Nova Scotia’s Disability Support Program (DSP) is a collection of programs aimed to help children, youth, and adults with intellectual/physical disabilities or long-term mental illness.
There are DSP programs for people who require extensive care, as well as for those who are more independent. Some services are delivered in homes and in communities, including vocational and day programs.
We’ve outlined all the necessary information you need to know about disability benefits in Nova Scotia, including eligibility, support options, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The Disability Support Program in Nova Scotia supports individuals living with disabilities through various programs and funding.
- To qualify for DSP, you must be a Nova Scotia resident over 19 with a long-term disability.
- DSP offers independent living support, residential care facilities, adult day programs, and much more.
Eligibility for DSP in Nova Scotia
To qualify for Nova Scotia’s DSP, someone must have a diagnosis that confirms at least one of the following disabilities:
- intellectual disability,
- long-term mental illness, or
- physical disability.
These impairments must affect at least 2 or more of your daily activities. An acquired brain injury also counts as a disability under DSP.
Since it’s a provincial program, the recipients must live in Nova Scotia and meet other personal requirements:
- be 19 years of age or over,
- be able to legally stay in Canada,
- home must be in Nova Scotia, and
- have a valid provincial health card.
These rules aren’t hard and fast, however. People under 19 or who live in another province can receive DSP if they meet requirements and criteria for an exception.
To learn more about eligibility, see the Nova Scotia Disability Support Program Policy.
Nova Scotia Disability Support Program support options
DSP has a range of program options – from supporting families who care for a family member with a disability in their own home, to supporting people with disabilities in a 24-hour residential support option. Here’s the full list that the program offers.
| Support option | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard household rate | The standard allowance covers basic needs and the amount depends on your family composition and living situation. |
| Alternative Family Support Program | The program provides up to 2 individuals with community support in a family-like setting. |
| Independent Living Support | This program helps participants to live on their own through various support services. |
| Licensed Homes For Special Care | The program places individuals of all ages into supportive residential settings with 3 or more residents. |
| Direct Family Support for Children | This program provides funding to families caring for children with disabilities at home. |
| Flex Program | The program is for individuals living with family or on their own and is used to fund expenses related to their disability needs. |
| Adult Service Centres | There are various vocational day programs for adults with disabilities, focused on skill development, employment, recreational activities, and retirement support. |
| Protection For Persons in Care | Under this Act, healthcare professionals must report allegations or instances of abuse in a healthcare facility. |
| Wheelchair Recycling Program | This program provides wheelchairs to eligible children and adults in need. |
| Workplace Support Program | The program supports employees with a disability to perform their job well. |
For more details on each of the programs, see: Disability Support Program.
DSP program levels of support
To take advantage of the benefits of the Nova Scotia DSP, an applicant has to undergo a functional assessment conducted by a Care Coordinator. They will use the assessment for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the applicant, and for accessing their support needs and level of support.
Overall, the program offers 5 levels of support. Each of these levels is based on a person’s needs with the goal of maximizing their independence.
- Level 1: Minimal
- Level 2: Moderate
- Level 3: High
- Level 4: Enriched
- Level 5: Intensive
The Care Coordinator works closely with the participant to come up with an individual support plan. At a minimum, support needs are reviewed every 2 years.
How to get DSP disability
If you’re eligible for the program, there are a couple of documents you need to prepare before you apply:
- your bank statements,
- your Social Insurance Number (SIN),
- your driver’s licence or government ID,
- your notice of assessment,
- medical document confirming diagnosis,
- your lease agreement, and
- utility bills, such as power and heat.
You may need additional documents depending on your situation.
Now that you’ve gathered all your documentation, it’s time to apply. Here are the steps:
- Step 1: Call 1-877-424-1177 during office hours or visit a Community Services office and let them know you’d like to apply for the DSP.
- Step 2: Bring the above documents to your first meeting with a caseworker.
- Step 3: The caseworker will talk to you, ask some questions, and make copies of your documents. You may fill out an application and consent form.
- Step 4: You should find out whether you’re approved in 3 to 7 days. You will get a call or a letter explaining whether you were approved or not — and if not, why.
Navigating the DSP program in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s DSP aims to be a comprehensive suite of programs for all ages of people with long-term physical or intellectual disabilities, or mental illness.
Are you considering applying for the DSP program? Do you already use it? Do you think it’s comprehensive enough and easy to use? Feel free to leave a comment below this article.
FAQ
What is DSP disability?
Nova Scotia’s Disability Support Program (DSP) serves people of all ages with intellectual/physical impairments or mental illness. Programs under the DSP include in-home and community-based programs and aim to support all levels of independence.
What DSP medical conditions qualify for the program?
To qualify for the DSP program, recipients must have a long-term physical or intellectual disability, or mental illness that prevents them from being fully independent and limit their ability to participate in 2 or more of their daily activities.
How much is the standard household rate for DSP participants?
The standard household rate ranges from $950 to $1,393 if you own or rent your residence and $608 to $1,049 if you’re boarding. The exact amount depends on your marriage status, how many children you have, and where you’re living.
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