
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. |
Staying Informed
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Good morning I have been a PSW for about 20 years I was just wondering do I qualify if I want to upgrade my education. Sincerely sherry lafave
Good day, I want to study early childhood and iam a Zimbabwean in South Africa, can I get a sponsored visa,or I can learn online
Good day,
I am currently in placement and have paid for my PSW course but started my program April 12. Am I eligible for this grant? And if not, why so?
Renata…please follow up with the financial advisor at the college.
I am enrolled in a PSW program at a private college called Kingston Learning Center, Kingston, Ontario. I have been in the program since February 22nd 2021. I didn’t go through OSAP I paid on my own monthly payments. I have done 310 training hours. I should be completing final exam in the next 2 weeks. Is there any way of getting some money back the course cost me $7,000.
Thank you
Michelle…please follow up with the financial advisor at the college.