STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
REPAYING YOUR STUDENT LOAN
Make note of critical dates: As you embark on an exciting new phase in your life, make sure that your student loans remain in good standing so they don’t cause unnecessary financial difficulties or go into default. Know what the critical dates are! Key points to help you avoid problems: • Take your loan seriously - defaults will affect your future credit rating • Know important dates such as the consolidation date (see below) • Make sure that you get in touch with your lender whenever required • If you have negotiated more than one loan, you may be responsible for making repayment arrangements with more than one lender (see the OSAP web site for details at http://osap.gov.on.ca/) • If you move, advise your lender(s) promptly of your new address • Always read all correspondence from your lender(s) to ensure that you are taking all necessary actions • If you’re having problems making your payments, explore available options for relief before you start missing your payments (See Loan Management on the OSAP web site) When do I begin to repay my student loan? You are required to begin repaying your Canada and Ontario Student Loans six months after you finish your full-time studies. Interest, however, begins to accrue from the time you stop being a full-time student. Will my lender/service provider contact me when I have to begin repayments? Your lender may send you a letter. However, whether or not you receive one, it is still your responsibility to contact your lender, the National Student Loans Service Centre, within the six-month period to complete a consolidation agreement. This agreement confirms the outstanding principal of all your student loans, the interest rate, and the monthly payment amount. If you negotiated loan(s) prior to August 1, 2000, you may also be required to sign consolidation agreements with the bank that issued them.
Don’t let your student loan debt weigh you down ……. be informed and make smart decisions
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES Web: www.yorku.ca/osfs Phone: 416-872-9675
Am I responsible to repay the full amount of my loans? You may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs that may reduce the total amount of outstanding loans. Visit the OSAP website for more details on the Loan Forgiveness and the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant. What happens if I don’t finish my degree? You are responsible to repay your student loans regardless of the reason you cease to be a full-time student. Who do I make my payments to? Student loans received prior to August 1, 2000, must be repaid to the financial institution (bank) that is holding your student loan account. Loans that were received on or after August 1, 2000, are repaid to the government through the National Student Loans Service Centre. How will my monthly repayment amount be determined? Your repayment terms and the interest rate will be determined by the amount of your principal balance plus any accrued interest. These terms are set at the time of consolidation. There are 2 interest options available: 1) Fixed rate: the interest rate does not change during the term of your loan 2) Floating rate: the interest rate on your loan will change whenever the financial institution announces a change in the prime rate. This could affect the expected time it takes to repay your loan. Discuss these options with your lender when completing the consolidation agreement If I experience difficulties repaying my loans, what can I do? If you are temporarily unable to repay your loans because of low income, illness or other extenuating circumstances, explore the following options with your lender to avoid going into default status: • Discuss your financial situation with your lender before serious problems are created • Ask about a revision of your repayment schedule (lower monthly payments) • Ask about Interest Relief Plans (where the government temporarily ceases your payment obligations) • Ask about Loan Forgiveness Program/Ontario Student Opportunity Grant • Ask about Debt Reduction in Repayment (DDR) programs
Do I have to continue making repayments if I go back to fulltime studies? If you decide to return to full-time studies, you must ensure that your outstanding student loans are placed in interest-free status so that you do not have to repay the loans or interest while in school. Once you begin classes, you need to download the Continuation of Interest Free Status/Confirmation of Enrolment form that is available on the OSAP web site, complete it and take it to the financial aid office at your school to confirm your registration status. The updated information will then be sent to your lender. What happens if I don’t repay my student loans? If your student loan account goes into arrears because you are not making repayments and if you have not attempted to communicate with your lender(s), you will be considered in default and can, potentially, face a number of serious consequences: • Your debt will be turned over to a collection agency • Your default will be reported to a credit bureau and as a result, your ability to obtain credit may be impaired • If the loan collection is unsuccessful, the government can pursue other available avenues such as garnishee of wages, withholding your income tax refund, etc. • If you decide to return to post-secondary studies and require additional funding, you will be unable to receive further OSAP assistance until the default has been cleared • The interest will continue to accrue on the balance of your loan while you are in default Make sure that your lender knows how to contact you. Communicate with their customer service personnel before problems arise. They are interested in helping you meet your financial commitment. Take the opportunity to discuss your circumstances so you can explore every possible avenue. If your loan account is with the National Student Loan Service Centre, their phone number is: 1-888-815-4514
Out-of-province Students If you are a student with provincial loans from a province other than Ontario, please contact your provincial authority or visit their web site for complete information on how to meet your repayment obligations.