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Our Ontario Disability Support Program Services
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is one of the two social assistance programs that exist in the province of Ontario. The law related to this program is called the Ontario Disability Support Program Act (1997). This program is designed to help people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing (Income Support). It can also give support in finding a job (Employment Support) if the person is able to do some work and wants this help. The Ontario Disability Support Program is managed and delivered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
In order to qualify for Income Support you have to be 18 years of age or older, live in Ontario, demonstrate a financial need, and have a substantial physical or mental disability that is expected to last a year or more, and makes it hard for you to care for yourself, take part in community life or work. Therefore when determining your eligibility for Income Support, ODSP will look at your financial situation and disability status.
In order to apply for ODSP you need to call (905) 521-7280.
Our Clinic provides representation and summary advice in regards to all aspects of the Ontario Disability Support Program.
If you have applied for ODSP benefits and have been turned down we can assist you in appealing this decision and building your case. In some cases we will represent you at your hearing before the Social Benefits Tribunal.
If you have had your ODSP benefits reduced, cancelled and/or suspended we can assist you with challenging this decision and if necessary appealing this decision.
If you have applied for a special ODSP benefits such as an Employment Start Up or Community Start up and Maintenance Benefit and have been denied we can assist.
We can also answer any questions you have regarding eligibility for benefits, amount of assistance and benefits available for ODSP recipients.
Appeal Process
If you have applied for ODSP and been denied or your benefits have been altered in any way you can always challenge that decision. The first step in challenging any decision is to request an Internal Review. The deadline for requesting an Internal Review is 30 days from the date ODSP has issued their decision. If your request for an Internal Review is denied, the next step would be to file an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal. The Social Benefits Tribunal is an administrative tribunal the deals specifically with appeals regarding social assistance. Like the Internal Review, the deadline for filing an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal is 30 days from the date of the Internal Review decision.
We have produced a Flow-Chart which outlines what happens when you apply for ODSP and are denied. Click here to view the flow-chart