The deadline for applications is May 31.
Application Form
PSAC 901 has created both a Mental Health Bursary to help alleviate the financial hardships associated with mental health and wellness. The fund of $150,000 was won after a hard fight in bargaining and will be distributed over two years. The bursary is intended to supplement the SGPS Health and Dental Plan and is to be used to support the mental health, psychological safety and wellbeing of Unit 1 members.
What is Covered: This bursary will support members with mental health-related expenses (borne and foreseeable) that are not covered by the SGPS Health and Dental Plan, OHIP/UHIP (or, if applicable, personal healthcare plans). If an expense is covered through insurance, it is expected that applicants will have exhausted this portion of their coverage before submitting their application. Eligible expenses should be incurred in the current semester.
Some examples of eligible expenses include (but are not limited to):
- Therapy, telehealth, diagnostic services, medications that are not covered by insurance, etc.
- A singular acute cost directly related to mental health such as purchasing a support animal or associated veterinary costs.
- Access to physical health such as yoga, meditation, and/or exercise.
- Other direct mental health costs that are not already covered by other areas such as SAD lamps, groceries that have a relevance to a member.
Note that these examples are not exhaustive and that you can apply for this bursary if you have experienced any financial burdens in relation to mental health or wellbeing.
Bursary Value: $50 – $500 per semester; $1,000 maximum per academic year*
* Please note you will be required to provide your Social Insurance Number as a T4A may be issued for the amount of your bursary for tax purposes.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicant is a member of Unit 1
A Unit 1 member includes anyone who meets one of the following criteria:
- is currently employed as a TA, RA, or TF
- has been employed as a TA, RA, or TF in the last 8 months
- has a confirmed position TA, RA, or TF position beginning in the next four months
Application Requirement: An itemized list of expenses; expense receipts and/or quotes.
Application Deadlines:
- Winter term 2023: May 31st, 2023
- August 31st, December 31st
If you have an urgent need for this fund, please reach out to the PSAC 901 office (staff.psac901@gmail.com).