If You Need Help Repaying

The federal and provincial government offer programs that can help you repay your Canada-B.C. integrated student loans.

Some are debt management programs designed for people having difficulty making their monthly payments. They help you avoid the consequences of defaulting on your student loans.

Others are programs designed to encourage people to work in certain areas or professions.

British Columbia repayment assistance programs

B.C. loan forgiveness program - Recent graduates in some specific professions can have their B.C. student loans forgiven by agreeing to work at publicly funded facilities in British Columbia. In some cases, eligibility also includes working in an underserved area of B.C.

Pacific Leaders B.C. loan forgiveness program - Consider dedicating a portion of your career to the B.C. Public Service after graduation and we'll forgive your B.C. student loan at the rate of one third of the total per year. The program also applies to current full-time or part-time regular employees who have a B.C. student loan in good standing.

B.C. interest relief program - This program helps people who have difficulty repaying their B.C. student loans because of low income and financial hardship.

B.C. loan reduction program - The B.C. loan reduction program helps students who must borrow most of the money they need to pursue their post-secondary education.

Extended amortization for B.C. student loans - If you need help making your monthly loan payments, you may be able to revise the terms of your loan. Extending your amortization reduces the amount of each monthly payment, making it easier for you to meet your obligations.

Principal deferment - If you are having difficulty repaying your B.C. student loans, you can ask to have the principal payment deferred for a period of time.

Federal debt management programs

Repayment Assistance Plan
The Government of Canada offers the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) for Canada student loans. The RAP helps borrowers who are having financial difficulty repaying their student loans. The RAP makes it easier for student-loan borrowers to manage their debt by allowing them to pay back what they can reasonably afford. You need to apply for the RAP as enrolment is not automatic.

Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability (RAP-PD)
The Government of Canada offers the Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability (RAP-PD). The RAP-PD helps borrowers with a permanent disability who are having difficulty paying their student loans and makes it easier for student loan borrowers to manage their debt by paying back what they can reasonably afford. You need to apply for the RAP-PD as enrolment is not automatic.

Revision of Terms
You may ask the NSLSC about reducing your monthly payment amount or extending the length of time you take to repay your loan. This will result in lower monthly payments, however you will pay more interest over time. If you think you might need help repaying your loan, call the NSLSC as soon as possible for information on available assistance.

Permanent Disability Benefits
The Permanent Disability Benefit is available to borrowers with a severe permanent disability that prevents you from working and/or going to school, and you will never be able to repay your loans. If you have a severe permanent disability, you may be eligible to have your loans cancelled. To apply for this benefit, contact the NSLSC.

For more information on federal debt management programs, please visit the National Student Loan Service Centre website, or contact the centre at:

National Student Loans Service Centre
PO Box 4030, Mississauga, ON L5A 4M4
1-888-815-4514 (within North America)
Country Code + 800-2-225-2501 (toll free outside North America)