If you develop a severe permanent disability that prevents you from participating in substantially gainful employment for the rest of your life, you may be able to have your apprentice loans forgiven through the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit.
Enrolment is not automatic-you must apply for the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit. Under this benefit, you would not be eligible to receive any additional Canada Student Loans or Canada Apprentice Loans.
Note: If you have a permanent disability that does not fall under the definition of severe, you may qualify for the Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities.
Eligibility
Contact us to find out if you are eligible to apply for this benefit.
You may be eligible for the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit if:
- you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- you have a severe permanent disability that prevents you from participating in substantially gainful employment; and
- your severe permanent disability is expected to last for the rest of your life.
Information You Need before You Start
If you are acting on behalf of an applicant, you must provide proof of authorization to represent that person (e.g. power of attorney, trustee or guardian appointment).
If you have Canada Student Loans as well as Canada Apprentice Loans, you only need to fill out one single application to have all of your loans assessed for forgiveness. More detailed information pertaining to the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit (opens in a new window) for Canada Student Loans is available on Canada.ca.
Note: The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program does not reimburse any fee that may be charged to you by your physician or nurse practitioner to complete the Medical Report form.