Alberta students with disabilities may qualify for up to three different grants to help cover the extra costs of attending post-secondary school. These include the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-D), the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE), and the Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD).
Students with permanent, persistent, or prolonged disabilities can access these grants and get help with expenses like assistive technology, specialized transportation, or other support services. Repayment isn't required.
This guide explains how much each grant offers, who qualifies, and how to apply, so that students with disabilities can get as much support with their personal finances as possible.
Key Takeaways
- The Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities offers up to $2,800 per year.
- The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities provides up to $20,000 per year.
- The Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities covers up to $3,000 per year.
- Students can apply for all three grants through the Alberta Student Aid website with one application.
Three Alberta student disability grants
Here’s a breakdown of the three Alberta student disability grants and how much you could receive:
Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-D)
Once approved for the CSG-D, you're automatically considered for this grant in future applications, provided your disability status remains unchanged.
How much you can get: Up to $2,800 per academic year (August 1 to July 31)
How to qualify:
- Be enrolled in full-time or part-time studies at a designated post-secondary institution
- Have a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability as defined by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program
- Demonstrate financial need
Learn more: Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE)
This grant assists with expenses such as assistive technology, note-taking services, and specialized transportation.
How much you can get: Up to $20,000 per academic year
How to qualify:
- Be approved for federal student financial assistance as a student with a disability
- Have exceptional education-related costs for services and equipment directly related to your disability
- Provide documentation of the costs and how they relate to your educational needs
Learn more: Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities
Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD)
This grant covers additional costs like specialized equipment or services necessary for your education.
How much you can get: Up to $3,000 per academic year
How to qualify:
- Be a full-time student with a documented permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability
- Have disability-related costs that aren't covered by the CSG-DSE
- Provide appropriate documentation, such as medical assessments or proof of disability-related assistance
Learn more: Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities
Applying for student disability grants in Alberta
Applications require a four-step process:
- Create an Alberta.ca Account: Set up a verified account, which may take up to 10 days for verification.
- Apply for student aid: Full-time students apply and submit their application online through the Alberta Student Aid portal; part-time students do the same, using the designated application form.
- Submit disability documentation: Provide required documents, such as a Schedule 4 form and a Disability Verification form, to confirm your disability status and outline necessary supports.
- Await Approval: Processing can take up to 45 days. It's recommended to apply at least 60 days before your program starts.
When you declare your PD or PPD, you’ll need to submit a Schedule 4 (first time you apply) to explain your disability and the support you need, and a Disability Verification form. You may also need to provide a letter from your doctor, a learning disability assessment, or a document showing you receive disability assistance from the government, such as AISH.
Apply here: Alberta Student Aid
FAQ
What is the Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities?
The Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities provides students with a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability up to $3,000 per year to help pay for educational costs such as assistive services, equipment, or specialized transportation related to their disability.
What are the Canada student disability grants?
The Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities provides up to $4,000 per year. The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities provides up to $20,000 per year. Both help students with education-related disability costs.
How do I apply for Alberta student disability grants?
You can apply for grants on the Alberta Student Aid website by setting up a verified account and following the instructions. To be considered, students must submit additional documentation to confirm their disability and the support required.
Who is eligible for student loan disability forgiveness in Canada?
Borrowers with a severe permanent disability that prevents them from working may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit. Approval is required, and once granted, you cannot receive further Canada Student Loans or Grants.
Do you have to pay back Alberta student grants?
No, grants are non-repayable funds provided to assist with expenses related to your education. However, if you withdraw from your program or change your enrollment status, you may be required to repay some or all of the grant funds received.
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