Recorded on September 26, 2013 - This webinar, presented by the ODSP Action Coalition, describes recent updates and changes to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). It is a follow-up to the Coalition's first webinar ODSP: Know Your Benefits. It is recommended that you watch ODSP: Know Your Benefits first. Watch this webinar at: http://yourlegalrights.on.ca/webinar/odsp-know-your-benefits-rights-and-responsibilities

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ODSP: Know Your Rights
ODSP Action Coalition
Updated rates and rule changes
September 26, 2013

2. 2
Who We Are
 ODSP Action Coalition has been around for
more than 10 years
 Advocate for changes to ODSP
 Have a shared leadership model:
 Made up of people on ODSP, and those who work
in this field (at legal clinics, agencies and patient
advocacy groups)
 This workshop is part of our efforts to build
knowledge and confidence in our members
for personal and political advocacy

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Overview
 ODSP Know Your Benefits Webinar
February 2013 – covered all the main rules and benefits
This is an update and chance to discuss questions
 Rates change
 Earnings exemption
 Mandatory and Discretionary benefits
 Questions—sent in advance
 Other questions—from participants
 For more information

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Rates—effective September 1, 2013
ODSP Basic
Needs
Max
Shelter
Max
OCB
Total
Single $607 $479 $0 $1086
Couple-1
person disabled
$893 $753 $0 $1646
Single
Parent +
1 Child
$750 $753 $101 $1604
Couple (1
disabled)
+ 1 Child
$893 $816 $101 $1810

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Changes to rates
 Families of ODSP recipients not given any increase
 --just $11 for person with disability
 All of increase on basic needs, not shelter
 No more basic needs for children; ODSP/OW
cheques for families reduced because of increase in
Ontario Child Benefit
 Support for teens now same as for young children
 Families still get more for shelter than singles, so
children are still “on social assistance” partially
 More info: www.incomesecurity.org –fact sheets

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Earnings
 The amount of income from a job or self-
employment that you can keep changed in
September, 2013
 The 1st $200.00 of net earnings is “exempt”—it
will not be subtracted from ODSP cheque
 Net earnings: “take home” pay after deductions
like taxes, EI, CPP, union dues
 50% of remaining net earnings is deducted
 $100 is added to ODSP cheque whenever
anyone has net earnings (Work Related Benefit)

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Self Employment
 Net Earnings for self-employed people means
the gross earnings of the business minus
approved expenses
 Expenses are deemed to be at least $100 per
month; no proof is required for expenses less
than $100.00
 Casual work or odd jobs, earning less than
$100.00 per month, are usually considered self-
employment.

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Benefits: Two main types
 Mandatory
 Available across Ontario
 If ODSP says ‘no’ to your request, you can appeal all the way
to the Social Benefits Tribunal
 Funding for mandatory benefits is based on needs
 Discretionary
 Municipalities (OW) provides these but ODSP recipients apply
through ODSP
 Different benefits are available in different places
 You can ask for a review if you are denied, but there is no higher
level appeal
 Funding is limited/capped

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Mandatory Benefits
 Special Diet
 Drug & Dental card
 Vision, Hearing
 Guide Dog
 Assistive Devices—repairs and Co-payments
 Mandatory Special Necessities:
 Diabetic supplies
 Surgical supplies and dressings
 Medical transportation

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Discretionary Benefits
 Health related—eg orthotics, back brace, air
conditioner, artificial limbs
 Funeralsburials
 Employment related: retraining, work clothing,
transportation, “Community Participation” in
some places
 Housing Stabilization Fund: formerly
Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefit

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Questions sent in
 Vehicles: 2 OK if used for work, 2nd <$15,000
 No person with a disability on ODSP forced
to work in current ODSP law and program
 2 quotes for wheelchair repairs: to save gov’t
money; not necessary in emergency—eg
stranded outside home
 ODSP effective from month following your
completed application-not before
 RDSP not income or asset, does not affect
ODSP, but still report it

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Questions from Participants

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Tips & Strategies
 Know about the benefits available
 Ask in writing and keep a copy (of everything!)
 Ask your worker if specific form needed (and get the
form)
 Pay attention to time limits (for ex, for appeals)
 Keep letters, benefit statements, and work stubs
 Make records about conversations, contacts, etc
 Where possible and needed, get doctors or other
professionals to support your requests in writing
 Ask for help from your local community legal clinic

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For more information
 This presentation is very general and may not
have answered your questions.
 To find out more information about the work
of the ODSP Action Coalition, please see our
website: www.odspaction.ca or our facebook
page: facebook.com/ODSPACTION
 To find your local community legal clinic for
free legal advice on ODSP, as well as more
information about applying for and receiving
ODSP, see http://yourlegalrights.on.ca/