The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) was created to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities. The program provides Income Support including health and other benefits for people with disabilities in financial need. The program also provides Employment Supports to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain or maintain a job. The intent of the program is to provide the supports necessary to enable individuals and families to live as independently as possible in the community and lead more productive, dignified lives.
The Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997 and its regulations provide the legislative framework for the program. The legislation states the purpose of the Act is to:
- provide income and employment supports to eligible persons with disabilities;
- recognize that government, communities, families and individuals share responsibility for providing such supports;
- effectively serve people with disabilities who need assistance; and
- be accountable to the taxpayers of Ontario.
Policy directives provide the interpretation and application of legislative and policy requirements of the program. The policy directives enable consistent decision-making across the province and ensure accountability for those decisions. New policy directives will be issued as regulations and policies change.
(Note: All the policy directives will be migrated to the new website. They will be available in HTML, Word, and PDF formats.)
The policy directives provide staff with the guidance they need to make decisions regarding a recipient’s entitlement to services, supports and benefits. ODSP services will be provided based on the recipient’s individual needs and circumstances.
The ODSP is managed and delivered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. If you would like more information on the program, you can contact your local ODSP Income Support office or local ODSP Employment Supports office.