Low Income Loan Rebate Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1) What is the Low Income Loan Rebate Program?
It is a loan reduction program benefiting eligible low income post secondary students with Manitoba Student Loan debt. The program reduces students’ outstanding student loan debt so they can focus more time on their studies and less time worrying about debt.
Q2) Who is administering this program?
This program is administered by the Skills and Employment Partnerships Branch in the Manitoba Department of Education and Training.
Q3) What is the role of Manitoba Student Aid?
When you applied for financial assistance from Manitoba Student Aid, you were also considered for the Low Income Loan Rebate Program with Skills and Employment Partnerships.
Manitoba Student Aid was not involved in the development of this program.
Q4) What is the eligibility for the program?
All students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Enrolled in post-secondary education in the current program year;
- Have accrued student loan debt through Manitoba Student Aid;
- Have not withdrawn from their studies;
- Assessed as low income by Manitoba Student Aid;
- Enrolled in undergraduate level education (Diploma, Certificate, Bachelor’s, Honours, and Associate Degree*); and,
- Complete the online application form.
* Students enrolled in graduate level education (Masters, Pre-Masters, Graduate Diploma, and Graduate Certificate) or pursuing their second undergraduate degree are not eligible.
Q5) How will the loan rebate amount be determined?
The amount you may receive is dependent on your current student loan debt, the overall program budget, and the number of applications received.
Q6) If I’m awarded a rebate, when will I be notified?
If you are awarded a rebate, you will be advised via email in April, 2019. The amount will be applied directly to your student loan account. You will NOT receive a cheque, direct deposit, or any other form of payment.
Q7) Do I need to complete the online application form? Why?
You must complete the online application form to fulfill the program eligibility requirements. The information is being collected for statistical purposes and will help inform future investments in this program.
Q8) What are the tax implications of this program?
Under Canadian income tax law, a portion of your award may be taxable. You will receive a statement of income (T4A) which should be reported in your income tax return. Skills and Employment Partnerships recommends that you check with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to determine if your rebate is taxable.
Q9) I am currently receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) benefits. How does this impact me?
The program does not impact your EIA benefits. Please speak with your EIA caseworker for more information.
Q10) How do I find out my Manitoba Student Aid account balance?
To see how much you owe on your Manitoba Student Loans, log in to your MySAO account. If you have any questions regarding your balance, you will need to contact Manitoba Student Aid at 204-945-6321 (toll free 1-800-204-1685).
Q11) Will this program be offered next year?
It has yet to be determined if this program will be available next year and is subject to availability of funds.
Q12) Whom should I contact if I have additional questions not addressed in this FAQ?
For more information, contact Skills and Employment Partnerships by telephone at 204-945-0575 (toll-free at 1-866-332-5077) or by email at ITESinfo@gov.mb.ca.
