The Permanent Disability Benefit is available to borrowers with a severe permanent disability. If you have a severe permanent disability, you may be eligible to have your loans immediately forgiven.

The Canada Student Loans Program defines a severe permanent disability as preventing you from working and from participating in post-secondary education.

Also, students with a severe permanent disability who received loans between 1995 and 2000 are eligible for immediate loan forgiveness regardless of when the severe permanent disability occurred, providing they meet the eligibility criteria and their loan remains with the financial institution.

Note: Ontario does not participate in the federal Permanent Disability Benefit. Instead, Ontario borrowers can apply for the Medical Loan Forgiveness Program. Contact the Province of Ontario and ask for an application package.

How do I apply?

You must apply for the Permanent Disability Benefit. Enrolment is not automatic.

• Call the NSLSC at 1-888-815-4514 for information about your eligibility for this benefit.
• Request an application from the NSLSC by phone.
• Complete and sign the application form, and submit it to the NSLSC, with all the required supporting documentation.

Note: Student loan borrowers who received student loans before 2000 can ask for an application from their financial institution and submit the completed application to their financial institution.