When you apply for or receive Income Support from the Ontario Disability Support Program, you have both rights and responsibilities.
Your worker will explain these rights and responsibilities to you when you apply for Income Support.
You (and any adult members of your family) will be asked to sign the Rights and Responsibilities form to confirm that your worker explained your rights and responsibilities to you. You will get a copy of this form to keep.
Here is an overview of your rights and responsibilities.
Your rights
You have the right to:
1. An interview
You can ask to meet with us in person. You may bring someone with you when you meet with your worker or when you visit one of our offices. You can bring anyone you choose.
2. A decision in writing
We will write to tell you of any final decisions we make and our reasons for making them.
3. A chance to have decisions reviewed
If you do not agree with a decision that has been made about your file, you can ask to have the decision reviewed.
4. Benefits that are available (if you are eligible)
In addition to your monthly Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support, you and your family may be eligible for other benefits, including drug and dental coverage, and help with work-related expenses.
Your responsibilities
You are responsible for:
1. Attending periodic interviews
You will have to meet with Ontario Disability Support Program staff from time to time. These interviews may take place with or without notice. You have the right to bring someone with you to the interview.
2. Keeping receipts and statements
You will need to show proof of income and expenses. You need to keep receipts and statements for expenses such as:
- rent or mortgage payments
- housing costs, such as hydro, water, and heating
- income tax assessments and returns
- pay stubs
- child care costs
- mandatory special necessities (for example, surgical or diabetic supplies)
3. Telling us about your income
You need to tell us about any income that you receive, for example:
- any money you earn from a job or training program, and
- any money that you receive from any other source, such as child support or Canada Pension Plan benefits.
4. Telling us about your assets
You need to tell us about any assets that you or your family have. You also need to tell us if the value of an asset changes or if you or your family get new assets. Your assets would include:
- money in bank accounts
- property or real estate that you own
- trust funds
- investments such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans, stocks, and bonds
- cars and other vehicles.
5. Telling us about any changes to your living arrangements
You need to tell us about your living arrangements, and must keep us informed of any changes in your personal situation, including:
- the size of your family
- where you are living
- whom you are living with.
6. Pursuing other sources of income
You must try to get any money or support that you or someone in your family may be entitled to receive.
Here are some examples of money or support that you or someone in your family may be entitled to receive:
- Child support
- Ontario Child Benefit
- Support from a sponsor or co-signer
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – Retirement or Disability benefits
- Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits
If you do not make a reasonable effort to get this money or support, then your Income Support payments may be suspended. For example, applying for a benefit you may be eligible for, such as CPP Disability, is considered a reasonable effort.
7. Repaying any overpayment
An overpayment is money that you received that you were not eligible to receive.
You are responsible for repaying an overpayment, even after you leave the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works.
If you have an overpayment while you are receiving Income Support, then we will make deductions from your monthly Income Support until you repay all of the money that you owe.
8. Reporting honestly
You are responsible for following all Ontario Disability Support Program rules. This includes honest reporting of your and your family’s income, assets and living arrangements.
If there is enough evidence to suggest that someone has committed fraud, the file may be referred to the police for an investigation.
9. Your family has responsibilities, too.
All members of your family who are 18 or older may be required to take part in Ontario Works employment assistance activities if they do not have a disability or care giving responsibilities.
This requirement may be waived in some cases. For example, a family member may not need to take part in Ontario Works employment assistance if they are:
- already working or looking for work
- caring for a family member who is ill, elderly, or disabled
- ill or injured.