What an OSAP affidavit is

Ontario’s OSAP definitions describe an affidavit as a document whose contents are sworn to be true and signed before a lawyer, commissioner for taking affidavits or notary public. In some applications, an affidavit may be requested to explain a fact that is not shown adequately by standard records—for example, a living arrangement, family circumstance, income issue or period of separation. The request itself controls what must be addressed.

This download is a neutral fact-gathering aid. It provides space for the student’s identifying details, the request being answered, numbered factual paragraphs and a list of supporting records. It does not select a legal position, determine eligibility or promise that OSAP will accept the result.

Prepare a clear factual statement

1. Copy the request accurately. Record the wording from your OSAP account or the written direction from the financial aid office, including the academic year and deadline.
2. Confirm who must swear. The student, parent, spouse or another person may be the person with direct knowledge. Do not guess; ask the financial aid office if the request is unclear.
3. Build a timeline. List relevant dates, addresses, relationships, amounts and events in chronological order. Separate what the declarant personally knows from information learned from someone else.
4. Collect supporting records. Gather the documents requested by OSAP or the school. Examples may include leases, bills, correspondence or income records, but only the recipient can say what is necessary.
5. Draft in plain language. Use short, numbered paragraphs. Include only facts that answer the request and that the declarant can truthfully swear or affirm.
6. Leave signatures blank. Do not sign the affidavit or complete the commissioner’s section before the appointment.

Remove all prompts and unused sections before printing. Check spelling and dates against the supporting records. If the school provides its own affidavit wording or form, use that document instead of this worksheet.

At the commissioning appointment

The person making the affidavit must normally attend, present acceptable original identification, understand the document and swear or affirm that its contents are true. The commissioner or notary witnesses the signature and completes the jurat. They do not verify OSAP eligibility, decide which facts should be claimed or submit the document for you.

After commissioning, scan the complete signed document clearly and follow the submission instructions in your OSAP account or from the financial aid office. Ontario’s guidance says required documents may be uploaded, mailed or delivered to the financial aid office, subject to the directions for that document. Keep the original and a copy of everything submitted.