1

ODSP: Know Your Rights

ODSP Action Coalition

Updated rates and rule changes

September 26, 2013

2

Who We Are

ODSP Action Coalition has been around for more than 10 years

Advocate for changes to ODSP

Have a shared leadership model:

Made up of people on ODSP, and those who work in this field (at legal clinics, agencies and patient advocacy groups)

This workshop is part of our efforts to build knowledge and confidence in our members for personal and political advocacy

3

Overview

ODSP Know Your Benefits WebinarFebruary 2013 – covered all the main rules and benefits

This is an update and chance to discuss questions

Rates change

Earnings exemption

Mandatory and Discretionary benefits

Questions—sent in advance

Other questions—from participants

For more information

4

Rates—effective September 1, 2013

ODSP Basic

Needs

Max

Shelter

Max

OCB

Total

Single $607 $479 $0 $1086

Couple-1

person disabled$893 $753 $0 $1646

Single

Parent +

1 Child

$750 $753 $101 $1604

Couple (1

disabled)

+ 1 Child

$893 $816 $101 $1810

5

Changes to rates

Families of ODSP recipients not given any increase

--just $11 for person with disability

All of increase on basic needs, not shelter

No more basic needs for children; ODSP/OW

cheques for families reduced because of increase in

Ontario Child Benefit

Support for teens now same as for young children

Families still get more for shelter than singles, so

children are still “on social assistance” partially

More info: www.incomesecurity.org –fact sheets

66

Earnings

The amount of income from a job or self-

employment that you can keep changed in

September, 2013

The 1st $200.00 of net earnings is “exempt”—it

will not be subtracted from ODSP cheque

Net earnings: “take home” pay after deductions

like taxes, EI, CPP, union dues

50% of remaining net earnings is deducted

$100 is added to ODSP cheque whenever

anyone has net earnings (Work Related Benefit)

7

Self Employment

Net Earnings for self-employed people means

the gross earnings of the business minus

approved expenses

Expenses are deemed to be at least $100 per

month; no proof is required for expenses less

than $100.00

Casual work or odd jobs, earning less than

$100.00 per month, are usually considered self-

employment.

8

Benefits: Two main types

Mandatory Available across Ontario

If ODSP says ‘no’ to your request, you can appeal all the way to the Social Benefits Tribunal

Funding for mandatory benefits is based on needs

Discretionary Municipalities (OW) provides these but ODSP recipients apply

through ODSP

Different benefits are available in different places

You can ask for a review if you are denied, but there is no higher level appeal

Funding is limited/capped

9

Mandatory Benefits

Special Diet

Drug & Dental card

Vision, Hearing

Guide Dog

Assistive Devices—repairs and Co-payments

Mandatory Special Necessities:

Diabetic supplies

Surgical supplies and dressings

Medical transportation

10

Discretionary Benefits

Health related—eg orthotics, back brace, air

conditioner, artificial limbs

Funerals\burials

Employment related: retraining, work clothing,

transportation, “Community Participation” in

some places

Housing Stabilization Fund: formerly

Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefit

11

Questions sent in

Vehicles: 2 OK if used for work, 2nd <$15,000

No person with a disability on ODSP forced

to work in current ODSP law and program

2 quotes for wheelchair repairs: to save gov’t

money; not necessary in emergency—eg

stranded outside home

ODSP effective from month following your

completed application-not before

RDSP not income or asset, does not affect

ODSP, but still report it

12

Questions from Participants

13

Tips & Strategies

Know about the benefits available

Ask in writing and keep a copy (of everything!)

Ask your worker if specific form needed (and get the

form)

Pay attention to time limits (for ex, for appeals)

Keep letters, benefit statements, and work stubs

Make records about conversations, contacts, etc

Where possible and needed, get doctors or other

professionals to support your requests in writing

Ask for help from your local community legal clinic

14

For more information

This presentation is very general and may not have answered your questions.

To find out more information about the work of the ODSP Action Coalition, please see our website: www.odspaction.ca or our facebook page: facebook.com/ODSPACTION

To find your local community legal clinic for free legal advice on ODSP, as well as more information about applying for and receiving ODSP, see http://yourlegalrights.on.ca/