Studying when living with a disability

From: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

Savings for post-secondary education with an RESP

You may be able to contribute longer to a registered education savings plan.

A registered education savings plan (RESP) is an account registered with the Government of Canada to help parents and caregivers save for their child’s post-secondary education. The child is the beneficiary of the RESP and can withdraw the money when he or she becomes a post-secondary student.

Usually, parents or caregivers may contribute to an RESP for up to 31 years after opening the plan. However, if you're eligible for the disability tax credit, parents or caregivers can contribute for 35 years instead.

Learn more about:

Paying for your post-secondary education

You may be eligible for programs, benefits and services that help students living with a disability.

Learn more about education funding for people with disabilities.

Be sure to apply to all sources of funding that may help you reach your education goals. These include grants, scholarships, loans and bursaries that are open to all students—not just those for people living with a disability.

Learn more about education funding opportunities.

Lifelong learning program

People with disabilities may be eligible for financial help if they're returning to school.

The Lifelong Learning Plan allows you to withdraw amounts from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) to pay for training or education. An RRSP is a savings program registered with the federal government.

Usually, you must be a full-time student to use the Lifelong Learning Plan. If you have a disability, you may be in a part-time program and still be part of the Lifelong Learning Plan.

Find out how to apply for the Lifelong Learning Plan.

Repaying your Canada Student Loan if you have a permanent disability

If you're having trouble repaying your Canada Student Loan., you may be eligible for help.

The Repayment Assistance Plan for borrowers with permanent disabilities helps you repay your loan by:

reducing your monthly payment to an amount you can afford
providing financial help with expenses related to your disability

You must re-apply to the plan every six months.

Learn how to apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan for borrowers with permanent disabilities.

Severe permanent disability benefit

If you have a severe and permanent disability that will prevent you from working and studying for the rest of your life, you may apply to have your student loans cancelled.

Learn how to apply for the severe permanent disability benefit.

Help for students whose parents are living with a disability

If your parent or guardian is living with a disability, you may be eligible for help paying for your education.

To be eligible:

your parent or guardian must be getting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits
you must be between the ages of 18 and 25
you must be a full-time student

Learn how to apply for CPP benefits for children under 25.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits and education

If you get Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits, going to school won’t affect the amount of benefits you receive.

Learn what you can do while you get CPP disability benefits.

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