Ontario Disability Support Program

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a social assistance program provided by the Government of Ontario, Canada. It is designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities who are in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the ODSP, individuals must be a resident of Ontario, be in financial need, and meet the program’s definition of a person with a disability, or be a member of a prescribed class. The definition of a disability under the ODSP Act is quite broad, encompassing physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.

Benefits

The ODSP provides two types of support: income support and employment support. Income support provides financial assistance to help with the costs of basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. It also provides benefits for health-related items and services. Employment support helps individuals with disabilities find and keep a job, and advance their careers.

Application Process

The application process for the ODSP involves two steps: a financial eligibility determination and a disability determination. The financial eligibility determination assesses the applicant's income and assets, while the disability determination assesses whether the applicant meets the program's definition of a person with a disability.

Criticisms

The ODSP has been criticized for not providing enough support to meet the basic needs of people with disabilities. Critics argue that the amount of income support provided is not enough to cover the cost of living in many parts of Ontario. There have also been criticisms about the complexity of the application process and the length of time it takes to receive a decision.

See Also

• Social Assistance in Ontario
• Disability in Canada
• Government of Ontario