Understanding OSAP Affidavits in Ontario: What You Need to Know

f you're applying for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), you may be asked to submit an affidavit as part of your application. For many students and parents, this can sound confusing — especially if you've never dealt with legal documents before.

Hanshah

4/19/20252 min read

What is OSAP?

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides financial support to students who need help paying for college or university in Ontario. It offers grants, loans, or both — depending on your financial situation.

To assess your eligibility, OSAP looks at things like your income, your family situation, your schooling history, and more. Sometimes, they ask for extra documents to support your application — and that’s where an OSAP Affidavitcomes in.

What is an OSAP Affidavit?

An OSAP Affidavit is a written and sworn statement confirming certain facts related to your application. It’s a legal document that must be signed in front of a Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, or lawyer.

This affidavit helps verify specific situations that aren’t easy to prove with regular paperwork.

When Do You Need an OSAP Affidavit?
  1. Declaring no contact with a parent or spouse
    If you are unable to provide your parent or spouse’s financial information because you are estranged or no longer in contact with them, you may need to swear an affidavit explaining the situation.

  2. Stating your residency history
    If OSAP needs proof that you (or your parent/spouse) have lived in Ontario for a certain number of years and you don’t have standard documents, an affidavit may be used.

  3. Confirming marital status
    If you're married, separated, or in a common-law relationship and can’t provide usual documents, OSAP may ask for an affidavit to confirm your situation.

  4. Explaining special family circumstances
    In some cases, like parental separation, guardianship, or other unique situations, OSAP may request a signed affidavit to support your explanation.

Why Does It Need to Be Notarized?

An affidavit is a legal document, and OSAP wants to ensure the information is truthful and officially verified. That’s why it must be signed in front of a Notary Public or someone authorized to administer oaths in Ontario.

Once signed, the affidavit becomes a valid legal document that OSAP can use to assess your application.

How to Get an OSAP Affidavit

Getting an affidavit is actually a simple process:

  1. Know what you need to declare – OSAP or your school’s financial aid office will usually provide you with instructions or even a sample template of the affidavit they require.

  2. Book an appointment with a Notary Public – You can visit a notary office in person or opt for an online appointment.

  3. Bring valid ID – You’ll need government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.

  4. Swear or affirm your statement – You’ll read the affidavit, confirm it’s accurate, and then sign it in front of the notary.

  5. Get your notarized copy – The notary will sign, seal, and stamp your document.

That’s it! You can then submit your affidavit to OSAP with the rest of your application documents.

Need Help with Your OSAP Affidavit?

At Dodo Notary, we help students across Ontario notarize OSAP affidavits quickly and affordably. Whether you're declaring no contact with a parent, confirming your residency, or explaining a special family situation — we make it easy.

We offer:

  • Same-day notarization

  • Online and in-person appointments

  • Clear guidance on your document

You can book your appointment online or give us a call if you have any questions.

Don’t let paperwork delay your OSAP funding. Let us help you get your affidavit done right — the first time.