Severe Permanent Disability Benefit
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Borrowers with a severe permanent disability who are unable to repay their Canada Student Loans may be eligible to have their debt cancelled through the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit.
You have to apply and qualify for this benefit. Receipt of the benefit is not automatic or guaranteed. Also, once you have received this benefit, you would not be eligible to receive any additional Canada Student Grants or Loans.
Note: The Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities (RAP-D) is also available to Student Loan borrowers who have a permanent disability.
Eligibility
A “severe permanent disability” is one that:
- prevents you from participating in substantially gainful employment; and
- will remain with you for life
“Substantially gainful employment” is work that pays at least the maximum that one can receive as a disability pension under the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits.
Our medical adjudicators will determine if you are eligible based on your application and supporting documentation.
Note: For student loans to be considered for cancellation in Ontario, you must live in Canada. In these cases, the province of Ontario will determine your eligibility.
Before you apply
If you are acting on behalf of an applicant, you must provide proof of authorization to represent that person (for example, power of attorney, trustee or guardian appointment).
If you have Canada Student Loans and student loans from British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador or Saskatchewan, you only need to fill out one application to have both your Canada Student Loans and provincial loans cancelled. If you have student loans from another province or territory, you also need to contact the student aid office for that province or territory to find out about their repayment assistance programs.
Note: The CSFA Program does not reimburse any fee that you may be charged to complete the Medical Report form.
How to apply by mail
Download and complete the following form:
Have a doctor or nurse complete the following medical report:
Mail both signed original documents with any supporting documents to:
Canada Student Financial Assistance Program
P.O. Box 2090, Station D
Ottawa ON K1P 6C6
Contact us
For more information, contact the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) online, or call 1-888-815-4514 and request to have your call forwarded to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program. TTY service is available at 819-994-1218 or toll-free at 1-866-667-8554.