We Helped Permanently Disabled Students Win Loan Forgiveness

Followers of this website may remember our 'Countdown Campaign' in July. Federal and provincial government aid programs were ending and we tried to alert as many as we could reach so they could apply for help while there was still time.

Application forms, rules, fax numbers and advice were supplied on this site for each program about to be cancelled, so that people could apply with short notice.

One of these now-cancelled government programs was BC's Permanent Disability Benefits (PDP) Program.

It was unique in helping even those who had lost their good standing and would not normally be eligible for aid. It was also remarkable in completely forgiving people's entire BC student loan amount through one application. The only requirement was either federal or BC proof of permanent disability status and a low income.

Mainstream media organizations misreported the program as already closed, which had discouraged people from applying.

Making matters worse, StudentAid BC call centre staff were confirmed to be telling disabled people it was too late to apply, and the BC government took down its online application form before the program ended.

Given the special value of this program, Debt 101 not only set up complete application packages on this site but contacted disabilities organizations throughout BC, trying to alert more people through these organizations.

Did we help? It seems we did!

Aside from the organizations that asked our help with client applications, it seems that a surprising number of applications went in considering that the media, call centres and government websites were all telling people not to bother applying.

While unwilling to give numbers, one Ministry official said that "really quite a lot" of PDP applications got faxed in by the deadline. Due to the confusion and misinformation, those who applied on time were allowed a further 30 days to obtain their required supporting documents.

The PDP program - which forgave all BC student loan debt for low-income people with a permanent disability - ended August 1, 2009. Final day to apply was July 31. BC officials say no replacement is planned.

Canada Student Loans still has programs to assist those with Permanent Disabilities. However, unlike the cancelled BC program, these are not available to people whose student loans are in defaulted status and involve collection agencies.

We're very sorry that this helpful program was cancelled, but glad to know that some did get help in time.

Special thanks to the following media and student organizations that helped in our countdown efforts by alerting the public in time:

SFU's SJSF Radio, Langara Students' Union, Ubyssey (UBC newspaper), the Tyee (online BC news) and the Georgia Straight.