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How To Apply For ODSP?

Ontario

August 7, 2021 0

APPLY FOR ONTARIO DISABILITIES SUPPORT PROGRAM (ODSP)

In this guide we will explain step-by-step about the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), who is eligible, how much money you can get and how to apply.

Requirements of ODSP

If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for ODSP:

Have a disability or belong to a special group of people who are exempt from the disability adjudication process
You and your family are in financial need, which means you don’t have enough money to cover your living needs.
Are 18 or older (you can start the application procedure up to six months before your 18th birthday if you’re under 18)

To be eligible for ODSP, you must first meet financial requirements, after which your impairment must be evaluated.

If you meet the financial requirements, you will be sent a set of documents to fill out with your doctor or health care provider in order to inform us about your handicap. This information will be used to determine if you are medically eligible for ODSP.

Some people are exempt from having their impairment assessed. If you belong to one of these groups, you only need to fill out the financial eligibility section.

What you might obtain of OSDP

If you qualify for ODSP, you might get $1169 every month to cover your basic needs and housing.

There’s a chance you’ll get extra for:

Benefits (For example, you may be given more funds to help you go to medical appointments.).
Other members of the direct family (for example, if you have a spouse or child you will receive a larger basic needs amount).

The quantity you receive will be determined on your unique circumstances. Your qualification and the amount are determined by the size of your family and your living costs, which include housing and healthcare expenses.

The ODSP provides the following services:

Money to assist you and your qualified family members with living costs such as food and rent.
Prescription medications and eyesight care are among the health advantages.
Employment assistance to assist you in finding and keeping a job, as well as advancing your career.

Returning to the ODSP program

If you quit ODSP but need financial assistance, you may be eligible for immediate reinstatement.

Without having to go through a disability assessment, rapid reinstatement allows you to get ODSP benefits sooner and more easily.

Please call your local ODSP office to see if you are qualified for quick reinstatement. Contact

Employment assistance from the ODSP

To be eligible for work supports, you do not need to receive ODSP financial assistance. If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for ODSP work assistance:

Are 16 years old or older.
Live in the province of Ontario (not a tourist or visitor).
Are able to work legally in Canada.
Have a physical or mental disability that will prevent you from finding or keeping a job for at least a year.

Process of comprobation

It’s possible that the evaluation will take a few months.

You can apply to Ontario Works first if you don’t have enough money to maintain yourself and your family while they consider your application.

While they examine your eligibility for ODSP, you may receive Ontario Works help if you are qualified.

You can also apply for ODSP on your own.

Apply for ODSP Online

To apply for ODSP online, follow these instructions. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes in most circumstances.

You should only fill out one application for yourself and your immediate family.

Before you begin

When you apply online, make sure that all family members who are included in your application are present so that they may provide their consent and validate their information.

Have the following identity and financial documents available for your family:

a. OHIP cards and social insurance numbers (SIN).
b. Certificates of Birth.
c. Information on immigration paperwork and banking.

Phase 1: Technical requirements

You must have the most recent versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge installed to properly complete your online application.

Phase 2: Fill up your personal information and submit your application

You will be requested to complete the following forms for your family:

Personal information, including complete name, date of birth, and citizenship status in Canada.
Address.
Electronic mail addresses (for all family members age 18 and over).
The expense of housing.
Total monthly income and assets available.
Additional costs (such as child care and disability related expenses).
Details about your bank account (if you have one) so that you can receive your payment soon.
Submit your application once it’s finished.

Phase 3: ODSP review Your application

Your local ODSP office is going to review Your application.

Phase 4: You will receive a call from your local ODSP office

Within 15 business days of filing your application, you will receive a call from your local ODSP office. Weekends and holidays are not included.

An intake verification interview will be scheduled by the office. More information, such as copies of bills or other papers, may be requested to support your application.

Phase 5: Schedule a meeting with your caseworker

To review your application, you will meet with a caseworker from your local ODSP office.

You may be asked to supply papers to help the caseworker evaluate if you are financially eligible for ODSP.

You will also be required to sign your application packet, which will include a consent form for ODSP to obtain extra information about you from other government programs or organizations (for example, Ministry of Transportation, Employment Insurance, Equifax Canada). This information will assist you in determining whether you are financially eligible for ODSP.

If no additional information is requested, the caseworker will advise you within 15 working days if you are financially qualified for ODSP.

If ODSP concludes you are not financially eligible for ODSP, you have 30 days to request that your information be reviewed again.

Phase 6: Submit a packet for a disability determination

You do not need to complete this step if you are a member of a prescribed class.

A disability determination package will be sent to you if you are financially eligible for ODSP (DDP).

This package must be completed by your doctor or another health care practitioner and mailed to the Disability Adjudication Unit using the addressed envelope provided.

The package for determining impairment contains the following items:

Information about your medical condition in a health status report (for example, impairments, restrictions, treatments, duration).
The activities of daily living index provides information on how your medical condition affects your capacity to work, care for yourself, and participate in your community.

Additional material (for example, clinical notes, hospital records, psychological or functional assessments) may be submitted by your health care practitioner to assist characterize your medical condition and how it affects you.

Phase 7: Your disability determination package is reviewed by ODSP

Your completed disability determination package is reviewed by specialized ODSP professionals (including doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists) to determine if you are medically eligible for ODSP.

Within 90 days, you will receive a letter from the Impairment Adjudication Unit informing you whether or not your disability qualifies.

Phase 8: Discuss the decision of the Disability Adjudication Unit with ODSP

Your local ODSP office will contact you to review the decision of the Disability Adjudication Unit.

If you qualify, the caseworker will set up a meeting with you to devise a strategy for assisting you and to inform you of when you can anticipate your first payment.