People of any age who receive Income Assistance can receive student assistance loans and grants, as long as they also meet Student Assistance criteria.

• If you are a Department of Community Services client who receives Income Assistance, and you want to attend post-secondary school, click here to learn more about how going to school affects Income Assistance funding.
• To find out about about programs that could help you attend school, contact your Income Assistance caseworker to learn whether you are eligible.

If you already know that you will be participating in one of these programs, here is some information about how they work together with Canada Student Loans and Grants and Nova Scotia Student Loans and Grants.

• I'll be in the Educate to Work Program
• I'll be in the Career Seek Program
• I am not participating in either of these, but want to apply for student assistance
• I want to learn about other ways to finance my education
• I want to see Related Topics

Educate to Work Program

If you are partipating in the Educate to Work Program, you should not apply for Student Assistance.

The Educate to Work Program gives you non-repayable Income Assistance while you attend school, but Student Assistance funds must be repaid.

If you already applied for Student Assistance, and found out later that you are eligible for Educate to Work funding, let us know as soon as possible. It's very important that you tell us so we can cancel your Student Assistance application. If you receive student loans while participating in Educate to Work, those funding amounts will be deducted from your Income Assistance and you will have to repay the loan when you leave school.

Career Seek Program

If you are participating in the Career Seek program, you must report your Income Assistance amounts to us, and let us know that you are participating in Career Seek. We will ask you for a letter from your caseworker that gives a breakdown of the income you will receive from Income Assistance while you attend school.

I wish to apply for Student Assistance.

If you apply for and receive any Student Assistance funding, you must inform your Income Assistance caseworker about this income.

Related Topics

• Employability Related Expenses
• Grants for Low-Income or Middle-Income Families
• Students with Dependants
• Students with Disabilities
• Defaulting on your Student Loan
• Credit Check for Student Assistance