The Ontario government has made improvements to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to help recipients and their families find jobs and keep more of what they earn.
If you are receiving ODSP Income Support and are currently working, or want to start working, these changes can benefit you and your family.
Improving access to Employment Supports
You now can take advantage of a wider range of improved services, like job placement and job retention support, to help you find and keep a job. [more information on ODSP employment supports]
Changes affecting the spouses of ODSP Income Support recipients
If you are the spouse of an ODSP Income Support recipient, do not have caregiving responsibilities and do not have a disability, you may be required to look for work with the help of Ontario Works employment services. These services will help you find a job that can put you and your family on the path to financial independence. [more information for adult family members without disabilities on the ODSP]
Introducing an easy-to-understand 50% flat rate earning exemption and a new Work-Related Benefit of $100 per month
This new straightforward system will allow you to keep more of what you earn. For each month you are employed and reporting earnings, only half of your income will be deducted from your ODSP Income Support cheque. Plus you and each eligible member of your family who works will receive an extra $100 per month to help you with costs such as transportaion or work clothing.
For example, if your net monthly earnings are $600, the ODSP will deduct $300 from your ODSP Income Support cheque. Plus, you will receive the $100 Work-Related Benefit. [more information on the ODSP Earnings Exemption and Work-Related Benefit]
Increasing the maximum Employment and Training Start Up Benefit to $500
You will be able to get up to $500 in any 12-month period to help pay for things such as work uniforms, equipment and professional fees, while you look for a job, start a new job or participate in a training program. [more information on the Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit]
Increasing the maximum deduction for informal child care costs from $390 to $600
If you are a working parent, the boost to this support will help you cover the costs of child care that best suits your needs. Formal child care costs are fully deductible. [some information on help with child care costs]
Providing up to $600 for upfront informal child care costs to recipients involved in an employment activity
Financial support will be available to help cover the costs of child care while you start to look for a job, begin a new job or participate in a training program. [more information on help with Child Care Costs]
Increasing the maximum deduction for disability-related work expenses from $140 to $300
You will have more financial support to help cover the costs of disability-related items, such as specialized technology or equipment, that you need to help you in your job. [more information on disability-related work expenses]
Providing a Transitional Health Benefit to recipients who leave the ODSP for employment, until employer coverage is available
If you leave ODSP Income Support for paid work, your prescription drug, dental and vision care benefits will be covered by the ODSP until employer coverage is available. [more information on health benefits after you leave the ODSP]
Providing an Employment Transition Benefit of $500 to recipients who leave ODSP for employment
When you leave the ODSP for paid work, you'll be given $500 to help you cover costs related to getting started in your new job. [more information on the Employment Transition Benefit]
Improving rapid reinstatement rules
If you leave ODSP Income Support for employment and your job doesn't work out, it will be faster and easier for you to return to the ODSP, as long as you qualify financially and meet certain conditions – this is called rapid reinstatement. [more information on rapid reinstatement]
For more information on the Ontario Disability Support Program, please contact your local ODSP Income Support office.