[community] FW: ODSP improving Ontario's Social Assistance Programs

[Foster, Julia]

Interesting changes to ODSP. I think this might mean individuals on ODSP might be able to work a bit more and have savings or assets more so than before, but I haven't looked into this in depth.
Julia


From: Lorene Bodiam [mailto:Lorene.Bodiam at toronto.ca]
Sent: October 19, 2017 2:18 PM
To: Lorene Bodiam <Lorene.Bodiam at toronto.ca>
Subject: FYI: ODSP improving Ontario's Social Assistance Programs

Hello everyone,

FYI and Appropriate Distribution

We received the below information about changes to the Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP) and are now forwarding it your way.

Many thanks,
Lorene


Lorene Bodiam
Advocate for People with Disabilities
416-394-8532

For issues, compliments and complaints please send your email to AIS at toronto.ca<mailto:AIS at toronto.ca>
[international symbol for accessibility. graphic of a person in a wheelchair][graphic of two hands signing enclosed in a box.][The words " Large Print " enclosed in a box.][Graphic of Telephone receiver and telephone keys enclosed in a box.][Symbol for the blind and low vision.  Graphic of person walking with a cane.][Assistive Listening Device Symbol. Graphic of an Ear with waves enclosed in a box.][Braille Symbol.  Six dots enclosed in a box.][Puzzle piece in a box  "Disability Sensitivity & Awareness"]


From: Laura Antal [mailto:l.antal at balancefba.org]
Sent: October-18-17 10:16 AM
To: Laura Antal <l.antal at balancefba.org<mailto:l.antal at balancefba.org>>
Subject: ODSP improving Ontario's Social Assistance Programs

Hi All

FYI

Improving Ontario's Social Assistance Programs

Increasing rates

Social assistance rates for all individuals receiving support from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works will be increased by two per cent starting in September 2017 for ODSP and October 2017 for Ontario Works.

In the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), asset limits will increase:
from $5,000 to $40,000 for single individuals
from $7,500 to $50,000 for couples

In Ontario Works, asset limits will increase:
from $2,500 to $10,000 for single individuals
from $5,000 to $15,000 for couples

As of September 1, 2017, the income exemption for cash gifts will increase from $6,000 to $10,000 for both ODSP and Ontario Works.

As of August 1, 2017,  compensation awards for individuals receiving ODSP are fully exempt as income and assets and the exemption limit for individuals receiving Ontario Works will be increased to $50,000 from the previous $25,000 limit.

As of September 1, 2017, the monthly maximum deduction for disability-related employment expenses will increase from $300 to $1,000.

Helping people in remote and northern communities

The Remote Communities Allowance will increase by $50 for the first recipient and $25 for each additional family member starting in September 2017 for ODSP and October 2017 for Ontario Works. This allowance provides extra support for people living in remote and northern communities to help address the unique challenges they face.

Increasing income and asset exemptions

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disabled Contributor's Child Benefit and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) Pension for a Disabled Person's Child will be fully exempt from social assistance beginning October 2017. These benefits provide monthly financial support for the eligible child of a person receiving a CPP/QPP disability benefits.

Making programs work better for people

As of September 1, 2017, former ODSP applicants who have been adjudicated and found to be a person with a disability - but were found ineligible for other reasons - can reapply without being re-adjudicated.
Individuals on ODSP who leave the program and need to re-enter the program will be re-instated regardless of the reason they exited.

As of July 1, 2017 a person can leave Ontario Works for up to six months instead of one month and come back onto the program without needing to re-apply. This makes it easier for people to return to Ontario Works for help without needing to complete an entirely new application or visit a local office.
The government is increasing the ODSP Trusteeship budget by $300,000 to ensure vulnerable individuals receiving social assistance can get support from community-based agencies that can act as their trustees for ODSP purposes.

The ODSP employment supports budget will increase by $2 million annually starting in 2017-18 to ensure service offerings can continue to meet demand and help persons with disabilities reach their employment goals.

Batteries and repairs for mobility devices will be added to the list of benefits provided through ODSP under the Transitional Health Benefit which provides drug, dental and vision care benefits if individuals are no longer eligible for ODSP as a result of income from employment.
Building on important changes within the past year

In the past year, Ontario has made a number of improvements to social assistance, to better reflect people's needs.

The government has ended the "clawback" of child support from social assistance payments, and is exempting the full amount of the new Canada Child Benefit for families receiving social assistance support.
The ODSP medical review process has been simplified with the introduction of a new form that is easier for ODSP recipients and health care professionals to complete. Previously, the medical review process used the same form required for a person's initial ODSP eligibility assessment. Now, if the recipient's medical condition has not improved and is not expected to improve, they will continue to receive ODSP support provided the person continues to meet all other eligibility requirements.

The ODSP application process has been simplified for people with development disabilities and their families. Once a person is deemed eligible for ministry-funded adult developmental services, they no longer have to go through a second process to verify their disability to qualify for ODSP

Medical and business travel kilometre rates in both ODSP and Ontario Works were increased to 41¢/km in Northern Ontario and 40¢/km in the south.  The new rates apply to social assistance recipients who drive to medical appointments using personal vehicles or who use transportation agencies that do not set their own travel rates. For business travel, the new rates apply to recipients who are self-employed and use a personal vehicle for business travel.

Media Contacts

Lyndsay Miller
Minister's Office
416-325-5450
Graeme Dempster
Communications Branch
416-325-5760

Thank you


Laura Antal
Office Coordinator
BALANCE for Blind Adults
2340 Dundas Street West
Unit G-06
Toronto, ON M6P 4A9
(416) 236-1796, ext. 0
(416) 236-1796 Voicemail ext. 232
(416) 236-4280 (F)
l.antal at balancefba.org<mailto:l.antal at balancefba.org>
www.balancefba.org<http://www.balancefba.org/>
Proudly participating in the Accreditation process through Canadian Council of Accreditation (CCA).



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