This is the fourth week of our four-week series on programs in Ontario for those with Disabilities. We spoke about Developmental Services Ontario and the Passport Program, which are specifically for people with developmental disabilities. This week, we will talk about the Ontario Disability Support Program, which is available to people with diagnosed disabilities who meet a set financial criterion. The Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) oversees all these programs and services.

Ontario Disability Support Program

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) offers people with diagnosed disabilities:

• Money to help you and your eligible family members with living expenses and rent
• Health benefits, including prescription drugs and vision care
• Employment support to help you find and keep a job or advance your career.

If you are eligible, the amount of money you can receive depends on your specific situation.

A formula is used to determine your eligible payment amount.

Basic Needs Allowance amount + Shelter Allowance amount = Eligible payment amount

Example for a single adult

$786 (Basic Needs Allowance) + $582 (Shelter Allowance) = $1,368 (Eligible payment amount)

Here is another way of showing the math:

Thank you to the Income Security Advocacy Centre for their ODSP and OW Rates and OCB – July 2024 resource. They will soon have an updated version for July 2025. ODSP rates will increase by 2.8% in July 2025.

The actual amount you receive is based on your individual situation. Here are some things that can change the amount you get.

• How much do you actually spend on housing costs (rent, mortgage payments, hydro, heating, water and sewer, property taxes, house or tenant insurance)
• If you have special diet requirements that are verified by a medical professional
• If you have travel costs related to medical appointments
• If you have a spouse or dependent children
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or formula feeding babies
• If you are working

*Only an ODSP Caseworker can verify your eligible payment amount*

To apply for ODSP, you apply online at https://www.sada.mcss.gov.on.ca/intake/home-page.

If you are approved, a local ODSP Caseworker in Grey and Bruce Counties will be connected with you directly.

Many applications are denied the first time. If your application is denied, speak with the Grey Bruce Community Legal Clinic by calling 1-877-832-1435 or 519-370-2200. They can help you request a review of your application.

Working while getting ODSP income

Working and taking training courses can be very beneficial to people. Work and training provide a routine, a chance to see and spend time with other people, a sense of accomplishment, and more money coming into your household.

You can work while you are getting ODSP payments. You may receive an additional $100 towards work-related expenses if you have income from work or a training program. Each month you work, you will report the amount of money you get from working. ODSP uses that information to determine how much money they will send you the following month.

The first $1,000 you make from work income is exempt, so it will not impact your eligible ODSP payment amount. Any work income over the first $1,000 is treated differently. ODSP will deduct $0.75 from the payment they send you for each $1.00 of work income you get that is above the first $1,000.

Here is an example of how working changes the formula we showed above.

Basic Needs Allowance + Shelter Allowance + Work-related Benefit – deduction for work income over $1,000 = ODSP payment amount

Example 1

If a single adult is working and makes $1,000, this is what that formula could look like:

$786 (Basic Needs Allowance) + $582 (Shelter Allowance) + $100 (Work-related Benefit) – $0 [75% of {$1,000 (work income) – $1,000 (exempt work income amount)}] = $1,468 (ODSP payment amount)

So, with your ODSP payment amount of $1,468 and your $1,000 of income from working, you get $2,468 of money in total for the month.

Here is another way of showing the math:

Example 2

If a single adult is working and makes $1,500, this is what that formula could look like:

$786 (Basic Needs Allowance) + $582 (Shelter Allowance) + $100 (Work-related Benefit) – $375 [75% of {$1,500 (work income) – $1,000 (exempt work income amount)}] = $1,093 (ODSP payment amount)

So, with your ODSP payment amount of $1,093 and your $1,500 of income from working, you get $2,593 of money in total for the month.

Here is another way of showing the math:

You don’t have to do the math; your ODSP Caseworker will do that using the information you send them.