What is ODSP?
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which is administered by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, is a social assistance programme that assists qualifying Ontarians with disabilities with their income and employment.
The ODSP income assistance programme pays for necessities like food, rent, and health benefits including prescription medicine and dental coverage. Since the programme is only to be used as a last choice, you must exhaust all other options for income (such as a job, a disability benefit from the Canada Pension Plan, a workplace safety benefit, and the Insurance Board) before resorting to ODSP.
Who qualifies for ODSP income support?
In order to be eligible for ODSP income support, you must:
- reside in Ontario,
- handicap as specified by the ODSP Act
- at least 18 years old, and are in financial need
You may start the application procedure if you are under the age of 18 up to six months before that date. You must go through a procedure after applying to make sure you fulfill the ODSP's standards for disability and financial necessity.
What are the ODSP payment dates for 2023?
On the final working day of the month, ODSP payments are made. Direct bank deposit is the most convenient method of receiving ODSP payments. If you don't have a bank account, other possibilities include checks and reloadable payment cards.
ODSP payment dates for 2023 are:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date |
| January | January 31, 2023 |
| February | February 28, 2023 |
| March | March 31, 2023 |
| April | April 28, 2023 |
| May | May 31, 2023 |
| June | June 30, 2023 |
| July | July 31, 2023 |
| August | August 31, 2023 |
| September | September 29, 2023 |
| October | October 31, 2023 |
| November | November 30, 2023 |
The ODSP Benefits
Several ODSP benefits are listed below.
Health Benefits of ODSP
The following health advantages are provided by the ODSP:
- coverage for prescription medications
- dental perks
- advantages for hearing and vision
- benefits of medical goods like diabetes and incontinence supplies
- nutritional allowance for parents who are expecting or breast-feeding
- Added health advantages
- benefits of medical transportation
- Benefits of transitional health If you transition to a paid position and lose your ODSP eligibility
Basic Needs Allowance under ODSP
The cost of food, clothes, and other required personal goods is covered by the ODSP basic needs support. The number of individuals in your household, their ages, and whether your spouse or partner also has a handicap will all affect how much you get.
Those who are single and have no dependents are eligible for up to $706 per month; those who have a handicapped spouse but no other dependents are eligible for up to $1,409 per month.
| Number of Dependants otherthan a Spouse | Dependants 18 Years or Older | Dependants 0-17 Years | Recipient See Note 1 | Recipient and Spouse See Note 2 | Recipient and Spouse See Note 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | $706 | $1,018 | $1,409 |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | $849 | $1,018 | $1,409 |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | $1,094 | $1,216 | $1,607 |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | $849 | $1,018 | $1,409 |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | $1,094 | $1,216 | $1,607 |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | $1,293 | $1,437 | $1,828 |
Source: Ontario.ca
Employment Support for ODSP
In order to help users who are able or willing to work find jobs, complete training programmes, and pay for childcare, ODSP offers employment support.
For instance, if you establish a business, you can deduct child care expenses from your income up to the whole amount.
Benefits from ODSP Shelter
This includes mortgage payments, rent, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, utility bills, and condo fees. Based on your family size, you are only eligible for a certain amount of shelter allowance.
A single ODSP user may get up to $522 per month to pay housing expenses. When a benefit unit consists of two persons, the cost rises to $821.
| Benefit Unit Size | Maximum Monthly Shelter Allowance |
| 1 | $552 |
| 2 | $821 |
| 3 | $889 |
| 4 | $964 |
| 5 | $1041 |
| 6 and more | $1078 |
ODSP Application Procedures for 2023
You can start the application procedure to see whether you are financially qualified if you satisfy the age and residence conditions. This procedure can be finished in person at your nearby ODSP office, over the phone, or online.
In addition to Toronto, the province's East, North, Central, and West regions all have offices for the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
You will receive a response to this first step within 15 business days.
Your care worker will offer you a Disability Determination Package if you are determined to be financially eligible for income assistance. The "Health Status Report" (HSR) and "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLI) portions of the DDP must be completed by your healthcare professional.
You will require the following before you can begin your application:
- Number of your social security card (SIN)
- Birth certificates for yourself and your dependents
- Cards provided by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
- Documentation regarding your immigration status
- Information about your bank account
You'll have to give ODSP some basic information about your financial position. You must include all of your costs and expenses in addition to your income and assets. An in-depth financial evaluation will be done by a caseworker, therefore you must give correct information. The medical components of your application will often be handled by medical professionals knowledgeable with your situation.
Final Words
Before submitting an application for yourself or on behalf of someone else, it's crucial to comprehend the ins and outs of ODSP benefits.
Every piece of information, from benefit specifics to ODSP payment schedules, can assist you in making financial plans.