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The Ontario Disability Support Program, often referred to as ODSP, is one of the province's social assistance programs. It offers financial and employment assistance to persons with disabilities in Ontario.
This social assistance program was created in 1997. Since then, it has helped an increasing number of beneficiaries; in October 2020, the number of ODSP recipients was over 520,000.
ODSP helps people with disabilities by providing them with income and employment support. It's the Office of Children, Community, and Social Services that manages the program.
iCash has put together some information about the ODSP program, including payment dates, the application process, and even how much you can potentially receive.
Along with these basics, you'll also learn how to use your benefits to apply for ODSP payday loans.
• ODSP Eligibility
• How to Apply for ODSP?
• ODSP Payment Dates for 2022
• ODSP Payment Amounts
• ODSP Shelter Allowance
• ODSP Benefits
• Ontario Disability Support Program: Employment Support
• ODSP Vs. Ontario Works
• Ontario Works Payment Dates for 2021
• Can I Get a Loan on ODSP?
• ODSP Payment Dates FAQs
Here is the list of conditions you need to meet to qualify for the ODSP income support:
• You must be over 18 years old
• You must be an Ontario resident
• You must be in serious financial difficulty
• You must be a person with a disability, as defined in the program, or you must be a member of a Prescribed Class
You may qualify for the program if your household's income and assets aren't sufficient to cover your family's basic living expenses. An ODSP caseworker will determine your situation, and to do that, they will ask you to provide relevant documents showing:
• The housing and shelter-related costs for your household
• Any type of income entering the household and any assets that family members may own
They will verify all the information you provide, even by reaching out to third parties who can offer useful pieces of information. Even if solely a caseworker can decide whether you will receive Income Support, you can try the Online Application for Social Assistance to check if you may be eligible.
Another essential element in determining whether you can receive benefit payments is that you meet the program's definition of a person with a disability. Here is what that means:
• You have a significant mental or physical impairment, either continuous or recurrent, which will likely last at least one year and
• Your impairment causes a severe restriction in your ability to work, take care of yourself, or be active in the community and
• The significant aspects of your impairment, including its duration and the restrictions it imposes, have been verified by an approved health care professional
You will receive a Disability Determination Package that you can fill out with your health care provider, and it will later be reviewed by specialized staff. They will decide whether you can be considered a person with a disability following the program's definition.
If you are worried that your monthly benefits won't be eligible as income, there is no need to stress. Online payday loan companies like iCash accept social assistance like ODSP as income in their online loan applications.
You can apply for the Ontario Disability program in three ways: online, with the Online Application for Social Assistance, by phone, or by visiting a local ODSP office. Once you complete this first step, a caseworker will contact you to schedule a meeting, usually within five days.
You will need to prepare certain documents that the caseworker will use to verify:
• Your personal information
• Information about all the members of your household
• The exact level of housing costs and shelter-related costs in your household
• Your household's total income and assets
During the meeting, you will also have to sign a few forms for the Canada Revenue Agency and the Office of Community and Social Services and grant ODSP permission to collect additional information about your case.
You will find out within 15 days whether you are financially eligible for Income Support and will receive a Disability Determination Package to use for the second part of the application process – determining your disability. It's the package we mentioned you need to fill out with your healthcare provider, and here is what it contains:
• The Health Status Report
• Activities of Daily Living Index – showing how your impairment prevents you from working and caring for yourself
• The Consent to the Release of Medical Information
• The Self Report
• An Instructions Sheet
• An Addressed Envelope
Once your Disability Determination Package is reviewed, you will receive your Disability Adjudication, sometimes within ten business days. If the case is more complex or there is missing information, it can take up to 90 business days.
Here are the Ontario Disability Support Program payment dates for 2023:
January 31, 2023
February 28, 2023
March 31, 2023
April 28, 2023
May 31, 2023
June 30, 2023
July 31, 2023
August 31, 2023
September 29, 2023
October 31, 2023
November 30, 2023
In December, payments are made earlier due to the holidays, but 2023 dates haven't been set yet. As a reference, in 2022, the payment was sent on December 21.
It's essential to know the ODSP payment dates to plan your budget more efficiently. As a rule, you will receive your money on the last business day of the month.
ODSP payments can be made through the following methods:
• via direct deposit, which may be the best option because it's quick and easy, and it grants you access to the funds on the exact payment dates.
• with a bank cheque, but this method is only used in exceptional circumstances, like not having a bank or an ATM in your region or having a condition that doesn't allow you to use a debit card.
• on a reloadable payment card, which is similar to a debit card, meaning you can use it with any ATM, POS, or online payments.
Sometimes you're faced with an unexpected expense that cannot be ignored. This is why online loans in Canada are a great option if you need a little help. Private lenders like iCash are here to assist if you need a little extra help at the end of the month.
Disability payment amounts in Ontario depend on several factors such as:
• The number of family members
• Each family member's age
• Whether your spouse or partner is also living with a disability
Knowing exactly how much you will receive each month is essential to perfecting a household budget.
As of September 2022, a single recipient who has no dependent child will get $706 per month. Amounts vary depending on your family size, living expenses, and specific situation.
The table below will present the amount you can expect, depending on different scenarios:
Number of Dependants other than 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
Note 1. A recipient if there is no spouse included in the benefit unit.
Note 2. A recipient with a spouse included in the benefit unit if Note 3 does not apply.
Note 3. A recipient with a spouse included in the benefit unit if each of the recipient and the spouse is a person with a disability or a person referred to in subparagraph 1 i of subsection 4 (1) or paragraph 3, 5.1, 5.2, 6, 7 or 8 of subsection 4 (1).
The ODSP shelter allowance helps you pay for rent, mortgage, property taxes, home insurance, utilities, and condo fees. It's calculated based on your family's size up to a maximum amount of $497 for a single recipient and $781 for two people. To get an idea of what you can receive for shelter-related costs, take a look at the table below:
Benefit Unit Size | Maximum Monthly Shelter Allowance |
1 | $522 |
2 | $821 |
3 | $889 |
4 | $964 |
5 | $1,041 |
6 or more | $1,078 |
Given that utilities aren't always included in the shelter cost, they can be paid separately. On top of that, people living in remote communities can receive extra support to cover the additional challenges they face. This program is called the Remote Communities Allowance, and it's designed for people living north of the 50th parallel who don't have road access all through the year. An important aspect to underline is that this allowance is available regardless of whether you own your home, rent, or have a board and lodging arrangement.
For ODSP residents who live in a room and board arrangement and don't rent or live in a principal residence, the merged amount for lodging and board will differ. In that case, you will receive the Ontario Disability Support Program Board and Lodging amount since the same source is providing you with both food and shelter.
If you are one of the ODSP beneficiaries, you should know that you and your family may also qualify for certain other benefits and supports.
Through the Ontario Disability Program Income Support, people living with disabilities who find themselves in dire financial strain receive support in paying for living expenses. Income Support covers basic costs like food or housing and other necessary personal items through a monthly payment.
Here is the list of what health benefits you could receive:
• Prescription drug coverage: for the list in the Ontario Drug Formulary or drugs prescribed by a licensed doctor.
• Dental benefits: children younger than 17 will be registered in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program that provides free dental care. Adults benefit from basic dental services and even additional care if their disability causes them dental issues.
• Vision care and hearing benefits: include a basic eye examination every year and even additional assessments if the disability affects the eyes.
• Medical supplies: like diabetic or incontinence resources, syringes, blood glucose monitors, surgical supplies.
• Nutritional allowance: for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers – up to $50 per month.
• Extended health benefits: these are provided for people who don't qualify for income support but deal with high health costs.
• Medical transportation costs: for traveling to and from a medical consult, if it's over $15 per month.
• Transitional health benefits: when you find a paid job and no longer qualify for ODSP payments, these transitional benefits cover prescription drugs, eye care, and dental care.
You can also qualify for benefits related to your disability, like financial aid for paying for your hearing aid, assistive devices, mobility devices.
Employment incentives and benefits are really helpful and can cover various costs, from child care to items necessary for your work. So, if you are working or want to start working while receiving Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support, you may be eligible for the following:
• Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit – it can help you cover part of the costs related to starting a job or finding one
• Coverage for child care costs that need to be paid in advance
• Work-Related Benefit covers part of the costs of employment while you have a job
• Employment Transition Benefit smoothest the transition from Income Support to income when you find a paid job
Transition Child Benefit is available to you if you are an Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support recipient and meet the following requirements:
• You have children < 18 years of age
• You don't receive the Ontario Child Benefit or the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS)
• You receive less than the maximum amount of the Ontario Child Benefit for one of your children
You don't have to apply for this benefit; it will be added automatically to your ODSP payments if you are eligible.
Even if you do not qualify for the Transition Child Benefit because you already receive child benefits, these would also work as income for instant pay day loans to cover unexpected expenses.
Employment Support is the part of the Ontario Disability Support Program that focuses on helping people get ready for work, find a job, move forward in their career, or even becoming self-employed.
The program has set partnerships with over 150 community-based service providers all over Ontario. They can offer job coaching, computer training, teach you budgeting and marketing skills, and how to create a business plan. They can also show you how to apply for licenses and certifications you may need or get the necessary tools and equipment.
If you are a person with a disability but can and want to work, Employment Support can help you in many ways, including covering child care costs. If you start your own business, for instance, you can receive up to the full cost of child care in the form of a deduction from your earnings.
To qualify for these ODSP payments for Employment Support, you need to meet the following requirements:
• You must be over 16 years old
• You must be an Ontario resident
• You need to be legally allowed to work in Canada
• You must have a significant physical or mental disability that is likely to last at least a year, which creates additional challenges in finding and keeping a job.
You can be eligible for Employment Support even if you aren't receiving Income Support; these two benefits are independent.
To apply for Employment Support, you can either find the application package online and print it or call or go to the local ODSP office in person to get a copy. It contains the Application for Employment Supports and the Verification of Disability/Impairment, but you only need to fill in the second one if you aren't already receiving ODSP Income Support.
Along with ODSP being accepted as a form of income to apply for cash advance loans, employment insurance benefits also qualify. Canadian lenders will be able to lend you money to cover expenses while you get through this period.
The Government of Ontario has one more social assistance program called Ontario Works. The Office of Children, Community, and Social Services manages both programs, and while they both help people with disabilities, there are some significant differences between them.
Ontario Works is designed to help people who struggle with their living expenses, whether they have a disability or not. Just like ODSP, it helps these people cover the essential costs, offers health benefits, and helps them find a job. If you are eligible, you can receive up to $733 per month for basic living costs and shelter, but you can get additional amounts for family members.
People receiving Ontario Works can expect their payments in 2023 according to the following schedule:
Benefit Month | Ontario Works Payment Date |
January | December 30, 2022 |
February | January 31, 2023 |
March | February 28, 2023 |
April | March 31, 2023 |
May | April 28, 2023 |
June | May 31, 2023 |
July | June 30, 2023 |
August | July 31, 2023 |
September | August 31, 2023 |
October | September 29, 2023 |
November | October 31, 2023 |
December | November 30, 2023 |
While disability payments are made on the last business day of the month, Ontario Works payment dates are different; the money is paid on the last business day of the previous month.
You can get a loan on ODSP if you turn to a direct payday lender instead of a traditional lending institution. Reputable lenders can help you borrow money against many types of income sources, including ODSP. iCash is one of the best options for all, as it doesn't require a minimum credit score, and the entire application process is simple and quick.
All you need to do is spend ten minutes filling in the online application, and you will know right away if you qualify - no need to stress about your credit score. These online lenders take many other factors into consideration besides your score when looking at your application. This is a great option for people with bad credit looking for a loan.
With iCash, you can receive up to $1,500 to handle your urgent expenses. These can happen to anyone, and it's good to know alternatives exist even if you are on ODSP.
The total amount of your Ontario disability payment depends on several factors such as family size, age of dependents, living condition, whether your spouse also has a disability, and so on.
To get an idea of the ODSP payment rates, a single recipient with no dependent child can get a maximum amount of $672 for food and clothing and up to $497 for shelter costs.
The best way to make sure you receive the maximum amount you are eligible for is to provide your caseworker with all the necessary information. You can receive extra amounts for family members or if your spouse is also a person with a disability.
It's also essential to offer the documents that fully illustrate the costs you need to cover every month for rent, utilities, and basic expenses. It's crucial to prove that your net income is insufficient and you need financial assistance.
If you qualify for ODSP, you may also be eligible for the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits (CPP-D). However, you cannot receive both, and it doesn't necessarily mean you will receive more money. If the CPP-D monthly amount is higher than the one you receive from ODSP, you can lose the latter benefits and only receive the higher amount.
Yes, it is possible to work while receiving ODSP. This particularly refers to the Income Support section. But once you start earning more than $200 a month, your benefit amount will change. That means that 50% of your earnings over $200 will be deducted from your Income Support payment.
Whether you benefit from the Ontario Disability Program or receive other government benefits, online direct lenders have your back. Being on a fixed income at times can make it hard to account for the unexpected. Borrow up to $1,500 in fast cash from lenders like iCash. Open 24/7, 365, because emergencies can't wait.
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