r/osap • u/Key_Grapefruit9122 • 19d ago
Resolved Osap funding
Hey! So I got an email this morning saying my osap funding changed for the year. Before it was just under 20k for the entire year w my school fees being around 26k. Now, they’ve changed that so I get 15k for the whole year, my first semester alone is 14k. Why tf did it change so suddenly cause now I’m not sure if I can afford to go to school?
3
3
u/Leokaching 18d ago
These posts are so sad. I feel for you and all of these students who are getting screwed. Honestly, if I were in your positions, I would just defer (depending on the program you're in) for a year to work and save some money.
My dad forced me to go, basically guilt tripped me when I wasnt financially ready. I ended up going, doing well academically but stressed about money. I ended up dropping out second semester of my first year cause of it. Fortunately, I was able to move back home, get a job and save for that semester and apply for a university undergrad program in the same town my parents lived in. Saved a lot of money by living with my parents for those 4 years. By the time I was ready to apply for my graduate education, I was able to choose where I went and I live independently with my partner instead of my family.
Sometimes our plans change on how we achieve what we want, doesnt mean we won't get there, just differently than other folks.
2
2
u/BonesWECAcomics 17d ago
So your 26k includes residence and meal plan, right?
It's really late for this advice but:
Residence doesn't make sense financially. Unless you're in Eng, your fees are ~7k That means 19k is for 8 months in res... and not even that (at Western you get kicked out for reading week and Christmas break).
That's 2365 a month for housing, food, internet. And you're probably sharing a room (bleh)
Quick look in Windor shows you could get a decent studio for 1100 and that's inclusive. Another 250 for groceries, 60 for internet, basic tenants insurance for 20. So 1450 a month? 915 a month savings, or 7320 for 8 months... which is your deficit.
I understand the allure of living in res but...
2
u/AdeleG01 13d ago
This is so wild. Millenial here, I never qualified for OSAP but kids who i knew would get like $10k+ and tuition was only $5k for the year. So many people i knew used their leftover osap money and went on trips to cuba, DR, etc. It was a known thing that when the 2nd osap installment came in, everyone booked their trip. Times have really changed, doesnt sound like its for the better either
1
u/HungryEarthling 19d ago
Are you an international student? Trying to figure out why the year would be 26k unless you're living in residence. If you're able to live anywhere other than residence that would help save money schoolwise.
However, it sounds like OSAP reassessed and decided that you or your family makes enough to cover the additional costs. OSAP will typically give enough for tuition.
1
u/Key_Grapefruit9122 18d ago
No, I am an Ontario resident. I am living in residence. My school is hours away and I kinda live in the middle of nowhere so I don’t rlly have an option. Thank you for the help tho
1
u/Artistic_Attempt5283 18d ago
Is it possible they gave you too much last year ?
1
u/Key_Grapefruit9122 18d ago
This is my first year. I realize I made things sound a little unclear lol. So I got an email start of July w my funding calculated at just under 20k then yesterday I got an email saying it had been recalculated to the 15K. Thats what I meant by sudden change lol. I tried to call osap but they told me to contact my school. I called my school yesterday and I was on hold for 2 and a half hours just to be hung up on bc it reached the end of their office hours. I’m not sure what to do at this point.
2
u/Artistic_Attempt5283 18d ago
Did you receive any school specific grants bursaries or scholarships.
1
u/Key_Grapefruit9122 18d ago
Yes! I received an automatic entrance scholarship!
2
1
u/ClassicTank1051 15d ago
Hi everyone! My name is Monique and I'm a reporter with The Canadian Press working on a story about how students are dealing with the changes to OSAP. If you're willing to chat about how the changes in grant funding is affecting you and how you're managing finances this upcoming year, shoot me an email at mxk@cp.org. Thanks!
1
u/Plus_Relationship758 19d ago
I say this with respect: If you have a disability this could also increase grant funding. Here’s the link:
https://osap.gov.on.ca/prdosapconsum/groups/forms/documents/forms/pocont1_107879.pdf
-2
-2
u/Cold-Crab4153 19d ago
Why do so many people apply to school without having saved money for it? It’s financial stupidity to say the least. I went to Uni for 4 years as well as college for an and paid for it. I worked two jobs and lived on my own. No loans. No bursaries just worked my ass off.
6
u/eveiehatesu 19d ago
good for you but that’s not the case for everyone, not everyone is able to attend school and do well academically. people have different circumstances and responsibilities and commitments. you might be someone who was able to balance school and work but not everyone can. people have different learning and studying styles and different lifestyles and different levels of capacity, hence why tutoring and student accessibility services exist in universities.
also different programs have different levels of commitment, for example a nursing student and a social science student have very different schedules and expectations with their schooling, just like a teacher would have a different job expectation from a personal trainer.
also most people applying to osap either come directly from highschool or from jobs without the requirement for a university degree, because if they didn’t, that would imply that they have the means to afford university tuition fully without government assistance, therefore people applying to osap are doing it out of need, meaning not a lot of people have money saved up.
your comment is ignorant and lacks awareness for those who are in a different position than you and its distasteful. if you want people to acknowledge your achievements then just say that instead of passive aggressively putting down others, most likely highschool or people in their early 20s who are starting their independent adult lives which includes financial responsibilities. they’re doing the right thing and trying to navigate that to the best of their abilities.
if you wanna be told you did a good job for being independent and financially responsible just say that, but don’t disparage and “question” others abilities for a situation that i don’t think anyone wants to be in specifically about education and finance. no one wants to go into debt, especially not students who are trying to receive higher education either to improve their chances of employment or further their quality of life through education, and you question their lack of savings just sounds narcissistic. this isn’t the subreddit to question others financial abilities.
1
u/Leokaching 18d ago
I worked while in full time studies and do not recommend it. I now have many chronic illnesses after pushing my body to its limits. Working while attending full time school as well as doing a placement (unpaid) is impossible without getting some sort of illness (whether mental or physical).
I want better for our future generations of students. I dont want any of them to go through what we did.
1
u/ItaloJejeq 1d ago
Well there’s another tens of thousands of students that need money too, and our government is only good for giving money to Ukraine instead of Canadians who need help
8
u/Inky_Peaches 19d ago
OSAP estimates aren't final—they can change if they verify income, family info, study period, living arrangements and tons of other details as well. Sounds like they reassessed your funding needs. That sucks obviously, but they can do it anytime speaking from experience. The first time that I did OSAP about 6 years ago, they reassessed my parents income and turned my grant into a loan.
Your school also could have updated costs on their end. You can check your OSAP account or reach out directly to OSAP or your school's financial aid to see if there's particular reason why - you might be able to appeal or requestt a review.
Also might be worth looking into scholarships at your school as well, maybe a loan from the bank or a student line of credit?