ncome - Dependents at School

4-5 Income - Dependents at School


PURPOSE

1. To encourage dependents of applicants and minors living apart to continue their education.

PRINCIPLE

2. Dependants/Minors in full-time attendance in school at a post-secondary institution are considered of “dependant” status by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency even though they may be beyond the age of majority.

3. A student who is taking three semester courses is considered a full-time student.

POLICY

4. All moneys earned by a dependent child, who is attending an educational program on a full-time basis, is exempt from the calculation of family income.

5. A student ceases to be a dependant under the following conditions:

(a) When he/she has completed the course of studies undertaken;

(b) When he/she has completed four years’ full-time attendance at a university, or other educational program. These do not necessarily have to be successful years. For example, if a student takes five years to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, that student is not considered a dependant in his/her fifth year;

(c) When a student has spent one full year in the work force. This could be either before entering an educational program or in between program years. Such a student cannot revert to “dependant” status;

(d) If a student gets married while attending an educational program and moves away from home;

(e) If a student gets married and remains living at home, “student dependant” status shall cease at the end of the respective academic year, at which time he/she may apply for financial assistance in his/her own right, and existing rules for eligibility would apply.

6. There may be financial situations that could affect the “student dependant” status, making it inappropriate to apply this policy. Any such extenuating situations shall be brought to the attention of the Area Coordinator.