#FinancialFridays: Navigating Disability Services in Ontario

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Woew. There are so many different programs for people with disabilities, and I find it very confusing. Thankfully, I recently attended an online presentation by Developmental Services Ontario that helped clarify things. Over the next 4 weeks, we will look at services for people with disabilities.

If you or someone you know has a disability, they may be eligible for a range of programs, including income programs like the Ontario Disability Support Program, funding to help you participate in social events and recreation activities like the Passport Program, or help connecting to services and supports in your community.

The information below is just about programs provided by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. This does not include Federal programs available to people with disabilities. We will cover that in a few weeks.

Thank you, Developmental Services Ontario, for sharing the helpful chart above.

If you can not read the text, it essentially says: When a youth turns 18, children’s services like Special Services at Home, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, and the Ontario Autism Program end. To keep getting support as an adult, youth must apply through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).

DSO connects people to adult developmental services funded by the Ministry. You can apply as early as age 16.

The Passport Program helps pay for community participation and daily living. It’s separate from DSO, but you need DSO approval first. You can apply for a Passport at 17½.

If you need money for food or housing, MCCSS can help you apply to ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) or Ontario Works. These are different from DSO and have separate applications.

When to Apply:

  • DSO: Age 16
  • Passport: Age 17½
  • ODSP/Ontario Works: Age 16

More Info:

Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-330-3213 for help.

Next week, we will focus on the difference between Developmental Services Ontario and the Passport Program.

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