The next ODSP payment date is December 22, 2025. ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) issues payments to help eligible disabled Ontario residents pay for shelter, basic living expenses, and some specialty medical needs.
This program is geared toward helping people with disabilities who have unique needs. It provides income as well as support for finding meaningful employment.
ODSP payment dates follow a monthly schedule throughout the year. The amount a person receives depends on a variety of details about their living situation.
Key Takeaways
- ODSP payment dates are set on the last business day of each month.
- The maximum individual ODSP payment is $1,368 per month for an individual or $2,305 per month for a household of two disabled adults.
- ODSP can help cover specialty supplies and treatments, such as prescription drugs and transportation to/for medical appointments.
- You must report your ODSP income, but payments are non-taxable.ODSP recipients may also be eligible for several other supports, such as Ontario Works, the disability tax credit, and the Ontario Housing Benefit.
What are the ODSP payment dates for 2025?
From January to November, ODSP payments are issued on the last business day of each month. In December, payments are issued a few days early to account for holiday delays and closures.
The ODSP payment dates in 2025 are:
January 31February 28March 31April 30May 31June 30July 31August 29September 29October 31November 28- December 22
How much are ODSP payments?
Income support payments can be up to $1,368 per month for a single person or $2,305 for a household with two disabled adults.
This figure is adjusted every year for inflation. The monthly amount that an ODSP recipient receives depends on their personal circumstances. Factors include:
- Family size
- Age of family members
- Living costs
- Location
- Whether the spouse is a person with a disability
The ODSP payment is comprised of two parts:
- Shelter allowance
- Basic needs allowance (food and clothing)
For more information, see: Income support from ODSP.
How to receive ODSP payments
While the dates are set, ODSP recipients can choose how they receive their payments.
- Direct deposit: Your ODSP payment will be directly deposited into your bank account on the set ODSP payment date. This is the safest and most common payment method.
- Cheque: You can request ODSP payments via cheque if you have limited access to an ATM or bank.
- Reloadable card: If you don’t have a bank account, you can receive ODSP payments through a reloadable payment card, which works like a debit card.
Speak to your caseworker about ODSP payment options.
What does ODSP cover?
ODSP benefits can pay for shelter and living expenses. However, this benefit can also help cover specialty supplies, treatments, and transportation for certain medical needs.
- Prescription drugs: ODSP offers coverage for officially listed and prescribed prescription drugs. There may be a $2 copayment fee if you’re 25 or older.
- Dental: You can get basic dental services covered as well as specialty dental treatment or medication, based on your disability.
- Vision and glasses: Eye exams, prescription glasses, and repairs may be covered if OHIP isn't available. There is a maximum cap to this coverage.
- Transportation for medical appointments and treatments: If you spend $15 or more per month on transit to medical treatment, you can get these costs covered. Apply first, but emergency transportation may be covered retroactively.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding nutritional allowance: Get between $40 and $50 per month to spend on nutrition if someone in your family is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Coverage for assistive devices: Long-term disabilities may qualify you to get devices covered, like magnifiers, prosthetics, ostomy supplies, respiratory devices, and speech devices. You must get approval before making these purchases.
- Hearing aids and devices: Get help buying, repairing, and replacing hearing aids or other visual alerting systems.
- Batteries and repairs for mobility devices: If no other funding is available, contact your local ODSP office for help with repairs and batteries for wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and lifting devices.
- Special diet allowance: If you medically require a special diet, this benefit can help you afford it. Apply through your caseworker.
- Mandatory Special Necessities Benefit: Transportation, diabetic supplies, and surgical supplies can be covered. Ask your ODSP office for the form and bring it to your doctor.
- Guide Dog Benefit: You can receive $84 per month if you have a certified guide dog.
- Extended Health Benefit: If you earn too much from another benefit (like the Old Age Pension) and your health care costs are very high, this benefit can help.
- Transitional Health Benefit: If you leave ODSP for a job or because you make too much from self-employment, this benefit can help cover your medical needs until you can get similar benefits from an employer.
Am I eligible for ODSP?
To be eligible for ODSP, you must:
- Live in Ontario
- Be 18 or older
- Have a substantial disability that is expected to last at least a year and significantly limits your ability to work or take care of yourself
- Meet financial eligibility criteria (see below)
Your disability must be verified by an approved healthcare provider through the ODSP Disability Determination Package. You can apply directly or be referred after being denied Ontario Works benefits.
ODSP income requirements
The income threshold for ODSP is typically $1,000 per month for single individuals.
ODSP monthly income limits depend on your household size and composition. Thresholds may vary based on specific circumstances or additional benefits.
There are also asset limits to qualify for ODSP:
- Single individual assets: $40,000
- Couple’s assets: $50,000
- Per child: +$500
ODSP assesses your total household income, which includes wages, pensions, and other earnings. Some income sources are exempt, like child tax benefits, gifts under $10,000, your home, your vehicle, and RESP and RDSP accounts.
Note: Earning more than the income threshold does not automatically make you ineligible for ODSP – however, it will reduce your benefits. The first $1,000 you earn every month is exempt. 75% of every dollar you earn beyond $1,000 will be taken out of your ODSP payment.
Check with an ODSP caseworker to confirm your situation.
How to apply for ODSP
To apply for ODSP, reach out to your local ODSP office to start an application.
You will do a financial assessment and submit a Disability Determination Package (to be completed by an approved healthcare provider either digitally or on paper). Here are some of the ODSP forms your caseworker may ask you to submit.
After submission, your application will be reviewed. In 15 days, you will know if you are financially eligible. It may take several months to be notified of a final decision.
Learn more about the full ODSP program here.
Where can I get an ODSP application form?
There are four ways to start an ODSP application:
- Online: Create a MyBenefits account and submit online
- Local office: Contact your local ODSP office (pick up in person or ask to have the form mailed to you)
- Referral: Via referral from Ontario Works at an in-person appointment
- Phone: Call the Social Assistance Contact Centre (Toll-free: 1-888-999-1142)
Some parts of the application may be completed or submitted with assistance from the office.
If you are ready with all your documents, it can take as little as 30 minutes to submit your ODSP application. Processing time may take several months.
While your ODSP application is processed, you will also be assessed for Ontario Works. If you’re eligible, you may receive financial assistance while you wait to hear back about ODSP.
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What to do if your ODSP payment is late
Don't panic if your ODSP payment is late – instead, check these details and follow these steps:
- Check your MyBenefits account: If the payment is listed there as having been paid, it could be a bank error, or you may just need to wait until the end of the day.
- Wait until the end of the day: ODSP payments are typically deposited on the last business day of each month. Delays can occur due to banking processes.
- Check your payment method: If you receive payments via direct deposit, ensure your banking information is up to date. If you receive cheques, consider potential mail delays.
- Contact your ODSP caseworker: If the payment hasn't arrived by the end of the day, reach out to your caseworker for assistance.
- Use the ODSP office locator: If you don't have your caseworker's contact information, use the ODSP office locator to find your local office.
If a postal strike occurs (as it did in 2024), you won't be able to receive ODSP payments as a cheque in the mail. In this unlikely event, it's best to set up direct deposit as soon as possible. If this isn't an option, a reloadable payment card may be made available for you.
ODSP tax implications
Understanding the tax implications of ODSP can help you manage your finances:
- ODSP payments are non-taxable: While you do need to report ODSP income on your tax return, these payments are non-taxable.
- Disability Tax Credit: ODSP recipients may also qualify for the federal disability tax credit, which can reduce what they owe for income tax.
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): Contributions to an RDSP are not tax-deductible, but investment income grows tax-free until withdrawal. Withdrawals may affect your tax situation, depending on the amount and your other income.
- Canada Disability Benefit: Starting in July 2025, eligible individuals may receive up to $200 per month through the Canada Disability Benefit. This benefit is taxable and should be reported on your tax return.
Will ODSP increase in 2025?
There is no ODSP increase scheduled for 2025.
However, ODSP payments are tied to inflation, so it’s likely the amount will change. ODSP benefits did increase by 4.5% in July 2024 due to inflation.
Other benefits you may be eligible for in addition to ODSP
Depending on your income and disability status, you may be eligible for extra supports:
- Ontario Works (OW): You may receive OW and ODSP at the same time. OW provides short-term support and job assistance.
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D): You may receive CPP-D payments if you’ve contributed to CPP, you meet the disability criteria, and you’re under 65.
- Federal Disability Tax Credit: This credit may help reduce taxable income for people with disabilities.
- Ontario Housing Benefit: This is a monthly payment to help with rent. Income limits apply, and you must be eligible for social housing.
- Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing: This is affordable housing provided to people with limited income. Waitlists apply.
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): You can receive the CCB while receiving ODSP.
- GST/HST Credit: Eligible low-income Canadians may receive a quarterly payment to offset sales tax.
That’s on top of the specialty coverage that ODSP already provides to help Canadians with disabilities save money.
FAQ
What does ODSP stand for?
ODSP stands for the Ontario Disability Support Program. It’s a provincial social assistance program in Ontario that provides financial aid and employment support to eligible individuals with disabilities.
When does ODSP cut you off?
You may be cut off if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria. For instance, your income may exceed the allowable level. You may no longer be disabled. You may turn 66, which means you’ll receive retirement benefits instead.
Where can I get an ODSP application form?
You can get the ODSP application form online, from a local ODSP office, via referral through an Ontario Works appointment, or you can request a form be sent to you by mail by calling an ODSP office.
What extra benefits can I get on ODSP?
ODSP participants are eligible for supplementary health allowances and job supports. You may also be eligible for Ontario Works, federal tax credits, and housing benefits based on income and disability status.
How much ODSP can I get if my spouse works?
It depends on your spouse’s income. According to the government, a couple’s combined income and assets are taken into account when determining financial eligibility. If you receive ODSP, 50% of your spouse’s income above $200 will be cut from your payment.
Does ODSP cover physiotherapy?
ODSP covers physiotherapy for eligible participants. Speak with your caseworker and physician to find out what’s covered based on your specific case.
What are the ODSP payment dates for 2025?
ODSP payments are issued on the last business day of each month, with the exception of December. The December payment date has not been posted yet, but it is earlier than usual to avoid holiday-related closures and delays.
What is the maximum amount for a single person on ODSP?
The maximum ODSP payment amount that a single person can receive is $1,368 per month. The precise amount you receive depends on your family size, age of family members, living costs, and a few other factors.
Is ODSP going up in 2025?
It’s possible. ODSP payments are tied to inflation, so as prices for housing, food, and daily necessities go up, your ODSP benefit amounts should go up as well. In July 2024, ODSP rates were increased by 4.5%.
How much is ODSP per month in Ontario?
If you’re single, you could receive a maximum of $1,368/month in Ontario from ODSP. This doesn't include specialty medical benefits like transportation to appointments. The maximum is $2,305 for a household with two disabled adults.
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