You are allowed to work if you are receiving financial help from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). In fact, we're here to help you do it. Having a paid job will increase your total income.

Here are some key things you need to know:

Employment Benefits

Let your ODSP caseworker know as soon as you start to work, so you can find out what benefits you can get. For example:

• You can get up to $500 in any 12-month period to help pay for things such as work uniforms, equipment and professional fees.Learn about the Employment and Training Start Up Benefit.
• If you are a working parent, we can help you cover the costs of child care that best suits your needs. Learn about help for up-front child care costs and deductions for monthly child care costs.
• If you need disability-related items – such as specialized technology or equipment – to help you in your job, you can claim up to $300 per month without reducing the amount of Income Support you receive. Learn about disability-related work expenses.

Reporting Your Earnings

If you receive Income Support from the ODSP, you need to tell us about any money you earn from a job. Learn about your reporting responsibilities.

Earnings Deductions

For every month you report job earnings to the ODSP:

• For each $1.00 in net earnings you make, the ODSP will deduct $0.50 from your ODSP Income Support cheque.
• But you will also automatically get a $100 Work-Related Benefit to help with costs such as transportation or work clothing.

Learn about how earnings affect your Income Support and the $100 Work-Related Benefit.

Leaving the ODSP for Work

If you leave the ODSP for paid work, you may:

• Be eligible for a $500 Employment Transition Benefit
• Receive the Transitional Health Benefit to cover basic drug, dental and vision care costs until you can get these benefits from your employer
• Get continued Employment Supports to help you keep your job or advance your career
• Be able to quickly come back to the ODSP for financial help by skipping the disability adjudication process if you meet certain conditions.