H1N1 will not affect the availability of Canada Student Loans and Grants.

Students should normally expect to receive their Canada Student Loans and Grants even if their classes or personal attendance are affected by H1N1.

It is important that students inform the National Student Loan Service Centre of any changes in their study period or study status. Doing so will help keep their loans in good standing and ensure continued eligibility for funding.

Students should continue to check instructions on their institution's Web site for more information specific to their school.

Contingency plans are in place to ensure that loans and grants will continue to be disbursed should H1N1 have an impact at Canada Student Loans and Grants offices.

Students will still be responsible for repaying their Canada Student Loans when they complete their studies, irrespective of school closures or early withdrawal because of H1N1.

Scenarios

Student contracts H1N1 and is not able to attend classes or complete studies

Students can normally miss a certain number of classes, set by their school, before their study status is affected. If a student exceeds the maximum number of allowable absences, or cannot complete their studies to the satisfaction of the school due to illness, the student will be considered in "withdrawal" status as of the date they stop attending classes.

It will be important for the student to contact the National Student Loan Service Centre about the change in study status.

The student will continue to be eligible for funding.

If the student decides not to return to school or is unable to return to school, they will be expected to begin payments on their student loan 6 months following the withdrawal date. Again, the student will want to keep the National Student Loan Service Centre informed of the situation. The National Student Loan Service Centre can provide further information and guidance.

Student is not comfortable attending classes because of fear of catching H1N1 from other students

Students can normally miss a certain number of classes before their study status is affected. If a student exceeds the maximum number of allowable absences, they will be considered in early withdrawal status as of the date they stop attending classes.

As always, the student will want to inform the National Student Loan Service Centre of the change in their study status.

The student would normally continue to be eligible for funding providing they have not already reached their maximum weeks of assistance.