In Ontario, a wide range of respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous system, digestive, cardiovascular, and psychological disorders may qualify as disabilities for ODSP. The disability must be long-term, verified by a medical professional, and impact your ability to work and care for yourself.
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) ensures that Ontarians living with disabilities can meet their basic financial needs, including food, housing, and healthcare. ODSP provides recipients with income, extended health benefits, and support for finding and maintaining employment and/or pursuing career advancement.
To receive ODSP benefits, a person must meet specific requirements. While you may think you fit the list of disabilities that qualify for ODSP, the eligibility requirements are a bit complex.
Key Takeaways
- To qualify for ODSP, individuals must fit the definition of a disability as outlined in the Ontario Disability Support Program Act.
- Eligible ODSP disabilities include cardiovascular, digestive, nervous system, musculoskeletal, psychological, and respiratory disorders or conditions.
- Living with one these disorders or conditions doesn't guarantee your eligibility – there are other criteria to meet, including age and financial need.
Is there a list of disabilities that qualify for ODSP?
The provincial website doesn't include an all-encompassing list of disabilities that qualify for ODSP. However, there are clearly defined qualifications for ODSP eligibility.
Every person who applies for the ODSP must fit the definition of a disability as outlined in the Ontario Disability Support Program Act.
Here are some of the medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits in Ontario, as listed by injury lawyers in Ontario:
- Cardiovascular conditions: Deep vein thrombosis, vascular diseases, arrhythmias, etc.
- Digestive disorders: IBS, Crohn’s, cirrhosis, kidney failure, etc.
- Musculoskeletal conditions: Spinal disorders, degenerative diseases, arthritis, etc.
- Nervous system disorders: Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy, MS, etc.
- Psychological disorders: Bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, BPD, etc.
- Respiratory conditions: Asthma, sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis, etc.
While these conditions typically qualify for ODSP, it’s not guaranteed you’ll be eligible if you have one.
Do I qualify for ODSP?
In order to qualify for ODSP, a person must meet the following criteria (unless they're members of prescribed classes):
- Have a long-term (at least one year) or reoccurring mental or physical impairment
- Experience an inability or restriction in the ability to work, care for themselves, and participate in community activities
- Have the length and severity of this impairment or disability verified by an approved healthcare professional
A person must also be an Ontario resident over 18 years of age in financial need with assets below the threshold defined by the Government of Ontario.
The maximum value of assets for an ODSP recipient is $40,000 for a single person and $50,000 for a couple.
Assets may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Cash and bank balances
- Stocks and bonds
- RRSPs
There are many exemptions to the asset limitations including essential items like a primary residence, primary vehicle, life insurance policies, and more.
How do I apply for ODSP?
The application process for ODSP requires you to visit and enter your information for the social assistance application here: Online Application for Social Assistance.
First, you’ll be asked questions to assess your financial eligibility. Then, an ODSP caseworker will review your information and contact you for verification.
Once they’ve confirmed your financial eligibility for the program, you’ll be required to complete a Disability Determination Package (DDP) with help from a medical professional.
This DDP package is made up of several documents:
- A list of instructions
- A Health Report
- An Activities for Daily Living Index
- A medical consent form
- A Self-Report
Timeline: After submitting your DDP, a decision about whether you meet the disability qualifications will be made within 90 days.
FAQ
How do I qualify for ODSP?
To qualify for ODSP, you must be a resident of Ontario who is over the age of 18, financially eligible, and living with a confirmed disability as outlined by the Ontario Disability Support Program Act.
What disabilities qualify for ODSP?
In general, a person living with a medically-verified, long-term or reoccurring mental or physical impairment that prevents them from supporting themselves financially, will typically qualify for ODSP. Eligible ODSP disabilities include cardiovascular, digestive, nervous system, and other disorders.
Do you need a diagnosis for ODSP?
In order to qualify for ODSP, the application process requires that you work with a healthcare professional to verify the mental or physical impairment that you live with. You'll need to complete a DDP with help from a medical professional
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