NEI FAQ's

Nursing Education Initiative - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do I submit my request for reimbursement?

A: Please submit your completed application form within 90 days (3 months) after the education end date. The education end date is the last day of class/course, or day of exam - not when marks/grades are accessed.

For example, if you write an exam on April 4th, then your deadline to submit an application package would be July 4th.

Q: When do I submit copies of my receipt and grades?

A: Copies of your receipt of payment and proof of successful completion must be included with your application submission. If you do not have access to your receipt and/or grades within 90 days (3 months) after your education end date due to delays from your educational provider, please contact us as before the 90 day deadline for further information. Please be sure to submit your application form by the deadlines indicated on pages 1 and 2 of the form.

We do not accept late applications.

Q: Can I send in my application by fax?

A: Yes. Our fax number is 905-602-8367. Please keep your fax confirmation report as verification that the fax has arrived within the 90 day deadline successfully for future reference. We are unable to confirm receipt of your fax.

Q: What type of education is approved?

A: If you are a nurse who is taking education that will enhance the quality of care and services you provide as a nurse in Ontario, and the education is provincially recognized, the education will be considered for reimbursement. All applications are reviewed for eligibility and are weighted according to criteria based on funding priorities. There is no guarantee that your application for reimbursement will be approved.

Q: What criteria do you use to determine whether an application is accepted or declined?

A: All applications are assessed in accordance with the priority criteria established by the MOHLTC (see page 2 of the application form), and are evaluated on a numeric rating system to objectively tabulate eligible claims. As well, a selection committee comprised of various nursing representatives reviews certain claims to ensure fairness in the application process.

Q: How does the application procedure work?

A: When you send in a complete submission (the application form, receipt of payment and proof of completion of education in question) within 90 days (3 months) of the education end date, an acknowledgment letter will be sent to you. Your applicaiton will then be reviewed and processed in to our system.

When your application is processed (4-6 weeks from the date we received it) an email will be sent to you.

Q: I don't have an application – how do I get one?

A: Application forms are available on the RPNAO website and will also be mailed out to all nurses who request one.

Q: When I fax something in, will you call me?

A: We regret that due to the volume of faxes received for this program that we cannot confirm receipt of faxes (or mail). Please keep your confirmation that the fax has arrived for future reference.

Q: Can I call you and find out if my fax went through?

A: Due to the high volume of faxes received for the program, we regret that we are unable to check and see if your fax came through. Keep all of the documents that you have faxed to us along with the transmittal copy for proof that you sent in the fax. If you have a fax machine that does not give you confirmation, keep all of your documents as reference.

Q: Do I need to send a hard copy as well as a faxed copy?

A: No. Originals are not required.

Q: I received a T4A slip and am unsure as to why the amount shown is so high (over $1500).

A: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) considers NEI reimbursement funding over $500 taxable as ‘other income’ in the year it was received. They calculate the total amount of funding received in a calendar year. They consider only when the funding was received, not when the education took place.

For example, if a course takes place from September 2008 to December 2008 and a reimbursement cheque is issued in January 2009, CRA will assess the amount received in the 2009 tax year as the cheque was issued in 2009. As such, the amount listed on a T4A slip may total over $1500 because cheques from 2 separate NEI funding years may have been issued in the same calendar/tax year.