Students feel relief after recent OSAP changes

The Ontario Government is making significant changes with new updates to the OSAP Repayment Assistance Plan.

The RAP program helps students who are having difficulty repaying their loans, adjusting payments based on the individuals’ household income.

“Honestly I think it’s really amazing because after I graduate I can focus on my career and my job, I don’t have to worry about paying back right away,” said Peri Garrent, a student at St. Clair College.

Previously, students making $25, 000 a year or less were eligible for the RAP program. It is now increased to $40, 000, ensuring no student will be making a payment they cannot afford.

The maximum payment interest rate is decreasing from 20% to 10% with a new index to inflation, ensuring payments keep the same pace.

Another St. Clair student named Moona (no last name) added “a lot of us when we go out into the workforce are not going to be making over $40, 000 a year. I feel like a lot of us are going to be entering into entry level jobs, so with that being said I think it’s just an overall positive thing.”

The expansion of the RAP program is taking stress off of students who are supported through OSAP, allowing them to focus on starting a career.