What is the Ontario Disability Support Program and how can it help me? (ODSP- Part 1)

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and how it can help people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders (RBCDs) in Ontario.

What is ODSP?

ODSP provides long-term financial assistance for people who cannot work due to disability.

How much financial support does ODSP provide each month?

ODSP calculates financial support based on your expenses related to your costs for basic needs (eg. food, clothing, and other personal items) and shelter (eg. housing) as well as household size.

The maximum rates as of July 2023 for some example households are listed below:

Household Size	Monthly Basic Needs Amount	Monthly Max Shelter Amount	Monthly Total
Single Person	$752	$556	$1308
One Parent & 1 Child	$895	$875	$1770
One Parent & 2 Children	$895	$947	$1842
Couple	$1085	$875	$1960
Couple & 1 Child	$1085	$947	$2032
Couple & 2 Children	$1085	$1027	$2112

Source: Income Security and Advocacy Centre

How do I qualify for ODSP?

• Live in Ontario

• Are between the ages 18 to 65

• Meet ODSP’s financial requirement

• Meet ODSP’s definition of disability
  

What is ODSP’s Definition of Disability?

Under the ODSP Act, a “person with a disability” is someone “with a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent, and is expected to last a year or more. In addition, the physical or mental impairment must directly result in a substantial restriction in the person’s ability to work, take care of themselves, or take part in community life.”

How can ODSP help People with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other RBCDs?

ODSP provides benefits that can support people with their overall health. Examples include:

• Prescription Drug Coverage

• Basic Dental Services

• Vision Care

• Access to Government-Funded Physiotherapy Clinics

• Diabetic Supplies, Surgical Supplies and Dressing

• Transportation for Medical Appointments

• Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit

• Employment Supports

Information is always changing. Your ODSP caseworker must also approve some benefits. Read ODSP’s policy directives or speak with your ODSP caseworker to learn more.

I want to work but I can’t sometimes due to sickness. Can ODSP help me?

People who get ODSP can and do go back to work. Those with RBCDs, who may be sick for short periods of times, can use ODSP’s Transitional Health Benefit to work and keep ODSP’s health benefits. This could be helpful if you do not have benefits through your job. Speak with your ODSP caseworker to learn more about this benefit.

I get ODSP and will be turning 65. Can ODSP help me?

People 65 years of age and older generally receive pensions, which generally do not have health benefits.

If you have high costs related to health (for example, medical transportation and supplies) and little income, you may qualify for ODSP’s Extended Health Benefit. Speak with your local ODSP office about this benefit.

I am receiving ODSP but face challenges with the program.

Unfortunately, some people who receive ODSP report challenges with reaching their caseworkers or having their requests for benefits denied. People may also be unaware of available ODSP benefits. Finally, ODSP rates are low. 

Here are some tips for navigating ODSP:

• Make sure that you have the correct contact information of your ODSP office by using the Social Assistance Locator

• Include your member ID, which is located on your monthly statements, on all communications with ODSP. If you do not know your member ID, include your Ontario health card number and date of birth.

• Sign up for My Benefits to view or update your ODSP information online

• In most cases, you can find the email address, phone number, and supervisor for your ODSP caseworker using the Government of Ontario’s Employee and Organization Directory by searching the name of your ODSP office

• If you have tried to contact your ODSP caseworker and have not heard back, contact the Social Assistance Delivery Branch for help

• Get familiar with ODSP’s policy directives

• If you disagree with your ODSP caseworker’s decision, ask for a review of their decision by writing to your ODSP office or contact your local Community Legal Clinic

• Use 211 to access free and low-cost community resources
  

I need immediate financial help.

It can take months for an ODSP application to be reviewed. For immediate financial support, apply to Ontario Works.

Learn More

• Ontario Disability Support Program on the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

• Ontario Disability Support Program Questions on Steps to Justice
  

About the Author

Sinthu Srikanthan is a social worker in the Red Blood Cell Disorders Clinic at UHN. She is passionate about Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive practice.

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