ODSP at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly (single) | $1,308 |
| Basic needs allowance | $733 |
| Shelter allowance (max) | $575 |
| Asset limit (single) | $40,000 |
| Asset limit (couple) | $50,000 |
| Administered by | Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services |
Monthly Payment Rates (2026)
| Family Size | Basic Needs | Max Shelter | Max Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $733 | $575 | $1,308 |
| Couple (both on ODSP) | $1,136 | $919 | $2,055 |
| Single + 1 child | $733 | $757 | $1,490 |
| Single + 2 children | $733 | $846 | $1,579 |
| Couple + 1 child | $1,136 | $1,007 | $2,143 |
Actual shelter amount depends on your actual housing costs, up to the maximum.
Eligibility Requirements
Financial Eligibility
| Asset | Limit |
|---|---|
| Single person | $40,000 |
| Couple | $50,000 |
| Each dependent | +$500 |
| Primary residence | Exempt |
| One vehicle | Exempt |
| RDSP | Exempt |
Disability Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Expected to last 1+ year |
| Impact | Substantial restriction in daily living or employment |
| Verification | Medical forms completed by healthcare provider |
| Age | 18+ (or 16-17 with supporting documentation) |
How to Apply for ODSP
Step 1: Apply Online or In Person
- Online: ontario.ca/odsp
- Phone: 1-888-789-4199
- In person: Local ODSP office
Step 2: Financial Assessment
ODSP will review your income, assets, and living situation.
Step 3: Disability Determination
- Complete the Disability Determination Package
- Have your doctor complete medical forms
- May require additional assessments
Step 4: Decision
- Receive written decision by mail
- If approved, payments begin
- If denied, you can appeal within 30 days
Benefits Included with ODSP
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Drug coverage | Most prescription drugs covered |
| Dental (basic) | Limited coverage |
| Vision care | $50/year for glasses |
| Medical travel | Mileage for medical appointments |
| Assistive devices | Funding for mobility aids, etc. |
| Employment supports | Job training, placement services |
ODSP vs Ontario Works
| Feature | ODSP | Ontario Works |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment (single) | $1,308 | $733 |
| For | People with disabilities | People in temporary financial need |
| Asset limit | $40,000 | $10,000 |
| Duration | Long-term | Short-term |
| Work expectations | Employment supports available | Expected to seek work |
Working While on ODSP
| Earnings | Treatment |
|---|---|
| First $200/month | Exempt (keep all) |
| Earnings above $200 | 50% clawed back from ODSP |
| Employment expenses | May be deducted |
Example: Earn $1,000/month → First $200 exempt → $800 × 50% = $400 clawback → Keep $600 earnings + reduced ODSP.
ODSP application timeline
The application process typically takes 90 days from initial contact to a decision. Here is what to expect:
| Stage | Timeline | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial intake call | Day 1–7 | ODSP office confirms you meet basic criteria; assigns a case worker |
| Application package sent | Day 7–14 | You receive financial and disability forms to complete |
| Financial review | Day 30–45 | Caseworker reviews assets, income, household situation |
| Disability Determination Package (DDP) | Completed by your doctor/specialist | Medical evidence of your disability |
| Disability adjudication | Up to 90 days from submission | Adjudicator reviews medical evidence and makes decision |
| Decision letter | After adjudication | Approved, or reasons for denial with appeal rights |
While your application is pending, you may be eligible for Ontario Works (OW) as interim support.
Appealing an ODSP denial
If your ODSP application is denied, you have the right to appeal:
- Internal review — Request a reconsideration from the local ODSP office within 30 days of the decision letter. A new caseworker reviews the file.
- Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) — If internal review is unsuccessful, appeal to the SBT within 30 days of the internal review decision. The SBT is an independent administrative tribunal.
- Divisional Court — Final legal avenue if the SBT decision was unreasonable; requires legal representation.
Free help with ODSP appeals: Community Legal Aid clinics across Ontario provide free representation for ODSP appeals. Find your local clinic at legalaid.on.ca.
Most denials at first application are reversed on appeal with proper medical documentation. The Disability Determination Package (DDP) is the critical piece — the more detail your medical provider includes, the stronger the application.
ODSP and tax
ODSP income is not taxable and not counted as income for federal tax purposes. However:
- You must still file a tax return each year to access federal and provincial benefits
- Filing ensures you receive the GST/HST credit, Canada Carbon Rebate, and Ontario Trillium Benefit
- If you work while on ODSP, employment income above the $200/month exemption is included in your income and reported on your T4
- ODSP payments do not affect your eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — apply for the DTC separately to unlock RDSP contributions, disability amounts on your return, and other disability benefits