The demand for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) continues to be high.

The government at various levels introduced many incentives for those taking the PSW course.

PSW programs are being funded both at the federal and provincial levels.

There is a program funded by the Government of Canada and then there is a much larger program funded by the Government of Ontario with details you can find out here and here.

It is important for you to realize the differences between various programs.

Here are some of the programs that the Federal and Provincial Government has announced so far:

Program	Benefit	Scope
Train & Recruit	Free Education Accelerated Paid Training Employment	6000 PSWs
Train & Recruit	Free Education Accelerated Paid Training Employment	373 PSWs
Incentive	$2000	2200 existing PSW students
Return of Service (Incentive/Bonus)	$5000	PSW Jobs via HFO
Resident Support Aide	Free Training Paid Training	Ongoing
PSW Work for Life	Opportunities & Benefits	All current & potential PSWs

You can view more details and how to apply to the above-listed programs by clicking here.

Funding for PSW Students at Private Colleges

Students enrolled in certain private career colleges are eligible for receiving financial support.

However,

you must meet the following two conditions in order to qualify for financial support:

• Be enrolled in an OSAP approved private career college, and
• Must begin the PSW training between May 1st and July 31st, 2021.

Please note that not all students enrolled at private career colleges are eligible for support.

The private career college must be a participant in the program.

Amount of Financial Support

Eligible PSW students can receive financial support to cover the cost of tuition, books, and other fees.

You can receive up to $13,235.

In addition, you may also be paid for the clinical portion of the PSW program.

It is important for you to check with the college you are thinking of applying to ensure the college is approved by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Only OSAP-approved private colleges are eligible for funding.

Funding for PSW Students at Ontario District School Boards

If you’re enrolled or planning to enroll in a PSW program at an Ontario district school board, you can receive provincial funding to cover the cost of books and other fees.

You will also receive compensation during the clinical portion of the program.

In order to receive funding, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Must be enrolled in a PSW program during the 2020-21 school year as of September 2020, or
• Must begin the program between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.

Completing the program through the Ontario district school board serves a dual purpose.

It allows you to earn:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD),

and

a PSW Certificate.

Amount of Financial Support

If you’re enrolled in an Ontario district school board PSW program through the adult and continuing education programs, you can receive government financial support.

You can receive up to $7,735.

In addition, you may also be paid for the clinical portion of the PSW program.

Institution	Amount of Funding	Paid Clinical	Eligibility Criteria
Private Career College (OSAP approved)	$13,235	Yes	Must have begun program between May 1st and July 31, 2021
Ontario District School Board	$7,735	Yes	Must be enrolled during the 2020-21 school year as of September 2020, or Must begin the program between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.

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