2012 – 2013 OSAP – STUDENT CHECKLIST

Students are encouraged to print off the PDF version of this guide and check each step as it is completed. Once an OSAP application has been submitted any information in the application that has to be changed must be submitted to the Ryerson Financial Assistance Office.

We recommend students familiarize themselves with both the online OSAP Status screen as well as Ryerson's Financial Aid web site. Both will contain continuous updates and information about OSAP throughout the year.

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides financial aid to students enrolled in full-time studies in postsecondary education. For more information, including eligibility criteria, check out the OSAP website. If you have any questions about the OSAP program or your circumstances, please contact us via email at finaid@ryerson.ca, or visit us in person, and please ensure you bring your social insurance card and a valid, government issued photo ID so we can access your file. We will be unable to assist you without this identification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

OSAP HAS CHANGED. APPLYING, CONFIRMING ATTENDANCE AND RECEIVING OSAP FUNDING ARE NO LONGER DONE IN THE SAME WAY AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS. PLEASE READ THE CHECKLIST CARFULLY TO AVOID DELAYS.

2012 – 2013 OSAP APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Step 1: Submit an OSAP application online at http://osap.gov.on.ca

We recommend you submit your application by the end of June to ensure OSAP funding is processed and available in September. You can still apply after this date, however your funding may be delayed. If you apply after the start of term, the amount of funding you are eligible for may be reduced.

Step 2: Print off your "MSFAA", "List of Other Documents" page, and Signature pages.

At the end of the application you will be asked to print off your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA), "List of Other Documents" page, and "Consents, Instruction, Declarations and Signature" pages. Be sure to carefully read the "List of Other Documents" page. If you are required to submit any extra documentation for your OSAP application it will be listed here.

Step 3a: Take your MSFAA (in person) to an authorized Canada Post Office.

There are certain Canada Post Offices that are authorized to process MSFAAs, so be sure to check out the CanLearn website for a complete list. When you go you will need your social insurance card, a government issued photo ID, and your banking information (i.e. a void cheque or direct deposit slip from your bank). The Canada Post employees will check your identification and mail your MSFAA to the National Student Loans Service Centre.

DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR MSFAA TO THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE.

Step 3b: Mail "List of Other Documents" page and Signature pages to Ryerson.

While you are at the Canada Post Office, you can also send your "List of Other Documents" page, "Consents, Instruction, Declarations and Signature" pages, and any additional documentation required (that was listed on your "List of Other Documents" page) to Ryerson. Our address is:

Ryerson University
Student Financial Assistance
350 Victoria Street
Room POD 59
Toronto Ontario M5B 2K3

If you are in the area, you are also welcome to drop your documentation off in person. Our office is located in the Podium Room 59 and our office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-6:00 and Friday 12:00-4:30pm.

Step 4: You will be sent a Notice of Assessment.

Once your OSAP documentation (outlined in Step 3b) is processed, the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities will send you a Notice of Assessment. You will receive this notification by mail or by email, depending on how you asked to be notified.

Note: Over the summer months, we receive a high volume of OSAP documentation. We will be processing documentation in date order. You can expect to receive a Notice of Assessment within approximately one week from the date we process your paperwork. If you still haven't received of Notice of Assessment - check your status on the OSAP website – to confirm when your paperwork has been processed or you may be missing some documentation.

Step 5: Report any income change to SFA.

At the end of the summer, we encourage you to inform the Student Financial Assistance Office (SFA) of any significant changes to your summer income information. We will be happy to reassess your file based on your new information. (Note: any time your file is reassessed, you will be notified by the Ministry).

Step 6: Ryerson will confirm your enrollment.

Make sure you are registered for your courses. Ryerson Financial Assistance will begin confirming OSAP students' enrolment on the first day of the term. You can expect the first installment of your OSAP funds to be deposited to your bank and/or Ryerson account a week later.

Step 7: Confirm your income on the OSAP website (October).

You will be required to confirm your income information in mid-October. You must complete this step in order to receive your second installment of OSAP funding.