Family breakdown review

2022-23 OSAP Application for Full-time Students

Note: The ministry considers a family breakdown to go beyond normal disagreements between parents and children. It would involve a serious rift in the family that results in a severe and/or permanent breakdown in the student’s relationship with one or both parents.

1. Documentation from at least one professional third party who was directly involved with the family breakdown (e.g., social worker, physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, children’s shelter staff):

• outlining the reason(s) why you are estranged from or have been disowned by one or both parents;
• providing relevant date(s)/timeline(s) pertaining to this situation and additional supporting documentation, if appropriate (e.g., court reports, police reports, medical documentation); and
• containing the signature and contact information for the third party, including telephone number and address.

Note: If a professional third party was not involved, documentation from at least two other appropriate third parties who were familiar with the situation is acceptable (e.g., siblings aged sixteen or older, grandparents, other relatives). This documentation must:

• outline the reason(s) why you are estranged from or have been disowned by one or both parents;
• provide relevant date(s)/timeline(s) pertaining to this situation and additional supporting documentation, if appropriate (e.g., court reports, police reports, medical documentation); and
• contain the signature and contact information for each third party, including telephone number and address.

2. A letter from you providing the following information:

• a general explanation of the situation and the event(s) or action(s) that led to the rift with parent(s), including the date of the final serious rift and the date when you left home;
• indication the rift is severe and/or permanent;
• description of the communications, if any, with parent(s);
• how you have supported yourself since leaving home; and
• possibility of reconciliation.

3. Proof that you are not living with parent(s) (e.g., a copy of your lease or rental agreement, or, if you do not have a lease or rental agreement, a letter from the individual who owns or rent the home you are living in).

If you have questions about the requirements listed above, contact your financial aid office for help.