Prince George, B.C.- Things could be a little easier for those who wish to head back to school and need funds to do it.

Beginning this fall, the Government of Canada will provide new student financial assistance to more students for more years of study.

 

The new measures include the Canada Student Grants, money that does not need to be paid back; the Repayment Assistance Plan, an initiative that helps students having difficulty repaying their student loans; and more support for students with permanent disabilities.

 

The Canada Student Grants Program makes it easier for students to plan for their post-secondary education by providing up-front and predictable funding. The new Program will provide $250 each month in grants for full-time students from low-income families and $100 each month for full-time students from middle-income families. More than 245,000 students are expected to benefit from the Canada Student Grants every year. Additionally, students may qualify to receive more than one grant, such as grants for students with dependants, for part-time studies and for students with permanent disabilities.

 

The new Repayment Assistance Plan will help borrowers pay back what they can reasonably afford on their student loan. Loan payments will be based on the borrower's income, level of debt, family size and ability to pay.

 

Students with permanent disabilities may benefit from an annual grant of $2,000 and a grant of up to $8,000 to cover exceptional education-related costs associated with students' disabilities, such as tutors, note takers, interpreters or technical aids. The new Repayment Assistance Plan for Students with a Permanent Disability (RAP-PD) will be available to students beginning August 1^st, 2009.