Class 1: ODSP & Health

1. What is the Ontario Disability Support Program ("ODSP")?

ODSP is a government program that pays financial support to people with disabilities living on a low income. The monthly amount depends on family size. As of May 2023, a single person gets about $1,250 a month, while a family of four gets about $2,000 a month. There is also coverage for prescription medications, dental and vision care, and help paying for transportation to medical appointments, for diabetes supplies, and for incontinence products.

2. Why is ODSP important?

To understand why ODSP is so important, we have to talk about the alternative, which is called Ontario Works ("OW"). OW is a basic welfare program. It pays a lot less than ODSP- only $733 a month for a single person, and about $1,200 for a family of four. Being on OW means living in deep poverty. Although OW isn't enough for anyone to live on, it can be even worse for people with disabilities who may not be able to work to supplement their OW, and who may have higher costs of living related to their disabilities. We know there are health benefits that flow from having more income, and that's what ODSP offers people with disabilities.

3. Who qualifies for ODSP?

To get ODSP your patient has to be at least 18. They have to be in financial need - meaning they have no or very limited other income - and they have to meet the program’s definition of a person with a disability. We'll discuss this definition in more detail in the next class in this module.

4. What's the application process for ODSP?

Your patient can get the ODSP application from their OW caseworker, or from ODSP directly. Physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and psychologists are authorized to complete the ODSP application, and can bill OHIP around $100 for completing it.

The Disability Adjudication Unit (DAU) reviews the completed application, and decides if your patient qualifies for ODSP. It can take 6 months for the DAU to make a decision. The DAU's decision will be communicated in writing.

If your patient is denied ODSP, there is an appeals process. Legal clinics can help with the appeals process. If you have a patient that has been denied ODSP, please refer them to a legal clinic for help. Many appeals are successful.

5. What you can do (Action Step)

Here are some things that you can do to support patients applying for ODSP:

• Complete an ODSP application for any patient that asks. Complete the application thoroughly and accurately.
• Screen low income patients with disabilities for ODSP. Encourage them to apply for ODSP.
• Follow up with patients after you complete their ODSP application - were they approved? If they were denied, remember to prescribe legal help: refer them to a legal clinic.