OSAP is a needs-based program. This means that financial aid for full-time students is based on a formula that compares your education cu_event_costs with expected financial contributions. The formula is: OSAP allowable educational cu_event_costs & allowances MINUS Expected Financial Contribution = Financial Need OSAP allowable educational cu_event_costs & allowances 

• tuition and compulsory fees
• books and supplies
• equipment
• computer
• personal living expenses
• child care
• transportation

Expected Financial Contribution

• student income
• student assets
• parental or spousal income
  (if applicable)
• spousal assets
  (if applicable)

Source: OSAP definitions

OSAP expects that you and your family have planned for your full-time postsecondary education. The purpose of OSAP is to supplement, not replace your resources. In general, you’re expected to contribute towards your educational costs. However, your contribution could be waived in some situations (e.g., if you have one or more children or you receive continued care and support from an Ontario Children’s Aid Society, or you self-identify as an Indigenous student). A contribution may also be expected based on your assets and/or your spouse’s (if applicable). A financial contribution may be expected from your parents or spouse, depending on their income. Source: OSAP definitions

Note: This definition applies only to the OSAP Application for Full-Time students. If all of the following are true, you are a dependent student:

• you are not married or in a common-law relationship
• you are not separated, divorced or widowed
• you are not a sole-support parent
• you have been out of high school for:
  • less than 6 years before the start of your study period (applies to the provincial funding calculation only)
  • less than 4 less before the start of your study period (applies to the federal funding calculation only)
• you have not worked full-time for at least 24 months in a row

Source: OSAP definitions

For the purposes of OSAP, this refers to you,

• Completing each OSAP-funded term in full
• Achieving passing grades in the minimum required course load
• Progressing in your program of study

For more information please view the OSAP academic progress requirements.

For OSAP, a permanent disability is any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation that:

• restricts your ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a postsecondary school level or to participate in the labour force
• is expected to remain with you for your expected life

A persistent or prolonged disability is any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation that:

• restricts your ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a postsecondary school level or to participate in the labour force
• has lasted, or is expected to last, for a period of at least 12 months but is not expected to remain with you for your expected life

At Carleton University, students with a permanent or persistent/prolonged disability are encouraged to contact the Paul Menton Centre. Source: OSAP definitions

A student who is enrolled in a post secondary institution and is taking a course load which is less than 60% (1.5 credits) of a full course load, or less than 40% (1.0 credits) for a student with a registered permanent or persistent/prolonged disability.

If you’re applying to OSAP as a full-time student, you’re considered a single independent student if both of the following are true:

• you’re not currently married or in a common-law relationship
• you don’t have any dependent children

AND if at least one of the following applies to you:

• you have been out of high school for:
  • 6 or more years at the start of your study period (applies to the provincial funding calculation only)
  • 4 or more years at the start of your study period (applies to the federal funding calculation only)
• you have worked full-time for at least 24 months in a row
• both your parents are deceased
• you are currently a child in Extended Society Care or in the care of the Crown just prior to age 18
• you are currently receiving a Continued Care and Support for Youth program allowance from your Children’s Aid Society

Source: OSAP definitions

To be considered for the full-time student assistance program (Full-time OSAP), you must be taking at least 60% (1.5 credits) of a full course load. If you have a registered disability, you may choose to be considered a full-time student if you’re taking at least 40% (1.0 credits) of a full course load. Note: Students completing a work-term for a co-operative program are considered full-time for OSAP purposes.

The amount of OSAP you have been approved to receive for the academic session based on the assessment of your application and supporting documentation. The amount you qualify for is called your encu_people_job_titlement. Your encu_people_job_titlement is based on information

• you provide on your application
• from your postsecondary school, and
• verified with third parties (for example, the Canada Revenue Agency)