OSAP checks the information on your application. This process is called “verification”. If, during verification, we find that there is a variance between the information reported on your application and information that we receive from the agency/organization, your application is put on hold. You will have to provide an explanation as to why there is a variance. You may also have to provide supporting documents (e.g., vehicle appraisal) to substantiate your claim.
Verification of your information may happen before your aid is calculated, in which case the results of the verification will be used in the calculation of your aid. Verification may happen after your aid has been calculated but not released, which results in a reassessment of your application. If the verification happens after your aid has been given to you, it may result in an overpayment. Check out the details below.
Your Social Insurance Number and basic personal information (first and last name, date of birth, and gender) is verified with the Social Insurance Registry at Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Generally this happens as soon as your application is received and before any aid is calculated.
If you did not receive a loan last year, OSAP will perform a credit check. If it is determined that you have been 90 days in arrears on three or more personal loans or credit accounts, with a combined value of $1,000 or more, within the past three years, you may not be eligible for aid. Generally this happens as soon as your application is received and before any aid is calculated.
All vehicle registration and Ontario driver's licence information is verified with the Ministry of Transportation. We also verify the fair market value for your vehicle(s) with the Ministry of Finance. If you are married or in a common-law relationship, the value of your spouse’s or partner’s vehicle(s) is also verified. Generally this happens as soon as your application is received and before any aid is calculated.
All income information is verified with CRA. If there is a discrepancy between the income reported on your OSAP application and the income information received from CRA, we will use the income information from CRA to assess or reassess your application. If we determine that there is a significant variance between the income information, you may become ineligible for any further aid.