Eligibility
If you're a post-secondary student with a disability, you may be eligible for 1 or more grants to help you overcome barriers that you may experience because of your disability. There are two grants available: the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-D) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (CSG-DSE).
Types of disabilities
The Government of Canada defines 2 types of disabilities for students to be eligible for these grants. We use these definitions to make our funding decisions.
Permanent disability
Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation, that restricts a person's ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary school level or to participate in the labour force. The disability is expected to remain with the person for their expected life.
Persistent or prolonged disability
Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation, that restricts a person's ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary school level or to participate in the labour force. The disability has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, but is not expected to remain with the person for their expected life.
Qualifications for CSG-D and CSG-DSE
To qualify for grants, you must:
- have a permanent or persistent and prolonged disability as defined by the Government of Canada and verified by PSAS
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- be a resident of Nova Scotia
- attend a post-secondary institution (university, college or private career college)
- have an active student loan application
- assessed financial need PSAS administers the CSG-DSE on behalf of the federal government