easy it is to get approved for the first 6 months of interest relief and onward if necessary?

Thank you again for reading and for any comments.

[sunnyd71]

I just opened a business (sole-proprietorship) and am now very confused about my OSAP application for 2009/2010.

Do I need to include business income as mine or just my drawings from the company? Is it net or gross income since the business may be at a loss in the beginning? How are assets accounted for?

This seems to have really complicated things, so I hope any clarifications you have help. Thanks.

[Professor Iris]

Hello,


I looked through parts of this thread and couldn't really find the rules for asking, so I'd like to explain my situation and see if anyone could please offer some advice.

I'm in the final stages of picking between two graduate programs, one of which will require me to move to Alberta and probably have combined tuition and living expenses of 20k a year. I was primarily planning to support myself with a combination of OSAP and a line of credit and I'd have a few questions.

1. I understand there is a lower maximum loan amount for someone going to a private out of province school but since I'm going to a public one I can still get the potentially maximum of 350 per week?

2. The Ontario Student Opportunity Grant limits debt to 7000 for a normal academic year or 10500 for a year including summers (Which is my case), I was wondering if it only counts if I go to a Ontario school?

3. The biggest choice I have to make is whether I should declare myself to be a independent student or not? I ideally would like to maximize my OSAP loan especially to get the most out of the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant, but my parents would like to occasionally send me money if needed. I'm afraid of been banned from OSAP and being forced to immediately repay my loans, if I declare myself to be independent should I completely avoid any support from my family?

4. At the end of the process I may have as much as 21k in debt from OSAP, I was wondering how easy it is to get approved for the first 6 months of interest relief and onward if necessary?

Thank you again for reading and for any comments.

If this applies to you:For OSAP purposes, you are considered an Independent student if the following applies to you then you are an independent student and should apply as such:

You are separated, divorced, or widowed, AND have NO dependent children living with you.
You have not been a full-time student at a high school or postsecondary institution for at least 12 consecutive months on 2 or more occasions.
You have been out of high school for at least 4 years before the start of your study period.
The osap application will ask you to include in your income monetary gifts and such, but if you don't know those ahead of time, i.e. your parents aren't going to let you starve or will help if osap doesn't, then I wouldn't put anything here. You can't be expected to know ahead of time, you are expected to tell osap later on if things change from what you put on the application. I wouldn't worry about that unless it was substantial, you can ask for advice again depending on what it is later. The interest relief program is being replaced as of this year, it isn't totally in place yet but there is some info at canlearn.ca Hope that helps.

[Professor Iris]

I just opened a business (sole-proprietorship) and am now very confused about my OSAP application for 2009/2010.

Do I need to include business income as mine or just my drawings from the company? Is it net or gross income since the business may be at a loss in the beginning? How are assets accounted for?

This seems to have really complicated things, so I hope any clarifications you have help. Thanks.

I think that BBQPorkBun has answered a similar question before, but I believe is also on vacation so might be a while. Your business should be separate from your personal income, money for the business or in the business isn't yours so it shouldn't matter. If you end up profiting a lot right away and taking money out for yourself then that would income that osap would want to know about. All income amounts that they ask for are gross.

[Dealz-4-U]

I just applied and the estimator gave me a big fat $0, just because (im assuming) I got a co op job this year, where last year i had no job. :(

[BBQPorkBun]

HI BBQ,

I did call and i was transferred over to someone who did answer my question. I was told to use the 2008 application and I would still get money.
Thank you so much for all your help, I appreciate it. I only wish the people at the financial aid offices could be as helpful as you are.

Glad I could help Becky, good luck!
Just FYI, they should have your conversation on their internal notes now, what you've talked about etc. if anything goes wrong, you have some backup. =)

[BBQPorkBun]

Hello,


I looked through parts of this thread and couldn't really find the rules for asking, so I'd like to explain my situation and see if anyone could please offer some advice.

I'm in the final stages of picking between two graduate programs, one of which will require me to move to Alberta and probably have combined tuition and living expenses of 20k a year. I was primarily planning to support myself with a combination of OSAP and a line of credit and I'd have a few questions.

1. I understand there is a lower maximum loan amount for someone going to a private out of province school but since I'm going to a public one I can still get the potentially maximum of 350 per week?

2. The Ontario Student Opportunity Grant limits debt to 7000 for a normal academic year or 10500 for a year including summers (Which is my case), I was wondering if it only counts if I go to a Ontario school?

3. The biggest choice I have to make is whether I should declare myself to be a independent student or not? I ideally would like to maximize my OSAP loan especially to get the most out of the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant, but my parents would like to occasionally send me money if needed. I'm afraid of been banned from OSAP and being forced to immediately repay my loans, if I declare myself to be independent should I completely avoid any support from my family?

4. At the end of the process I may have as much as 21k in debt from OSAP, I was wondering how easy it is to get approved for the first 6 months of interest relief and onward if necessary?

Thank you again for reading and for any comments.

1) potentially yes
2) no
3) who's 'independant' is not up to u to decide, refer to professor's answer
4) no job easy have job harder

[BBQPorkBun]

I just opened a business (sole-proprietorship) and am now very confused about my OSAP application for 2009/2010.

Do I need to include business income as mine or just my drawings from the company? Is it net or gross income since the business may be at a loss in the beginning? How are assets accounted for?

This seems to have really complicated things, so I hope any clarifications you have help. Thanks.

lets start with this first general rule: any numbers that is up for manipulation is not a number you put on an application.

that includes drawings, why, cuz well if i have no drawings, then i have no income? no, thats not how it works.

with your business being a sole pro, you and the business is essentially the same entity (you are also personally liable). the income figure you would indicate is gross income (after your expenses but before taxes) and its gross income of your business. you would report the same number on your income tax returns.

your assets include assets of the company. you have the power to sell those assets and invest in your education rather than your business.

i'll give an extreme example. i have a million bucks, i registered a business and ive put my million in there and all this company does is invest in different stocks. hence i have no drawings and no assets, please lend me money for school. doesn't quite fit right.

try to keep clean books for your business, it will save you alot of headaches later.

[sunnyd71]

lets start with this first general rule: any numbers that is up for manipulation is not a number you put on an application.

that includes drawings, why, cuz well if i have no drawings, then i have no income? no, thats not how it works.

with your business being a sole pro, you and the business is essentially the same entity (you are also personally liable). the income figure you would indicate is gross income (after your expenses but before taxes) and its gross income of your business. you would report the same number on your income tax returns.

your assets include assets of the company. you have the power to sell those assets and invest in your education rather than your business.

i'll give an extreme example. i have a million bucks, i registered a business and ive put my million in there and all this company does is invest in different stocks. hence i have no drawings and no assets, please lend me money for school. doesn't quite fit right.

try to keep clean books for your business, it will save you alot of headaches later.

Thanks that helps a lot. I'll be declaring income as I'm supposed to be since I didn't setup the business to hide anything.

Another question about the income:

1. For each period OSAP asks about, should I provide (My income = Income - Expenses) for that period only? It becomes difficult to determine income for the business since some expenses are only charged at certain times of the year but were used for the full year. I'll only be able to be definitively determine my income at the end of my fiscal year.

For assets:

2. Will my assets for the company be assets - liabilities = My owners equity? or do they include liabilities and it is just Assets = Liabilities + OE?

[Ryougo]

Thank you to both of you for your advice.

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks that helps a lot. I'll be declaring income as I'm supposed to be since I didn't setup the business to hide anything.

Another question about the income:

1. For each period OSAP asks about, should I provide (My income = Income - Expenses) for that period only? It becomes difficult to determine income for the business since some expenses are only charged at certain times of the year but were used for the full year. I'll only be able to be definitively determine my income at the end of my fiscal year.

For assets:

2. Will my assets for the company be assets - liabilities = My owners equity? or do they include liabilities and it is just Assets = Liabilities + OE?

1) you are going to have to do your best to create projected statements, this is good practice for your budgeting as well. remember its not when you pay for your expenses, its when you use them (depending on materiality).

2) Assets unfortunately is just assets without taking into account liabilities because osap is not interested in that part. suggest you position yourself to have few liabilities and few assets as possible. (pay your debts)

[RandomSanity]

Don't have any questions at the moment, just wanted to give my thanks to BBQPorkBun for all the time he's put into this thread. You've answered a lot of questions I might have posed already and I really appreciate it as you've made me feel a lot better about my own situation as I have extremely large (and growing) student loans.

[tckr]

Hi All,
I searched and could not find the answer to my question, but I apologize if I missed it somewhere.
Last year my parents made a combined total of over 120K a year.
I am 3rd year university student, have qualified for OSAP the last 2 years (and received the student disability grant). My parents do pay for my education any longer, so I really need the OSAP loan and disability grant.
Is there a way that I can apply and get it under these circumstance?
Thanks, help is much appreciated.
Tckr

[CSK'sMom]

Hi All,
I searched and could not find the answer to my question, but I apologize if I missed it somewhere.
Last year my parents made a combined total of over 120K a year.
I am 3rd year university student, have qualified for OSAP the last 2 years (and received the student disability grant). My parents do pay for my education any longer, so I really need the OSAP loan and disability grant.
Is there a way that I can apply and get it under these circumstance?
Thanks, help is much appreciated.
Tckr

If you've qualified in the past you still should if everything is the same. As for the disability grant, again if you've already qualified for it you should still get it. Apply as normal and see what happens and what the estimate at the end says.

[tckr]

If you've qualified in the past you still should if everything is the same. As for the disability grant, again if you've already qualified for it you should still get it. Apply as normal and see what happens and what the estimate at the end says.

I should have clarified....my parents income was much less for the last 2 years (<$100K).

[CSK'sMom]

I should have clarified....my parents income was much less for the last 2 years (<$100K).

Apply and see what happens. The grant you should get as it's not income tested. You either qualify for it or you don't on supporting documentation. Other than that, no one can tell you if you'll qualify other than OSAP itself.

[sunnyd71]

1) you are going to have to do your best to create projected statements, this is good practice for your budgeting as well. remember its not when you pay for your expenses, its when you use them (depending on materiality).

2) Assets unfortunately is just assets without taking into account liabilities because osap is not interested in that part. suggest you position yourself to have few liabilities and few assets as possible. (pay your debts)

Thanks a lot. Not the answer I was hoping for but glad I now know.

[BBQPorkBun]

Don't have any questions at the moment, just wanted to give my thanks to BBQPorkBun for all the time he's put into this thread. You've answered a lot of questions I might have posed already and I really appreciate it as you've made me feel a lot better about my own situation as I have extremely large (and growing) student loans.

=)

[newrival]

I'm considered an "independent" student and I'm just about to finish filling out the 09-10 application, but I have a question on completing the Financial Information section on explaining how my Daily Living Costs will be met because my annual income will be less than $6200.

The criteria is
The explanation must include reference to how the following are being met:

* rent or mortgage payments
* utilities (e.g., heat, light, telephone)
* food and clothing costs
* other miscellaneous costs

If any of the above costs are being met by another person(s), such as a friend or relative, supporting documentation must also be provided by that person indicating their name and their relationship to you. Specific details as to how that person(s) is assisting with the costs must be outlined in the supporting documentation. If any of the above costs are being met through other financial resources, such as savings or investments, supporting documentation must also be provided to confirm the type and total value of these resources.

My parents will be helping me cover the costs but would that be a satisfactory explanation (I'll expand on it more in the actual application but don't know how much more I can say)? Also, I'm confused as to what kind of supporting documentation will I need to provide to include the information ... can anyone give me examples? Do I just type a word document saying "dad's name - rent costs - $500/mo" etc?

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm considered an "independent" student and I'm just about to finish filling out the 09-10 application, but I have a question on completing the Financial Information section on explaining how my Daily Living Costs will be met because my annual income will be less than $6200.

The criteria is
The explanation must include reference to how the following are being met:

* rent or mortgage payments
* utilities (e.g., heat, light, telephone)
* food and clothing costs
* other miscellaneous costs

If any of the above costs are being met by another person(s), such as a friend or relative, supporting documentation must also be provided by that person indicating their name and their relationship to you. Specific details as to how that person(s) is assisting with the costs must be outlined in the supporting documentation. If any of the above costs are being met through other financial resources, such as savings or investments, supporting documentation must also be provided to confirm the type and total value of these resources.

My parents will be helping me cover the costs but would that be a satisfactory explanation (I'll expand on it more in the actual application but don't know how much more I can say)? Also, I'm confused as to what kind of supporting documentation will I need to provide to include the information ... can anyone give me examples? Do I just type a word document saying "dad's name - rent costs - $500/mo" etc?

just say it the way it is but do not give specific amounts. that could only work against you. say your parents will be assisting in covering your costs, short and sweet.

[tckr]

Apply and see what happens. The grant you should get as it's not income tested. You either qualify for it or you don't on supporting documentation. Other than that, no one can tell you if you'll qualify other than OSAP itself.

I guess what I'm wondering is, when I apply, do I include a letter or something to explain that I'm not being supported by my parents?
Will they take that into consideration when considering me for loans?

[nman123]

hey Im currently on the same section of the 09-10 osap application as well, so should i just say my parents are paying for the mortgage and all the bills but do not put the amounts?

I also got two quick questions, one regarding my income for the year. Since I dont have a part time job right now should I just put 0 and later change it when I do get a job in the summer? Also on the Vehicle section would I say that I dont own a vehicle because It is my parents that the car is under and the vehicle is insured on there name and my name is only in the insurance as 3 driver.

[206bw]

If i plan to study in September, go on vacation for 1 semester in January, and back to studying in the summer: would there be a different application process? How would I tell osap/government this is what I am planning to do? It only seems to have the regular option of studying from Sept to May.

[CSK'sMom]

I guess what I'm wondering is, when I apply, do I include a letter or something to explain that I'm not being supported by my parents?
Will they take that into consideration when considering me for loans?

Unless you meet the independent student definition used by OSAP they really don't care that your parents are no longer contributing and it generally doesn't change anything. You're also supposed to be contributing to your costs. Apply and see what the estimate says. Once it's processed you can appeal the amount if you think you need to.

[CSK'sMom]

hey Im currently on the same section of the 09-10 osap application as well, so should i just say my parents are paying for the mortgage and all the bills but do not put the amounts?

I also got two quick questions, one regarding my income for the year. Since I dont have a part time job right now should I just put 0 and later change it when I do get a job in the summer? Also on the Vehicle section would I say that I dont own a vehicle because It is my parents that the car is under and the vehicle is insured on there name and my name is only in the insurance as 3 driver.

I'll address the bold part nman. If you don't have a job then yes, put $0 now. And yes, update that amount when you pick up your loan papers. As for the vehicle, if the ownership is not in your name then it's not yours and you don't report it as such.

[highvelocity]

And yes, update that amount when you pick up your loan papers.

What happens if you update the amount? Do they re-assess your loan and make you come back later?

[CSK'sMom]

What happens if you update the amount? Do they re-assess your loan and make you come back later?

When you pick up your loan papers there is a section that specifically asks what your actual pre-study income was, if it was different than you reported on the application. When you update that amount it changes nothing for that semester. It may trigger a reassessment for the next semester's loan amount depending on how much you made. IIRC, BBQ has said they figure everyone will make roughly $2500-$3k during the summer. If you don't update that amount then you risk loosing your eligibility and an overpayment that is immediately payable when they verify your income numbers with CRA.

[hira89]

I was filling the OSAP form but I'm kinda confused. Im at UOFT. See I've only completed 7 credits and I'm going into my 3rd year but technically I'd be in my second year so that what my rosi status would say like in september 2009 i'd be in 2nd year. so what should I put as my program in the osap form? 3rd year or 2nd year?

[newrival]

just say it the way it is but do not give specific amounts. that could only work against you. say your parents will be assisting in covering your costs, short and sweet.

I just submitted my application and mentioned my parents assisting for that portion of the financial section. Well, in the Summary section after I've submitted, the Required Supporting Documentation only lists "Your completed declaration and signature page". So I guess I don't have to submit anything else to "prove" that my parents will somehow help me to meet my daily living costs?

[Nikolaou66]

My parent's income presently is very different than it was in 2008 - which do I report (it is lower now).

[trustomega]

hi for those of you at u of T, do u know what is the limit, meaning the maximum amount of parental income from 105 line is, while still qualify for UTAP?

[CSK'sMom]

My parent's income presently is very different than it was in 2008 - which do I report (it is lower now).

You use the amount they claimed when they filed their 2008 incomes taxes. OSAP will verify this with CRA.

[BBQPorkBun]

I just submitted my application and mentioned my parents assisting for that portion of the financial section. Well, in the Summary section after I've submitted, the Required Supporting Documentation only lists "Your completed declaration and signature page". So I guess I don't have to submit anything else to "prove" that my parents will somehow help me to meet my daily living costs?

that line you said specifically does not say you have to submit anything to prove

[BBQPorkBun]

I was filling the OSAP form but I'm kinda confused. Im at UOFT. See I've only completed 7 credits and I'm going into my 3rd year but technically I'd be in my second year so that what my rosi status would say like in september 2009 i'd be in 2nd year. so what should I put as my program in the osap form? 3rd year or 2nd year?

3rd, you're just behind

[jdkf]

Do those grants/bursaries that apply when your need is over two hundred and whatever a week still apply for people doing a second degree/masters/law school?

IE am I guaranteed that type of bursary/grant is my need is high enough, or do they only apply for people in their first program? I thought I saw something about a restriction to the number of weeks you've been in postsecondary education.

Great thread, btw. Thanks so much for all your help!

[DrXenon]

Is it correct to assume that a child in a family with a gross income of $200k ain't gettin' any OSAP loans because the income is too high?

[trisle604]

Is it correct to assume that a child in a family with a gross income of $200k ain't gettin' any OSAP loans because the income is too high?

You bet you wont be receiving anything at all with a 200k income.

[Waggamuffin]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here could give me an estimate of how much OSAP one would receive if they're going into a 2 year nursing program this coming school year? full time, it's the Bachelor of Nursing Program at University of Toronto, tuition is estimated to be around $6000 a year if I remember right. During undergrad, every year $12,000 was received (low income, living away from home) I'm asking this on behalf of my relative, and so I may not be able to give you more details than that. :)

And also, I'd like to thank BBQPorkBun for so generously taking the time to answer all these questions for almost 2 years!! I've learned a lot by reading through this thread, and I just wanted to let you know that your help is very much appreciated! :)

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here could give me an estimate of how much OSAP one would receive if they're going into a 2 year nursing program this coming school year? full time, it's the Bachelor of Nursing Program at University of Toronto, tuition is estimated to be around $6000 a year if I remember right. During undergrad, every year $12,000 was received (low income, living away from home) I'm asking this on behalf of my relative, and so I may not be able to give you more details than that. :)

And also, I'd like to thank BBQPorkBun for so generously taking the time to answer all these questions for almost 2 years!! I've learned a lot by reading through this thread, and I just wanted to let you know that your help is very much appreciated! :)

if anything, i think i started the thread later than i should have. should have done it years before.

maybe i should get some sorta red flags pen or button or something for recognition =p

low income, no assets, away from home, pretty much assures the max. not much reason why you wouldn't get it. if you want a rough estimate i believe you can do that at canlearn.ca

[help_questions]

if anything, i think i started the thread later than i should have. should have done it years before.

maybe i should get some sorta red flags pen or button or something for recognition =p

low income, no assets, away from home, pretty much assures the max. not much reason why you wouldn't get it. if you want a rough estimate i believe you can do that at canlearn.ca

this should be thread of the year
hell, thread of the decade.

[nman123]

Hi, I got a question about my osap estimate after filling out the online application. I am going to be taking a computer program this September at Seneca but the loan estimate that I got was just enough for the tuition which is around 3k. The application asked for my parents 2008 income tax but in november of 2008 my moms company closed down and she has been out of work since. I don't know what it is called but she did receive money from her company because it was closing and the amount made her income go up a lot.

I think this is why I got a low estimate but how would I let them know of this and what I should do? I also did not know at the time that assets also include bank accounts so I put $0 for that section even though I got a like 3 hundred in my account.

[KittyKat19]

Hi, I got a question about my osap estimate after filling out the online application. I am going to be taking a computer program this September at Seneca but the loan estimate that I got was just enough for the tuition which is around 3k. The application asked for my parents 2008 income tax but in november of 2008 my moms company closed down and she has been out of work since. I don't know what it is called but she did receive money from her company because it was closing and the amount made her income go up a lot.

I think this is why I got a low estimate but how would I let them know of this and what I should do? I also did not know at the time that assets also include bank accounts so I put $0 for that section even though I got a like 3 hundred in my account.

I would also like to know the answer to this.
I am starting university in the fall and I live alone with my mom and sister (we are both dependants but I'm the only one in school). Last year my mom got laid off and she got a $100,000 severance. This made her income go up to about 70,000 to 175,000. However, she has none of that money left since we were in the process of moving at the time and it was very hard for her to find a job (she is now working minimum wage part-time). We are literally almost bankrupt. I am worried that if I sign up for OSAP I'll get denied and would like to know what I can do about this.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi, I got a question about my osap estimate after filling out the online application. I am going to be taking a computer program this September at Seneca but the loan estimate that I got was just enough for the tuition which is around 3k. The application asked for my parents 2008 income tax but in november of 2008 my moms company closed down and she has been out of work since. I don't know what it is called but she did receive money from her company because it was closing and the amount made her income go up a lot.

I think this is why I got a low estimate but how would I let them know of this and what I should do? I also did not know at the time that assets also include bank accounts so I put $0 for that section even though I got a like 3 hundred in my account.

the money she got is called a severance.

300 is insignificant, might as well be 0

these are grounds for an appeal when you actually get assessed because its a crititcal detail they will not be accounting for. what i would do is go to your finanancial aid office and find out details of the appeal process. prepare your proof, points and documents and once you get the indication you are getting xxxx amount, send in your appeal to lessen the wait time and get an answer asap.

you also have to keep in mind cashflow, you may end up waiting and needing to pay for things upfront while you are waiting for your answer.

[BBQPorkBun]

I would also like to know the answer to this.
I am starting university in the fall and I live alone with my mom and sister (we are both dependants but I'm the only one in school). Last year my mom got laid off and she got a $100,000 severance. This made her income go up to about 70,000 to 175,000. However, she has none of that money left since we were in the process of moving at the time and it was very hard for her to find a job (she is now working minimum wage part-time). We are literally almost bankrupt. I am worried that if I sign up for OSAP I'll get denied and would like to know what I can do about this.

nice severance. id go on vacation again. im coming back to TO tomrw =(

not sure how moving uses up 100k but anyways, here we go...

same answer as above. except you will probably have to prove the severance (easy) but also prove this money is gone or used up (could be hard). throw in the minimum wage part in as well. you have to make the argument that dispite that income figure that you are broke. if you can make that case then i would think you would not be denied.

[Ryougo]

New question,

I have about 1500 in mutual funds in my bank account, I don't really want to liquidate them at the moment but I would rather have cash. Do you think it would be suspicious to transfer them to a parent in exchange for cash from them? My total savings won't change but I don't want it to seems like I've received a monetary gift.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[nsk09]

I have been trying to find an answer to this question but it seems to have too many layers to it to be able to find it on any of the OSAP related websites.

I am currently an undergraduate student who will have had OSAP for all 4 years. After I have completed this degree I am planning on going to teacher's college. The plan after that is to begin working as a teacher while taking Distance Study Courses to upgrade to become a guidance counsellor. The programs I'm looking at only offer a degree in guidance as a full-time distance studies course.

My questions are:

1) Will I still be eligible to apply for OSAP in Teacher's College, Year 1 of Guidance Program, or Year 2 of Guidance Program.
2) Because I will be considered a full-time student while taking all of these programs are my OSAP payments delayed until I have graduated from the 2-year Guidance Program?

[BBQPorkBun]

New question,

I have about 1500 in mutual funds in my bank account, I don't really want to liquidate them at the moment but I would rather have cash. Do you think it would be suspicious to transfer them to a parent in exchange for cash from them? My total savings won't change but I don't want it to seems like I've received a monetary gift.

Thank you in advance for your help.

you'll be fine

[BBQPorkBun]

I have been trying to find an answer to this question but it seems to have too many layers to it to be able to find it on any of the OSAP related websites.

I am currently an undergraduate student who will have had OSAP for all 4 years. After I have completed this degree I am planning on going to teacher's college. The plan after that is to begin working as a teacher while taking Distance Study Courses to upgrade to become a guidance counsellor. The programs I'm looking at only offer a degree in guidance as a full-time distance studies course.

My questions are:

1) Will I still be eligible to apply for OSAP in Teacher's College, Year 1 of Guidance Program, or Year 2 of Guidance Program.
2) Because I will be considered a full-time student while taking all of these programs are my OSAP payments delayed until I have graduated from the 2-year Guidance Program?

1) yes
2) yes

[Phouma]

Does anyone know what the expected summer income is for OSAP? At what point do they start to reduce your loan if you make too much in the summer?

I remember talking to my financial aid office and they told me that OSAP assumes you to make a set amount of money in the summer regardless of whether you actually work or not. I'm supposed to make ~6k this summer and wasn't sure if that would affect my loan/bursaries/grants.

Thanks

[BBQPorkBun]

Does anyone know what the expected summer income is for OSAP? At what point do they start to reduce your loan if you make too much in the summer?

I remember talking to my financial aid office and they told me that OSAP assumes you to make a set amount of money in the summer regardless of whether you actually work or not. I'm supposed to make ~6k this summer and wasn't sure if that would affect my loan/bursaries/grants.

Thanks

around 2k

6k will affect things for sure

[shinghan]

My dad keeps pestering me about whether his name not being on my birth certificate has any effect towards OSAP. His name is not on it, only my mother's. Will this cause any problems if I used my father's income information? (my mother passed away 3 years ago) Because like out of no where, my father's name appears, would that slow down the process of getting the loan?

[KitKat270]

I just applied for OSAP for this coming September. So did my fiance. We are getting married this July, so we each had to put eachother's financial information on our applications. I made $7000 last year. He made $24000 AND has an RESP worth $5000. We work together and will make the same amount this summer. My OSAP loan estimate was $7700 and his was $9400. How does this make ANY sense at all? I am clearly in far more financial need than he is, and yet i'm entitled to less?! SOmeone please help, as my mind is completely boggled! :confused:

[BBQPorkBun]

My dad keeps pestering me about whether his name not being on my birth certificate has any effect towards OSAP. His name is not on it, only my mother's. Will this cause any problems if I used my father's income information? (my mother passed away 3 years ago) Because like out of no where, my father's name appears, would that slow down the process of getting the loan?

not gonna be an issue, they don't go around checking every parents name is on everyone's birth cert

[BBQPorkBun]

I just applied for OSAP for this coming September. So did my fiance. We are getting married this July, so we each had to put eachother's financial information on our applications. I made $7000 last year. He made $24000 AND has an RESP worth $5000. We work together and will make the same amount this summer. My OSAP loan estimate was $7700 and his was $9400. How does this make ANY sense at all? I am clearly in far more financial need than he is, and yet i'm entitled to less?! SOmeone please help, as my mind is completely boggled! :confused:

same school? same program? same....etc.

it is a estimate after all, wait for the actual amount

[Phouma]

around 2k

6k will affect things for sure

Will there be any problems if I underestimate my income for the summer?

[BBQPorkBun]

Will there be any problems if I underestimate my income for the summer?

go one step further and assume 0 till its in your pocket

[da1daonlyone]

I am going to the University of Toronto at the Mississauga location. I couldn't find UTM on the OSAP application so I'm should I assume that it is UofT. And if so does that mean I have to go to toronto location to get financial information and submit the forms.

Also what happens if I get a summer job? Can I edit the application in August?

[skip2]

Hey,
I'm going into second year and I'm trying to fill out the OSAP application. I did a full course load 1st year and got loans, and I also am planning to take 2 courses in the 2nd term of summer (for which I have loans approved which are released on June 22nd. Note, I didn't take any 1st term summer courses) On the OSAP app, there's a "Previous Studies" section, where it says:

"List all degree, diploma, or certificate programs that you have enrolled in each year since high school and the total amount of student loans that you have received.
There are six "Postsecondary Year" sections. Fill out only the sections that are relevant to you. If you require more space, you must provide the information requested below in a separate letter. If you make a mistake and answer questions in a "Postsecondary Year" section that is not relevant, you can delete the information by clicking on "Clear Information" in that section."

Do I/How/Where do I go on to list my upcoming summer loan?
Thanks in advance!

[BBQPorkBun]

I am going to the University of Toronto at the Mississauga location. I couldn't find UTM on the OSAP application so I'm should I assume that it is UofT. And if so does that mean I have to go to toronto location to get financial information and submit the forms.

Also what happens if I get a summer job? Can I edit the application in August?

u can go to utm for info
you let them know how much you've actually made later if its diff

[mr jbb]

awesome thread.
I have a few questions...
1.the income I had reported on my application last year was $8500 I ended up making $16000, It says osap is going to verify my income with the cra. is it better to just come foward and change my income, or should I just let it play out. My main concern is that ill be inelligable in the future to get osap funding.
2. I have a lot of different tax credits. can I report my income after the tax credits have been deducted or is it income before credits thay want. (I had about $6000 credits last year making my after tax income only $10000)

thanks a ton,

mr jbb

[BBQPorkBun]

awesome thread.
I have a few questions...
1.the income I had reported on my application last year was $8500 I ended up making $16000, It says osap is going to verify my income with the cra. is it better to just come foward and change my income, or should I just let it play out. My main concern is that ill be inelligable in the future to get osap funding.
2. I have a lot of different tax credits. can I report my income after the tax credits have been deducted or is it income before credits thay want. (I had about $6000 credits last year making my after tax income only $10000)

thanks a ton,

mr jbb

1) with that much difference, better to come forward, you don't want your file to be flagged.

2) gross income, meaning before anything

[mr jbb]

1) with that much difference, better to come forward, you don't want your file to be flagged.

2) gross income, meaning before anything

what happens if my file is flagged?
if I come foward and say I made $16000 wont I lose all of my funding? (is that too much money to earn to be eligable for osap?)
my main concern is I recieved a grant for $2000 will I have to repay this?
if I come foward do I have to repay the loan? or do they take it from future years?

thanks

[cyrene]

Is it too late at this point to transfer assets to say, a family member, to reduce the amount of assets in my name? The application says to give the value at 16 weeks before the beginning of the study period - why 16-weeks? And are they really strict about that?

My income is pretty low, so the asset amount makes a difference.

[SaNTi iTNaS]

I completed and mailed in the required documents (Signatures, etc) about a week ago. How long before I get my loan, or confirmed amount I will receive?

I need to pay my first semester before June 15th and still have not heard from OSAP.

[CSK'sMom]

I completed and mailed in the required documents (Signatures, etc) about a week ago. How long before I get my loan, or confirmed amount I will receive?

I need to pay my first semester before June 15th and still have not heard from OSAP.

You won't get your loan papers till school starts. Actual loan funds get direct deposited a couple of weeks later after OSAP confirms you're enrolled. You'll need to fill out the OSAP/tuition payment deferral papers at your school and pay the deposit out of your own pocket.

[SaNTi iTNaS]

^ Figured that's what I would have to do.

Thanks for the prompt response.

[iboyalama]

With OSAP, when does the interest start to work: since the beginning of the loan, during your studies and later on until you pay it all off; or only after you graduate?

[CSR]

With OSAP, when does the interest start to work: since the beginning of the loan, during your studies and later on until you pay it all off; or only after you graduate?

Interest free until you graduate, then it starts accumulating until you pay it off.

[iboyalama]

Interest free until you graduate, then it starts accumulating until you pay it off.

Does it start accumulating right after or after the 6-month period?

[west]

question for bbq, I know that having a joint account is a way of keeping your money but what if I have a joint account with someone that is also applying for osap?

Also does it matter how much you have in your joint account? Let's say 40k.

[BBQPorkBun]

what happens if my file is flagged?
if I come foward and say I made $16000 wont I lose all of my funding? (is that too much money to earn to be eligable for osap?)
my main concern is I recieved a grant for $2000 will I have to repay this?
if I come foward do I have to repay the loan? or do they take it from future years?

thanks

you will probably lose your funding, why? cuz you don't need it
yes, repay the grant
yes, repay the loan

[BBQPorkBun]

Does it start accumulating right after or after the 6-month period?

during the 6 month period (right after grad or stop school)

[BBQPorkBun]

question for bbq, I know that having a joint account is a way of keeping your money but what if I have a joint account with someone that is also applying for osap?

Also does it matter how much you have in your joint account? Let's say 40k.

its risky

it always matters

[trisle604]

question for bbq, I know that having a joint account is a way of keeping your money but what if I have a joint account with someone that is also applying for osap?

Also does it matter how much you have in your joint account? Let's say 40k.

if that account has 40k combined , one can only think you don't need OSAP that much.

[iboyalama]

So, right after you finish school, can you pay it off at once, as one big lump sum? And also, does it feel like a burden having just finished school and you're already 30k in debt?

[trisle604]

So, right after you finish school, can you pay it off at once, as one big lump sum? And also, does it feel like a burden having just finished school and you're already 30k in debt?

its okay , by the time I finish all my studies if everything goes accordingly , I'll be in debt well over...150k at the least depending on where I do grad school.Knowing I owe money really doesn't affect me , the only thing I'm afraid of right now is failure which is a good and bad thing for me , but it keeps me focused on the prize physician here I come!!!!

[iboyalama]

its okay , by the time I finish all my studies if everything goes accordingly , I'll be in debt well over...150k at the least depending on where I do grad school.Knowing I owe money really doesn't affect me , the only thing I'm afraid of right now is failure which is a good and bad thing for me , but it keeps me focused on the prize physician here I come!!!!

150k!
And I'd prefer to be clean when I get out. Grad school costs that much?

[bestknightmare]

Do I need to include any school fiancial aid/bursary as my "income" to OSAP?

[jonathon003]

I was wondering if anyone knows much about a designation like CFA and how OSAP treats it. Basically I'll be finished school after this next fall semester, but I was curious if I enroll in the CFA level I test for next June (so study from the time I finish school in December to June) will that count for anything, ie. can my interest bearing period be delayed for that timeframe as well?? I really hope that's the case because there is a lot of studying required for your CFA.

[BBQPorkBun]

So, right after you finish school, can you pay it off at once, as one big lump sum? And also, does it feel like a burden having just finished school and you're already 30k in debt?

yes, you can pay it off anytime.
its a burden, but for many including myself, there was no better alternative. i wouldn't complain about an interest free loan

[BBQPorkBun]

I was wondering if anyone knows much about a designation like CFA and how OSAP treats it. Basically I'll be finished school after this next fall semester, but I was curious if I enroll in the CFA level I test for next June (so study from the time I finish school in December to June) will that count for anything, ie. can my interest bearing period be delayed for that timeframe as well?? I really hope that's the case because there is a lot of studying required for your CFA.

nope

[docotoro]

my parents think that if I dont have a job I wont be aproved for OSAP is that true?

[CSK'sMom]

my parents think that if I dont have a job I wont be aproved for OSAP is that true?

Technically no it's not true, but OSAP does assume you will make somewhere around $2k to $2500 over the summer. That means that the summer income figure that they assume you will make does in some way impact your funding as you are expected to contribute to your education costs. In a nutshell, get a job. Anything worth doing (school) is worth working for.

[blazinpista]

I made income of $28000 last year. I live with legal guardians but they don't support me in anyway. My parents passed away since I was little. I started Summer Program in Seneca doing CTY. I made about $6000 this year so far. I currently don't have a job. I have saved up money from last year and have put in $1100 in RRSP. I don't want to waste my saving because I think i really might need it as backup to keep my life going since I don't have job currently. Do you think I can get osap from the following semester which is this September.

[CSK'sMom]

I made income of $28000 last year. I live with legal guardians but they don't support me in anyway. My parents passed away since I was little. I started Summer Program in Seneca doing CTY. I made about $6000 this year so far. I currently don't have a job. I have saved up money from last year and have put in $1100 in RRSP. I don't want to waste my saving because I think i really might need it as backup to keep my life going since I don't have job currently. Do you think I can get osap from the following semester which is this September.

You don't say, are you considered under OSAP rules an independent student? The answer may make a big difference.

But just by what you wrote, assuming you're not considered an independent student and you really did make $28k, I'd be surprised if you got anything. Use the estimator on the www.canlearn.ca site and see what it says.

[blazinpista]

I'm over 18 and i applied for Seneca Tuition Assistance grants and got some money from them. There I put my self as Independent on the application for that. I also did my tax as single independent.

[BBQPorkBun]

I made income of $28000 last year. I live with legal guardians but they don't support me in anyway. My parents passed away since I was little. I started Summer Program in Seneca doing CTY. I made about $6000 this year so far. I currently don't have a job. I have saved up money from last year and have put in $1100 in RRSP. I don't want to waste my saving because I think i really might need it as backup to keep my life going since I don't have job currently. Do you think I can get osap from the following semester which is this September.

when you say they don't support you, do you live under their roof?

you should try for osap regardless, even if they don't give you anything, borrow from other sources to go to school if thats what you really want to do.

keep in mind osaps not in the area of loaning money so people can keep their 'backup's so you're expected to use what u got for your education

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm over 18 and i applied for Seneca Tuition Assistance grants and got some money from them. There I put my self as Independent on the application for that. I also did my tax as single independent.

congratulations

[blazinpista]

I live under my guardians roof paying rent to them.

[skip2]

Hey,
I'm going into second year and I'm trying to fill out the OSAP application. I did a full course load 1st year and got loans, and I also am planning to take 2 courses in the 2nd term of summer (for which I have loans approved which are released on June 22nd. Note, I didn't take any 1st term summer courses) On the OSAP app, there's a "Previous Studies" section, where it says:

"List all degree, diploma, or certificate programs that you have enrolled in each year since high school and the total amount of student loans that you have received.
There are six "Postsecondary Year" sections. Fill out only the sections that are relevant to you. If you require more space, you must provide the information requested below in a separate letter. If you make a mistake and answer questions in a "Postsecondary Year" section that is not relevant, you can delete the information by clicking on "Clear Information" in that section."

Do I/How/Where do I go on to list my upcoming summer loan?
Thanks in advance!
Just incase it was missed.

[jonathon003]

nope

damn eh...ur 100% sure? can anyone rationalize this to me?? CFA involves quite a bit of studying and it is supposed to be treated almost as a full time job. why would they support masters students but not CFA students? b/c it's not through a canadian university?

[CSK'sMom]

I live under my guardians roof paying rent to them.


You still haven't answered the most important question. Do you meet the OSAP criteria to be considered an independent student? Read the criteria on the OSAP site if you're not sure what the criteria is. If you do not meet the criteria you cannot claim to be independent, it doesn't matter what you think. In fact, if OSAP deems you to be dependent I'd be willing to bet Seneca will come looking for their money back.

[preposterone]

Anything wrong with this?

OSAP asks you if you own a car, but if my dad owns the car, which he likely will need to do in order to qualify for financing, and I pay him using a student line of credit, then I can have a car (value = >> $5000) and still have OSAP. No?

[BBQPorkBun]

I live under my guardians roof paying rent to them.

hope you are moving out then and that your school is farther than 40 km away. then your chances of getting something increases.

[BBQPorkBun]

Just incase it was missed.

with regard to questions like how to fill out the app, or what individual fields mean, i suggest u call osap or financial aid. i don't have apps in front of me and can't answer for sure. what i hope to answer is more like cases of people and not how to fill in fields.

[BBQPorkBun]

damn eh...ur 100% sure? can anyone rationalize this to me?? CFA involves quite a bit of studying and it is supposed to be treated almost as a full time job. why would they support masters students but not CFA students? b/c it's not through a canadian university?

yup, im sure

rationalize...

-its not a full time job, even if u can treat it like one
-why stop at CFA, how about a real estate license, canadian securities course, or a plumbing license, each to some not so bright people is treated almost like a full time job (you can begin to see the subjectivity =p )
-gov't says no, then no

[BBQPorkBun]

Anything wrong with this?

OSAP asks you if you own a car, but if my dad owns the car, which he likely will need to do in order to qualify for financing, and I pay him using a student line of credit, then I can have a car (value = >> $5000) and still have OSAP. No?

as long as you don't own it then its fine, all the other stuff doesn't really matter

[cyrene]

I've been out of high school for 4 years, single, no dependent, permanent address is in Ottawa (parents' house), and I will be going to school in Kingston. I've found a suitable room in Kingston to rent, but the landlady is the type that takes cash and doesn't give receipts. I recognize without rental receipts, I won't be able to get tax credits for my income tax under the occupancy cost section; other than that, what would be the implications on the amount of osap I will get or proving residency?

[at1212b]

I've been out of high school for 4 years, single, no dependent, permanent address is in Ottawa (parents' house), and I will be going to school in Kingston. I've found a suitable room in Kingston to rent, but the landlady is the type that takes cash and doesn't give receipts. I recognize without rental receipts, I won't be able to get tax credits for my income tax under the occupancy cost section; other than that, what would be the implications on the amount of osap I will get or proving residency?

You definitely need and should get rental receipts.

You should get more money if you have residency.

[BBQPorkBun]

I've been out of high school for 4 years, single, no dependent, permanent address is in Ottawa (parents' house), and I will be going to school in Kingston. I've found a suitable room in Kingston to rent, but the landlady is the type that takes cash and doesn't give receipts. I recognize without rental receipts, I won't be able to get tax credits for my income tax under the occupancy cost section; other than that, what would be the implications on the amount of osap I will get or proving residency?

don't worry, there is many ways around this

on the osap side, obviously you are living away from home, and you won't have the burden to really prove anything unless one day you get audited

on the tax side, and what you should do to protect yourself, keep good records. write post dated cheques and keep your outgoing check record accurate. the record of X amount of money coming out of your account is already your proof. claim the payment of rent as usual and state your address on your taxes, through this maybe the landlady will get investigated.

if you ever get questioned/audited, state here are my records, my home is in ottawa, i go to school in kingston, i live at this address, paying x amount of rent, the landlady is this person, she has refused to write receipts but every one of those monthly payments goes into her account with my note on the cheque indicating which month of rent it is for, she should be recognizing the rent as revenue, verify everything with this person.

[cyrene]

don't worry, there is many ways around this

on the osap side, obviously you are living away from home, and you won't have the burden to really prove anything unless one day you get audited

on the tax side, and what you should do to protect yourself, keep good records. write post dated cheques and keep your outgoing check record accurate. the record of X amount of money coming out of your account is already your proof. claim the payment of rent as usual and state your address on your taxes, through this maybe the landlady will get investigated.

if you ever get questioned/audited, state here are my records, my home is in ottawa, i go to school in kingston, i live at this address, paying x amount of rent, the landlady is this person, she has refused to write receipts but every one of those monthly payments goes into her account with my note on the cheque indicating which month of rent it is for, she should be recognizing the rent as revenue, verify everything with this person.

Thank you for the insight!

The landlady (we are just emailing back and forth this past couple days after I answered her ad) did say she prefers cash payments, and I do recognize it's so she won't need to report rent as income. So, she is telling me this upfront before I rent from her, and not refuse to give me receipts after I hand over my money. She is renting out one of the rooms in her basement apartment and she lives upstairs, so I might see her often and it might be awkward to say, "hey, I'm claiming my rent even though you are not...if you get in trouble with CRA that's your problem."

I'm guessing if you're going to school out of town, OSAP assumes that you pay rent? Does it matter how much the rent is in terms of how much osap you will receive - say, do I get the osap amount for living away from home regardless if I a lot of rent or no rent?

Thanks again.

[CSK'sMom]

Thank you for the insight!

The landlady (we are just emailing back and forth this past couple days after I answered her ad) did say she prefers cash payments, and I do recognize it's so she won't need to report rent as income. So, she is telling me this upfront before I rent from her, and not refuse to give me receipts after I hand over my money. She is renting out one of the rooms in her basement apartment and she lives upstairs, so I might see her often and it might be awkward to say, "hey, I'm claiming my rent even though you are not...if you get in trouble with CRA that's your problem."

I'm guessing if you're going to school out of town, OSAP assumes that you pay rent? Does it matter how much the rent is in terms of how much osap you will receive - say, do I get the osap amount for living away from home regardless if I a lot of rent or no rent?

Thanks again.

In regards to the bold part.... In a nutshell, yes. Notice on the OSAP application they never ask for a rent or residence amount, only if you are living at home or away during your study period. They use a predetermined formula depending on how you answer that question factoring in the cost of living in the area of your school. So when it comes right down to it, they don't care if you're spending $10k for residence or renting a room for $200/month, the person in residence won't get more funding just as the person renting the room won't get less funding. Hopefully that makes sense...

[ray2cool]

hey i have a question.

I applied for Osap last summer. but like for some reason my mom was like dont get a loan, its bad, its rly hard to pay off bla bla bla, so she ended up paying my whole tution like in september. i never followed up on my osap. But now like shes so broke, shes telling me to apply for osap. so im applying rite now for then next year, and i happend to check and i guess i was approvd this year 2008-2009 for about 4000, but its probably gonna be changed since i made about 2000$ during the summer, and i dropped a course.

But like my question right now is, like the year is already done, but like in my student records, it says i have 2 funding certificate documents waiting for pickup; Does that mean that I can book an apointment, go in there and show them all my records from work, and make all the adjustments, and still receieve some osap for the year that already finished, or is it too late to get any money?

[CSK'sMom]

hey i have a question.

I applied for Osap last summer. but like for some reason my mom was like dont get a loan, its bad, its rly hard to pay off bla bla bla, so she ended up paying my whole tution like in september. i never followed up on my osap. But now like shes so broke, shes telling me to apply for osap. so im applying rite now for then next year, and i happend to check and i guess i was approvd this year 2008-2009 for about 4000, but its probably gonna be changed since i made about 2000$ during the summer, and i dropped a course.

But like my question right now is, like the year is already done, but like in my student records, it says i have 2 funding certificate documents waiting for pickup; Does that mean that I can book an apointment, go in there and show them all my records from work, and make all the adjustments, and still receieve some osap for the year that already finished, or is it too late to get any money?

Those were your loan documents for the 08/09 school year and they are not valid anylonger. That money is essentially gone now, the loan papers are expired. You need to apply for the 09/10 school year. If approved you then will pick up your loan papers and negotiate your loan in Sept and again in Jan.

[draze]

Hey, I have a few questions.

1) I have finished my application, I assume. It gave me an estimate of 7700. I'm living with parents, both summer and study period. I chose a no paper option, however I didn't receive anything of some sort of confirmation. Was I supposed to? I didn't sign the declaration yet.

2) I don't have a car right now and I put it that way on my application. What happens if I do buy a car this summer?

[CSK'sMom]

Hey, I have a few questions.

1) I have finished my application, I assume. It gave me an estimate of 7700. I'm living with parents, both summer and study period. I chose a no paper option, however I didn't receive anything of some sort of confirmation. Was I supposed to? I didn't sign the declaration yet.

2) I don't have a car right now and I put it that way on my application. What happens if I do buy a car this summer?
1. You will not get a "confirmation" per say. You need to do one of two things. Either print the declaration forms yourself or check the box to have them snail mail them to you. When signed you need to get them to your schools fin. aid office asap.
2. If you buy a car you have to report it to OSAP if it's in your name. They will want to know the value of the car and it may reduce your loan or make you ineligible depending on the value as assessed by OSAP.

[sofresh23]

Okay so I went to college 4 years ago for a year. I recieved an OSAP loan for aroun$6000. After my first year my life fell apart. I was not able to make any payments towards osap. I was a vagrant and living on the streets. After a lot of struggle and heartache my life is back in order. I have a fulltime job, I upgraded all my highschool marks, and applied to Ryerson in the fall.

Now this might be a stupid question. But given my past inabilities to pay back my initial loan, will I be eligible for OSAP again? ever?

I've saved up around $3000 so far but that is not enough to cover my tuition alone.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[shadyimpala]

I was told to throw my question in this post:


Hey guys,

Just applied for OSAP for the very first time. I already submitted my application but the one thing I'm curious about is whether I answered this question right.

I already used the search function and couldnt find any answers so I thought I'd post.

So the definition for other assets according to OSAP is: "Other assets include the total gross value of all account balances at financial institutions, bonds, term deposits, GICs, all other investments, and any other assets (e.g., any real estate other than your principle residence, boats, aircraft, motors, etc.) not indicated in the items on your application dealing with vehicles and/or RRSPs. Do not include the value of your principal residence, clothing, furniture, personal belongings, non-economic loss and/or pain and suffering awards of less than $100,000, RESP's that have not been cashed in, savings through the Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent program or, OSAP funding."


In my bank account I have RBC checking, savings, 1 credit card, and 1 student line of credit, or RBCs version of a student "loan".

So under other assets I decided to put what I had in my checking and savings as of May 20th. Was that correct?

I mean is a credit card an asset? Like is the remaining balance on my credit card considered an asset?

What about my student line of credit or student loan I have at RBC? Is that an asset too?

I was told by the York financial aid office that student loans are not assets and not income. So is the student line of credit the same thing?

Or is it just my savings account that's an asset?

Thank you.

[BBQPorkBun]

I was told to throw my question in this post:


Hey guys,

Just applied for OSAP for the very first time. I already submitted my application but the one thing I'm curious about is whether I answered this question right.

I already used the search function and couldnt find any answers so I thought I'd post.

So the definition for other assets according to OSAP is: "Other assets include the total gross value of all account balances at financial institutions, bonds, term deposits, GICs, all other investments, and any other assets (e.g., any real estate other than your principle residence, boats, aircraft, motors, etc.) not indicated in the items on your application dealing with vehicles and/or RRSPs. Do not include the value of your principal residence, clothing, furniture, personal belongings, non-economic loss and/or pain and suffering awards of less than $100,000, RESP's that have not been cashed in, savings through the Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent program or, OSAP funding."


In my bank account I have RBC checking, savings, 1 credit card, and 1 student line of credit, or RBCs version of a student "loan".

So under other assets I decided to put what I had in my checking and savings as of May 20th. Was that correct?

I mean is a credit card an asset? Like is the remaining balance on my credit card considered an asset?

What about my student line of credit or student loan I have at RBC? Is that an asset too?

I was told by the York financial aid office that student loans are not assets and not income. So is the student line of credit the same thing?

Or is it just my savings account that's an asset?

Thank you.

this post could have been a one liner =p

credit card and line of credit are not assets, you answered it fine

[CSK'sMom]

Okay so I went to college 4 years ago for a year. I recieved an OSAP loan for aroun$6000. After my first year my life fell apart. I was not able to make any payments towards osap. I was a vagrant and living on the streets. After a lot of struggle and heartache my life is back in order. I have a fulltime job, I upgraded all my highschool marks, and applied to Ryerson in the fall.

Now this might be a stupid question. But given my past inabilities to pay back my initial loan, will I be eligible for OSAP again? ever?

I've saved up around $3000 so far but that is not enough to cover my tuition alone.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

If you defaulted on your loan and it went into collections then no, you won't get OSAP again. The application asks very specific questions in regards to bankruptcy, etc and you must consent to a credit check during the application. If you haven't already I'd suggest getting that initial loan repayed and clean up your credit history. Maybe try school on a part time basis in the meantime...

[sassymiss]

hey thanks for all your help BBQPB and CSK!

I have a question regarding the income amounts for my guardian. When it asks for total payable (line 435), do I report the amount on previous assessment or under the revised amount column? Thanks again for your input!

[CSK'sMom]

hey thanks for all your help BBQPB and CSK!

I have a question regarding the income amounts for my guardian. When it asks for total payable (line 435), do I report the amount on previous assessment or under the revised amount column? Thanks again for your input!

If they have filed and received their notice of assessment for 08 you use the info from the NOA, if different than what they filed. If they have filed their taxes and not received their NOA yet you use the info from their tax return as they filed it. Don't fudge the number as it will be cross checked with the CRA.

[bestknightmare]

This is my 6th year applying for OSAP, and funny I've got this question now..lol


I am sure everyone hve asked this question before, so here it goes:

Do I need to report any $$ carry over from previous OSAP? Do I need to report any financial aid that the school have provided me in the summer as "income"? Should I transfer my money from my own bank account to my parents so OSAP won't deduct my loan??

Thanks

[CSK'sMom]

This is my 6th year applying for OSAP, and funny I've got this question now..lol


I am sure everyone hve asked this question before, so here it goes:

Do I need to report any $$ carry over from previous OSAP? Do I need to report any financial aid that the school have provided me in the summer as "income"? Should I transfer my money from my own bank account to my parents so OSAP won't deduct my loan??

Thanks

Answer the specific questions on the application truthfully to begin with. They make it very clear on the application that leftover OSAP funds are not considered assets. Financial aid from the school is usually reportable, again read the info links within the application.

[sassymiss]

If they have filed and received their notice of assessment for 08 you use the info from the NOA, if different than what they filed. If they have filed their taxes and not received their NOA yet you use the info from their tax return as they filed it. Don't fudge the number as it will be cross checked with the CRA.

It is in the NOA that my guardian has two columns for line 435, one stating a previous assessment (lower amount) and a (higher) amount under a $ revised assessment column. Now I'm just wondering which amount I report since they both happen to be on line 435 on the NOA...

[ECSTATIC]

Does the QEII take our top6 marks, our "entrance avg" for the university, or all of our grade 12 marks?

[MikeyPyro]

This is a stupid question but I'll ask it anyway. Going into my third year and I still forget what I did in the past but do you have to mail in the supporting documentation page? The one where you have to write down what you're supposed to give in and check it off?

I seriously don't remember ever having to do that in the past. And this year I plan on mailing it rather than going all the way to school to put it in the drop box, is that cool? No major drawbacks right?

[CSK'sMom]

It is in the NOA that my guardian has two columns for line 435, one stating a previous assessment (lower amount) and a (higher) amount under a $ revised assessment column. Now I'm just wondering which amount I report since they both happen to be on line 435 on the NOA...
Use the revised amount as it's what CRA will forward when your application is processed.

[sassymiss]

Thanks CSK'sMom:cheesygri

[shinghan]

Hi everyone. This is my first time applying for OSAP and I'm not sure how it works but would anyone know how much I might get with these inputs? What is considered low income and avg income? And what other choices do I have in finding financing for my tuition? My tuition is around 13-14k and there are no RESP or savings that I have, so I'm in a bit of trouble. Plus I live only with my father with no dependants other than me. I received a 1000 scholarship, but I don't know how much that would help. Any help would be much apprciated.

Total income: 38000 approx
Net income: 37000 approx
CPP: 2000 approx
Premiums: 600 approx
Total tax payable: 5500 approx

[CSK'sMom]

Hi everyone. This is my first time applying for OSAP and I'm not sure how it works but would anyone know how much I might get with these inputs? What is considered low income and avg income? And what other choices do I have in finding financing for my tuition? My tuition is around 13-14k and there are no RESP or savings that I have, so I'm in a bit of trouble. Plus I live only with my father with no dependants other than me. I received a 1000 scholarship, but I don't know how much that would help. Any help would be much apprciated.

Total income: 38000 approx
Net income: 37000 approx
CPP: 2000 approx
Premiums: 600 approx
Total tax payable: 5500 approx

No one can tell you as there are so many other variables other than income. Things like the actual school and program, distance from school, etc. all factor in. Run your numbers on the student aid estimator on the www.canlearn.ca site. No matter what you should apply to OSAP anyway. It doesn't cost anything to apply and even if you don't qualify for full funding every little bit helps. Apply sooner rather than later as the deadline for the QE Scholarships is approaching quickly. I'd be willing to bet you'll qualify for a decent amount, if not full funding.

[13sundin]

I'm planning into going into ATC (air traffic controlling). The training will be at NAV Canada.

question: is NAV canada considered to be a college? + will i get a loan from OSAP?

My sister qualified for some funds so I shouldnt have any problems getting it.

[shinghan]

No one can tell you as there are so many other variables other than income. Things like the actual school and program, distance from school, etc. all factor in. Run your numbers on the student aid estimator on the www.canlearn.ca site. No matter what you should apply to OSAP anyway. It doesn't cost anything to apply and even if you don't qualify for full funding every little bit helps. Apply sooner rather than later as the deadline for the QE Scholarships is approaching quickly. I'd be willing to bet you'll qualify for a decent amount, if not full funding.

Right, forgot about the QE Scholarships. Thanks for your input. What kind of additional funding could I get? I'm sure there are some stuff from Waterloo since that is where I'm going. I'm actually checking their stuff atm, seeing any kind of options available.

[hypnosheep]

My dad was laid off this year and is still unemployed. When I apply for OSAP, it asks for the information from the 2008 tax return (for your parent's income). On my dad's 2008 tax return it states that he makes 50 000 a year.

How can I let OSAP know that my situation has changed and that he is no longer employed?

[BBQPorkBun]

I'm planning into going into ATC (air traffic controlling). The training will be at NAV Canada.

question: is NAV canada considered to be a college? + will i get a loan from OSAP?

My sister qualified for some funds so I shouldnt have any problems getting it.

https://osap.gov.on.ca/cgi-bin/lansaweb?procfun+proc0910+SCH0910+OSP+eng

[BBQPorkBun]

My dad was laid off this year and is still unemployed. When I apply for OSAP, it asks for the information from the 2008 tax return (for your parent's income). On my dad's 2008 tax return it states that he makes 50 000 a year.

How can I let OSAP know that my situation has changed and that he is no longer employed?

u can appeal but then i don't think it will make much difference since 50k for both parents is not much to begin with, don't think osap expected them to contribute. but always worth a try.

[canadianmom]

Does the QEII take our top6 marks, our "entrance avg" for the university, or all of our grade 12 marks?

Curious about this also. Does anyone know which marks are used?

[Zubbie]

Hey,
I just finished and submitted my OSAP application and was quoted by the estimator for $3,100. I made $18,000 last year while attending my final year of college and I project myself to make approximately $14,000 this year. I do lease a vehicle, which has a current gross market value of ~$15,000. I have been out of high school for more than 4 years.

Since I turned 21 I have had to pay my mother rent, contribute to groceries and various bills.

I will not be residing with my mother during the course of my academic terms.

My question is; $3,100 is not nearly enough to fund my education and after exhausting all my sources I predict I will still be short ~$8,000 to cover my living expenses, tuition and textbooks. Who should I contact to explain my situation?

Do you think that after explaining how short I will fall, OSAP will increase the funding I am eligible to receive?

[CSK'sMom]

Ecstatic and CandianMom... re the QE scholarships. I have never been able to find exactly how they look at marks and whom they compare them to or even exactly which marks they use. There is very little info out here about the selection process other than the little on the OSAP site. Things they do say are pretty general in nature, things like the pool of funds depends on the size of the graduating class at the applicant's school, etc.

Just a heads up for everyone applying for the first time this year...
June 19, 2009 is the deadline date to be considered for the QE Scholarship, meaning your OSAP application must be submitted by this date. Signature and declaration sheets must be returned by July 17, 2009.

[EAMAY]

Ecstatic and CandianMom... re the QE scholarships. I have never been able to find exactly how they look at marks and whom they compare them to or even exactly which marks they use. There is very little info out here about the selection process other than the little on the OSAP site. Things they do say are pretty general in nature, things like the pool of funds depends on the size of the graduating class at the applicant's school, etc.

Just a heads up for everyone applying for the first time this year...
June 19, 2009 is the deadline date to be considered for the QE Scholarship, meaning your OSAP application must be submitted by this date. Signature and declaration sheets must be returned by July 17, 2009.

THANK YOU! OMG I had no idea the deadline was so close. Good chance I would have missed it if I didnt read your post.

[draze]

1. You will not get a "confirmation" per say. You need to do one of two things. Either print the declaration forms yourself or check the box to have them snail mail them to you. When signed you need to get them to your schools fin. aid office asap.
2. If you buy a car you have to report it to OSAP if it's in your name. They will want to know the value of the car and it may reduce your loan or make you ineligible depending on the value as assessed by OSAP.

by school, you mean university or my high school?
What happens after I submit it? I'm just worried, whether I did and am doing everything right.

[CSK'sMom]

by school, you mean university or my high school?
What happens after I submit it? I'm just worried, whether I did and am doing everything right.

Your signature pages, declaration and any supporting documents that OSAP requests need to be returned to your universities fin. aid office. Just make sure you make all the deadlines, like the QE Scholarship one...

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey,
I just finished and submitted my OSAP application and was quoted by the estimator for $3,100. I made $18,000 last year while attending my final year of college and I project myself to make approximately $14,000 this year. I do lease a vehicle, which has a current gross market value of ~$15,000. I have been out of high school for more than 4 years.

Since I turned 21 I have had to pay my mother rent, contribute to groceries and various bills.

I will not be residing with my mother during the course of my academic terms.

My question is; $3,100 is not nearly enough to fund my education and after exhausting all my sources I predict I will still be short ~$8,000 to cover my living expenses, tuition and textbooks. Who should I contact to explain my situation?

Do you think that after explaining how short I will fall, OSAP will increase the funding I am eligible to receive?

with what you made before where did it all go? you shouldn't have to pay taxes yet. they'd probably tell u to sell your car/lease. theres not much to explain. osap not here to help people keep lease on their cars.

[T-dawg]

Hi
i'm going to do grad school in the states. What is the maximum permitted osap for a single, 'no dependents' student for studies outside the country? like the max for a single, no dependents for an undergrad in ontario is about 11,000..
I know its a very specific question.. but any help would be appreciated.
Thanks! :P

[canadianmom]

Ecstatic and CandianMom... re the QE scholarships. I have never been able to find exactly how they look at marks and whom they compare them to or even exactly which marks they use. There is very little info out here about the selection process other than the little on the OSAP site. Things they do say are pretty general in nature, things like the pool of funds depends on the size of the graduating class at the applicant's school, etc.
[/B]

Thank you. Wish there was more info out there! Guess its just a wait and see situation.

[Shinjieva01]

hey guys,

i'm trying to get a definitive answer for the following. I will be starting my masters program in September and i'm just wondering if the OSAP repayment interest rate is the same for grad students as it is for undergrad students. That is, prime + 1% (provincial) and prime + 2.5%(federal)

thanks

[da1daonlyone]

Thanks for the reply.

One more question. I applied to OSAP before June 16th. Do i need to have the supporting docements in before June 16th to be eligible for the Queen Elizibeth scholarship?

[CSK'sMom]

Thanks for the reply.

One more question. I applied to OSAP before June 16th. Do i need to have the supporting docements in before June 16th to be eligible for the Queen Elizibeth scholarship?

Read one page back, I posted the deadlines including the deadline for supporting documentation.

[shadyimpala]

This is my first year applying for OSAP. I put I'll make 11,000 this year and live on Res. They gave me 8400. I'm working 15 hours a week now, but it looks like I might be moving up to 24 hours for a couple of weeks.

How does this effect my OSAP payment? When I know for sure how much I've made by september do I give them an update? Or do I wait till the end of the year to know my final total and then give them an update? Do they get mad if you were way off on your calculations for the year total, or is it not a big deal as long as you let them know?

How much does an extra 5000 a year lets say make on the 8400 they are giving me?

[CSK'sMom]

This is my first year applying for OSAP. I put I'll make 11,000 this year and live on Res. They gave me 8400. I'm working 15 hours a week now, but it looks like I might be moving up to 24 hours for a couple of weeks.

How does this effect my OSAP payment? When I know for sure how much I've made by september do I give them an update? Or do I wait till the end of the year to know my final total and then give them an update? Do they get mad if you were way off on your calculations for the year total, or is it not a big deal as long as you let them know?

How much does an extra 5000 a year lets say make on the 8400 they are giving me?
When you pick up your loan papers in Sept there is an area on the forms that asks for an updated earnings amount during your pre-study period. Update it then as accurately as you can. It may very well throw your loan into reassessment with the $5k you are talking about. If that happens your Jan. loan payment will be reduced to reflect the new assessment. As long as you let them know by doing the income update on your loan papers it won't flag your account. If you don't update and you're off by that much it may throw red flags resulting in an overpayment that is repayable immediately.

[BBQPorkBun]

hey guys,

i'm trying to get a definitive answer for the following. I will be starting my masters program in September and i'm just wondering if the OSAP repayment interest rate is the same for grad students as it is for undergrad students. That is, prime + 1% (provincial) and prime + 2.5%(federal)

thanks

same

[SteelM]

Last year i received $9300, this year i plan to live on residence (for the first time) and i'm being offered $7000. Nothing else has changed. What is happening?

[trisle604]

Last year i received $9300, this year i plan to live on residence (for the first time) and i'm being offered $7000. Nothing else has changed. What is happening?

either your parents live with in 40km of the school , or your parents annual income is higher than the other year.judging by your response though , you are with in 40km's of the school.

[BBQPorkBun]

either your parents live with in 40km of the school , or your parents annual income is higher than the other year.judging by your response though , you are with in 40km's of the school.

its neither of those two things

- his parents would of lived 40 km from the school whether he lives there or not. they don't deduct money for wanting your own space
- its not income if he is indeed accurate when he says everything else is the same

can't tell u what it is, but can tell u what its not. how same is same?

[trisle604]

hopefully i will receive the amount that OSAP estimated me receiving after filling out the application.its definitely higher than last time by 3K , it just sucks you are limited to the amount of money you can earn while studying in order to receive full funding the next term.

[asxt]

some quick info for those in UofT and havent got the Tcard.

your student number is also your uoft applicant number, just called in to confirm that..

[SteelM]

its neither of those two things

- his parents would of lived 40 km from the school whether he lives there or not. they don't deduct money for wanting your own space
- its not income if he is indeed accurate when he says everything else is the same

can't tell u what it is, but can tell u what its not. how same is same?

I do live within 40 km of the school(30 km) and double checked last years osap application with this years and it's identical. Thanks for the response I will probably file an appeal.

[CSK'sMom]

I do live within 40 km of the school(30 km) and double checked last years osap application with this years and it's identical. Thanks for the response I will probably file an appeal.

If you (your parents) live within 40 km of the school you will not get funding to live in residence or on your own. OSAP expects that you will live at home if you're a dependent student and you live that close to your school... If you want to move out or in residence you'd best figure out how to pay for it on your own. The higher amount last year would have probably taken into account commuting expenses. You'll loose that now but you won't get more to live in residence...

[new_grad]

hi, this is a great forum. i read trough alot of posts and found it helpfull.

I have a question. i graduated this year and was taking osap troughout my school years. im about 45k in depth now. i got married end of feb this year . i didnt tell them yet cus i was scared of how things will change with osap. im unemployed right now. my husband makes about 100k but we have mortgage and he is the only one paying for house expences.

i called the financial office to ask about OSOG grant since i didnt get it so far and they told me that for the 2008-2009 year they will wait untill the 2009 tax info. i told them about my marriage since it would be mentioned in my 2009 tax return.

my concern is that how it will affect my osap that i received so far and osog entitlement, i only got $100 grant so far for 2005-2006 year. what is the critaria for osog? am i gonna go on black lists since i told them about my marriage now rather than in march after wedding?

[BBQPorkBun]

hi, this is a great forum. i read trough alot of posts and found it helpfull.

I have a question. i graduated this year and was taking osap troughout my school years. im about 45k in depth now. i got married end of feb this year . i didnt tell them yet cus i was scared of how things will change with osap. im unemployed right now. my husband makes about 100k but we have mortgage and he is the only one paying for house expences.

i called the financial office to ask about OSOG grant since i didnt get it so far and they told me that for the 2008-2009 year they will wait untill the 2009 tax info. i told them about my marriage since it would be mentioned in my 2009 tax return.

my concern is that how it will affect my osap that i received so far and osog entitlement, i only got $100 grant so far for 2005-2006 year. what is the critaria for osog? am i gonna go on black lists since i told them about my marriage now rather than in march after wedding?

i mean it is what it is, if you don't get the grant based on family income, well they conclude that you don't need it, which you don't. alot of people out there making alot less than 100k have mortgages, lets get real.

you won't get black listed, but not getting the grant is possible.

[new_grad]

i mean it is what it is, if you don't get the grant based on family income, well they conclude that you don't need it, which you don't. alot of people out there making alot less than 100k have mortgages, lets get real.

you won't get black listed, but not getting the grant is possible.



i understand your point but i was wondering how this will change my osap entitlement for 2008-2009 year. I was married only the last two months of the acadamic year which is march and april in 2009. From sep 2008 to feb I was not married which means my family income was way less than that. how does that make since that the last two married months will determind the whole acadamic year entitlement?

[csxf]

im 18 and living with my parents. i dont know if i can get osap to get to university since my dad has criminal record. am i doomed becouse of him? does osap check history of people to determine osap eligibility?

[GoingToSchoolMaybe]

I am wondering if anyone knows the actual OSAP formula?

I applied for OSAP for the first time this year, I am a married student with one child under 6. My household income is under 45K. I do have assets totaling 1500 in investments through work, and a car slightly over the 5K limit.

OSAP isn't giving me any money for school, I would have thought I would be a prime candidate for assistance from them based on income and assets.

The financial aid office at the college, was really not helpful, can anyone shed some light on this for me?

[danman227460]

You have too much assets and income for a student.

They base your estimation on pretty much how much you make and own. There is no actual formula as far as I know but as long as you have zero assets, income under 20K, you get some assistance. You do have a dependent and married but I am not sure how that much that changes your estimate. It probably is nothing compared to your assets and income. They pretty much think you can afford to go to school with all the money you make. If not, your spouse can support you.

OSAP is a PITA and really only favours people who are completely broke.

I have heard stories of my friends who had to work during the school year and they made over 10K and pretty much got denied for OSAP. They had rent to pay onto of their schooling but since OSAP saw they made so much, they didn't qualify.

I am wondering if anyone knows the actual OSAP formula?

I applied for OSAP for the first time this year, I am a married student with one child under 6. My household income is under 45K. I do have assets totaling 1500 in investments through work, and a car slightly over the 5K limit.

OSAP isn't giving me any money for school, I would have thought I would be a prime candidate for assistance from them based on income and assets.

The financial aid office at the college, was really not helpful, can anyone shed some light on this for me?

[CSK'sMom]

im 18 and living with my parents. i dont know if i can get osap to get to university since my dad has criminal record. am i doomed becouse of him? does osap check history of people to determine osap eligibility?

A criminal record has nothing to do with OSAP so no, it doesn't even factor in. They look at your parents income, number of dependents, etc. If you want to be considered for the Queen Elizabeth Scholorships you need to submit your application by June 19th. It can be worth up to $3500! I highly suggest you get your application in now...

[AirCarnivore]

I don't receive any income, however I do get GST check every few months and I did receive money from a tax return this year.

Do I declare this anywhere in my OSAP as income?

[sdm242]

I am wondering if anyone knows the actual OSAP formula?

I applied for OSAP for the first time this year, I am a married student with one child under 6. My household income is under 45K. I do have assets totaling 1500 in investments through work, and a car slightly over the 5K limit.

OSAP isn't giving me any money for school, I would have thought I would be a prime candidate for assistance from them based on income and assets.

The financial aid office at the college, was really not helpful, can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Are you sure you filled everything out correctly? Based on the numbers you gave here and some guessing (school, program, etc) both the OSAP Access Window calculator and the Canlearn calculator show you being entitled to some OSAP. I would take a close look at your application just to make sure that you didn't make a mistake somewhere. Good luck.

[GoingToSchoolMaybe]

Yes I am sure it was all correct. The financial aid office at the college called and verified everything questionable, and I am sure I like triple checked the application before I hit submit.

The program I am looking at is the pre-health sciences (I want to take nursing next year but never took chem in HS) at the local campus of a Thunder Bay college.

[msklifesux]

repayment of osap
if you need help/plan for repayment of your osap, you can ask me.


my own osap payment plan
i owed 32,000, and i roughly paid it off in 1.1 years. by making$300 weekly.

[BBQPorkBun]

i understand your point but i was wondering how this will change my osap entitlement for 2008-2009 year. I was married only the last two months of the acadamic year which is march and april in 2009. From sep 2008 to feb I was not married which means my family income was way less than that. how does that make since that the last two married months will determind the whole acadamic year entitlement?

i believe you will be fine, don't over worry about this, just let it play out. but in my opinion everything will be ok.

[BBQPorkBun]

I don't receive any income, however I do get GST check every few months and I did receive money from a tax return this year.

Do I declare this anywhere in my OSAP as income?

its not income, but becomes an asset

[BBQPorkBun]

Yes I am sure it was all correct. The financial aid office at the college called and verified everything questionable, and I am sure I like triple checked the application before I hit submit.

The program I am looking at is the pre-health sciences (I want to take nursing next year but never took chem in HS) at the local campus of a Thunder Bay college.

Id give an appeal a try and explain your situation to them. I would have guessed you would get some osap as well with your numbers.

[BBQPorkBun]

repayment of osap
if you need help/plan for repayment of your osap, you can ask me.


my own osap payment plan
i owed 32,000, and i roughly paid it off in 1.1 years. by making$300 weekly.

plz advertise elsewhere
btw your numbers don't make sense

[lookingforstufffff]

repayment of osap
if you need help/plan for repayment of your osap, you can ask me.


my own osap payment plan
i owed 32,000, and i roughly paid it off in 1.1 years. by making$300 weekly.

How is that even remotely possible? Unless roughly means 50% of the debt due.

[CSK'sMom]

GoingTo School and New Grad...

I've done some digging today with regards to married students and OSAP. Before the changes to student aid this year, married or commonlaw students were assessed that their spouses were expected to pay 80% of their costs. It essentially meant that most married or commonlaw students qualified for little to no funding. The budget this year introduced changes for married and commonlaw students to reduce the percentage of costs that spouses are expected to pay. Unfortunately I can't find a specific percentage but they do say it's still higher than a dependent student (parent contribution).

New Grad, from what I read today, you need to report the marriage just like any other change in status. It was your responsibility to report the marriage immediately. I don't think you'll get the grant now as the moment you married your husband was expected to pay 80% of your costs. Wether thy will reassess just Feb onwards or retroactively for the whole school year it's hard to say...

[msklifesux]

lol sorry if it looked like advertising.
32k
i think i had paid...
- my unused osap around 8k
- paid my tax return
and i used weekly pmts to make sure i dont pay alot of interest.

just here to help. cuz bunch of my friends still paying minimum on their loan.

[sdm242]

Yes I am sure it was all correct. The financial aid office at the college called and verified everything questionable, and I am sure I like triple checked the application before I hit submit.

The program I am looking at is the pre-health sciences (I want to take nursing next year but never took chem in HS) at the local campus of a Thunder Bay college.
I still find your situation odd. I will be applying for OSAP soon (can't do it yet because I'm having problems with accessing my account). I am married and have two children. Even with having a car, some assets in the bank and a household income slightly higher than yours, I still qualify for OSAP based on the two online calculators (The amounts vary significantly though between the two calculators. I'm hoping this is because the Access Window calculator is still using last year's application).

[siuder]

This is my 3rd time applying to OSAP but this summer I'm gonna be making around 15K from co-op. My situation hasn't changed at all besides that, with household income of around 30K and 3 dependents for my parents including me. I used to get the full amount but my estimate right now is $0!:confused: What gives??

[hypnosheep]

Did anyone else have this listed as supporting documentation that needed to be handed in?

"A copy of your father's (parent 1) 2008 Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency showing amounts in line 236."

I thought supporting documentation was only the declaration and signature pages? I already handed that stuff in but do I need to hand in the notice of assessment thing too?

[CSK'sMom]

This is my 3rd time applying to OSAP but this summer I'm gonna be making around 15K from co-op. My situation hasn't changed at all besides that, with household income of around 30K and 3 dependents for my parents including me. I used to get the full amount but my estimate right now is $0!:confused: What gives??

With making $15k you shouldn't need OSAP. They figure you can pay your own way making that kind of money.

Did anyone else have this listed as supporting documentation that needed to be handed in?

"A copy of your father's (parent 1) 2008 Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency showing amounts in line 236."

I thought supporting documentation was only the declaration and signature pages? I already handed that stuff in but do I need to hand in the notice of assessment thing too?

Supporting documentation is not limited to declaration and signature sheets. It can include NOA's, psycho-educational assessments, etc. Pretty much anything they want you have to provide if you want to get funding. So yes, you need to get that NOA in right away. It sounds like you made an error when applying as line 236 is net income. My guess is the numbers you submitted don't jive and that's why they want the NOA.

[hypnosheep]

Supporting documentation is not limited to declaration and signature sheets. It can include NOA's, psycho-educational assessments, etc. Pretty much anything they want you have to provide if you want to get funding. So yes, you need to get that NOA in right away. It sounds like you made an error when applying as line 236 is net income. My guess is the numbers you submitted don't jive and that's why they want the NOA.

Thanks for your reply! Does this mean I've missed the deadline for the Queen Elizabeth scholarship even though I handed in the other supporting docs? :(

[CSK'sMom]

Thanks for your reply! Does this mean I've missed the deadline for the Queen Elizabeth scholarship even though I handed in the other supporting docs? :(

No hypno, the deadline for getting the supporting documentation to your school is July 17th in order to be considered for the QE Scholarship, the actual OSAP application needs to be submitted by June 19th. You have loads of time to get the NOA to the school but it really is better to get it in sooner rather than waiting till the deadline.

[nsX-]

Hey there

OSAP website says they have mailed me documents for me and my mother to sign.Documents were sent on the 7th ,if I end up receiving them late and handing them in will I still be eligible? I am asking this because I'm uncertain if there are any deadlines for all applications to be in etc.
I also have deadlines to meet in order to apply for some scholarships I need to know the amount OSAP expects to give me , I think most if not all my scholarship applications are due with in a few days from now.Should I just give a rough estimate on the scholarship applications?

[CSK'sMom]

Hey there

OSAP website says they have mailed me documents for me and my mother to sign.Documents were sent on the 7th ,if I end up receiving them late and handing them in will I still be eligible? I am asking this because I'm uncertain if there are any deadlines for all applications to be in etc.

There is no hard deadline to get supporting documentation in other than if you are applying for the QE Scholarship. That deadline in July 17th. If you're not applying for the QES you just need to get them in before they will release your loan papers.

[nsX-]

There is no hard deadline to get supporting documentation in other than if you are applying for the QE Scholarship. That deadline in July 17th. If you're not applying for the QES you just need to get them in before they will release your loan papers.

Alrighty , thanks so much ^__^

[CSR]

This is my 3rd time applying to OSAP but this summer I'm gonna be making around 15K from co-op. My situation hasn't changed at all besides that, with household income of around 30K and 3 dependents for my parents including me. I used to get the full amount but my estimate right now is $0!:confused: What gives??

With making $15k you shouldn't need OSAP. They figure you can pay your own way making that kind of money.



Supporting documentation is not limited to declaration and signature sheets. It can include NOA's, psycho-educational assessments, etc. Pretty much anything they want you have to provide if you want to get funding. So yes, you need to get that NOA in right away. It sounds like you made an error when applying as line 236 is net income. My guess is the numbers you submitted don't jive and that's why they want the NOA.

All your co-op money should go towards your school expenses. However, speaking from experience, you may still gets some osap and it is good to apply because even if they only give you $100, this will make you eligible for scholarships, bursaries, work study positions etc. for those that require the student to be under financial assistance.

[MATHEMATICS]

For first year applicants, when is the deadline?

[CSK'sMom]

For first year applicants, when is the deadline?

It's generally very useful to at least scan the last 5 or less pages of a thread like this before asking a question. With that said ...

The deadline for first year applications to be submitted if one wants to be considered for the QE Scholarship is June 19th, 2009. All supporting documentation needs to be into your schools FinAid office by July 17th, 2009.

[MATHEMATICS]

It's generally very useful to at least scan the last 5 or less pages of a thread like this before asking a question. With that said ...

Whats the QE scholarship and what if you do not want to be considered for it? Then what is the deadline?
Thanks for your help.

[CSK'sMom]

Whats the QE scholarship and what if you do not want to be considered for it? Then what is the deadline?
Thanks for your help.


Again, read back for the answer or at the very least look at the OSAP website for this relatively simple question. I don't know why, but I'll answer anyway. :|

The QES is a renewable scholarship that is worth up to $3500, with a minimum of $100. It is grade dependent and the value is determined by your grades in grade 12 and the size of your graduating class along with their grades. If you do not apply for it during your first OSAP application you loose it forever. Everyone should apply for it as it's potentially $14k towards your education that does not have to be repayed.

[sld2009]

Hey, this is such a good board for learning more about OSAP...

i am trying to re-apply for OSAP for my up coming term, and i have some questions and don't know anyone could help me with it??

I am marry with no dependent children, i am currently undergoing a sponsorship application to sponsor my wife over to canada from china

1. I make 17000 last year when i am doing my 1st year study, but almost all of that go to living expense, school fee, tuition, book... etc, and by saying that, i have not much saving left at all, will it affect my osap entitlement? i will properly make about 9500 for this year. but part of it will need to go to supporting my wife oversea. my wife is still trying to get a job and she graduated last year and is still unemployed while myself and her parents are the financial provider for her. the living standard in china is not high at all, therefore i just need to wire her 2000-3500 every half a year for her expense

2. I file a consumer proposal in 2005 which i already have my student loan setup already. my student loan is Not part of my creditor, and i have a good standing with them, i pay off all the debt, and is wondering should i send them my discharge letter from my trustee for 2 years ago

Thanks so much for any response at all

[BBQPorkBun]

GoingTo School and New Grad...

I've done some digging today with regards to married students and OSAP. Before the changes to student aid this year, married or commonlaw students were assessed that their spouses were expected to pay 80% of their costs. It essentially meant that most married or commonlaw students qualified for little to no funding. The budget this year introduced changes for married and commonlaw students to reduce the percentage of costs that spouses are expected to pay. Unfortunately I can't find a specific percentage but they do say it's still higher than a dependent student (parent contribution).

New Grad, from what I read today, you need to report the marriage just like any other change in status. It was your responsibility to report the marriage immediately. I don't think you'll get the grant now as the moment you married your husband was expected to pay 80% of your costs. Wether thy will reassess just Feb onwards or retroactively for the whole school year it's hard to say...

Thanks for digging =)

[BBQPorkBun]

Whats the QE scholarship and what if you do not want to be considered for it? Then what is the deadline?
Thanks for your help.

play nice and don't be annoying, thanks =)

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey, this is such a good board for learning more about OSAP...

i am trying to re-apply for OSAP for my up coming term, and i have some questions and don't know anyone could help me with it??

I am marry with no dependent children, i am currently undergoing a sponsorship application to sponsor my wife over to canada from china

1. I make 17000 last year when i am doing my 1st year study, but almost all of that go to living expense, school fee, tuition, book... etc, and by saying that, i have not much saving left at all, will it affect my osap entitlement? i will properly make about 9500 for this year. but part of it will need to go to supporting my wife oversea. my wife is still trying to get a job and she graduated last year and is still unemployed while myself and her parents are the financial provider for her. the living standard in china is not high at all, therefore i just need to wire her 2000-3500 every half a year for her expense

2. I file a consumer proposal in 2005 which i already have my student loan setup already. my student loan is Not part of my creditor, and i have a good standing with them, i pay off all the debt, and is wondering should i send them my discharge letter from my trustee for 2 years ago

Thanks so much for any response at all

welcome to RFD

you probably won't get any osap with the income you made and will be making. they also don't care whats going on with your wife other than her income which i pressume is 0, but you make enough to probably not get any osap.

but always worth a try, good luck

[Jay Hova]

I need to do the following
entering 3rd year
-Full course-load Fall 2009
-1 course (out of 5) in Winter 2010
-2.0 credits in summer 2010
-Have to take Fall 2010 off due to fact I can't enter 4th year because I didn't finish my 2nd semester of 3rd year
-Do 2nd Semester of my 3rd Year in Winter 2011

Will OSAP have me covered?

[BBQPorkBun]

I need to do the following
entering 3rd year
-Full course-load Fall 2009
-1 course (out of 5) in Winter 2010
-2.0 credits in summer 2010
-Have to take Fall 2010 off due to fact I can't enter 4th year because I didn't finish my 2nd semester of 3rd year
-Do 2nd Semester of my 3rd Year in Winter 2011

Will OSAP have me covered?

*shrug*

[honeybfly]

I submitted the renewal form online on June 1st, and for some reason on my application summary i have "Widowed" as my marital status. Now they are asking for a copy of a death certificate. How do I change this? I don't remember putting that either... for the record, i'm a single mom with one child.. is there any chance that they were somehow grouped together?
I typed up a letter to the u of t financial aid office saying:

"It has come to my attention that I have failed to notice an error on my OSAP renewal application submitted online on June 1st, 2009. My marital status was incorrectly reported as Widowed, when it should read Single.
According to the OSAP Applicant’s Declaration I signed, I must “...promptly notify my financial aid office or the ministry in writing of changes to the income or assets reported by me (and my spouse or parent(s), if applicable) or any changes to my... family... status”, which is the purpose of this letter.
I apologize for the mistake and am willing to provide any further assistance in resolving this matter. "

Is there anything else i should do? Will this affect my application in a bad way (besides prolonging the process)?
Thank you!

EDIT:
I checked my last year's application and for marital status it says :

"Marital Status: Widowed/Never Married "

So from my understanding, it basically means the same thing.. but why are they asking for a death certificate from me??

[nsX-]

What is the maximum amount one can make during school? Is it 2k per semester? (Example , Jan-Apr ) or is it the whole year AKA 7-8 months (Jan-Apr ,May-Aug)

[BBQPorkBun]

I submitted the renewal form online on June 1st, and for some reason on my application summary i have "Widowed" as my marital status. Now they are asking for a copy of a death certificate. How do I change this? I don't remember putting that either... for the record, i'm a single mom with one child.. is there any chance that they were somehow grouped together?
I typed up a letter to the u of t financial aid office saying:

"It has come to my attention that I have failed to notice an error on my OSAP renewal application submitted online on June 1st, 2009. My marital status was incorrectly reported as Widowed, when it should read Single.
According to the OSAP Applicant’s Declaration I signed, I must “...promptly notify my financial aid office or the ministry in writing of changes to the income or assets reported by me (and my spouse or parent(s), if applicable) or any changes to my... family... status”, which is the purpose of this letter.
I apologize for the mistake and am willing to provide any further assistance in resolving this matter. "

Is there anything else i should do? Will this affect my application in a bad way (besides prolonging the process)?
Thank you!

EDIT:
I checked my last year's application and for marital status it says :

"Marital Status: Widowed/Never Married "

So from my understanding, it basically means the same thing.. but why are they asking for a death certificate from me??

single would have been the right answer

your letter is fine, id send it via registered mail.
you have to emphasize that this is an ERROR, not a CHANGE. you are going to confuse them with that word CHANGE. its an ERROR all the way.
and forget quoting them on their own forms, unnecessary and confusing

[BBQPorkBun]

What is the maximum amount one can make during school? Is it 2k per semester? (Example , Jan-Apr ) or is it the whole year AKA 7-8 months (Jan-Apr ,May-Aug)

make as much as your heart desires

[ECSTATIC]

for the QEII, is it only for students who are graduating this year? i graduated last year.. and I wasn't in a dayschool. I was fulltime with the virtuallearning centre (tldsb) though. does this mean im not eligible for it? : (

[nsX-]

make as much as your heart desires

:) As in without having my OSAP loan reduced .

[CSK'sMom]

for the QEII, is it only for students who are graduating this year? i graduated last year.. and I wasn't in a dayschool. I was fulltime with the virtuallearning centre (tldsb) though. does this mean im not eligible for it? : (

Sadly yes, you're not eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a scholarship:

you must apply by June 19, 2009;
you must be an Ontario resident, as defined by Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP);
you must graduate from an Ontario high school in 2009 and achieve academic excellence;
you must apply to attend a publicly assisted Ontario university or college of applied arts and technology on a full-time basis, through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre or the Ontario College Application Services; or apply to attend another Ontario postsecondary institution (for example, a private career college) that is approved for purposes of this scholarship program;
you will be a full-time postsecondary student in 2009-2010

[kajan23]

Wonderful thread here! Thanks for all the replies.

I just have a quick question:

I was put on an academic warning from OSAP, and Im taking a course this spring, I ended up having to take a job because I couldnt afford paying for my accommodations/living expenses and it may have affected my course. Now I don't know if i'm going to succesfully pass this course, is there any way I can take out say a creditline and pay back the spring portion so it does not affect my account end up giving me a 1 year restriction, because that would take me out of school for 1 year?

Thanks so much!

[BBQPorkBun]

:) As in without having my OSAP loan reduced .

oh i see, yeah about 2k for the school year (8 months) should be safe.

[BBQPorkBun]

Wonderful thread here! Thanks for all the replies.

I just have a quick question:

I was put on an academic warning from OSAP, and Im taking a course this spring, I ended up having to take a job because I couldnt afford paying for my accommodations/living expenses and it may have affected my course. Now I don't know if i'm going to succesfully pass this course, is there any way I can take out say a creditline and pay back the spring portion so it does not affect my account end up giving me a 1 year restriction, because that would take me out of school for 1 year?

Thanks so much!

nope, advise that you just pass.

[Deuce22]

Id appreciate if anyone can answer this. Does higher grades in University mean that you get more money through OSAP? If so, is the money in terms of loans or bursaries, or both?

Thanks

[killoverme]

Id appreciate if anyone can answer this. Does higher grades in University mean that you get more money through OSAP? If so, is the money in terms of loans or bursaries, or both?

Thanks

no grades mean nothing, unless you have a bursury that requires you to maintain a grade in order to keep getting it.

[BBQPorkBun]

Id appreciate if anyone can answer this. Does higher grades in University mean that you get more money through OSAP? If so, is the money in terms of loans or bursaries, or both?

Thanks

let me clarify,

higher grades won't get you more money, it is based on financial need after all. but getting bad grades/failing courses will get you probation or ineligible for more loans.

money is in terms of loans and grants, grants are also not dependent on your grades and again based on financial need

[canadianmom]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ECSTATIC
for the QEII, is it only for students who are graduating this year? i graduated last year.. and I wasn't in a dayschool. I was fulltime with the virtuallearning centre (tldsb) though. does this mean im not eligible for it? : (

Sadly yes, you're not eligible.

Quote:
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a scholarship:

you must apply by June 19, 2009;
you must be an Ontario resident, as defined by Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP);
you must graduate from an Ontario high school in 2009 and achieve academic excellence;
you must apply to attend a publicly assisted Ontario university or college of applied arts and technology on a full-time basis, through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre or the Ontario College Application Services; or apply to attend another Ontario postsecondary institution (for example, a private career college) that is approved for purposes of this scholarship program;
you will be a full-time postsecondary student in 2009-2010


Oh thats disappointing:( My DD graduated last year but returned for a extra year. She won the Ontario Scholar award but won't be eligible

[13sundin]

https://osap.gov.on.ca/cgi-bin/lansaweb?procfun+proc0910+SCH0910+OSP+eng

typed in NAV canada and nothing showed... :/

[tomotomo]

Is the amount for income received from RESP still withdrawn resp divided by four? What if you're in a six year year program (study terms + coop terms)? Is it divided by six then?

If my mom is single, but my dad has an resp for me, would osap know about my dad's resp?

[taryntlc]

Hello,
So I applied to OSAP on the the 26th of May and when I checked my status on June 10th it said I was on Osap Probation and I needed to send a letter to my Financial Aid Advisor, which I did, now it has me on restricted access to the site. I never got a letter saying I was restricted access or probation so I have no idea what is going on. Can anyone help me?

[trisle604]

Hello,
So I applied to OSAP on the the 26th of May and when I checked my status on June 10th it said I was on Osap Probation and I needed to send a letter to my Financial Aid Advisor, which I did, now it has me on restricted access to the site. I never got a letter saying I was restricted access or probation so I have no idea what is going on. Can anyone help me?

did you drop too many courses below full load? fail any courses?did you make more money than you stated ?

[BBQPorkBun]

Is the amount for income received from RESP still withdrawn resp divided by four? What if you're in a six year year program (study terms + coop terms)? Is it divided by six then?

If my mom is single, but my dad has an resp for me, would osap know about my dad's resp?

you don't divide by anything, they just ask you how much do you have

they are still your parents, makes no diff if they are together or not

[BBQPorkBun]

Hello,
So I applied to OSAP on the the 26th of May and when I checked my status on June 10th it said I was on Osap Probation and I needed to send a letter to my Financial Aid Advisor, which I did, now it has me on restricted access to the site. I never got a letter saying I was restricted access or probation so I have no idea what is going on. Can anyone help me?

call the NSLSC for a proper explanation. they have on record what happen and if they sent you any correspondence

[BBQPorkBun]

did you drop too many courses below full load? fail any courses?did you make more money than you stated ?

you don't go on probation if you don't have a full course load or if you dropped courses, you just don't get as much money

[wbastien]

If we were eligible and receieved the Queen elizabeth II scholarship for our first year (it's a 4 year scholarship) do you have to apply to it every year? Because I missed the deadline by 2 days it seems :(

[taryntlc]

you don't go on probation if you don't have a full course load or if you dropped courses, you just don't get as much money

So bassically I went to University for the one semester, and the withdrew and didn't get OSAP for the second semester. I didn't fail any courses and now I'm trying to apply for college because I really didn't like university and now I'm worried that I'm screwed.

[nataliie08]

Hi,

So I got an estimate of $7900 for 2009-2010. I made around $16000 last year and made a correction after doing my taxes earlier this year. Osap didn't send me a letter regarding an overpayment. I'm just wondering if from the estimate of $7900 that they gave me, would I get nothing at all? or would they just take out some few $ amounts. I just need to be able to pay my tuition fee because I can cover my books and transportation.

[BBQPorkBun]

So bassically I went to University for the one semester, and the withdrew and didn't get OSAP for the second semester. I didn't fail any courses and now I'm trying to apply for college because I really didn't like university and now I'm worried that I'm screwed.

im not sure about the details of your withdraw but you could be deemed risky. Are you sure you're not restricted because you went into repayment but defaulted or didn't pay the loan? You should not be restricted if you did one term and then choose to change schools.

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi,

So I got an estimate of $7900 for 2009-2010. I made around $16000 last year and made a correction after doing my taxes earlier this year. Osap didn't send me a letter regarding an overpayment. I'm just wondering if from the estimate of $7900 that they gave me, would I get nothing at all? or would they just take out some few $ amounts. I just need to be able to pay my tuition fee because I can cover my books and transportation.

you'll probably get nothing is what im predicting. just books and transport? where did all that money go?

[Rafa]

Hi everyone!

I have a question about the Queen Elizabeth II scholarship.

It says on the OSAP site that "If you are a returning student who previously received this scholarship, you do not have to reapply, because OSAP automatically determines your eligibility for renewal." But it also says that to be eligible for the scholarship: "If you use the OSAP online application to apply, you must submit it by June 19, 2009."

Does that mean we still have to submit the OSAP application by that deadline even if we're a returning student?

Thanks in advance!

[CSK'sMom]

Hi everyone!

I have a question about the Queen Elizabeth II scholarship.

It says on the OSAP site that "If you are a returning student who previously received this scholarship, you do not have to reapply, because OSAP automatically determines your eligibility for renewal." But it also says that to be eligible for the scholarship: "If you use the OSAP online application to apply, you must submit it by June 19, 2009."

Does that mean we still have to submit the OSAP application by that deadline even if we're a returning student?

Thanks in advance!
It's my understanding that the June 19th deadline is only for first time applicants. It's because they need to get their highschool marks and rank them within their grad class to determine how much they are eligible for. First time applicant's won't know till AUgust how much they qualify for.

Returning students they only have to check their uni/college grades which are already submitted to make sure they still qualify so the deadline does not apply to them.

[Rafa]

It's my understanding that the June 19th deadline is only for first time applicants. It's because they need to get their highschool marks and rank them within their grad class to determine how much they are eligible for. First time applicant's won't know till AUgust how much they qualify for.

Returning students they only have to check their uni/college grades which are already submitted to make sure they still qualify so the deadline does not apply to them.

Thanks! I was kind of worried because I applied on the the 20th, but your post cleared things up:).

[Octavius]

My OSAP is telling me to check back in 1 week. Is this 1 week time period actually 1 week...or is it "government time" 1 week (meaning like 2-3)?

[BBQPorkBun]

My OSAP is telling me to check back in 1 week. Is this 1 week time period actually 1 week...or is it "government time" 1 week (meaning like 2-3)?

should be a week, all their time frames are buffered

[sld2009]

I have this statement on my Osap status

Current Status
Your application is on hold.
The ministry is currently reviewing your application prior to determining the amount of funding for which you may be eligible.

what does it mean? should i call in and ask?
it say come back in a week, but it has been more then 2 weeks already

[ECSTATIC]

hey there:)
what do they do with our application during those 48 hrs(they say that we need to wait 48 hrs after we submit our osap app to view it) or something. Do they check our info? what's happening?
thanks :)

[jehova]

Hey BBQPorkBun,

I just got assessed for my OSAP OSOG for 2007-2008. For that academic year I was issued loans totalling over 17k for that academic year.

However, my recent OSAP update shows:

Jun 21, 2009 You are not eligible for this grant because:
You do not meet the eligibility requirement of being issued a student loan(s) that exceeds $7,000 for a two-term academic year or $10,500 for a three-term academic year.

This does not make sense... right? One thing, I was out of province (studying in BC), which to my knowledge shouldn't make a difference.

I guess I should give them a call to appeal my case? Advice, tips?

Thanks~

[Jay Hova]

Hey BBQPorkBun,

I just got assessed for my OSAP OSOG for 2007-2008. For that academic year I was issued loans totalling over 17k for that academic year.

However, my recent OSAP update shows:



This does not make sense... right? One thing, I was out of province (studying in BC), which to my knowledge shouldn't make a difference.

I guess I should give them a call to appeal my case? Advice, tips?

Thanks~
Sorry I took your username :lol:

[BBQPorkBun]

I have this statement on my Osap status

Current Status
Your application is on hold.
The ministry is currently reviewing your application prior to determining the amount of funding for which you may be eligible.

what does it mean? should i call in and ask?
it say come back in a week, but it has been more then 2 weeks already

theres plenty of time, just wait

[BBQPorkBun]

Hey BBQPorkBun,

I just got assessed for my OSAP OSOG for 2007-2008. For that academic year I was issued loans totalling over 17k for that academic year.

However, my recent OSAP update shows:



This does not make sense... right? One thing, I was out of province (studying in BC), which to my knowledge shouldn't make a difference.

I guess I should give them a call to appeal my case? Advice, tips?

Thanks~

An appeal is not for a grant eligibility. Seems like they don't give them to everyone now.
As for the criteria, I am guessing you don't fit one or more criteria for getting a grant. Id call to ask what that is even just for curiosity sake. If its a mistake on their end you can see how you can go about correcting it

[cyrene]

An appeal is not for a grant eligibility. Seems like they don't give them to everyone now.
As for the criteria, I am guessing you don't fit one or more criteria for getting a grant. Id call to ask what that is even just for curiosity sake. If its a mistake on their end you can see how you can go about correcting it

Ah, so a person won't know if he is really going to get the grant to help pay off the loan until when? When he graduate? I understand the grant is paid to NSLSC to reduce the loan; so one cannot assume his debt will be $7000 max. for a particular year (given he fits in all of the eligibility criteria) until the grant assessed in later years? Thanks.

[BBQPorkBun]

Ah, so a person won't know if he is really going to get the grant to help pay off the loan until when? When he graduate? I understand the grant is paid to NSLSC to reduce the loan; so one cannot assume his debt will be $7000 max. for a particular year (given he fits in all of the eligibility criteria) until the grant assessed in later years? Thanks.

Before everyone would get it and I got a letter each year at the end of the school year saying i got it. Safe to say it works differently now. Calling the NSLSC or doing some research may clear things up.

[sdm242]

Ah, so a person won't know if he is really going to get the grant to help pay off the loan until when? When he graduate? I understand the grant is paid to NSLSC to reduce the loan; so one cannot assume his debt will be $7000 max. for a particular year (given he fits in all of the eligibility criteria) until the grant assessed in later years? Thanks.


Further to this, does anyone know when the grant is determined? If I get OSAP for this coming school year, when will they determine if I get the grant? I assumed it was before the money was due to be repaid, but it sounds like it may be later than that?

[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...:(

[CSK'sMom]

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

Don't you even think about retiring from this thread BBQ! We've all learned so much from you in this thread and I absolutely love your attitude! :cheesygri ;)Yes there are some changes this year but there is still lots that remains the same. We'll all muddle through the changes together and learn from each other...

By the way, you're invited to dinner anytime. ;)

[badmus]

don't you even think about retiring from this thread bbq! We've all learned so much from you in this thread and i absolutely love your attitude! :cheesygri ;)yes there are some changes this year but there is still lots that remains the same. We'll all muddle through the changes together and learn from each other...


+1

[BBQPorkBun]

Don't you even think about retiring from this thread BBQ! We've all learned so much from you in this thread and I absolutely love your attitude! :cheesygri ;)Yes there are some changes this year but there is still lots that remains the same. We'll all muddle through the changes together and learn from each other...

By the way, you're invited to dinner anytime. ;)

Thx :razz:

Think starting another thread is a good idea? I just don't want students reading up on old info that don't apply anymore and then inquiring about it. if its a question that does apply to the current rules, people just ask instead of read back through the pages. I think the info here should be archived away to not confuse anyone. What do you think?

Say Saturday at 6? I'll bring dessert :lol:

[auh26]

I'm a first-time applicant and I submitted my application at June 5. I chose the "Electronic" option and it told me to wait for two weeks to receive the documentation required. It has been well over 2 weeks (almost 3) and I haven't received any email from them (the email address I gave them is correct). Should I keep waiting??? Did this happen to you guys too?

[CSK'sMom]

I'm a first-time applicant and I submitted my application at June 5. I chose the "Electronic" option and it told me to wait for two weeks to receive the documentation required. It has been well over 2 weeks (almost 3) and I haven't received any email from them (the email address I gave them is correct). Should I keep waiting??? Did this happen to you guys too?

Did you request they snail-mail the declarations? They don't email the declarations and frankly, we've never reieved any email updates from OSAP.

Both our boys did their apps on May 26th and even though we requested they snail-mail the declarations we have not recieved them as of today. For some reason I can't open them to print them on my computer so we finally did print them today from one of the boys computers as the QE Scholarship supporting documentation deadline (July 17th) is fast approaching. I would suggest that if you can't wait (like us) you try printing them from another computer... wether it be a friend's, a neighbor, etc.

[CSK'sMom]

Thx :razz:

Think starting another thread is a good idea? I just don't want students reading up on old info that don't apply anymore and then inquiring about it. if its a question that does apply to the current rules, people just ask instead of read back through the pages. I think the info here should be archived away to not confuse anyone. What do you think?

Say Saturday at 6? I'll bring dessert :lol:

I dunno BBQ about the new thread. I have yet to read anywhere how this is going to be applied. Who knows if it will be retroactively applied to everyone or just to current OSAP applications. There really isn't much info out there right now surrounding any of the new changes or programs. I just found today for the first time the actual income tables for the new student grants for low/middle income families. :rolleyes: But on the other hand, so very few actually do take the time to even read the last couple of pages so it may be a good idea to let the old thread hit the archives.

[BBQPorkBun]

I dunno BBQ about the new thread. I have yet to read anywhere how this is going to be applied. Who knows if it will be retroactively applied to everyone or just to current OSAP applications. There really isn't much info out there right now surrounding any of the new changes or programs. I just found today for the first time the actual income tables for the new student grants for low/middle income families. :rolleyes: But on the other hand, so very few actually do take the time to even read the last couple of pages so it may be a good idea to let the old thread hit the archives.

we'll keep both of them going if people use them and see what happens

[freakyflow]

Does anyone know what the customer serive number for OSAP is? I need to call in to adjust my monthly payments. Thanks in advance!

[hi-everyone]

when is the deadline to apply for OSAP?

[T-dawg]

Hi All...
Whats the max OSAP for out of province grad/post grad school?
would anyone know?
thanks a lot for the help!

[CSK'sMom]

Does anyone know what the customer serive number for OSAP is? I need to call in to adjust my monthly payments. Thanks in advance!
National Student Loans Service Centre
PO Box 4030
Mississauga, ON L5A 4M4
1-888-815-4514
Log into your account at the NSLSC website for all the info regarding your loans and payments.

when is the deadline to apply for OSAP?

There is no hard deadline if you are not applying for the QE Scholarship for the first time. The deadline for the QES was June 19th. You can apply up to 30 days before the end of your study period. But with that said, the sooner the better especially if you are relying on it to pay tuition, etc.

[umop]

On my online application, they say the date I last attended a post-secondary institution full-time was April 2009, but since York was on strike, it was really June 2009. Should I change that, or will they know?

[freakyflow]

National Student Loans Service Centre
PO Box 4030
Mississauga, ON L5A 4M4
1-888-815-4514


Thanks a lot CSK'sMom!

[moose22]

Hello all. Help is much appreciated with the following question:

I've recently looked into OSAP and begun applying online, however, I have run into a small dilemma. I am a first time applier, so bare with me. In the section where it asks you which area/program of study you will be entering, I am puzzled as to what I should put, not for obvious reasons. I will be studying Criminology/Political Science, a combined B.A. Honours degree at the University of Windsor starting in the fall, however, there is no Dual Major option on the OSAP Application. I can only either pick Criminology or Political Science. If anyone else has run into the same issue, please, help would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time

[BBQPorkBun]

Hello all. Help is much appreciated with the following question:

I've recently looked into OSAP and begun applying online, however, I have run into a small dilemma. I am a first time applier, so bare with me. In the section where it asks you which area/program of study you will be entering, I am puzzled as to what I should put, not for obvious reasons. I will be studying Criminology/Political Science, a combined B.A. Honours degree at the University of Windsor starting in the fall, however, there is no Dual Major option on the OSAP Application. I can only either pick Criminology or Political Science. If anyone else has run into the same issue, please, help would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time

pick the more expensive one, but its all under an arts degree, so it doesn't really matter, cost of tuition should be the same. as long as they know that and u have full course load, whatever they plug into their formula should be ok.

[cutcopypaste]

I am these days in a common-law relationship, but was not when I applied for OSAP last year.. I just want to know what affect that has on my OSAP and if I must put her on the form... she's not making much money currently, I just want to know generally how that would affect loan amounts etc.

whoops nevermind! my insurance at work considers common law to be one year, but OSAP considers it to be 3 years.. so I am not. Still curious what the effect would be in case it ever matters..

i do want to know, though, if I'm paying my parents rent and living in a separate self-contained basement apartment that's still on the same property, do I count as living with them?

[CSK'sMom]

I am these days in a common-law relationship, but was not when I applied for OSAP last year.. I just want to know what affect that has on my OSAP and if I must put her on the form... she's not making much money currently, I just want to know generally how that would affect loan amounts etc.

whoops nevermind! my insurance at work considers common law to be one year, but OSAP considers it to be 3 years.. so I am not. Still curious what the effect would be in case it ever matters..

i do want to know, though, if I'm paying my parents rent and living in a separate self-contained basement apartment that's still on the same property, do I count as living with them?


Living commonlaw or being married makes a drastic effect on your loans, and not for the better. Your spouse is expected to pay as much as 80 of your educational expenses. There are changes this year to reduce that percentage but it's gradually over something like 5 years.

As for the basement apt, good luck with that one. Unless they are writing you rent receipts and claiming the rent on their taxes good luck with that one. You won't get more money anyway unless your school is over 40km from your parents home.And for the record, it takes far more than legitimately living on your own to be considered an independent student.

[cutcopypaste]

Living commonlaw or being married makes a drastic effect on your loans, and not for the better. Your spouse is expected to pay as much as 80 of your educational expenses. There are changes this year to reduce that percentage but it's gradually over something like 5 years.

As for the basement apt, good luck with that one. Unless they are writing you rent receipts and claiming the rent on their taxes good luck with that one. You won't get more money anyway unless your school is over 40km from your parents home.And for the record, it takes far more than legitimately living on your own to be considered an independent student.

thanks for the response... I've been out of high school for 6 years and am on a second degree, so that helps with the parent's thing a bit, too.. I was just wondering what I should put

[blazinpista]

Do you have to report right amount you have in your RRSP when your apply OSAP for the first time. I showed RRSP in my last year's tax return. One of my friend told me you don't have to show but i want to make sure. Will the OSAP find out if I don't put the amount? I just little over a thousand so I don't know if that will have large effect on me getting OSAP.

[CSK'sMom]

Do you have to report right amount you have in your RRSP when your apply OSAP for the first time. I showed RRSP in my last year's tax return. One of my friend told me you don't have to show but i want to make sure. Will the OSAP find out if I don't put the amount? I just little over a thousand so I don't know if that will have large effect on me getting OSAP.


Your friend is wrong. Report what you have as it will be cross referenced and veified with CRA.

[raps4lyfe]

didnt read the whole thread, so if this was answered my bad

ok, so i applied for osap, 2nd year university (york) and got a estimate of about $7200. I want to know how accurate this estimate really is? I mean the parents income is very high, and i dont work, so income for me. I have about $1000 in my bank account right now. They gave me about $800 for the 3rd year college, so i dont know why they are giving suich a low estimate this time.

so yea was wondering if they will give me higher then that, or can i call after they give the official amount and try to increase it?

[blazinpista]

Your friend is wrong. Report what you have as it will be cross referenced and veified with CRA.
Ok thanks. I understand that i reported my RRSP in my last year income tax so I have to show it. Is that the same thing for this year income? You have to report the exact you made up to this point? OSAP will find out if you don't?

[umop]

On my online application, they say the date I last attended a post-secondary institution full-time was April 2009, but since York was on strike, it was really June 2009. Should I change that, or will they know?

Anyone?

Also, I applied to switch programs but the university hasn't processed my request yet. So on the app, do I put my current program or the one I switched to (and will most likely be starting in September)?

[BBQPorkBun]

didnt read the whole thread, so if this was answered my bad

ok, so i applied for osap, 2nd year university (york) and got a estimate of about $7200. I want to know how accurate this estimate really is? I mean the parents income is very high, and i dont work, so income for me. I have about $1000 in my bank account right now. They gave me about $800 for the 3rd year college, so i dont know why they are giving suich a low estimate this time.

so yea was wondering if they will give me higher then that, or can i call after they give the official amount and try to increase it?

you get what you get, you don't just call to get more, doesn't work like that
how accurate is the estimate nobody knows, but whatever you get, work for the rest.

[BBQPorkBun]

Anyone?

Also, I applied to switch programs but the university hasn't processed my request yet. So on the app, do I put my current program or the one I switched to (and will most likely be starting in September)?

don't see how thats too relevant for ur upcoming years application, but they would probably know

[Octavius]

don't see how thats too relevant for ur upcoming years application, but they would probably know

Applied for OSAP a while back and sent in all my papers (along with a typed piece of paper outlining that I had forgotten to declare the 5k cash I had in my TFSA :o).

Anyway, got an email today saying that my OSAP status has been changed and that I should log in to see my status update.

When I log in, it stops me from seeing anything and instead a popup window tells me to check back on the 28th :confused:

Is this normal?

[trisle604]

Applied for OSAP a while back and sent in all my papers (along with a typed piece of paper outlining that I had forgotten to declare the 5k cash I had in my TFSA :o).

Anyway, got an email today saying that my OSAP status has been changed and that I should log in to see my status update.

When I log in, it stops me from seeing anything and instead a popup window tells me to check back on the 28th :confused:

Is this normal?

seems normal , i got an email lastnight said to check my status, logged in said check back on the 29th instead.no biggy really.the only thing i can think of is they changed my status for when i put 12 bucks for busfare back and forth.thats the only thing i can think of so w/e dont really care.

[CSK'sMom]

Both our boys got the email as well. I think the status change is hopefully that they are processed. Nothing else could have changed with either of our boys applications. I did have to shake my head at the idiot who decided to send out the emails on Sat. night though sending everyone to check their status. Definitely on the frustrating side to log in and get a pop-up saying they are updating applications till Mon. afternoon. :confused::mad:

[trisle604]

Both our boys got the email as well. I think the status change is hopefully that they are processed. Nothing else could have changed with either of our boys applications. I did have to shake my head at the idiot who decided to send out the emails on Sat. night though sending everyone to check their status. Definitely on the frustrating side to log in and get a pop-up saying they are updating applications till Mon. afternoon. :confused::mad:

yeah that got my hopes up of seeing my actual funding only to be let down with that pop up "check your status june 29th" :evil:

[cynthiaxg]

Okay this is a little complicated.
When I applied to the University of Toronto, I submitted a UTAPS form (financial planning, basically).
When I was offered admission, they sent me a letter telling me I'd need and get about 8600$ to help fund for my education. They also said that OSAP is expected to fund this in full.

However, when I actually applied to OSAP, my estimate was only $6000. I used the exact same information for both applications. It's a lot less than I expected. The only discrepancy is in the OSAP app under something like "income from sources worldwide for the study period" I'd entered 5000$ to account for the money coming from my Mom. I wasn't sure if this was correct, but there wasn't another place to enter how much I was expecting from to get from my Mom. I asked a lady at U of T's financial office, and she told me I'd put the right thing down, only I'm not so sure now.

I do live within 40km of U of T, but I am living on campus. It's way too inconvenient for my to commute every day. (Approx 1 hour 45 mins.) My Mom is also planning to get a job, and most likely move during the school year. But since I am withing 40km, they are assessing my fees as if I'm still living at home. (Is there anything I can do about this?)

Tuition and books will cost approx. 16000$. My Mom is going to contribute 5000$. My Mom (single parent) makes about 41000$/year. (I am an only child.)

She has quite a bit in savings, but she's not going to dig into all of that just for university. She is also taking accounting courses. She has to make a large payment on a car she's been leasing/paying for. And since I'm taking the laptop, and she'll need one for her accounting class, she'll have to buy another once I leave for uni.

It's going to cost a bit more than 16000$ to get me through the whole year (pocket money, other needs, etc.)

1. I'm trying to get a summer job right now to help make up some of the difference. On my application, I entered a projected income of 500$ (close to what I made last year). This year, I am expecting somewhere around $1000.
However, I'm afraid that by reporting my actual income when summer ends, OSAP will change my estimate and give me even less money.

2. I am allowed to pay my fees in 2 sets. (One in September, one in January.) But if I do that, whatever I don't pay in September will be subject to a 1.2% service fee. That adds up to a LOT. Therefore, my Mom has offered to pay it all in September so we won't have to pay even more. I'm also afraid that by making this payment, it'll seem as if she's capable of paying for my entire education - resulting in a decrease in the amount of my OSAP support.

3. I'm also planning to participate in a work-study program during school. Again, I'm afraid that I'll earn more than I estimated - again decreasing the amount of my OSAP support.

It seems like I'm going in circles here. I apologize for the too long post. I'd really appreciate some help; I'm pretty stressed out about this.

None of "just contact your financial office, they'll help you with this" please. I know, and I am going to do that. I just want some advice about my general situation first.

Thanks tons in advance.

[CSK'sMom]

Octavious and trisle, the OSAP email is that your application is processed. I just checked our boys appliactions and no longer get the pop-up. One is fully processed with all the grants, etc ( his signature papers are in and processed) and the other's just says the total funding approved but isn't showing any grants yet (his signature papers are in the mail and not processed by his FinAid office yet).

[CSK'sMom]

Okay this is a little complicated.
When I applied to the University of Toronto, I submitted a UTAPS form (financial planning, basically).
When I was offered admission, they sent me a letter telling me I'd need and get about 8600$ to help fund for my education. They also said that OSAP is expected to fund this in full.

However, when I actually applied to OSAP, my estimate was only $6000. I used the exact same information for both applications. It's a lot less than I expected. The only discrepancy is in the OSAP app under something like "income from sources worldwide for the study period" I'd entered 5000$ to account for the money coming from my Mom. I wasn't sure if this was correct, but there wasn't another place to enter how much I was expecting from to get from my Mom. I asked a lady at U of T's financial office, and she told me I'd put the right thing down, only I'm not so sure now.

I do live within 40km of U of T, but I am living on campus. It's way too inconvenient for my to commute every day. (Approx 1 hour 45 mins.) My Mom is also planning to get a job, and most likely move during the school year. But since I am withing 40km, they are assessing my fees as if I'm still living at home. (Is there anything I can do about this?)

Tuition and books will cost approx. 16000$. My Mom is going to contribute 5000$. My Mom (single parent) makes about 41000$/year. (I am an only child.)

She has quite a bit in savings, but she's not going to dig into all of that just for university. She is also taking accounting courses. She has to make a large payment on a car she's been leasing/paying for. And since I'm taking the laptop, and she'll need one for her accounting class, she'll have to buy another once I leave for uni.

It's going to cost a bit more than 16000$ to get me through the whole year (pocket money, other needs, etc.)

1. I'm trying to get a summer job right now to help make up some of the difference. On my application, I entered a projected income of 500$ (close to what I made last year). This year, I am expecting somewhere around $1000.
However, I'm afraid that by reporting my actual income when summer ends, OSAP will change my estimate and give me even less money.

2. I am allowed to pay my fees in 2 sets. (One in September, one in January.) But if I do that, whatever I don't pay in September will be subject to a 1.2% service fee. That adds up to a LOT. Therefore, my Mom has offered to pay it all in September so we won't have to pay even more. I'm also afraid that by making this payment, it'll seem as if she's capable of paying for my entire education - resulting in a decrease in the amount of my OSAP support.

3. I'm also planning to participate in a work-study program during school. Again, I'm afraid that I'll earn more than I estimated - again decreasing the amount of my OSAP support.

It seems like I'm going in circles here. I apologize for the too long post. I'd really appreciate some help; I'm pretty stressed out about this.

None of "just contact your financial office, they'll help you with this" please. I know, and I am going to do that. I just want some advice about my general situation first.

Thanks tons in advance.

Ok, I'm going to tackle this but hopefully BBQ will chime in as well.

To begin with I don't think you should have put $5k in "other worldwide income". That figure, my understanding, is for those who are working out of the country on co-op or studying abroad and working partime, etc. I think that is your whole problem. I don't think you should have entered anything from your Mom as OSAP uses a formula to calculate what she would be expected to contribute. I would venture to say that she wouldn't be expected to contribute anything according to the calculator on the www.canlearn.ca site .

Now for question 1... Yes you have to report an accurate amount. It will be cross referenced with CRA.

question 2. Most schools deal with OSAP in a specific way. They take their tuition money directly from OSAP and you only get the difference. If this is the case with your school you may create issues by paying it all upfront.

question 3... same as question 1. Report truthfully or you will risk being flagged and/or audited.

You won't get any additional funding to live on campus, you are expected to commute if you live within 40km of school. OSAP is there to help with your educational expenses, not fully fund them in most cases.

[trisle604]

Octavious and trisle, the OSAP email is that your application is processed. I just checked our boys appliactions and no longer get the pop-up. One is fully processed with all the grants, etc ( his signature papers are in and processed) and the other's just says the total funding approved but isn't showing any grants yet (his signature papers are in the mail and not processed by his FinAid office yet).

is it normal that 2nd year students dont receive grants / bursaries ? last time i got at least half of my osap in grants this time everything is just a loan.

[BBQPorkBun]

Okay this is a little complicated.
When I applied to the University of Toronto, I submitted a UTAPS form (financial planning, basically).
When I was offered admission, they sent me a letter telling me I'd need and get about 8600$ to help fund for my education. They also said that OSAP is expected to fund this in full.

However, when I actually applied to OSAP, my estimate was only $6000. I used the exact same information for both applications. It's a lot less than I expected. The only discrepancy is in the OSAP app under something like "income from sources worldwide for the study period" I'd entered 5000$ to account for the money coming from my Mom. I wasn't sure if this was correct, but there wasn't another place to enter how much I was expecting from to get from my Mom. I asked a lady at U of T's financial office, and she told me I'd put the right thing down, only I'm not so sure now.

I do live within 40km of U of T, but I am living on campus. It's way too inconvenient for my to commute every day. (Approx 1 hour 45 mins.) My Mom is also planning to get a job, and most likely move during the school year. But since I am withing 40km, they are assessing my fees as if I'm still living at home. (Is there anything I can do about this?)

Tuition and books will cost approx. 16000$. My Mom is going to contribute 5000$. My Mom (single parent) makes about 41000$/year. (I am an only child.)

She has quite a bit in savings, but she's not going to dig into all of that just for university. She is also taking accounting courses. She has to make a large payment on a car she's been leasing/paying for. And since I'm taking the laptop, and she'll need one for her accounting class, she'll have to buy another once I leave for uni.

It's going to cost a bit more than 16000$ to get me through the whole year (pocket money, other needs, etc.)

1. I'm trying to get a summer job right now to help make up some of the difference. On my application, I entered a projected income of 500$ (close to what I made last year). This year, I am expecting somewhere around $1000.
However, I'm afraid that by reporting my actual income when summer ends, OSAP will change my estimate and give me even less money.

2. I am allowed to pay my fees in 2 sets. (One in September, one in January.) But if I do that, whatever I don't pay in September will be subject to a 1.2% service fee. That adds up to a LOT. Therefore, my Mom has offered to pay it all in September so we won't have to pay even more. I'm also afraid that by making this payment, it'll seem as if she's capable of paying for my entire education - resulting in a decrease in the amount of my OSAP support.

3. I'm also planning to participate in a work-study program during school. Again, I'm afraid that I'll earn more than I estimated - again decreasing the amount of my OSAP support.

It seems like I'm going in circles here. I apologize for the too long post. I'd really appreciate some help; I'm pretty stressed out about this.

None of "just contact your financial office, they'll help you with this" please. I know, and I am going to do that. I just want some advice about my general situation first.

Thanks tons in advance.

yeah i will tackle this

firstly, you choose to live on campus, how did you expect to pay for this luxury? don't really care how long your commute is, you must do what u gotta do to get your education within feasible means. people commute for longer times from all over.

secondly, your moms situation (laptop, car) all irrelevant

thidly, 5k from your mom is not income. income is money you get from working, i suggest you correct this. but now you can't just say, oh its 0. where does that 5k go under then? assets. so the money you get won't change much if at all. next time, apply with all 0s, that will allow you to borrow as much as you can, then if you are still short, ask your mom to step in. no point in your mom giving up her savings if you can get an interest free loan from it.

getting a job during the summer and during the school year is something osap expects, so go ahead, shouldn't affect your osap unless you make alot

you're in a hole this year cuz of the 5k plus u decided to live on campus, suggest you do anything you can to make up the diff and apply better next year (and commute).

[CSK'sMom]

is it normal that 2nd year students dont receive grants / bursaries ? last time i got at least half of my osap in grants this time everything is just a loan.

Are your supporting documents in yet and processed? As I said one of our boys status shows basically all loans with no grants at this point which I know isn't right. I assume it's because his supporting documents are in the mail to his FinAid office and not processed. Our son that is showing the full breakdown with all his grants on his OSAP is a 2nd year student and his supporting documents are in and already processed.

[trisle604]

Are your supporting documents in yet and processed? As I said one of our boys status shows basically all loans with no grants at this point which I know isn't right. I assume it's because his supporting documents are in the mail to his FinAid office and not processed. Our son that is showing the full breakdown with all his grants on his OSAP is a 2nd year student and his supporting documents are in and already processed.

right now i only see the loan portion . but its the full amount they gave me at the end of the osap application.when i punched it in the osap calculator it also said i wouldnt receive a grant on the calculator.since im not seeing one on the my status option im assuming idont get one this time .

[CSK'sMom]

right now i only see the loan portion . but its the full amount they gave me at the end of the osap application.when i punched it in the osap calculator it also said i wouldnt receive a grant on the calculator.since im not seeing one on the my status option im assuming idont get one this time .

Don't assume anything yet. Again, are your supporting documents in and processed? The condition will be removed from your OSAP check status page if they are. None of the calculators show grants so that's a moot point. If you got the OAG last year you should get it again in 2nd year. Then there are the new low/middle income family grants as well as the QE Scholarship which is renewable with conditions.

[trisle604]

Don't assume anything yet. Again, are your supporting documents in and processed? The condition will be removed from your OSAP check status page if they are. None of the calculators show grants so that's a moot point. If you got the OAG last year you should get it again in 2nd year. Then there are the new low/middle income family grants as well as the QE Scholarship which is renewable with conditions.

yeah my documents were handed in i think weds ? also i do come from a household with low income.guess ill wait a few more weeks to see if anything changes thanx~

[cynthiaxg]

yeah i will tackle this

firstly, you choose to live on campus, how did you expect to pay for this luxury? don't really care how long your commute is, you must do what u gotta do to get your education within feasible means. people commute for longer times from all over.

secondly, your moms situation (laptop, car) all irrelevant

thidly, 5k from your mom is not income. income is money you get from working, i suggest you correct this. but now you can't just say, oh its 0. where does that 5k go under then? assets. so the money you get won't change much if at all. next time, apply with all 0s, that will allow you to borrow as much as you can, then if you are still short, ask your mom to step in. no point in your mom giving up her savings if you can get an interest free loan from it.

getting a job during the summer and during the school year is something osap expects, so go ahead, shouldn't affect your osap unless you make alot

you're in a hole this year cuz of the 5k plus u decided to live on campus, suggest you do anything you can to make up the diff and apply better next year (and commute).


I expected to pay for it with OSAP's help. The UTAPS form I filled out when I applied for U of T gave me a estimate which left me feeling safe about my choice.

Commuting would be hell with my class schedule. I have labs, tutorials, and lectures all over the place. One of my classes is from 6-9 for the first half of the year. Busing home that late is NOT SAFE.

My Mom has offered to step in. I'm just afraid that by doing that, it would lower what I'm entitled to even more.

It's good to know what I make during school and summer won't affect my loans too much, if at all. I am somewhat relieved. Thanks for your help.

[Shinzon]

Hi I have a question,

I recently applied for OSAP, but my OSAP estimate was $0. My parents don't work because they can't, I don't work, however, I do have 2 bank accounts with a certain amount of money where OSAP said I had enough to pay. However, that money was my dad's money that was put under my name so he could receive social assistance. One account is open and free to use and has a much lesser amount then the other account which has most of the money saved and closed for 2 years, getting interest.

Since I didn't want to lie and risk never getting OSAP coverage, under the assets box I put roughly all the money in both accounts, and so they said that I wouldn't receive anything. However, that is ALL the money my family has and my parent's are NOT working, and most likely will never be working due to their health. My questions are:

1) Should the money in the closed account count, since I can't access it? (It's not an RESP)

2) If it should count, could I put that money under someone else's name?

3) Are there any other options, since I really need the OSAP coverage?

[JaneSmith]

I expected to pay for it with OSAP's help. The UTAPS form I filled out when I applied for U of T gave me a estimate which left me feeling safe about my choice.

Commuting would be hell with my class schedule. I have labs, tutorials, and lectures all over the place. One of my classes is from 6-9 for the first half of the year. Busing home that late is NOT SAFE.

My Mom has offered to step in. I'm just afraid that by doing that, it would lower what I'm entitled to even more.

It's good to know what I make during school and summer won't affect my loans too much, if at all. I am somewhat relieved. Thanks for your help.


Some advice from someone who has been there and done that: You are making a HUGE mistake living on campus if you are within 40 km of your house. You are pretty much tripling your expenses by doing so, and with 3 more years to go after this one, you are going to end up graduating in so much debt your head will spin. I am commuting now...takes me about 1.5 hours. It's not so bad. You get used to it. You can do a lot of reading on the subway. If nothing else, you should consider living off campus. You can find something cheaper, get a roommate, don't have to have a meal plan, etc. Living on campus is a very expensive way to live, and if you are applying for osap, it's an expense you can't afford. It is well worth it to be a bit 'inconvenienced' now, for the sake of being a lot more free when you graduate.

[Octavius]

Octavious and trisle, the OSAP email is that your application is processed. I just checked our boys appliactions and no longer get the pop-up. One is fully processed with all the grants, etc ( his signature papers are in and processed) and the other's just says the total funding approved but isn't showing any grants yet (his signature papers are in the mail and not processed by his FinAid office yet).

I saw it this morning when I logged in.

Got a grant of $800 (extremely surprised!) and no OSAP money.

Apparently my addendum hasn't been looked at. They said it'll take 4-6 weeks for them to determine whether or not I'll get any OSAP "loans".

They said that the grant is still mine to keep regardless of what happens though :)

A very pleasant surprised indeed. I was expecting to get a bit fat 0. I'm glad I applied :)

Here's hoping OSAP gives me some interest free money in addition to the free money I've already got!

[CSK'sMom]

I saw it this morning when I logged in.

Got a grant of $800 (extremely surprised!) and no OSAP money.

Apparently my addendum hasn't been looked at. They said it'll take 4-6 weeks for them to determine whether or not I'll get any OSAP "loans".

They said that the grant is still mine to keep regardless of what happens though :)

A very pleasant surprised indeed. I was expecting to get a bit fat 0. I'm glad I applied :)

Here's hoping OSAP gives me some interest free money in addition to the free money I've already got!

Good for you! And don't forget that because you qualified for OSAP you'll also be entitled to the textbook and technology grant of another $150 as well. ;)

[Octavius]

I expected to pay for it with OSAP's help. The UTAPS form I filled out when I applied for U of T gave me a estimate which left me feeling safe about my choice.

Commuting would be hell with my class schedule. I have labs, tutorials, and lectures all over the place. One of my classes is from 6-9 for the first half of the year. Busing home that late is NOT SAFE.

My Mom has offered to step in. I'm just afraid that by doing that, it would lower what I'm entitled to even more.

It's good to know what I make during school and summer won't affect my loans too much, if at all. I am somewhat relieved. Thanks for your help.

During my undergrad studies, I lived at home. My total commute was about 45 minutes to school and an hour to work.

I saved approximately 10k / year by living at home.

Unless someone has a full scholarship and is looking to just burn money, I would highly suggest you live at home.

I graduated debt free. I'm now pursuing a professional degree and I'm extremely glad I lived at home during my undergrad. I can't even fathom graduating with 20k-30k in debt from undergrad, only to add another 60k-70k on top of that.

Good for you! And don't forget that because you qualified for OSAP you'll also be entitled to the textbook and technology grant of another $150 as well. ;)

The grant I got was a "Canada Student Grant". It was under "middle income families".

0 under everything "Ontario" based, and everything else.

Will I still get the T&T grant of $150? I'll be going to the University of Alberta if it makes any difference.

If I do get it, when will it show up on OSAP (if ever) and/or how do I get it?

[raps4lyfe]

quick question, i forgot to put some money i have under the asset. Can i update my file or call them and tell them my situation. And the osap log in page isnt wroking right now so i cant try and see if it will allow me to do it

[CSK'sMom]

The grant I got was a "Canada Student Grant". It was under "middle income families".

0 under everything "Ontario" based, and everything else.

Will I still get the T&T grant of $150? I'll be going to the University of Alberta if it makes any difference.

If I do get it, when will it show up on OSAP (if ever) and/or how do I get it?

I thought you were going to school in Ont for some reason. Sorry but they changed the T&T grant this year and you have to attend a school in Ont to get it. You can check the status though on the program page and instead of clicking on OSAP click on T&T.

[CSK'sMom]

quick question, i forgot to put some money i have under the asset. Can i update my file or call them and tell them my situation. And the osap log in page isnt wroking right now so i cant try and see if it will allow me to do it
You can't change anything online once you submit your application. Call your school's FinAid office and change it through them.

[Octavius]

I thought you were going to school in Ont for some reason. Sorry but they changed the T&T grant this year and you have to attend a school in Ont to get it. You can check the status though on the program page and instead of clicking on OSAP click on T&T.

Ah, understood.

I'm still happy with my $800 :)

Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

Hi I have a question,

I recently applied for OSAP, but my OSAP estimate was $0. My parents don't work because they can't, I don't work, however, I do have 2 bank accounts with a certain amount of money where OSAP said I had enough to pay. However, that money was my dad's money that was put under my name so he could receive social assistance. One account is open and free to use and has a much lesser amount then the other account which has most of the money saved and closed for 2 years, getting interest.

Since I didn't want to lie and risk never getting OSAP coverage, under the assets box I put roughly all the money in both accounts, and so they said that I wouldn't receive anything. However, that is ALL the money my family has and my parent's are NOT working, and most likely will never be working due to their health. My questions are:

1) Should the money in the closed account count, since I can't access it? (It's not an RESP)

2) If it should count, could I put that money under someone else's name?

3) Are there any other options, since I really need the OSAP coverage?

firstly, lets not used 'closed' cuz the account is not closed, it just as a locked term.

even though its under your name, its not your money, shouldn't have put that amount there and now you may be screwed by your parents trying to hide money from social assistance. its gonna be hard for u to explain to osap why you should get any loans. but i would try to correct this with them because you have nothing to lose at this point. don't go telling them the whole story, say you made a mistake and you put your parents assets instead of your own. they will ask for proof, so be prepared.

most of the time, anything locked you can always take out, just comes with a penalty like u forfeit interest.

don't do osap with numbers that don't apply to you anymore.

[Shinzon]

Thanks for the speedy reply BBQ, what kind of proof could I give to them?

And say I were to put all the money under someone else's name right now, what would happen?

Thanks for your help. :)

[umop]

I'm having trouble on this question: choose which one applies to you...


- I have always resided in Ontario
- Ontario is the last province in which I resided for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student.
- I reside in Ontario AND I have lived in Canada for less than 12 consecutive months.
- My spouse has always resided in Ontario
- Ontario is the last province in which my spouse resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student.
- I reside in Ontario AND my spouse and I have lived in Canada for less than 12 consecutive months.
- Ontario is the last province in which my parent, step-parent, legal guardian, or official sponsor have resided in for at least 12 consecutive months.
- I reside in Ontario AND my parent(s) and I have lived in Canada for less than 12 consecutive months.
- I now reside in Ontario, but none of the above statements applies to me.


None of these apply to me. The only one that comes close is the second one, but it's not entirely accurate. I've lived in Ontario ever since I was 2 years old and this will be my second year of full-time post-secondary studies. So which one applies to me?

And I tried choosing the last one but as soon as I did, they said I'm no longer eligible for OSAP.

[CSK'sMom]

I'm having trouble on this question: choose which one applies to you...



None of these apply to me. The only one that comes close is the second one, but it's not entirely accurate. I've lived in Ontario ever since I was 2 years old and this will be my second year of full-time post-secondary studies. So which one applies to me?

And I tried choosing the last one but as soon as I did, they said I'm no longer eligible for OSAP.

It would probably help if you actually described in detail what your situation is. Out of curiousity are you filling out an OSAP application for the first time or did you apply last year? If you applied last year are you filling out the renewal application and not a new application?

[sld2009]

anyone know if speech impediments (stuttering) consider as permanent disability for osap? I know it has been consider as a developmental disability and My friend need to go to GBC and he once got approve to use the disability service at school for extra test / exam time.... so he is just wondering whether speech disorder could be consider as disability since he once need to drop out of school to receive full time "Speech training" with a speech therapist for a month....

honestly speaking, i think his family doctor should refer him to different specialist because i think he may has some overall developmental trouble to communicate to other with his thought..... ( not just simply forget the proper word to use, but he jumps topic extremely fast and sometimes it takes him quite a while to understand what i try to tell him while my other friend know what i mean right away)... but that is just some extra information for his case.

[CSK'sMom]

anyone know if speech impediments (stuttering) consider as permanent disability for osap? I know it has been consider as a developmental disability and My friend need to go to GBC and he once got approve to use the disability service at school for extra test / exam time.... so he is just wondering whether speech disorder could be consider as disability since he once need to drop out of school to receive full time "Speech training" with a speech therapist for a month....

honestly speaking, i think his family doctor should refer him to different specialist because i think he may has some overall developmental trouble to communicate to other with his thought..... ( not just simply forget the proper word to use, but he jumps topic extremely fast and sometimes it takes him quite a while to understand what i try to tell him while my other friend know what i mean right away)... but that is just some extra information for his case.

In all likelyhood yes as it a language impairment. Language impairments qualify for Individual Education Plans (IEP's) and Identification, Placement and Review Committee's (IPRC's). If your friend had either in high school his parents or him should still have copies of either or both paperwork. Copies of previous assessments are needed as well as all 3 can and should be used for supporting documentation for OSAP for the grant. New assessments can be used as well.

Now with all of that said, for help in school, it will be totally up to your friend to make arrangements with student services and advocate for himself. They don't really do a whole lot unless one specifically asks and makes arrangements in our experience...

[highvelocity]

I'm having trouble on this question: choose which one applies to you...



None of these apply to me. The only one that comes close is the second one, but it's not entirely accurate. I've lived in Ontario ever since I was 2 years old and this will be my second year of full-time post-secondary studies. So which one applies to me?

And I tried choosing the last one but as soon as I did, they said I'm no longer eligible for OSAP.

I also lived in Ontario ever since I was 2 years old, and I put "I have always resided in Ontario" last year and this year.. never had any problems. :razz:

[cynthiaxg]

I don't think you should have entered anything from your Mom as OSAP uses a formula to calculate what she would be expected to contribute. I would venture to say that she wouldn't be expected to contribute anything according to the calculator on the www.canlearn.ca site .

question 2. Most schools deal with OSAP in a specific way. They take their tuition money directly from OSAP and you only get the difference. If this is the case with your school you may create issues by paying it all upfront.

You won't get any additional funding to live on campus, you are expected to commute if you live within 40km of school. OSAP is there to help with your
educational expenses, not fully fund them in most cases.

Looks like you're right! That is the answer I received when I e-mailed my financial office. The thing is I'd asked them in person and they said I'd done everything right. I guess there was some misunderstanding there.

My Mom is prepared to pay the difference, provided she gets back whatever amount is promised by OSAP.

I don't want people to tell me I've made a big mistake living on campus, or that I didn't plan well etc. There are many good reason why I made the decision I made, and I know I've made the right decision.

[Octavius]

Looks like you're right! That is the answer I received when I e-mailed my financial office. The thing is I'd asked them in person and they said I'd done everything right. I guess there was some misunderstanding there.

My Mom is prepared to pay the difference, provided she gets back whatever amount is promised by OSAP.

I don't want people to tell me I've made a big mistake living on campus, or that I didn't plan well etc. There are many good reason why I made the decision I made, and I know I've made the right decision.

If you can't afford to live on campus (in residence) and you have the option of staying home, you should be staying home. It's that simple.

In addition, staying at home will make your life monumentally easier once you're done school. You want to live on campus? Be prepared to cough up the money for the privilege of doing so because Joe Taxpayer (ie, me) isn't going to pony it up for you because your request is unreasonable.

You come on a public forum asking for advice. As someone who has been in your shoes before and as someone who has had the benefit of seeing his friends living on campus, off campus and at home (local or not), I was just trying to provide you with some additional information/details that you may have overlooked or failed to take into consideration.

You don't want to take my advice? You don't have to. Just don't complain that OSAP won't give you money to live in residence when you live 40km away from school :|

[lookingforstufffff]

If you are indeed within 40KM of school, take the car to school... Commute to Yorkdale + Bus downtown, much more convenient than waiting for the bus and it's definitely a lot cheaper than living ON campus (at least consider off-campus housing).

[BBQPorkBun]

Thanks for the speedy reply BBQ, what kind of proof could I give to them?

And say I were to put all the money under someone else's name right now, what would happen?

Thanks for your help. :)

id probably bring up statements in your history where you moved X amount from your parents account to yours. basically saying see, it was theirs, im just holding it for them. and now transfer it back to them.

just the whole thing looks kind of suspicious, so your answers gotta be perfect and without hesitation. be prepared as this may not be good enough.

[BBQPorkBun]

Looks like you're right! That is the answer I received when I e-mailed my financial office. The thing is I'd asked them in person and they said I'd done everything right. I guess there was some misunderstanding there.

My Mom is prepared to pay the difference, provided she gets back whatever amount is promised by OSAP.

I don't want people to tell me I've made a big mistake living on campus, or that I didn't plan well etc. There are many good reason why I made the decision I made, and I know I've made the right decision.

people in general are unreliable, ask several parties, don't even take our word for it.

young people always think they made right decision. sometimes we need an objective 3rd party to tell us 'hey, thats pretty crappy planning'. any reasons you may have is all negated by feasibility. the numbers are what they are and it seems like from this decision, your mom may be the one that suffers cuz ur not gonna get enough from osap even after fixing your issue. but, decision is made, so good luck with it all.

[umop]

It would probably help if you actually described in detail what your situation is. Out of curiousity are you filling out an OSAP application for the first time or did you apply last year? If you applied last year are you filling out the renewal application and not a new application?

I've lived in Ontario for 17 of my 19 years, so I can't pick the first one. The second one doesn't apply to me either as it says, "without being a full-time post-secondary student..." but I have been a full-time post-secondary student in the past 12 months. The rest of the statements about spouses and length of stay in Canada don't apply to me. And choosing the last option leaves them saying I'm no longer eligible.

This is my second year filling out the app. I had to do a new one because one thing wasn't the same as last year.

[JaneSmith]

If you can't afford to live on campus (in residence) and you have the option of staying home, you should be staying home. It's that simple.

In addition, staying at home will make your life monumentally easier once you're done school. You want to live on campus? Be prepared to cough up the money for the privilege of doing so because Joe Taxpayer (ie, me) isn't going to pony it up for you because your request is unreasonable.

You come on a public forum asking for advice. As someone who has been in your shoes before and as someone who has had the benefit of seeing his friends living on campus, off campus and at home (local or not), I was just trying to provide you with some additional information/details that you may have overlooked or failed to take into consideration.

You don't want to take my advice? You don't have to. Just don't complain that OSAP won't give you money to live in residence when you live 40km away from school :|

I made the same post to her as you did...suggesting she would regret living on campus, and suggesting if she was intent on moving, to at least consider getting a roommate off campus. However, it is obvious that she is too young to understand good advice, and will just have to make her own mistakes and live with the consequences. Not liking the inconvenience of travel, stating that her classes are at all times (what university schedule isn't??), and saying it isn't safe are all reasons a person gives who is intent on moving to res no matter what they know to be better. So good luck to you Cynthia!! Keep this forum in mind 4 years from now when you need to know about interest relief. And remember for the future...if you can't afford to do something, that in itself is a good reason for thinking it might not be the right thing to do.

[zzz3]

Great thread :)!

Here is my situation, my osap status has been changed to under review, when i called in to find out why they said because i completed 3.5 credits last fall/winter im no longer eligible for osap this fall/winter. The only way they will reconsider is if i write them a letter to explain the circumstances as to why this occurred. The problem is there were no 'circumstances', i just didnt complete more than 3.5 courses (i dropped 2 along the way). What exactly are they looking for in this letter and how difficult is the situation im in to get out of. Osap usually covers about a third of my tuition every year, so it would be nice to have for the next 2/3 years to help pay for school (and i would hate to loose funding for the future because of a ignorance on my part). Thanks for any help in advance :|.

[cynthiaxg]

I made the same post to her as you did...suggesting she would regret living on campus, and suggesting if she was intent on moving, to at least consider getting a roommate off campus. However, it is obvious that she is too young to understand good advice, and will just have to make her own mistakes and live with the consequences. Not liking the inconvenience of travel, stating that her classes are at all times (what university schedule isn't??), and saying it isn't safe are all reasons a person gives who is intent on moving to res no matter what they know to be better. So good luck to you Cynthia!! Keep this forum in mind 4 years from now when you need to know about interest relief. And remember for the future...if you can't afford to do something, that in itself is a good reason for thinking it might not be the right thing to do.

Even if this turns out to be something I regret, I am prepared to live with the consequences.

The point is, I did plan. I had enough money to satisfy my expenses based on the results of the UTAPS application I filled out. When my estimate from the OSAP application was suddenly short $2700, I panicked. If my UTAPS application gave me an estimate of $6000 instead of $8700, I wouldn't have made the decision to live on residence.
I didn't make my decision knowing I didn't have enough money.

[JaneSmith]

Even if this turns out to be something I regret, I am prepared to live with the consequences.

The point is, I did plan. I had enough money to satisfy my expenses based on the results of the UTAPS application I filled out. When my estimate from the OSAP application was suddenly short $2700, I panicked. If my UTAPS application gave me an estimate of $6000 instead of $8700, I wouldn't have made the decision to live on residence.
I didn't make my decision knowing I didn't have enough money.

And my whole point is that even if you got the money you were expecting from OSAP, the fact that you are getting a loan in order to move out means that you don't really have enough money to do so! I can go on a nice vacation next week if I put it on my credit card or line of credit. That doesn't mean that I have enough money to do it, or that I should. Getting osap to help fill in the gaps when paying your tuition, or to help support your living costs while being a fulltime student is one thing. Relying on OSAP to pay for your lifestyle of non-commuting is another thing. That's my whole point. Your choices are your own. Good luck!

[BBQPorkBun]

Great thread :)!

Here is my situation, my osap status has been changed to under review, when i called in to find out why they said because i completed 3.5 credits last fall/winter im no longer eligible for osap this fall/winter. The only way they will reconsider is if i write them a letter to explain the circumstances as to why this occurred. The problem is there were no 'circumstances', i just didnt complete more than 3.5 courses (i dropped 2 along the way). What exactly are they looking for in this letter and how difficult is the situation im in to get out of. Osap usually covers about a third of my tuition every year, so it would be nice to have for the next 2/3 years to help pay for school (and i would hate to loose funding for the future because of a ignorance on my part). Thanks for any help in advance :|.

theres nothing much you can do except make something up, but then when they ask you to prove it that may backfire.

just bad decisions on your part, live and learn

[BBQPorkBun]

Even if this turns out to be something I regret, I am prepared to live with the consequences.

The point is, I did plan. I had enough money to satisfy my expenses based on the results of the UTAPS application I filled out. When my estimate from the OSAP application was suddenly short $2700, I panicked. If my UTAPS application gave me an estimate of $6000 instead of $8700, I wouldn't have made the decision to live on residence.
I didn't make my decision knowing I didn't have enough money.

just some tips for the future, don't rely on estimates or assumptions of any kind, if anything assume worse case scenario, thats how one should plan. don't assume you have access to x amount until its promised to u in writing.

you probably have to work alot but you can make it up. if anything in addition to education, you will at least learn some good life lessons. all part of growing up :)

[zzz3]

theres nothing much you can do except make something up, but then when they ask you to prove it that may backfire.

just bad decisions on your part, live and learn

Would i still be allowed to apply for osap next year (i.e. 2010 summer school) or in the future?

[BBQPorkBun]

Would i still be allowed to apply for osap next year (i.e. 2010 summer school) or in the future?

i think theres more than meets the eye, they don't really just say you can't get osap cuz you did less courses. worse case you just become part time. id dig a little deeper to see what the reason is.

[rocklee389]

I had resp first year and that paid for school. Now second year I applied for osap and got an estimate of (12000) which i hope I get. I applied for res (could have saved half the money living off campus, but I needed the comfort and convenience (or my excuse) to get good grades, I am planning to apply for vet school). So if all goes well and Osap being generous lends me 12k a year for 6 years..
I will owe 42k right. Assuming Ill be smarter and save a bit from the 12k every year and work whenever I can, I was wondering... "How hard is it actually to pay off osap?" Does it add up extremely fast? Thanks!

my primary concern right now is getting into vet school, but I also wanted to know how it will look a few years from now! Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

I had resp first year and that paid for school. Now second year I applied for osap and got an estimate of (12000) which i hope I get. I applied for res (could have saved half the money living off campus, but I needed the comfort and convenience (or my excuse) to get good grades, I am planning to apply for vet school). So if all goes well and Osap being generous lends me 12k a year for 6 years..
I will owe 42k right. Assuming Ill be smarter and save a bit from the 12k every year and work whenever I can, I was wondering... "How hard is it actually to pay off osap?" Does it add up extremely fast? Thanks!

my primary concern right now is getting into vet school, but I also wanted to know how it will look a few years from now! Thanks!

whats hard to me may or may not be hard to you, so how do u expect this open ended question to be answered?

answer is its all relative

[Evil Baby]

I had resp first year and that paid for school. Now second year I applied for osap and got an estimate of (12000) which i hope I get. I applied for res (could have saved half the money living off campus, but I needed the comfort and convenience (or my excuse) to get good grades, I am planning to apply for vet school). So if all goes well and Osap being generous lends me 12k a year for 6 years..
I will owe 42k right. Assuming Ill be smarter and save a bit from the 12k every year and work whenever I can, I was wondering... "How hard is it actually to pay off osap?" Does it add up extremely fast? Thanks!

my primary concern right now is getting into vet school, but I also wanted to know how it will look a few years from now! Thanks!

A lot of that depends on the interest rate at the time and how much you can afford to put in each month.

When I graduated I owed 37grand, the interest rate was at 8.9%. My original plan was $415 a month for 15 years.

I got laid off so I got the 6 month probation but now I have job again so I'll start paying again :(, but at a lower rate so it wont because prime has gone down. So perhaps it wont take me a full 14 more years to pay it off.

[Shinzon]

id probably bring up statements in your history where you moved X amount from your parents account to yours. basically saying see, it was theirs, im just holding it for them. and now transfer it back to them.

just the whole thing looks kind of suspicious, so your answers gotta be perfect and without hesitation. be prepared as this may not be good enough.

Ok so just to be clear, should I move the money to someone else's name before i call them? or should i just leave as is and convince them that it's my parents assets?

Thanks for the help btw.

[99rs]

how does the statute of limitations apply to osap

[BBQPorkBun]

Ok so just to be clear, should I move the money to someone else's name before i call them? or should i just leave as is and convince them that it's my parents assets?

Thanks for the help btw.

get it out, but that parts less significant that proving its your parents to begin with and why you are holding it for them

[BBQPorkBun]

how does the statute of limitations apply to osap

like any other debt owing

[canadianmom]

Hi I have a question,

However, that money was my dad's money that was put under my name so he could receive social assistance


You need to be very careful how you proceed with OSAP regarding this money. What you and your parents have done would be considered social assistance fraud and the government would consider very serious.
I myself am on ODSP and know how difficult it for you to pay for your education(my daughter is in the same postion) I would hate to see you have problems with the government because of this money
Best of luck to you!

[Shinzon]

thanks for the clarification BBQ, you've been a great help...

You need to be very careful how you proceed with OSAP regarding this money. What you and your parents have done would be considered social assistance fraud and the government would consider very serious.
I myself am on ODSP and know how difficult it for you to pay for your education(my daughter is in the same postion) I would hate to see you have problems with the government because of this money
Best of luck to you!

Thanks for your reply too, although wouldn't it just be a case of not telling OSAP that we put that money there for social assistance?

[CSK'sMom]

Thanks for your reply too, although wouldn't it just be a case of not telling OSAP that we put that money there for social assistance?

Not really. What your parents did was put themselves and you in a very precarious position. They have committed fraud, there is no doubt of that at this point. Now because you are relying on OSAP it looks like you have all this money so OSAP says "no funding for you!". Now if you try to tell OSAP the truth this is all going to snowball as everything you declare to OSAP is verified through CRA records. Social Assistance also uses CRA to verify info. Thanks to your parents you're now in a position of basically setting the ball in motion for them to be caught, charged and convicted of fraud if you want to go to school... :o

[akirika]

when is the deadline for FALL/09 application?

[JaneSmith]

For those who have received word of their OSAP funding, I'm just wondering..when did you apply? I had my full application (signature pages, extra stuff requested, etc) handed in on June 10th, but I'm still waiting my "two to three weeks". I know a lot of people got their information last Monday, so I'm just curious as to when you had your application done. I'm probably just being super impatient. Thanks!

[BBQPorkBun]

thanks for the clarification BBQ, you've been a great help...



Thanks for your reply too, although wouldn't it just be a case of not telling OSAP that we put that money there for social assistance?

tell them ur holding it, why, you don't know. but its theirs and now they have it back and u made a mistake on your application.

another way is make it a joint account and say the money is not yours, its your parents and you made a mistake.

careful, you are now walking on thin ice, but you shouldn't have to pay for your parents actions

[robman_rob]

2 years ago i got approved and loaned $X from osap, and it was recorded that I am to pay all of $X back.

Last week i got a letter saying my loan has been reassessed to Y=X-$2000.

Coupled with that letter was another letter saying that I have been approved for ontario student opportunity grant (osog), but the grant was based on the reassessed figure Y instead of the actual loan amount I have to pay back, X.

So to my biased eyes I have been screwed out of $2k (i was expecting osog to be $2k more so I have to pay back $2k less). I don't see how this is fair, the government could reassess everyone after they recieve their loans, and never give out any osogs. If I have gotten $Y in the first place then I wouldn't complain, but now I have to give back $2k more.

anyway I can argue my way to get that $2k back?

Thanks.

[trisle604]

2 years ago i got approved and loaned $X from osap, and it was recorded that I am to pay all of $X back.

Last week i got a letter saying my loan has been reassessed to Y=X-$2000.

Coupled with that letter was another letter saying that I have been approved for ontario student opportunity grant (osog), but the grant was based on the reassessed figure Y instead of the actual loan amount I have to pay back, X.

So to my biased eyes I have been screwed out of $2k (i was expecting osog to be $2k more so I have to pay back $2k less). I don't see how this is fair, the government could reassess everyone after they recieve their loans, and never give out any osogs. If I have gotten $Y in the first place then I wouldn't complain, but now I have to give back $2k more.

anyway I can argue my way to get that $2k back?

Thanks.

sure hope that doesnt happen to me considering the amount im set to receive is double than the first payment and are roughly the same expenses.

[lululaa]

For those who have received word of their OSAP funding, I'm just wondering..when did you apply? I had my full application (signature pages, extra stuff requested, etc) handed in on June 10th, but I'm still waiting my "two to three weeks". I know a lot of people got their information last Monday, so I'm just curious as to when you had your application done. I'm probably just being super impatient. Thanks!

I applied for OSAP on June 6, they emailed me yesterday saying:

"Dear OSAP Student
A change has been made to your 2009-2010 OSAP application.
You should go to the OSAP website, at http://osap.gov.on.ca
and click on "Check Status" to find the latest information
about the status of your application, including any changes
to your funding."

But the site didn't actually update anything until today around 11 am for me.

Just be patient (don't worry I was really antsy too for the past month) and hopefully you'll hear from them in the next week or so.

Good luck!

[rocklee389]

lulu i have a similar thing but I dont know if its the same. They emailed me
Dear OSAP Student
A change has been made to your 2009-2010 OSAP application.
You should go to the OSAP website, at http://osap.gov.on.ca
and click on "Check Status" to find the latest information
about the status of your application, including any changes
to your funding.

So i went to check.. now there is a funding summary chart.. but it is blank

Your application has been received and OSAP funding calculated.
Your OSAP funding will not be released until the items under "Checklist" are completed

So i guess i have to provide supporting documentation and complete a confirmation of enrolment form?

But the confirmation of enrolment form I can only sign when i get to school cause its at the office there..

So will my "estimate" be my funding? If i get a much lower amount when school starts im doomed

[BBQPorkBun]

2 years ago i got approved and loaned $X from osap, and it was recorded that I am to pay all of $X back.

Last week i got a letter saying my loan has been reassessed to Y=X-$2000.

Coupled with that letter was another letter saying that I have been approved for ontario student opportunity grant (osog), but the grant was based on the reassessed figure Y instead of the actual loan amount I have to pay back, X.

So to my biased eyes I have been screwed out of $2k (i was expecting osog to be $2k more so I have to pay back $2k less). I don't see how this is fair, the government could reassess everyone after they recieve their loans, and never give out any osogs. If I have gotten $Y in the first place then I wouldn't complain, but now I have to give back $2k more.

anyway I can argue my way to get that $2k back?

Thanks.

nope

[CSK'sMom]

lulu i have a similar thing but I dont know if its the same. They emailed me
Dear OSAP Student
A change has been made to your 2009-2010 OSAP application.
You should go to the OSAP website, at http://osap.gov.on.ca
and click on "Check Status" to find the latest information
about the status of your application, including any changes
to your funding.

So i went to check.. now there is a funding summary chart.. but it is blank

Your application has been received and OSAP funding calculated.
Your OSAP funding will not be released until the items under "Checklist" are completed

So i guess i have to provide supporting documentation and complete a confirmation of enrolment form?

But the confirmation of enrolment form I can only sign when i get to school cause its at the office there..

So will my "estimate" be my funding? If i get a much lower amount when school starts im doomed

Rocklee, if you read my previous posts about this very thing you'll see it's an issue a lot of folks are encountering right now. We can only surmise it's because the declaration sheets haven't been processed yet and it will change to a complete summary when they are. I have 2 boys with OSAP applications this year. One has his declaration sheets in and processed and his shows a complete summary with all his grants. The other one has mailed his declaration forms in but they haven't been processed by his school yet. His shows his funding and it's broken down into the 2 payments but does not show any of the grants yet. Don't worry about the enrollment form, you sign it with your updated income amount when you pick up your loan papers and not before. The schools can't and won't allow anything less because of the fraud aspect involved...

[lululaa]

lulu i have a similar thing but I dont know if its the same. They emailed me
Dear OSAP Student
A change has been made to your 2009-2010 OSAP application.
You should go to the OSAP website, at http://osap.gov.on.ca
and click on "Check Status" to find the latest information
about the status of your application, including any changes
to your funding.

So i went to check.. now there is a funding summary chart.. but it is blank

Your application has been received and OSAP funding calculated.
Your OSAP funding will not be released until the items under "Checklist" are completed

So i guess i have to provide supporting documentation and complete a confirmation of enrolment form?

But the confirmation of enrolment form I can only sign when i get to school cause its at the office there..

So will my "estimate" be my funding? If i get a much lower amount when school starts im doomed

My funding was actually $500 less than my estimate.
Do provide them with all the supporting documentations that they ask for ASAP... government likes to take their time sometimes (heard that from a lady I work with who used to work for the government)
Also, I call the financial aid office at my institution a lot (well like 3 times since I submitted my application)... :cheesygri especially when I'm not sure what's going on with my application.

[rocklee389]

cool thanks guys.. i dunno why but i told them to mailed the forms to me and then ill mail them back.. haha i am still waiting for them but thx for the replies

[syllogism]

what are the osap bursaries based on? income? assets? I can't seem to find any information on how they're given out.

thanks in advance

[rocklee389]

these numbers! I am a little confused ! can anyone explain

canada ontario integrated student loan : $8680
2nd year students :$2482
middle income families :$744

see i guess i do kinda get it haha.. i get those numbers right..
and OSOG estimate :$1680 <<what is this?

[Professor Iris]

these numbers! I am a little confused ! can anyone explain

canada ontario integrated student loan : $8680
2nd year students :$2482
middle income families :$744

see i guess i do kinda get it haha.. i get those numbers right..
and OSOG estimate :$1680 <<what is this?

OSOG is an acronym I don't remember, but you can look it up on the osap site. I do remember what it functionally is though. Basically anything over $7000 per year you don't have to pay back, OSOGs pays that for you, loan= $8680-$7000 = $1680 OSOGs. They do check your income later and OSOGs isn't applied to your loan until after that. Doesn't really affect you until you are paying back already because at that point it may look like you owe more than you actually do as the OSOGs hasn't been applied yet necessarily.

[CSK'sMom]

these numbers! I am a little confused ! can anyone explain

canada ontario integrated student loan : $8680
2nd year students :$2482
middle income families :$744

see i guess i do kinda get it haha.. i get those numbers right..
and OSOG estimate :$1680 <<what is this?

The $8680 is your funding amount. It then gets broken down to $2482 of the $8640 is the Ontario Access Grant for 2nd year students and $744 of it is the middle income grant. The OSOG is the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant. That grant means that you'll never have to pay back more than $7000 per 2 term school year. Ontario will pay it directly to your loans to reduce it to $7k.

[CSK'sMom]

what are the osap bursaries based on? income? assets? I can't seem to find any information on how they're given out.

thanks in advance

Some are based on family income, some on wether the student has dependents. Others are for those with disabilities, others for those that have to travel distances due to no local schools. Others are grade based. So basically, a little of everything...

[rocklee389]

The $8680 is your funding amount. It then gets broken down to $2482 of the $8640 is the Ontario Access Grant for 2nd year students and $744 of it is the middle income grant. The OSOG is the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant. That grant means that you'll never have to pay back more than $7000 per 2 term school year. Ontario will pay it directly to your loans to reduce it to $7k.

oo i so 2482 is OF the 8640? I thought 8640 is the loan.. 2482 and 744 are grants.. so it would come up to a total of 11866

[rocklee389]

opps..11906..< $6 over maximum o_O

[CSK'sMom]

oo i so 2482 is OF the 8640? I thought 8640 is the loan.. 2482 and 744 are grants.. so it would come up to a total of 11866

What was your estimate and if you total them all does it roughly equal your estimate? If it does then that's what you get. The table of the summary has changed this year as has the way some of the grants are distributed. For example the Persons with Permanent Disabilities grant used to be payable in full in term 1. It's looks like they are now splitting it over the 2 terms. They are doing the same with the other grants as well it seems. I just pulled up our one son's summary page and it looks like you're correct that you'll be getting the $11k. They no longer are showing a "total" column, just everything seperately which is assinine IMO..

By the way rocklee, are you a first year student and applied for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship? If you are and did, print the declaration pages off and get them in the mail today! Declaration pages need to be in to your FinAid office by July 17th to qualify for the scholarship.

edit to add.... many of the new grants are payable on top of the max amount rocklee, they aren't capped at the max funing amount like they previously were. Thank the Federal gov't for making these changes with the new grants. ;)

[rocklee389]

=] thanks for all the advice.. im a second year.. I had resp first year so I didnt need osap.. but from now on I do! I didn't apply for the queen one.. imcheck it out

[Shinzon]

Just another question, in case I'm not able to get OSAP loans, could I still get grants from OSAP (government)? I understand that we have until the 17th of July to apply to get the QE2 scholarship, and there's another grant for students with parents who have low income (my case).

[CSK'sMom]

Just another question, in case I'm not able to get OSAP loans, could I still get grants from OSAP (government)? I understand that we have until the 17th of July to apply to get the QE2 scholarship, and there's another grant for students with parents who have low income (my case).

Actually if you actually read the last 5-10 pages of the thread the deadline for your OSAP application if you were to apply for the QEII Scholarship was in June and the deadline for declaration pages into the FinAid offices is July 17th. Read up on the grants on the OSAP page. Many of them can still be gotten as long as you qualify for $1 worth of OSAP funding (T&T for example), but not all.

[Shinzon]

Alright, what happens if I don't hand in the declaration pages before the 17th? I won't get OSAP? Because from what I understand, you can apply for OSAP until 45 days into the school year if it's a full-time course.

Also, even though I might not get the QE2, in case I'm not able to get OSAP loans, could I still get grants from OSAP, like the grant for low income families (applies to me)?

[CSK'sMom]

Alright, what happens if I don't hand in the declaration pages before the 17th? I won't get OSAP? Because from what I understand, you can apply for OSAP until 45 days into the school year if it's a full-time course.

Also, even though I might not get the QE2, in case I'm not able to get OSAP loans, could I still get grants from OSAP, like the grant for low income families (applies to me)?

Declaration pages only have to be handed in by July 17th if and only if you applied for the QE Scholarship. If you didn't apply for it there is no hard deadline for declaration pages or supporting documentation. They just won't release your loan papers until they are in and processed. Just so that you're aware though, by not applying by the deadline you gave up up to $3500/yr that is renewable for 4 years. :-0 As for the low income grant, you must qualify for federal student loan to qualify for the grant. As per the OSAP page...
Students from low-income families who qualify for a federal student loan and meet the specific grant eligibility requirements will receive $250 per month of study. The grant is available for all years of a university undergraduate, college, or trade school program.


The family income tables are on the www.canlearn.ca website and are broken down for both the low income and middle income grants and family size.

[SaNTi iTNaS]

So I should be automatically notified if I am eligible for the Low-Income grant when my OSAP is accepted, correct?

Is there another application I should know about? I read on the canlearn.ca site (thanks for the info) that it should be automatically processed by your province financial office (OSAP.) Just want to confirm.

Thank you for all the info.

- SaNTi

[CSK'sMom]

So I should be automatically notified if I am eligible for the Low-Income grant when my OSAP is accepted, correct?

Is there another application I should know about? I read on the canlearn.ca site (thanks for the info) that it should be automatically processed by your province financial office (OSAP.) Just want to confirm.

Thank you for all the info.

- SaNTi


You won't be notified of anything other than your OSAP application is processed, one application covers everything, including the T&T grant. When it is fully processed and you log into your OSAP account it will show your funding summary when you click on the check status link. The summary will show exacly how much you will recieve each term and each term will be broken down into the actual loan amount as well as the individual grants.

[SaNTi iTNaS]

Awesome. Thanks! :razz:

[Shinzon]

Declaration pages only have to be handed in by July 17th if and only if you applied for the QE Scholarship. If you didn't apply for it there is no hard deadline for declaration pages or supporting documentation. They just won't release your loan papers until they are in and processed. Just so that you're aware though, by not applying by the deadline you gave up up to $3500/yr that is renewable for 4 years. :-0 As for the low income grant, you must qualify for federal student loan to qualify for the grant. As per the OSAP page...


The family income tables are on the www.canlearn.ca website and are broken down for both the low income and middle income grants and family size.

That cleared that up. Just one more question, say that I sent my declaration pages after the 17th, or I don't get any OSAP loans this year, I could still get the QE2 if I apply next year? Or is it only awarded to first year students?

[CSK'sMom]

That cleared that up. Just one more question, say that I sent my declaration pages after the 17th, or I don't get any OSAP loans this year, I could still get the QE2 if I apply next year? Or is it only awarded to first year students?

Oy! It would really help if you actually took the time to read the OSAP site regarding the QEII. Again, right from the OSAP site...
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a scholarship:

you must apply by June 19, 2009;
you must be an Ontario resident, as defined by Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP);
you must graduate from an Ontario high school in 2009 and achieve academic excellence;
you must apply to attend a publicly assisted Ontario university or college of applied arts and technology on a full-time basis, through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre or the Ontario College Application Services; or apply to attend another Ontario postsecondary institution (for example, a private career college) that is approved for purposes of this scholarship program;
you will be a full-time postsecondary student in 2009-2010.

It's only awarded to those going from highschool graduation with great marks directly to post secondary. 12B's don't qualify. If you aren't eligible (don't meet the above guidelines), you loose it forever. It's a one shot deal. If you qualify you must keep a minimum of a 80% average to renew the scholarship for up to 4 years. If you were offered the option to apply for it during your OSAP application you absolutely need to have your declaration pages in to your school by July 17th. If you don't you're automatically disqualified if you miss any of the deadlines...

[auh26]

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

But...no Ontario Access Grants (I'm a first-year student)

Should I contact my university? Did this happen to any of you guys?

[parthc007]

hey, I finished my third year of university and have been getting osap as a dependent student all these years. However, I am taking this year off for an internship. My question, when I apply for OSAP after my internship, I will have been out of high school for four years, does that qualify my application as an independent student? if so, how do I go about changing the status?

I appreciate your response, thanks in advance!

[nomorality]

here is a different question: i have been getting osap for the last 2 years and have been living with my parents, what i decide to leave my parents house to go on rez, will i get more osap for that? one of my parents is threatening me to stop supporting my osap, do i need their support to necessarily get osap in the first place?

[CSK'sMom]

here is a different question: i have been getting osap for the last 2 years and have been living with my parents, what i decide to leave my parents house to go on rez, will i get more osap for that? one of my parents is threatening me to stop supporting my osap, do i need their support to necessarily get osap in the first place?

No you won't necessarily get more money if you move out. Your school would have to be at least 40km away from your parents home in order to get any additional living expenses from OSAP. Yes, you do need your parents support for OSAP generally. If they do not sign the declaration pages it will affect your eligibility to recieve OSAP according to the actual declaration page.

Once you are 4 years out of highschool you will be considered an independent student, until then play by your parents rules. ;)

[BBQPorkBun]

hey, I finished my third year of university and have been getting osap as a dependent student all these years. However, I am taking this year off for an internship. My question, when I apply for OSAP after my internship, I will have been out of high school for four years, does that qualify my application as an independent student? if so, how do I go about changing the status?

I appreciate your response, thanks in advance!

you pay tuition during your internship?

[Fluid]

quick question.

I took OSAP in my first and second year of University. I am entering my 4th year now and would like to take OSAP again. I live with my parents, but I do not wish to disclose that I am taking OSAP with them.

Is there anyway to fill out the information needed to apply for OSAP, without submitting my parents income tax information?

I am not in need of that much as my job will probably pay my tuition, but I need just a little bit extra for miscellaneous expenses that will arise in the school year (cell phone bills, food, ttc, etc.)

[lookingforstufffff]

you pay tuition during your internship?

If you take an internship position, you aren't a full time student anymore, so yeah... Interest starts kicking in the day you "leave" school.

[CSK'sMom]

quick question.

I took OSAP in my first and second year of University. I am entering my 4th year now and would like to take OSAP again. I live with my parents, but I do not wish to disclose that I am taking OSAP with them.

Is there anyway to fill out the information needed to apply for OSAP, without submitting my parents income tax information?

I am not in need of that much as my job will probably pay my tuition, but I need just a little bit extra for miscellaneous expenses that will arise in the school year (cell phone bills, food, ttc, etc.)

If you've been out of highschool for 4 years then you'll be considered an independent student. That means that only your income goes on your application and nothing from your parents is required as they are no longer expected to help you financially. Read up on it on the OSAP site...

[Fluid]

If you've been out of highschool for 4 years then you'll be considered an independent student. That means that only your income goes on your application and nothing from your parents is required as they are no longer expected to help you financially. Read up on it on the OSAP site...


I read about the 4 year old, shuldve mentioned it in my earlier post, but I finished high school about 3 years and 2 months ago. Is there any other way?

[Drur93]

I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

I have an issue that is increasingly concerning me. I have a BSc from an Ontario university, and I'm heading to Alberta for a second undergraduate degree. I've been out of university for 2 years now and I'm currently on interest relief from the 27000k that I currently owe. On my application, when asked how much I will earn this summer, I put about $2500. It's starting to look like it may end up being a little bit more than that because I'm starting to get more hours at my job. Possibly closer to $5000. I had about $4000 in credit card debt that I paid it off first, however, so I will likely end up with about $1500 saved total. It's looking like my tuition and residence will end up costing about $13000, and I will likely end up needing about that much in my application. So, my question is this: If I end up making about $5000, will that effect my ability to get full funding? Furthermore, is there a bracket system that dictates how much funding you can get based on what you make? I'm worried I'm going to arrive in Alberta, move in, start classes, and then have OSAP drop a bomb on me telling me that I'm only eligible for $7000 or something really low.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[BBQPorkBun]

I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

I have an issue that is increasingly concerning me. I have a BSc from an Ontario university, and I'm heading to Alberta for a second undergraduate degree. I've been out of university for 2 years now and I'm currently on interest relief from the 27000k that I currently owe. On my application, when asked how much I will earn this summer, I put about $2500. It's starting to look like it may end up being a little bit more than that because I'm starting to get more hours at my job. Possibly closer to $5000. I had about $4000 in credit card debt that I paid it off first, however, so I will likely end up with about $1500 saved total. It's looking like my tuition and residence will end up costing about $13000, and I will likely end up needing about that much in my application. So, my question is this: If I end up making about $5000, will that effect my ability to get full funding? Furthermore, is there a bracket system that dictates how much funding you can get based on what you make? I'm worried I'm going to arrive in Alberta, move in, start classes, and then have OSAP drop a bomb on me telling me that I'm only eligible for $7000 or something really low.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

its entirely possible. yes making 5k will definitely affect your osap. you are expected to work or come up with what you are short. the factor you're not gonna like is osap doesn't care you have credit card debt. (and 4k? really? thats alot at like 20%). try not to spend money you don't have.

[CSR]

If you take an internship position, you aren't a full time student anymore, so yeah... Interest starts kicking in the day you "leave" school.

That's not entirely correct. My school considers students on co-op work terms (4/8 months) as full time students. Simply fill in the interest free form and you're good.

Internships may be different than co-ops.

[fbb50]

hi! im a new member, looking for advice. i want to go on OSAP but i applied at sc already, waiting is so long,coz i have to back to my advisor this Aug 31and my course suppose to start Sept, and my advisor said im waiting to go to school by Jan, but my next step is going to vpi, so i went to school to apply for OSAP but i change my mind so i cancelled it, so please someone tell me what should i do, if i do the OSAP i have to wait for 3 weeks, and school told me that i can get approved at OSAP, i still have change till monday to tell the school if i want to go for OSAP, but if i want to go for sc i have to go back to my advisor as i said on Aug 31,

[CSK'sMom]

That's not entirely correct. My school considers students on co-op work terms (4/8 months) as full time students. Simply fill in the interest free form and you're good.

Internships may be different than co-ops.

CSR, co-ops are different than internships. Maybe the OP is using the term interchangeably mistakenly but who knows? Co-op's result in school credits, hence one is treated as still in school. There isn't even a need to fill any OSAP related forms out usually. I know in our son's case, he's been on a co-op term since April and doesn't go back to school till Oct. He will get credits for this term (reports he does and employer interviews with co-op coordinators) and it's mandatory for graduation in his case. He didn't have to fill anything out for OSAP...

[Drur93]

its entirely possible. yes making 5k will definitely affect your osap. you are expected to work or come up with what you are short. the factor you're not gonna like is osap doesn't care you have credit card debt. (and 4k? really? thats alot at like 20%). try not to spend money you don't have.

The credit card debt was from 2 years ago, so I had to pay it off. All my extra cash was going towards paying the interest. I know they don't care, but that's the reasoning behind it. If they tell me I'm not eligible for the full amount I need, how do I convince them that I need more? Do I appeal? What's the process for that?

Also, I just received a letter from them stating that my program sent them the information needed. However, the school said the program was from September 1 to April 30. Their response was that because the program is less than 43 weeks in length, they cannot process my application. Except 43 weeks from September 1 is June 29. No university that I know of has programs running that length. Even highschools aren't that long. Is this likely an error on their part, or does this have potential to be an issue?

[Usuyami]

Hello, filling out my OSAP app (a little late, I know) and I'm stuck on one part. I live with parents so my daily living expenses (rent, food, utilities) are covered by them. OSAP wants me to provide supporting documentation of this. Apparently my parents (or one of them) needs to write a letter supporting this. What should they put on this letter?

[cliche guevara]

I kind of already sent in my signatures and disclosures, and i MIGHT need to cancel if I get into another school.

Wat do I do?

[MajorM]

I am only receiving 3K in loans and would like to receive more. I live with my mother and she made under 30K in her 2008 tax income. How may I apply for more, do I go to the financial office at York and review my application?

[CSK'sMom]

Hello, filling out my OSAP app (a little late, I know) and I'm stuck on one part. I live with parents so my daily living expenses (rent, food, utilities) are covered by them. OSAP wants me to provide supporting documentation of this. Apparently my parents (or one of them) needs to write a letter supporting this. What should they put on this letter?
Keep the letter short and sweet. All it needs to contain is that you are living at home while in school and your parents signatures...

[CSK'sMom]

I kind of already sent in my signatures and disclosures, and i MIGHT need to cancel if I get into another school.

Wat do I do?

If you log into your OSAP page there is an option to cancel the application. It's to the side of your application a couple of columns over from "check status"....

[CSK'sMom]

I am only receiving 3K in loans and would like to receive more. I live with my mother and she made under 30K in her 2008 tax income. How may I apply for more, do I go to the financial office at York and review my application?


Everyone would "like" to receive more but this is the real world. There has to be a reason why you were assessed that amount as your financial "need". RESP, large bank account, vehicle worth more than $5K, etc. Without the full story we really can't help or tell you whether it's worth asking for an appeal...

[littleraskle]

What happens if you lied about waht u expect to be earning? i said 3k instead of 5k! will OSAP take away my grants (like the ontario access grant, and the grant for low-income families)... OR just reduce my loan?

[CSK'sMom]

What happens if you lied about waht u expect to be earning? i said 3k instead of 5k! will OSAP take away my grants (like the ontario access grant, and the grant for low-income families)... OR just reduce my loan?

As long as you accurately update your income amount when you pick up your loan papers (there is spot on the forms to do this!) you'll be ok and won't end up with an overpayment. Your OSAP funding may be reassessed though to relect the additional income. The Ontario Access Grant and low income grant are calculated on family income, not yours.

[BBQPorkBun]

The credit card debt was from 2 years ago, so I had to pay it off. All my extra cash was going towards paying the interest. I know they don't care, but that's the reasoning behind it. If they tell me I'm not eligible for the full amount I need, how do I convince them that I need more? Do I appeal? What's the process for that?

Also, I just received a letter from them stating that my program sent them the information needed. However, the school said the program was from September 1 to April 30. Their response was that because the program is less than 43 weeks in length, they cannot process my application. Except 43 weeks from September 1 is June 29. No university that I know of has programs running that length. Even highschools aren't that long. Is this likely an error on their part, or does this have potential to be an issue?

you can't convince them. not their problem, if they considered it as a factor, they would have asked for it.

you need to find out the real reason, sept to april is pretty standard, call them

[Usuyami]

Keep the letter short and sweet. All it needs to contain is that you are living at home while in school and your parents signatures...

Thanks, will do!

[asdisme]

Is it too late to apply for Osap now in order to receive the amount when school starts?

thanks

[CSK'sMom]

Is it too late to apply for Osap now in order to receive the amount when school starts?

thanks

no...

[skyblue12]

I received a low income family grant in my first year, now for second year my parent's income was lower than the first by a sizable 10k. I did not receive the grant last year.....can anyone help me for this coming application?

[CSK'sMom]

I received a low income family grant in my first year, now for second year my parent's income was lower than the first by a sizable 10k. I did not receive the grant last year.....can anyone help me for this coming application?


What you received no longer exists. It was a Canada Access Grant. All the Canada Access Grants were done away with in the federal budget this past spring. Those grants are now replaced by much more clear cut and fair grants, the students from low income grant and the student from middle income grant. The low income grant is now a flat $250/month of study and the middle income grant is $100/month of study. There are very clear income restrictions now for these grants depending on family size. The tables can be found on the www.canlearn.ca site. If your family income is under the cut-off's you'll qualify for the new grants. If it's not you're SOL and there is nothing you can do about it...

[TechFundi]

Hey guys...Need a piece of advice regarding my osap default. I started uni a few years ago but dropped out due to some health prob that turned out to be a permanent disability. However I owed OSAP the loan money which I couldnt pay back in time due to illness. The loan went to Canada Revenue Agency and a portion of the remaining loan is still with them. I went back to uni to continue my studies on my own after clearing up my uni loan and did considerably well last year. Now I wanna go back on Osap cuz im broke but im not sure if I would be able to qualify again for OSAP? my credit history isn't great either so cant get any LOC at the moment. I owe my uni some money from last year's tuition...and if i qualify for osap again, would they pay last year's tuition?


Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[CSK'sMom]

Hey guys...Need a piece of advice regarding my osap default. I started uni a few years ago but dropped out due to some health prob that turned out to be a permanent disability. However I owed OSAP the loan money which I couldnt pay back in time due to illness. The loan went to Canada Revenue Agency and a portion of the remaining loan is still with them. I went back to uni to continue my studies on my own after clearing up my uni loan and did considerably well last year. Now I wanna go back on Osap cuz im broke but im not sure if I would be able to qualify again for OSAP? my credit history isn't great either so cant get any LOC at the moment. I owe my uni some money from last year's tuition...and if i qualify for osap again, would they pay last year's tuition?


Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

As long as your original OSAP loan is in default status you will not be able to receive any OSAP funding. Your best course of action at this point is to probably take a year off, get that initial OSAP loan payed off as well as the outstanding tuition from last year and save a bit of money. Then go back to school and apply for OSAP. You may well get denied but you can appeal it with an explanation of why you defaulted with documentation. You'd probably be best served at that time to apply for the permanent disability grant...

[Jruuu]

If you are a student with a disability, I would look into applying for internal/external grants and bursaries if you haven't already done so. There are many not-for-profit organizations out there which offer these types of grants, though it will take some effort to find them.

Good luck

[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?

[CSK'sMom]

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?

Well I can tell you that OSAP does run a credit check with the reporting agencies (Trans Union and Equifax) and you generally need to have a clean credit history. You're best bet is to phone your school's FinAid office and see what they say. Above all else it costs you nothing to apply for OSAP so you have nothing to loose when applying...

[Sherman90]

Question about car ownership.

I'm the registered owner of a fairly valuable vehicle that really belongs to my father (i.e. I could never sell it). I'm worried that declaring it will definitively cut me off from OSAP loans/bursaries, which I desperately need.

Is there any real risk in not declaring vehicle ownership? I know OSAP asks for your Driver's License; is this linked to car registration? What's the worst that could happen?

I just don't want to go through the hassle of transferring the title back to my father's name.

[CSK'sMom]

Question about car ownership.

I'm the registered owner of a fairly valuable vehicle that really belongs to my father (i.e. I could never sell it). I'm worried that declaring it will definitively cut me off from OSAP loans/bursaries, which I desperately need.

Is there any real risk in not declaring vehicle ownership? I know OSAP asks for your Driver's License; is this linked to car registration? What's the worst that could happen?

I just don't want to go through the hassle of transferring the title back to my father's name.


Yes they do check MTO records for vehicle registrations in your name. If you don't declare it on the app. OSAP will find out (read the last couple of pages of the other OSAP thread). You won't be eligible for funding if the value is that high and absolute worst case, if they think your not declaring the car was fraud they will turn it over to the police for investigation and to lay charges.

[fizzbitch]

I'll be taking the car with me to school out in Alberta (I'm from Ontario), and I have OSAP. Right now it is my dad's car, but, as per Alberta law, I have to get my vehicle registered in Alberta after living in Alberta for 90 days (i.e. 3 months). In order to do this, the vehicle will have to be in my name. What do you think will happen if I gain possession of the vehicle in December/January? Will OSAP immediately demand that I pay back the money they loaned me, or will I just not be able to get OSAP next year? I realize that's a rather specific and unique question, and that the answer can be quite variable... just give me your best shot.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: forgot to mention that the car is worth about 13 grand. OSAP wouldn't be happy with it at that price.

[BBQPorkBun]

I'll be taking the car with me to school out in Alberta (I'm from Ontario), and I have OSAP. Right now it is my dad's car, but, as per Alberta law, I have to get my vehicle registered in Alberta after living in Alberta for 90 days (i.e. 3 months). In order to do this, the vehicle will have to be in my name. What do you think will happen if I gain possession of the vehicle in December/January? Will OSAP immediately demand that I pay back the money they loaned me, or will I just not be able to get OSAP next year? I realize that's a rather specific and unique question, and that the answer can be quite variable... just give me your best shot.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: forgot to mention that the car is worth about 13 grand. OSAP wouldn't be happy with it at that price.

its not that unique

own a asset, reassessment, no osap

could you get away with it? possibly, but your risk at fraud and they can retroactively ask you to everything they've loaned you

[fizzbitch]

By "no osap", you mean no osap in the following year, right?

And, yeah, no fraud going on there. I'll report it to OSAP as soon as the vehicle becomes in my name.

[CSK'sMom]

By "no osap", you mean no osap in the following year, right?

And, yeah, no fraud going on there. I'll report it to OSAP as soon as the vehicle becomes in my name.

Nope. You are required to immediately report any changes to assets to OSAP. That means the day you put the car in your name you have to report it to OSAP. That will trigger a reassessment. WIth the value of the car it will immediately disqualify you from receiving any OSAP. You will then immediately be required to repay any funding that you had received from them for this coming school year and the 2nd payment will be cancelled.

[fizzbitch]

Serious?

I know friends who ended up making more than they predicted they would make during the school year... I had a friend who didn't think he would make any money during the school year, ended up getting offered a good job, worked + made money, didn't report it to OSAP [not being intentionally fraudulent but being forgetful/ignorant of the rule that he must report any changes in income, assets, etc... to OSAP]... he got a notice of reassessment not too long ago, explaining that he was going to get a [slightly] smaller loan this coming year because he made so much last year and reminding him that he must report any changes to OSAP. Quite the slap on the wrist if you ask me...

Depending on how I am financially at around the time I need to register the vehicle in my name, I'll see how it goes. OSAP is only a temporary loan to me anyway, but I would like to keep the grant portion. Hence why I don't care about being rejected from next year (2010-2011)'s OSAP... but I would be sort of let down about having to pay back the grant. Oh well, I didn't expect to get free money from the government anyway...

[CSK'sMom]

Serious?

I know friends who ended up making more than they predicted they would make during the school year... I had a friend who didn't think he would make any money during the school year, ended up getting offered a good job, worked + made money, didn't report it to OSAP [not being intentionally fraudulent but being forgetful/ignorant of the rule that he must report any changes in income, assets, etc... to OSAP]... he got a notice of reassessment not too long ago, explaining that he was going to get a [slightly] smaller loan this coming year because he made so much last year and reminding him that he must report any changes to OSAP. Quite the slap on the wrist if you ask me...

Depending on how I am financially at around the time I need to register the vehicle in my name, I'll see how it goes. OSAP is only a temporary loan to me anyway, but I would like to keep the grant portion. Hence why I don't care about being rejected from next year (2010-2011)'s OSAP... but I would be sort of let down about having to pay back the grant. Oh well, I didn't expect to get free money from the government anyway...

Dead serious unfortunately. Working during the school yr is very different than all of a sudden aquiring a $13k vehicle KWIM? Just as BBQ always tells kids to put $0 for study period/summer income until they actually get a job and then report the income after they actually make it. There is a number concerning income variance built into the system that will trigger how it's dealt with. There are kids on here this year with a variance in the area of $5k who had to repay before being eligible for further funding.

[fizzbitch]

Thanks for the help.

In that case, I'll take my chances with simply keeping my Ontario plates on my car for the whole year (and keeping the car in my dad's name). If I get caught speeding or w/e and the cop asks me about my Ontario plates, I'll just plead ignorance and hopefully get away with a warning. $100 fine = worst case scenario... better than having to pay back (the grant portion of) my OSAP loan.

[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?

[marta_139]

Okay so ive had 2 interest relief period and now i am due to start paying off my loans end of nov. Payment is 340$ a month on a 28,000 loan.

I need more interest free. I make 32K a year. However, i was unemployed for 6 months and just started this job mid-sept. And in sept I had to move to Toronto for the job so had to pay first and last months rent. Also for this job, I have to take my CSC and other courses in order to be licensed asap (cost is about $2000). Im already in debt with my parents, visa bills and just trying to get buy with rent and stuff. After I get my securities I will be making more but until then its rough.
I CANNOT pay osap right now. What is your advice?? I dont want to be a delinquent when they take money out and I have none. I only make about 2000 a month after taxes but it asks for before taxes. If I lie and say I make 2000 would I get into a lot of trouble? How do they check? Keep in mind im planning on repaying as of Jan but just cannot make the nov/dec payments.

[CSK'sMom]

Okay so ive had 2 interest relief period and now i am due to start paying off my loans end of nov. Payment is 340$ a month on a 28,000 loan.

I need more interest free. I make 32K a year. However, i was unemployed for 6 months and just started this job mid-sept. And in sept I had to move to Toronto for the job so had to pay first and last months rent. Also for this job, I have to take my CSC and other courses in order to be licensed asap (cost is about $2000). Im already in debt with my parents, visa bills and just trying to get buy with rent and stuff. After I get my securities I will be making more but until then its rough.
I CANNOT pay osap right now. What is your advice?? I dont want to be a delinquent when they take money out and I have none. I only make about 2000 a month after taxes but it asks for before taxes. If I lie and say I make 2000 would I get into a lot of trouble? How do they check? Keep in mind im planning on repaying as of Jan but just cannot make the nov/dec payments.

Have you signed up for the new RAP program yet? You can read about it on the www.canlearn.ca website. It will gear your payments to your income.

[lin1085]

Has anyone applied OSAP for a summer abroad program that is usually around $5000-7000? How much did you receive from OSAP? I am really interested in doing a summer abroad program, but I don't think I can afford to go unless OSAP is willing to loan me more than half of that amount. Does anyone have experience in this area?

[krivers]

Ok so instead of putting my income as 12,277 I guess on my osap application I some how added an extra 0 making it 122,770 as my 2008 income I still got a good amount as a sole support parent but I sent in a letter of explination and my income tax return so they could fix the mistake. My finaical aid office told me the problem had not been fixed and osap did not recieve the letter I sent for the correction. I am signing my loan documents tomorrow and they said to bring my tax return and my letter so they can resend it and I would recieve a larger amount. My question is wouldnt osap have caught the mistake? When they reviewed my income with the goverment? Why wouldnt they have fixed the mistake? And will this atually make a difference? The aid officer said Iwould recieve a grant once it is fixed because I didnt recieve one. Thanks

[hebejm]

hi I'm a recent immigrant and I am planning on beginning school next sept at u of t, since im a recent immigrant my parents will not be able to make enough money to pay my tuition, so I used the estimator on the osap website and according to them i will have expenses for 15 000 dollars per year (planning on living in residence since it's more comfortable) but the loan they estimated is just over 12000 dollars, is that right or am i supposed to pay 3000 dollars, also if i check the option of living at home i would still have to pay 1500 dollars out of my own pocket, so does osap know some people cant even afford 3000 o 1500 dollars a year?, thank you

[Evil Baby]

hi I'm a recent immigrant and I am planning on beginning school next sept at u of t, since im a recent immigrant my parents will not be able to make enough money to pay my tuition, so I used the estimator on the osap website and according to them i will have expenses for 15 000 dollars per year (planning on living in residence since it's more comfortable) but the loan they estimated is just over 12000 dollars, is that right or am i supposed to pay 3000 dollars, also if i check the option of living at home i would still have to pay 1500 dollars out of my own pocket, so does osap know some people cant even afford 3000 o 1500 dollars a year?, thank you

OSAP has a max that they will pay out per year. 12000 might be their max. Now as a recent immigrant are you even entitled to OSAP or do you have to be a Canadian citizen for that?

Anyways, if you know you have to pay $3000, that gives you 11 months to save up $3000. I don't think it's un-reasonible to expect somebody to pay $3000 for a year of schooling.

[CSK'sMom]

hi I'm a recent immigrant and I am planning on beginning school next sept at u of t, since im a recent immigrant my parents will not be able to make enough money to pay my tuition, so I used the estimator on the osap website and according to them i will have expenses for 15 000 dollars per year (planning on living in residence since it's more comfortable) but the loan they estimated is just over 12000 dollars, is that right or am i supposed to pay 3000 dollars, also if i check the option of living at home i would still have to pay 1500 dollars out of my own pocket, so does osap know some people cant even afford 3000 o 1500 dollars a year?, thank you

Ok, to begin with this should be in the new OSAP thread. That said, OSAP is a need based system, not want based. You will not receive living expenses (residence fees) unless your school is more than 40 km from your home.

OSAP also expects one to contribute to their own education expenses. That means you are expected to work full time in the summer and bank every penny to put towards school. If need be you are also expected to work part time while in school. The program was never intended to or will it ever fully cover all your expenses. It's a helping hand and not a hand out.

OSAP uses a complicated formula with your family income and tuition, etc to figure out your specific funding level. would warn you that the estimator is just that, and rarely very accurate on the expense side. Tuition and books go up yearly and the estimator ends up outdated very quickly...

[kelmosier]

I have a really quick question.
My boyfriend applied for osap and was approved for 5000 for the year (which I thought was low because he hadn't been working the year before)
About a week ago he got an email that his osap was reassessed and found that he's now eligable for 10000. It says on the page that 6000 has been released to date, and he's now getting 4000 in jan. but during the first installment he was only given 3000 (60% of his original total). Do you get another loan installment before january to make the difference? or does the rest come out in january? And why would they say that 6000 was released already?
Please, we're really confused and the people at his financial aid office won't give him any information (they told him that it was a credit on his application, but that doesn't make any sense).
Please help, we don't want to pay back 3000 dollars that we never received!!
thanks!!