Program Integrity
Reg.: Schedule 2, s. 1(4), 13(2), 14
Alberta Student Aid may, at any time, request the student to provide additional information or documentation to determine or review a student’s eligibility for student aid.
A review of a student’s eligibility for student aid may be conducted to:
- ensure accuracy of submitted information
- verify the student’s eligibility to receive assistance
- ensure appropriate funding is issued to eligible applicants
- maintain public confidence in the integrity of the student aid programs.
A review may be initiated on a student's application or file at any time. The review may result in the rejection of a pending application, or the cancellation of approved funding (this is in addition to the penalties mentioned below).
Where Alberta Student Aid has directed a student to provide information to verify statements in the student’s application for financial assistance and the student has refused to comply with the direction, Alberta Student Aid may refuse to provide the student aid applied for. In addition, failure to respond to a request for information is deemed to be the provision of false or misleading information by a student.
A student may be required to immediately repay any loans and/or grants that the student was not eligible to receive.
If the student wishes to contest the decision, the student can submit a Level 1: Request for Reconsideration. A Level 1: Request for Reconsideration must be received by Alberta Student Aid within 30 calendar days from the date of the decision.
Penalties
Reg.: Schedule 2, s. 1(4), 8(3)(a)
If a person knowingly makes false statements, misrepresentations, or omissions to obtain student aid, Alberta Student Aid may impose the following conditions:
- restrict the student from further student aid for one to three years, and/or
- restrict the student from further student aid until all amounts have been repaid.
Conviction
Student Financial Assistance Act, s. 15 Reg.: Schedule 2, s. 8(3)
A student may be subject to conviction under the Student Financial Assistance Act if the student intentionally and for the purpose of obtaining student aid:
- makes a false statement or misrepresentation
- gives false or misleading information, or
- fails to provide required information.
The student may be fined up to $5,000.
The student:
- will be restricted from further student aid until all amounts have been repaid, and
- may be restricted from further student aid for one to three years.
If a pardon is granted, these conditions may be changed or removed.
In certain cases, charges may also be laid under the Criminal Code of Canada.