Ontario Regulation 70/23, enacted under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, makes several amendments to Ontario Regulation 70/17, which provide guidelines for the administration of Ontario Student Grants and Ontario Student Loans. This new regulation introduces several key amendments aimed at refining the framework for student loan repayment and disability assistance.

One of the primary changes involves revisions to the repayment assistance clauses. Specifically, the regulation revokes and replaces clauses 13 (3) (a) and (b) of Ontario Regulation 70/17. These revisions update the conditions for granting repayment assistance, focusing on the debt reduction stage and referencing previous regulatory sections. 

Further amendments to subsections 13 (4) and (5) introduce updates to the references concerning repayment assistance. Notably, the regulation adds references to section 31.13 of the 2020 Regulation while repealing subsection 13 (5). These changes are designed to streamline the rules governing repayment assistance, potentially simplifying both the application and administration processes.

The regulation also revises the definition of “permanent disability” in section 36. The updated definition now includes a wider range of impairments—physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, or sensory—that significantly restrict an individual’s ability to perform daily activities for pursuing post-secondary education or participating in the workforce. To qualify as a “permanent disability,” the impairment must be expected to persist throughout the individual’s life. Additionally, a new category termed “persistent or prolonged disability” is introduced. This category encompasses impairments that limit daily activities and are expected to last at least 12 months but are not anticipated to be lifelong, providing a clearer framework for eligibility and support.

Modifications to assistance amounts are detailed in subsection 37 (3). The regulation stipulates that for general repayment assistance, student loans must be repaid in full within 15 years from the date the individual last qualified as a student. However, for individuals with a permanent disability who disclose their condition in their repayment assistance application, the repayment period is reduced to 10 years. Similarly, those with a persistent or prolonged disability are also eligible for a 10-year repayment term, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria specified in subsection 40 (3).

Additionally, the regulation expands definitions and inclusivity by incorporating “persistent or prolonged disability” alongside “permanent disability” in several sections, including 40, 41, and 42. This broadens the scope of individuals eligible for specific support measures and ensures a more inclusive approach to disability assistance.

These amendments aim to better align the student loan and grant system with contemporary needs, offering clearer guidelines for disability assistance and repayment support. 

Source: Ontario (70/23) April 22, 2023