OSAP & Student Loans
2012-2013 OSAP Application is Now Available
Click here to apply: www.osap.gov.on.ca
OSAP IS CHANGING FOR THE 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR
The process of picking up and signing loan documents before each term of study is ending. Canada and Ontario are implementing a lifetime loan agreement that will cover you for all the time you are in full-time postsecondary studies; this lifetime loan agreement is called the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement, or MSFAA.
With the new MSFAA you can print out your lifetime loan agreement anytime after you submit your online OSAP application, and submit the agreement and your identification to any participating Canada Post outlet in your area. This only needs to be done ONCE, and will be in place throughout your time as a full-time postsecondary student.
The biggest change that you will notice is that you no longer have to line up at your school’s financial aid office to get your OSAP loan document before each term, and then submit it to the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC). The other change you will notice is that once your completed application and MSFAA are submitted, funding will be deposited directly into your account once your school confirms your enrolment. For your second term funding, we only ask that you update your estimated income on your online OSAP account if it has changed.
Follow these 4 easy steps to get your OSAP funding. For more information visit the “Getting OSAP” section on the OSAP website.
Step 1: Submit Your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA)
Print, complete, and sign your MSFAA
After you submit your online OSAP Application for Full-Time Students, print your MSFAA. You can also ask the ministry to mail it to you, but we recommend that you print it yourself. If you applied for OSAP using a paper application, your MSFAA will be mailed to you. Read the terms and conditions, then complete and sign your MSFAA.
Take your MSFAA to a Canada Post Outlet
Take your MSFAA to a designated Canada Post Outlet right away. You don’t have to wait for classes to begin. You may also take your MSFAA to a NSLSC kiosk, but they are only available at certain times of year. You must present the following two pieces of documentation to prove your identity:
1. Proof of your Social Insurance Number (SIN):
- Your Social Insurance card (a legible photocopy is acceptable), or.
- An official Government of Canada document that contains your Social Insurance Number (e.g., a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, a Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions, or a Confirmation of Social Insurance Number from Service Canada).
2. One piece of valid photo ID issued in Canada by the federal, provincial or territorial government (a legible photocopy of the front and back is acceptable). Examples of acceptable ID: Canadian passport, permanent resident or citizenship card, Ontario photo card, valid driver's licence or provincial health card with photo. Student ID cards are not acceptable forms of photo ID.
Note for Students Studying Outside of Canada:
If you can’t go to a designated Canada Post outlet (or NSLSC kiosk) because you’re not in Canada, mail your MSFAA and proof of identity to: National Student Loans Service Centre, PO Box 4030, Mississauga, ON L5A 4M4.
Step 2: Submit All Required OSAP Documents
All required documents listed at the end of your online OSAP application must be submitted to the Fanshawe College Financial Aid Office before any funding can be disbursed to you. For your personalized list of required documents, log on to your OSAP account on the OSAP website and go to the “View App Details” section.
Step 3: School Confirms Your Enrolment
Your school must confirm your enrolment before your funding can be disbursed to you. This confirmation will happen for each disbursement. For most students, this will happen at the start of their studies (e.g., September) and then again halfway through their study period (e.g., January). For information about your disbursements and funding, log on to your OSAP account on the OSAP website and go to the “Check Status” section.
Step 4: Confirm Your Income
You must confirm your income before the release of your second disbursement, which is generally halfway through your study period (e.g., January). Instructions will be sent to you about a month before your second disbursement.
Important Points
- You’ll be provided with only one MSFAA for all your 2012-2013 OSAP applications. You’ll be presented with your MSFAA at the end of each of your online applications, but you only need to print one copy and submit it once, as described above.
- Once your MSFAA is submitted, it’s good for the duration of your full-times studies. You won’t have to submit it again if you apply for OSAP next year.
What else should I know about OSAP?
- Your minimum fee payment has been made and you are registered as a full-time student.
A minimum deposit is required by the Registrar's Office by the due date as noted on your fee invoice. Plan to cover this expense yourself as OSAP funding is not available until September. - Plan how you're going to purchase any necessary books or supplies.
OSAP funds are deposited into your bank account approximately 5 to 10 business days after your classes start so you will need to budget for your immediate expenses. - Consent to Release Information.
You are the only person we may release information to (after identity questions have been verified) unless you specify another person on your OSAP application in the "Applicant's Consent to Release Personal Information" section. - OSAP Students with Disabilities.
If you have a permanent disability, contact the Student Success Centre at (519) 452-4282 as early as possible. Early identification ensures consideration for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and other services offered by the Student Success Centre. Once you have been assessed by a counsellor, they notify the Financial Aid Office that OSAP disability documentation has been verified. - What can I expect the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to pay for?
OSAP is a supplement, not a replacement, of the student and family resources that should be available to meet post-secondary education. The need for OSAP assistance, and the value of such, are established in accord with the current OSAP regulations and financial data provided on the application form. - What are the application deadlines for Canada Student Loans and Ontario Student Loans?
Applications must be filed within 90 days of the end of the final examination period. Applications received prior to the 90 day deadline, but 45 days or more after classes start will be assessed on a prorated basis. Those who will be students for only one semester must apply within 30 days of study start date. - What are the course load requirements?
Canada and Ontario Student Loans Programs Students must be enrolled in courses that constitute not less than 60% of a full course load for each period of study. Averaging of course loads is not permitted. Permanently disabled students require 40% of a full course load requirement. Part-time Canada Student Loans Program Students must be enrolled in a program or courses of study that equates to between 20% and 59% of a full course load. No averaging of course loads is permitted. For permanently disabled students, between 20% and 39% course load is required. Under this program, only costs that relate to education are considered and students must make monthly interest payments on the loan balance. - Is there a satisfactory scholastic standard?
A student must maintain a satisfactory scholastic standard to continue to be eligible for OSAP funding. Currently the standard required is successful completion of at least 60% of a full course load at a post-secondary level. If a student does not maintain this standard, there will be specific consequences and remedies applied against access to future OSAP funding.
Note: For students with a permanent disability, satisfactory scholastic standard is defined as successful completion of 40% of a full course load. - What if I don't feel my award is fair?...Loan Assistance Review
Standard assessment criteria are initially used to determine your financial need and the amount of Canada and Ontario Student loan assistance available to you. In some cases, the standard criteria may not adequately reflect an exceptional financial or family situation. There are some avenues for review available to address specific situations. Further information on related reviews and required documentation is available from staff in the Financial Aid Office. Deadline for submitting a review is eight weeks prior to the end of the final examination period. - How do I change information or withdraw from study?
You must keep your OSAP file current and up-to-date. Any change in program of study, courses, course load, registration status, etc. must be reported to the Financial Aid Office. If you stop attending all classes, you are considered to have withdrawn under current OSAP regulations. If you stop attending classes, handing in assignments, writing tests, etc. for progression through a course(s), your OSAP course load will be recalculated based on this information and your eligibility for assistance may be affected. The Financial Aid Office also needs to be notified of any change in address, marital status or financial information. Reassessment calculations can take time, so inform us of any changes as early as possible . - What is a "loan overpayment"?
An OSAP "loan overpayment" is the amount of loan assistance issued to a student in excess of what the student was actually entitled to receive. Overpayments may occur as a result of an increase in a student's resources, early withdrawal from full-time enrollment, a course load dropping to less than 60% of a full course load, or the Ministry's income verification process. Unless repaid, you may not be eligible to receive further assistance. - How do I maintain interest free status for Canada and Ontario Student Loans?
You are responsible for maintaining your loans in good standing with your lender(s). Each semester that you do not negotiate additional student loans while a full-time student or on an authorized co-op term, you must submit a Schedule 2 to your financial aid office. This information is entered electronically to advise your lenders (bank and/or the National Student Loan Service Centre) of your student status.
Your lenders have no obligation to continually remind you of this responsibility. - What about co-op students on work term?
Students in cooperative programs requiring work terms are considered to be full-time students under OSAP during their work term, provided the work terms constitute, or are equivalent to, an essential element of a program of studies and the student is employed in a position recognized by the college's co-op department. Dependent upon the student's individual circumstances, both Canada Student Loan and Ontario Student Loan assistance may be available. This definition also includes interest free status on previous full-time OSAP loans. Specific authorization forms must be submitted for the latter. - How long can I get OSAP?
For each program of study, students are eligible for OSAP for the number of periods of study normally specified by the institution for completion of that program, plus one additional period. (Period of study is currently defined as one academic year.) Periods of study that the student did not apply for or receive OSAP assistance are not included in this formula. There are also maximum lifetime limits for receiving Canada Student Loan and Ontario Student Loan funding.
Note: Students with a permanent disability are exempt from this "period of study +1" policy.
Do not default on your OSAP loans!!! (Repayment Information)
Did you know?
Within 6 months of completing your program of study, withdrawing from your program of study, or the date you stopped attending your program of study, you must contact your financial institution (i.e., bank) to consolidate your OSAP loans. Even if you are unemployed at this time, or have low income, you must still consolidate your OSAP loans. Both the federal and provincial government have "interest relief" programs to assist students who are unable to make payments on their OSAP loans due to low income, etc. However, you cannot access the "interest relief" programs unless you consolidate your loans with your financial institution, identify your need for this type of assistance, and do so within the deadline dates that have been set down by the government. Defaulted student loans affect your credit rating and ability to borrow in the future. Don't put your future financial situation in jeopardy by not contacting your financial institution. The end penalty for not consolidating your OSAP loans may be greater than you currently realize.
What is a Release of Information?
The information in your OSAP and other financial assistance files is confidential to you. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act does not permit the College to release information about your OSAP application to any other non-designated individual(s). If you wish someone else, such as your parent(s), to discuss information in your OSAP file, you must have signed the Release of Information section on your OSAP application, or a Release of Information form available from the Registrar or Financial Aid Information Centre. There must be a viable relationship between you and the other party for the release request to be considered. Once this Release of Information is on file, our staff will be able to discuss your OSAP information with the person(s) listed.
Questions?
The Financial Aid Office is currently open for walk-in service. Your Social Insurance Card and valid government-issued picture ID (such as Driver's Licence, Citizenship Card or Passport) are required by the Ministry as identification.
Location:
Financial Aid Office - Room E2020, London campus, Fanshawe College
Hours:
Monday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (519) 452-4280.
Your Social Insurance Number will be requested if you wish us to access your file.
Websites of Interest :
www.fanshawec.ca/financial
www.canlearn.ca
www.studentawards.com
www.scholarshipscanada.com
