Disability Supports

Ontario Disability Support Program

Call: 1-888-789-4199

https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/income_support/IS_Application.aspx

Program Description

• The Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing.

Eligibility Requirements

• To qualify for ODSP income support, you must:
• be at least 18 years old
• be an Ontario resident
• be in financial need and
• meet the program’s definition of a person with a disability, or be a member of a Prescribed Class

Note: If you’re under 18, you can start the application process up to six months before your 18th birthday.

You are considered to be in financial need if the costs of your household’s basic living expenses are more than your household’s income and assets (as determined by your ODSP caseworker).

When you apply for income support, a caseworker will ask you for specific documents that show:

• your household’s housing and shelter-related costs
• any money coming into your household, as well as the value of assets belonging to members of the household
  • The caseworker will also need your signed consent to disclose and verify personal information. This allows the ODSP office to contact third parties and gather additional information needed to determine your eligibility for income support.
  • Only a caseworker can decide if you are financially eligible for ODSP, however, you may use the Online Application for Social Assistance to see if you might qualify and to start your application.
  • Note: If you’re an Ontario Works client, your financial need has already been established. Speak to your caseworker if you want to apply for ODSP income support.

Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW) Program

www.dsontario.ca

Program Description

This program supports adults with a developmental disability who are living on their own. The goal of the program is to help them live as independently, safely and securely as possible in the community. Adult Protective Service Workers work directly with the person who has a developmental disability to help them find and maintain supports, including:

• medical and dental care
• counselling for emotional support during stressful life changes
• social and housing

Eligibility Requirements

Adults aged 18 years or older who have a developmental disability are eligible for the Adult Protective Service Worker program if:

• they live in Ontario
• they live on their own in a community setting or plan to move to a more independent community setting
• they have limited or no significant social supports
• need, and request, the type of assistance that APSWs provide

This program access is managed through developmental services Ontario

Note: there is no upper age limit for eligibility for the Adult Protective Service Worker program.