Accessing Academic Support the Canada Student Grant (Appendix 8)

This guide walks you through accessing tutoring and executive function support services through the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities.

Step-by-Step Canada Student Loan Application Guide for Students with Permanent Disabilities

Understanding the Funding Structure

Before you begin the application process, it's essential to understand a critical aspect of this funding: The Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities (Appendix 8) cannot be accessed independently. It is part of the student loan application process. Grant funding is distributed alongside student loan funding, not as a separate payment.

This means that to access this grant, you must be willing to apply for student loans through your provincial student aid program. The grant itself does not need to be repaid, but it is only available to students who go through the student loan application process. This is a common point of confusion, so it's important to understand this structure before you begin.

Your First Decision Point

Before proceeding with the application, you need to make an important decision: Are you willing to apply for student loans?

Consider your current financial situation and tuition payment status when making this decision. If you have already paid your tuition for the current term, you may want to think about whether applying for loans makes sense for your circumstances. However, if you anticipate needing financial support for future terms or if you require ongoing academic support services, the student loan application may be worthwhile.

Remember that while the grant does not need to be repaid, any loan funds you receive will need to be repaid after you complete your studies. Take time to carefully consider this decision and discuss it with your family, financial advisors, or student aid counselors if needed.

The Six-Step Process (If You Decide to Proceed)

If you have decided that applying for student loans to access the grant makes sense for your situation, follow these six steps:

Step 1: Download the BC Services Card App

The first technical requirement is setting up your digital identity verification. Download the BC Services Card app on your smartphone. This app is essential for accessing government services online, including StudentAid BC.

Once you have downloaded the app, you must complete two critical processes:

• The activation process, which links your physical BC Services Card to the digital app

• Identity verification, which confirms your identity for secure online transactions

This verification process typically takes a few days, so start early. You will need your physical BC Services Card and may need to answer security questions based on your personal information. If you encounter difficulties with this step, BC Services Card support can help you troubleshoot.

Step 2: Verify BC Residency Requirement

Before you can apply through StudentAid BC, you must meet the residency requirement. You must have been a resident of British Columbia for at least one year before applying through StudentAid BC.

Residency means more than just living in BC temporarily. You must be able to demonstrate that BC is your primary place of residence. This typically means:

• You have a BC address where you primarily live

• You have a BC driver's license or BC identification

• You file taxes as a BC resident

• You are not claimed as a dependent in another province

If you recently moved to BC, you may need to wait until you meet the one-year residency requirement before applying. If you are unsure whether you meet this requirement, contact StudentAid BC directly for clarification.

Step 3: Begin Student Loan Application

Once your BC Services Card is verified and you have confirmed you meet the residency requirement, you can begin the student loan application through StudentAid BC using your verified BC Services Card.

The application will ask you to provide detailed information about:

• Your educational institution and program of study

• Your enrollment status (full-time or part-time)

• Your financial situation, including income, assets, and expenses

• Your family situation and dependents

• Any other sources of funding you are receiving

Be thorough and accurate when completing this application. Errors or missing information can delay processing. Gather all necessary documents before you begin, including:

• Social Insurance Number

• Income tax information (yours and your parents' or spouse's, if applicable)

• Enrollment confirmation from your institution

• Information about other scholarships, bursaries, or funding you are receiving

The application process can take 30 to 60 minutes to complete, so set aside adequate time when you won't be rushed or interrupted. Save your progress frequently if the system allows.

Step 4: Indicate Disability Status

During the student loan application, you will be asked whether you have a permanent or prolonged disability. This is where you indicate that you have a disability that impacts your ability to study.

When you indicate that you have a permanent or prolonged disability, this triggers the requirement for Appendix 8, which is the specific form needed to access the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities.

Step 5: Complete Appendix 8

Appendix 8 is the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities form. This form documents your disability and the specific services or equipment you need to succeed academically.

StudentAid BC will request completion of Appendix 8, which requires signatures from two parties:

A medical professional: This must be a qualified healthcare provider who can verify your disability and its impact on your academic functioning. Acceptable professionals include:

• Physicians (family doctors or specialists)

• Nurse practitioners

• Psychologists (particularly for learning disabilities and mental health conditions)

• Psychiatrists

Your medical professional must complete their section of the form, describing your disability, its functional limitations, and how it impacts your ability to study. They must sign and date the form. If you have a psychoeducational assessment or other diagnostic documentation, provide copies to your medical professional so they have complete information when filling out the form.

An educational institution representative: This is someone from your college, university, or other post-secondary institution who can verify your enrollment and confirm that the services or equipment you are requesting are appropriate for your academic program.

This representative is typically:

• A disability services coordinator or advisor

• An accessibility services staff member

• An academic advisor with knowledge of disability supports

Contact your institution's accessibility services office to arrange for this signature. They will need to see your completed Appendix 8 form and may ask questions about the services you are requesting to ensure they align with your academic needs.

When completing Appendix 8, be specific about the services you need. If you are requesting tutoring through FormEdOn, indicate:

• The specific courses that require support

• The number of hours per week you need (typically 2 to 4 hours per course)

• The type of support (subject-specific tutoring, executive function coaching, study skills support)

Work with FormEdOn staff to complete an estimate of services. We can provide you with detailed information about our qualifications, the nature of support we provide, and cost estimates that you can include in your Appendix 8 form. Contact us at info@formedon.ca to request assistance with this section.

Step 6: Submit your Application

Once your Appendix 8 form is complete with all required signatures and supporting documentation, submit the completed application and Appendix 8 to StudentAid BC according to their instructions. Most submissions are now done electronically through your StudentAid BC online account.

After submission, StudentAid BC and the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) will review your application and make approval decisions.

After Approval: Next Steps

Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification from StudentAid BC detailing:

• The total amount of funding you have been awarded

• The breakdown between loans and grants

• Any conditions or requirements attached to the funding

• Instructions for accessing the funds

Your grant funding for services and equipment will be included in this notification. This grant does not need to be repaid and is designated specifically for disability-related academic supports.

Maintaining Services

Track and Keep Receipts

Your funding approval will specify how many hours of service are covered and any spending limits. It's important to:

• Track the services you use to stay within approved limits

• Keep receipts and documentation of all services

  
  

Additional Tips

• Start the application process before the term begins

• Stay in regular contact with your accessibility advisor

• Inform FormEdOn if your academic needs change during the term

• Keep detailed records of all communications with your institution and FormEdOn

Common Questions and Concerns

What if I've already paid my tuition? You can still apply for student loans and the grant. The loan funds can be used for living expenses, books, and other educational costs. The grant portion is specifically for disability-related services and equipment.

Do I have to accept the full loan amount offered? No. You can accept just the grant portion or a reduced loan amount if you don't need the full funding offered.

What if my application is denied? You have the right to appeal the decision. Contact StudentAid BC for information about the appeals process and ensure you understand the reason for denial so you can address it in your appeal.

Can I apply if I'm a part-time student? Yes. Both full-time and part-time students can apply for this funding, though the amounts may differ based on enrollment status.

What if my disability documentation is older than 5 years? You may need to obtain updated documentation. Contact your medical professional to discuss whether a brief update letter or full reassessment is needed.