In today’s e-bulletin, we’re going to talk about the major disability funding sources in New Brunswick, as well as a couple federally funded programs that are available to any student with disabilities in Canada. Not everyone is aware of these programs, but the potential funds granted can make an enormous difference in the life of any student or individual with a disability. These programs provide funds for school, equipment, training, tutoring, and more. The goal of this guide is to be as comprehensive as possible, so if you are someone with disabilities in New Brunswick and you’re looking for financial support programs, then this guide will be a good place to start.
Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities(new window)
This grant is available to students with disabilities for each year of your studies as long as you still qualify.
Eligibility
You could be eligible for this grant if you apply and:
• Have a financial need
• Are enrolled in a qualified program at a designated school
• Qualify as a student with a permanent disability and
• Include one of the following with your loan application as proof of your disability:
o a medical certificate
o a psycho-educational assessment; or
o documents that prove you have received federal or provincial permanent disability assistance
How to Apply
To apply for this grant, consult your provincial Student Financial Services Department or at studentaid.gnb.ca
Grant Value
For the 2021 to 2022 school year, you could receive $4,000. You can get this grant for each year of your studies as long as you still qualify. The school year runs from August 1 of the current year to July 31 of the next year. If you qualify, and have an assessed need of $1,400, you will still receive the $4,000 grant. In this case, the grant would cover your assessed need, so you would not need a student loan.
Note: This grant is not available to students from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Quebec. They have their own student aid programs.
Once this grant has been approved, students may also be eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities.
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities(new window)
Eligibility
You could be eligible for this grant if you apply and:
• Qualify for full-time or part-time student aid
• Are enrolled in a qualified program at a designated school
• Meet the definition for students with permanent disabilities
• Include with your application as proof of your disability:
o a medical certificate
o a psycho-educational assessment; or
o documents that show you have received federal or provincial permanent disability assistance
• Send written confirmation from a qualified person, that you need education-related services or equipment
• Send written confirmation of the exact cost of the equipment and services
How to Apply
To apply for this grant, consult your provincial Student Financial Services Department or at studentaid.gnb.ca.
Grant Value
You could receive up to $20,000 each school year of your studies, as long as you still qualify. The school year runs from August 1 of the current year to July 31 of the next year.
Training and Employment Support Services (TESS)(new window)
The Training and Employment Support Services (TESS) component of the Employment Services Program provides supports to case managed New-Brunswickers who have a permanent physical, intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, or sensory disability to participate in training and/or employment opportunities.
Eligibility
To be eligible for these services you must:
• Have an active Employment Action Plan
• Be a resident of New Brunswick or a First Nation Community in New Brunswick
• Be a high school graduate; or a high school student during part time or summer employment; or be at least 18 years of age; or be enrolled into an adult learning program
• Have a documented permanent physical, intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, or sensory disability
How to Apply
The TESS application form can be downloaded from the GNB website here(new window).
Tools, Supports, and Services Provided
Under this program, funding and supports are provided on an as-needed basis. Applicants and case-managers would work together to identify the supports, services, and tools required to help the client succeed in his or her employment action plan goals. This could include assistive technology, books, tutoring, language interpreters, etc.
Disability Supports Program (DSP)(new window)
Provides personalized, flexible disability supports for persons with disabilities in the development of their personal disability support plans.
Eligibility
To be eligible for these services you must:
• You are a resident of New Brunswick
• You are 19 to 64 years of age
• You have a long-term disability (this does not include a medical condition that does not result in long term disability or services required to address drug, alcohol, nicotine or gambling addictions)
• You require disability related supports in order to address unmet needs and to establish or maintain your living arrangement in the community, to assist or enhance the capacity of your natural support networks to provide support in the community, or to help you participate in the community, thereby helping to avoid long-term inactivity and stress on yourself or your caregivers.
• You require disability related supports in order to address unmet needs and to assist or enhance the capacity of your natural support networks to help you personally or to help you participate in the community.
How to Apply
First, gather the following information:
• Date of birth
• Medicare number
• Address
• Telephone number
Next, contact a community partner such as the New Brunswick Association of Community Living, or, contact your local Social Development Office.
Supports and Services Provided
The supports provided under this program are flexible and personalized to each client, but they may include:
• Home Support Worker
• Respite
• Personal supports and assistance within and outside the home
• Supports for community involvement and participation
• Personal living skills training
• Transportation supports that are disability specific
• Technical supports and assistive devices not covered under other programs
• Residential facility services
Other Funding Solutions
It’s important to note that there are other grants, scholarships, and bursaries that are sometimes available to students. These grants might be provided by local businesses, community partners, as well as the provincial or federal government. Asking case managers and local community partners is one way to learn about these scholarships, but there are also online resources dedicated to matching students with available scholarships such as www.scholarshipscanada.com
