I can only speak for Ontario people but here is what I had to do. I had to apply for RAP (Repayment Assistance) which lasts 6 months as is a reduced payment based on income. Then you can apply for RAP-PD (Repayment Assistance for Disabilities). When you apply for any kind of assistance, ALWAYS send proof of income and anything they tell you you do not need to send right away. After that, you can apply for Severe Permanent Disability Relief. This requires doctors forms and supporting documentation. Always keep copies of what you send them and make sure you sign and date the bottom of each and every page of your application. Also, write your name and SIN at the top of each and every page. Frustrating, I know but you just have to do it.
If the information your doctor provides is good, you should received Severe Permanent Disability Relief which completely forgives your loans on the basis you are no longer eligible for student loans and if you start earning a decent income, they can come after you for the remainder of the loans.
Get the name of one person and one person only at each loan centre you deal with. Put a request in writing that clearly states you are disabled and cannot speak with different people every time you call. Tell them you understand you have to call the call centre and get transferred and may have to play phone tag but tell you due to your disability you can only deal with one person and only speak with this person from now on.
The Severe Permanent Disability Application form can be sent to you by whoever handles your Canada loans and will allow you to check off to cover all integrated Canada and Provincial loans. Get your doctor to provide as much information in the application and supporting documentation as possible. Include a cover letter from you outlining your health and disability and how it affects day to day life. If you have not already, keep every single piece of paper anyone sends you on your loans and copies of what you send them. Make notes on all phone calls and sign, date them and put down the time and name of who you are speaking with. Back up everything.
I had been dealing with RAP, applied for RAP-PD which resulted in relief of an additional penny per loan (and I got the notices the day the penny when out of circulation). Finally I applied for Severe Permanent Disability Relief and included a letter outlining the treatment I had received from RBC and the NSLSC and how that had contributed to the permanent relief application. I also let RBC and NSLSC know this and told them that I had every single piece of people they had sent me since 2002 and well as copies of what I had sent them and notes on every phone call, all dated with times and names as well as signed and witnessed. They began harassing me with calls and I got letters saying my loans (I owed just over $20,000) had been paid in full. Just cover your butt and do not let them push you away. You are only fighting for your legal rights. If you have all your documentation and can prove discrimination they will run like the wind.
Send a detailed letter clearly marked REQUEST FOR ACCOMODATION OF DISABILITY and clearly outline what you need from them to be able to deal with this situation and explain why. I told them I needed one point of contact who spoke clear English and non wrap speed; I needed people to stop lying to me because it frustrated me and resulted in my not being able to deal with the situation because of my brain injury; I set some specific deadlines in terms of notifying me about specific things in writing and a few other others. In the end, I got the single point of contact and nothing else but it just shows again that they are taking advantage of disabilities.
Best of luck and keep me up to date. If I can provide any more advice I am happy too. I will get an email if you respond. Now I am moving to have everything they put on my credit record removed and my overdraft forgiven. Worth a try at least! Just keep pushing back as they are doing whatever they can to get you to give up. You are in the right. You are sick and disabled. Contact your provincial and federal human rights tribunals as well as the ombudsman for whoever holds your provincial loans and Canada loans. Then go above them if not satisfactory and look at the Banking association ombudsman. Try local media as the treatment you have received is not a one off. It is time sick and disabled people stood up across this country and said ENOUGH!! We have rights and we will fight for them.
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STUDENT LOAN FREE SINCE 2013
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