Ontario Disability Support Payment

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The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is means-tested income support paid to "persons with a disability" as defined in the ODSP legislation. It is paid monthly, with the main component consisting of a fixed amount for basic needs, and a variable - though capped - amount for shelter. Income support is payable to the "benefit unit" collectively, which is an aggregation of co-resident, usually related persons. The larger the benefit unit, the higher the amounts allocated for basic needs and shelter. Similarly, and with some minor exceptions, the total income and assets of the members of the benefit unit are assessed for financial eligibility purposes.

A range of additional benefits are also available. The recipient must be at least 18 years of age to receive the benefit. Residents in group homes make up the majority of beneficiaries, while an increasing number of people on this disability pension live with their parents, spouse, same sex partner, or other family members.

Persons who may have trouble managing their money may have their income support administered by a trustee, who can be any of a number of people such as guardians, relatives acting under powers of attorney, or even community service agencies such as the Salvation Army.

Some additional ODSP benefits include: