The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a Government of Ontario program that provides monthly payments to eligible people living with disabilities.
ODSP benefits are intended to cover basic living expenses like food, housing, and other everyday costs. Other benefits for ODSP participants include employment support and coverage for special healthcare needs.
Below, we look at how much ODSP pays, discuss other covered benefits, and explain how to apply.
Key Takeaways
- The ODSP provides support to Ontario citizens living with a disability.
- ODSP benefits include income support, along with extended health benefits and employment assistance.
- To qualify, you must be over 18, reside in Ontario, have a disability, and meet financial eligibility requirements.
What is ODSP?
ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) provides monthly payments to eligible disabled Ontario residents to help them cover basic living expenses like food, clothing, shelter, and medical expenses.
ODSP participants are eligible for extra benefits too, like extended health coverage and employment support.
How much does ODSP pay?
A single person could receive a maximum of $1,368 per month whereas a couple with 2 children could receive $2,208 per month.
Monthly ODSP payments are broken up into 2 parts: basic needs and shelter allowance.
Basic needs: Rates vary from $786 to $2,037
- $786 per month for 1 recipient
- $1,790 per month for 1 recipient with 2 dependents
- $2,037 per month for 2 adult recipients with 2 dependents
Shelter allowance: Rates vary from $582 to $1,201
- $582 per month for a family of 1
- $915 per month for 2
- $990 per month for 3
- $1,074 per month for 4
- $1,159 per month for 5
- $1,201 for a family of 6 or more
If you do not have any shelter costs, you will not receive a shelter allowance.
Who qualifies for ODSP benefits?
You must have an official designation as a Person With a Disability. In addition, you must also meet all of the following criteria:
- Be an Ontario resident
- Be over 18 years of age
- Be in financial need
- Have assets valued at no greater than $40,000 for a single person, $50,000 for a family, and $500 for each non-spouse dependent
See more about assets and income eligibility below.
Definition of a person with a disability
According to the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, a person is defined as disabled if they have the following confirmed by an approved healthcare professional:
- A substantial impairment (physical, mental, or both) that will continue or recur for a period of more than one year
- An impairment that significantly restricts the individual's ability to work, practice self-care, or be involved in community life
As part of your application, you will have to submit a verification of disability form with the participation of a medical provider.
Here is a full list of disabilities that qualify for ODSP.
How to demonstrate financial need for ODSP
If you are living with a disability as outlined above, then you must also show that you have financial need to qualify for ODSP. Your assets and income are part of this calculation.
Treatment of assets
The asset limit to qualify for ODSP is $40,000 for a single person and $50,000 for a couple. Each dependent adds $500.
Some assets are exempt and the value of these will not be counted:
- Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP)
- Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP)
- Your primary residence (if you own)
- Your primary vehicle
- Essential household and personal items
- Pre-paid funerals
- Trust funds from inheritance or life insurance policies
- Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
To view the complete list of exemptions, see: Definition and treatment of assets.
Treatment of income
The income limit is $1,000 per month to receive the full ODSP cheque. Only employment income and employment insurance count toward your income.
If you receive any money from the income sources below, it will not be counted:
- Payments from a Registered Disability Savings Plan
- Child support payments
- Loans and grants for education from Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- Some federal and provincial tax benefits, like the Canada Child Benefit
You can work and get ODSP support. However, anything you earn beyond $1,000 per month is subject to a partial deduction from your ODSP cheque.
To view the complete list of exemptions, see: Definition and treatment of income.
What benefits does ODSP cover?
The ODSP covers multiple benefits, including a basic needs allowance, a shelter allowance, extended health benefits, and employment support.
Here’s a look at each benefit and what’s included:
| ODSP benefit | What’s covered |
|---|---|
| Basic needs allowance | * Food * Clothing * Personal products |
| Shelter allowance | * Rent or mortgage payments * Condominium fees * Home insurance * Utilities * Property taxes |
| Extended health benefits | * Prescription medications * Dental and vision care * Hearing aids and devices * Medical supplies and medical transportation * Special diet allowances * Guide dog benefit * Pregnancy and breastfeeding nutrition * Mobility devices and repairs For a full list of extended health benefits, see: Ontario Disability Support Program health and disability benefits. |
| Employment support | * Finding a job * Keeping a job * Job coaching * Training * Mentoring * Assistive technology * Starting a business * Money management For a full list of employment supports, see: Ontario Disability Support Program employment supports |
ODSP employment supports are offered through a long list of community-based service providers across the province.
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$25 GeniusCash + Delicious meal choices with fresh ingredients + Front-door delivery.What are the hidden benefits of ODSP 2024?
With ODSP approval, you become eligible to apply for additional benefits. Here are some of the hidden benefits of ODSP in 2024:
- Transportation for medical appointments
- Hearing aids
- Batteries and repairs for mobility devices
- Guide dog benefit
- Special diet allowance
One of the most valuable benefits is continued special health coverage, through either the Extended Health Benefit or the Transitional Health Benefit. These benefits allow people to continue getting help paying for high-cost medical needs, even if they become ineligible for ODSP.
You can also receive these benefits while on ODSP:
- Ontario Works
- Temporary Care Assistance
- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
How to apply for ODSP benefits
Eligible Ontario residents can complete the ODSP application online.
Where: The Ontario Government’s online application portal: Apply for Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program
What: Documents for each person on the application:
- OHIP card
- SIN
- Birth certificate
- Tax returns
- Banking information
- Immigration information
How long: About 30 minutes to apply
How many: Only one application is necessary for you and all eligible family members
Wait time: At least a few months
After you apply, someone should reach out to you within 15 business days to book a verification appointment. You may need to prepare additional documents for this meeting.
At the verification meeting, you will sign your application package and a consent form. The form allows ODSP to access information about you from other Canadian government organizations ( to verify your tax information, etc.).
Can I work and get ODSP income support?
You can earn up to $1,000 per month and still continue receiving full ODSP income support.
If you earn beyond $1,000 per month, the overage is subject to a 75% deduction from your ODSP cheque. However, you will also receive the $100 monthly employment benefit.
Example: Say you earn $1,465 per month.
$1,465 - $1,000 (exempt) = $465
$465 x 75% = $348.75 reduction in ODSP
Your total ODSP cheque would be $1,368 - 348.75 = $1,019.25
Your total monthly income would be $1,019.25 (reduced ODSP cheque) + $1,465 (earned income) + $100 (work related benefit) = $2,584.25.
FAQ
How much is ODSP per month in Ontario?
ODSP starts at $1,368 per month for a single recipient and they increase from there along with family size. These monthly payments include 2 parts: an amount for basic needs and an amount for shelter allowance.
Who qualifies for ODSP benefits?
Ontario residents who are over the age of 18 years, who meet the financial requirements. and who meet the definition of disability under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act can qualify to receive ODSP benefits.
What benefits does ODSP cover?
ODSP benefits include a basic needs allowance, a shelter allowance, extended health benefits, and employment support. Some of this support is financial, while some is more practical and hands-on, such as job coaching and other employment support.
What is the $6,000 limit for ODSP?
ODSP recipients could only receive $6,000 worth of cash gifts to maintain eligibility, a detail included in the program back in 2017. However, changes implemented in 2024 mean that this limit has been raised to $10,000.
Will ODSP benefits increase in 2024?
Yes, ODSP payments increased by 4.5% as of July 1, 2024. Since ODSP payments are tied to inflation, it's likely that these benefit payments will increase annually, based on the program’s cost of living formula.
What are the ODSP extra benefits?
In addition to the basic needs and shelter allowance, you may also be eligible for benefits such as dental care, prescription coverage, vision and hearing care. Expenses related to guide dogs or special diets could also be covered.
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