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Provincial Program · Ontario

Ontario Disability Support Program

ODSP

Ontario's income support program for people with disabilities. It provides monthly money for living expenses such as food and rent, plus health benefits including prescription drugs and vision care. A single person can receive up to $1,436 a month for basic needs and shelter, with more for benefits, a spouse or children. ODSP rates are tied to inflation and rose 1.9% on July 1, 2026 — the fifth increase since September 2022.

Last reviewed: November 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Apply online through the single social assistance application (you can apply for Ontario Works and ODSP at the same time if you have no money while your application is reviewed), by phone at 1-888-999-1142, or in person at a local ODSP office; the process can take a few months. A caseworker calls within 15 business days to book a verification appointment, and you will need SINs, OHIP cards, birth certificates, immigration papers, tax returns and bank statements. If ODSP decides you are not financially eligible, you have 30 days to ask for a review. The federal Canada Disability Benefit is exempt as income and does not reduce your ODSP.

Who May Qualify

• You are 18 years or older • You live in Ontario • You are in financial need • You have a substantial physical or mental disability that is expected to last one year or more • Your disability makes it hard for you to care for yourself, function in the community, or work

Required Documents

• Full legal names, dates of birth, and status in Canada • Proof of address and residency in Ontario • Email addresses for all family members 18 and over • Total monthly income and asset information (e.g., bank statements, investments) • Housing and shelter costs • Other expenses (e.g., child care, disability-related expenses) • Disability Determination Package (DDP) completed by an approved health care professional (unless you are a member of a prescribed class)

How to Apply

1. Apply online through the Ontario government's social assistance portal, call the Social Assistance Support Line, or book an appointment at your local ODSP office. 2. Complete the financial eligibility assessment with a caseworker. 3. Submit the Disability Determination Package (DDP) completed by your health care professional. 4. Attend any required verification interviews. 5. Wait for the Disability Adjudication Unit to review your medical documentation and provide a decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not providing detailed enough medical information • Missing application deadlines • Not understanding the asset limits • Not applying for the DTC at the same time — it can increase your ODSP amount • Not reporting changes to your situation

Preparing an application?

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Ontario Transitional Health Benefit

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OWProvincial

Ontario Works

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Need help from a real person?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Plan Institute — Disability Planning Helpline

National

Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.

Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request

1-844-311-7526Website
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Disability Alliance Canada

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Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.

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Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

Read the Appeals Guide

Resources in this area

Disability AdvocacyLondon

ClearPath

ClearPath helps individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers across Ontario understand, access and maximize the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits and funding they may be entitled to receive.

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Disability AdvocacyOntario

Ontario Brain Injury Association

Provides information, education, advocacy, directory services and support resources related to acquired brain injury.

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Disability AdvocacyToronto / GTA

Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)

Provides independent living skills, peer support, direct funding information and disability resources.

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Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

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