Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Eligibility, Monthly Amounts, and Relationship with Federal Disability Benefits

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is administered by the Government of Ontario. It provides money for living expenses (including food and rent) and health benefits (including prescription drugs and vision care) to eligible people with disabilities and their families.

Monthly Amounts

Amounts depend on your situation. For example, a single person may receive up to $1,436 per month for basic needs and shelter. More may be provided for benefits (e.g., transportation to medical appointments) or family members (e.g., spouse or child).

As of July 1, 2026, ODSP rates increased by 1.9% due to inflation, the fifth increase since September 2022, totaling over 22%. Rates are tied to inflation and adjusted annually in July.

Relationship with Federal Disability Benefit

The Canada Disability Benefit is exempt as income for social assistance, so receiving it does not affect ODSP eligibility or payment amounts.

Eligibility

Eligibility is based on financial and medical information. The official page provides details on income support, rights and responsibilities, and working while on ODSP.

How to Apply

You can apply:

• Online: Takes 20–30 minutes. One application covers you and your immediate family living with you.
• By phone: Call the Social Assistance Support Line at 1-888-999-1142 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559).
• In person: Book an appointment at your local ODSP office.

The process may take a few months. If you need money while waiting, you can apply to Ontario Works and ODSP simultaneously; Ontario Works is assessed first.

Online Application Steps

1. Fill in personal information: Legal names, dates of birth, status in Canada, address, emails (for 18+), monthly income, assets, housing costs, other expenses, bank info.
2. ODSP reviews: A caseworker calls within 15 business days to schedule an appointment.
3. Verification appointment: Bring documents like income proof, shelter costs, bank statements (at least one month, up to 12 if needed), and other asset info. Financial eligibility is determined within 15 business days if no extra info is needed. If not financially eligible, you have 30 days to request a review.
4. Disability Determination Package (DDP): If financially eligible, you receive a DDP to be completed by an approved health professional (e.g., family doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, psychologist). It includes a Health Status Report, Activities of Daily Living Index, Self Report, and Consent to Release Medical Information.
5. Disability review: Specialized staff review the DDP and send a decision within 90 business days.
6. Develop a plan: If approved, a caseworker contacts you to schedule an appointment and inform you of your first payment.

Checking Application Status

• Online: Use your application number.
• By phone/in person: Call the Social Assistance Support Line (Mon–Fri 8:30–5:00 ET).

Reapplying

If you left ODSP and need to return, you may be eligible for rapid reinstatement without a new disability assessment. Contact your local ODSP office.

Employment Support

Employment supports are available to help remove disability-related barriers. Ask ODSP staff or learn about Employment Ontario.

Payment Dates

Payments are issued monthly on the last business day.

Official Source

• https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program