OSAP

What is OSAP?

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a federally and provincially funded student loan and grant program that provides financial assistance to eligible post secondary students.  Applications require approximately four weeks to process.

You may apply for OSAP online at: https://osap.gov.on.ca or you can fill out a paper application, which is available for printing from the OSAP website.

In addition, Humber’s Financial Aid and Awards office administers and provides information for the following government financial aid programs:

• Ontario Student Assistance Program;
• Canada Study Grant (CSG);
• Ontario Access Grant (CAG);
• Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD);
• Child Care Bursary (CCB);
• Ontario Work Study Program (OWSP);
• Ontario Special Bursary Program (OSBP);
• Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top scholarship;
• Ontario Student Opportunity Grant (OSOG) - formerly the Loan Forgiveness program

OSAP Eligibility

To be eligible for OSAP you must be:

• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (landed immigrant or a protected person)
• Student and/or parents, spouse or sponsor must be a resident of Ontario for at least 12 months in a row up to the beginning of the study period applied for and was not enrolled in full-time post secondary studies during this 12 month period.
• Must have applied for an approved post secondary program
• Must be enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load (40% for students with a permanent disability)

The loan amounts you are eligible for are contingent upon educational costs (e.g. tuition & books), living costs, expected personal financial contribution, and family support/parental income. For an estimation of the loan amount you are eligible for, please use the Aid Estimator tool on the OSAP website https://osap.gov.on.ca

If you are a part-time student:

• You may be eligible to apply for a Part Time Student Loan if you meet specific criteria. You can get more information about this on the OSAP website link below or contact the Financial Aid office during their office hours.

Status/Confirmation of Enrolment

If you have previously applied for and received OSAP funding and are still making regular payments, or you are still in school and no longer wish to apply for OSAP and would like to stop the payments while you are in school, you must do the following:

Complete a Continuation of Interest-Free Status/Confirmation of Enrolment form in order to keep your loans interest free. This must be done for each semester that you are enrolled in classes and taking 60% or more of a full course load (40% for student with permanent disability). This form must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office for processing.

You now have two options:

1. Go to the OSAP website – osap.gov.on.ca On the left side of the webpage, click Forms and locate the Continuation of Interest-Free Status/Confirmation of Enrolment  form.  Print the 2 page application (requires Adobe Reader).  Complete the application form and bring it to the Financial Aid Office on campus.

2. Visit the Financial Aid Office and see a Financial Aid Advisor to complete and process your Continuation of Interest-Free Status/Confirmation of Enrolment form.

OSAP FAQs

1. Do I have to book an appointment to speak with a Financial Aid Advisor at Humber?
   You do not book an appointment – please come to the Front Information Desk at the Registrar's Office. You will be given a number and asked to wait until your number is called.

2. What is the phone number and website address for the Ministry?
   Phone: 1-866-330-3331 (Note: Voice automated system for status information only. You must contact Financial Aid Office staff for specific inquiries.)
   WEBSITE: https://osap.gov.on.ca

3. I can't get into the OSAP website because I forgot my PIN or password. How do I get into it now?
   You can go to the Financial Aid Office at any college or university and they will reset your PIN. You MUST bring your valid Canadian government issued photo ID and SIN card!!

4. I lost my SIN Card, what do I do?
   Visit your local Human Resource Development Canada Office to apply for a new card and you will get a temporary receipt or provide a copy of your Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency or CPP Statement of Contribution.

5. I think I lost or misplaced my OSAP loan documents - how do I get duplicates?
   You must come into the Financial Aid Office in person to request duplicates. Remember to bring your valid Canadian government issued photo ID and SIN card.

6. I have applied for OSAP but was not approved - can you tell me why?
   There are many reasons why this could be happening:

   1. Are you in default from a previous loan?
   2. Did you apply at another institution?
   3. It may be based on your, or your parents'/spouse's income or your assets
   4. There may be errors on your application.
   We suggest you check your file on the web first. You may have to visit the Financial Aid office for assistance if you cannot identify the problem.

7. I received a letter from the Ministry that my application cannot be processed due to an error(s). What is the error and how do I correct it?
   Access your file on the Ministry system to check the error messages or contact the Financial Aid office.

8. I am not eligible for OSAP because my previous loans are in default. How do I become eligible again?
   For instructions, contact the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) repayment department at 1-866-788-0288.

9. I received a "Notice of Re-assessment". What does this mean?
   If you are a current student you should visit the Financial Aid office for an explanation. If you are no longer a full-time student, contact Financial Aid by telephone (416) 675-6622 ext. 4245

10. Why do I have to enter my parents' information when they are not supporting me and/or I do not even live at home?
    The Ministry expects your parents to make a contribution to your education if you have been out of high school less than 4 years. UNLESS you are married, separated or a sole support parent or have not been a full-time student for two year or more, your assessment will be based on parental income as well as your own resources. If you have questions about this, you will have to speak to a Financial Aid Advisor. You can also get more information about the criteria for receiving OSAP on the OSAP website.

11. I did not get enough OSAP to cover my books, rent and food - how can I get more?
    If you presented your information accurately on your OSAP application form and made no mistakes, it is unlikely there is more funding available to you from OSAP. Several alternative options are available:

    • Review Humber's scholarships, bursaries and awards for further funding
    • Speak with the Career Centre at Humber for Ontario Work Study opportunities (please see 'Ontario Work Study Program' on Humber's Financial Aid Homepage)
    • Apply for a Tuition Bursary by completing the Interactive Budget Calculator online.
    • If you are still experiencing difficulty, please feel free to speak with a Financial Aid Advisor in person.

12. When and how can I apply for a Tuition Bursary?
    For new students – As of April 1st
    For returning students – As of June 2nd
    Applications for the tuition bursary are available on the WEB only. Visit the website at:
    srs.humber.ca - Go to Financial Planning and click on the Interactive Budget Calculator

13. I was approved to receive OSAP - has it arrived at the college yet?
    To check if your loan documents have arrived – check your status on the OSAP website at https://osap.gov.on.ca
    Please note: Regardless of document arrival date, you are not able to pick up your loan documents until the week of Orientation or the first day of classes).

14. When can I pick up my May OSAP document?
    As of the first day of classes in the Financial Aid Office on campus.

15. When do I pick up the second (40%) portion of my OSAP loan?
    At the beginning of your second semester or if you are in a one semester program you will be eligible for OSAP only after the midterm grades are entered on your file. Please see the OSAP Steps & Important Dates calendar on this website for the procedures for document pick-up and processing.

16. I had OSAP last year; do I have to reapply each year?
    Yes, you must apply each year you are studying. You are required to complete the ‘Renewable Application Form' on OSAP's website https://osap.gov.on.ca

17. I am currently in school but not receiving OSAP. How can I get Interest Relief on previous OSAP loans while I am in school?
    You need to complete a ‘Continuation of Interest-Free Status/Confirmation of Enrolment’ form which can be downloaded from the OSAP website or obtained at Financial Aid when you are in full-time attendance. Remember to bring your valid Canadian government issued photo ID and SIN card.

18. When do I have to start paying back my OSAP loan?
    Six months after you complete your program, become a part-time student or drop out of school. However the interest does start to accumulate the month after you leave college. You must keep in touch with your lender (bank/National Student Loans Service Centre – NSLSC- 1888-815-4514) at all times. Your lender will be corresponding with you before the six-months are up but it is your responsibility to notify them of any change of address or status.

19. I am currently NOT a student and am not working/or working for a very low salary - How can I defer repayment for my OSAP loan?
    The Repayment Assistance Plan is described in detail on the OSAP website at: https://osap.gov.on.ca or contact the lender (NSLSC) at 1-888-815-4514

20. I have children - what proof do I have to present to OSAP to qualify?
    All supporting documentation required is listed in the application online and depends on your marital status. You must read and follow the instructions precisely.

21. I am married and have no income, how do I complete my budget on the Interactive Budget Calculator?
    Enter the expenses for the entire household and the spouse's net income as a resource under Family Contribution. If your spouse has no income, enter the estimated OSAP amount as a resource.

22. I am eligible to receive the Canada Study Grant for students with dependent(s) - when and how do I receive this?
    You will receive 50% of this Grant with your OSAP loan at the start of the academic year and the remaining 50% half way through your studies.

23. What if I applied for OSAP at more than one institution?
    If you applied for OSAP at more than one institution you must cancel at the other institution(s) before your OSAP will process for Humber.

24. I was accepted for OSAP at Humber College but now I am going to another institution - can I transfer my OSAP to that institution?
    NO. You must contact the Financial Aid office in person, fax or mail a request in writing to cancel your OSAP at Humber. Then you will have to reapply at the other institution.

25. I am changing from one program to another at Humber College. Can I transfer my OSAP to that program?
    YES. But you must advise the Financial Aid office. If the tuition fee, book costs and study period end date are different from your first program your OSAP funding may be recalculated, which may affect the amount of OSAP you are eligible for (positively or negatively).

Common OSAP Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes individuals make when completing the online OSAP application:

Have you been in the country for the last 12 months?

To be considered an Ontario resident, you must meet one of the following residency criteria:

• You have always resided in Ontario, or
• Ontario is the last province you resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student.

In certain circumstances, you can meet Ontario residency requirements on the basis of the residency of your spouse (if applicable) or parent(s) (if applicable)
 
Student Income Information

When reporting income for January to December, remember to give the breakdown of that total for the following periods:

• January – April
• May - August
• September - December

Dependent

"Dependent" means that you:

• Are Single – never married, in a common-law relationship, separated, divorced or widowed
• Have no children
• Are a full-time student at a high-school or post-secondary institution (college or university)
  OR
• Wish to return to full-time post-secondary studies after taking less than two years off
  OR
• Have been out of high school for less than 4 years before the start of your study period

Parental Income

When completing the parent(s) income section, students must use the figures from their parents Tax Returns - T1 General or Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

To prevent OSAP loan overpayments and Income Verification Restriction, students must report their income accurately on the OSAP application and any income/status changes during the academic year to Financial Aid. Who is a Crown Ward?

A Crown Ward is someone who has lived with foster parents under the auspices of the Childrens' Aid Society.