What is ODSP?
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) helps people who are in financial need who also have a disability. It offers two types of assistance: financial assistance and employment assistance.
Financial assistance is provided in two ways:
- Income Support (which is divided into two types of payment):
- Basic needs’ support, for things like food and clothing
- Shelter support for accommodations (e.g., rent, mortgage payments, utilities, etc.)
- Health & Other Benefits
- These benefits are provided to ODSP recipients in addition to the income support they receive. This includes benefits related to employment, housing, prescription coverage, vision/dental care, assistive devices, diabetic supplies, etc.
Employment assistance is provided to help recipients get a job, keep a job, and advance in their job, but participating in or accessing these employment supports is voluntary for ODSP recipients. If a recipient wants to access this assistance, ODSP will work with service providers to fund employment placements and retention programs.
