Income assistance problems – Ontario Disability Support Program
Are you looking for information about applying for or having problems with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)? We can help. Contact us to find out about your legal rights.
Steps to Justice is a website that gives you step-by-step information on everyday legal problems.
How to apply for ODSP
Local ODSP offices to call to apply:
Belleville office: (covering Hastings and Prince Edward Counties and some of Lennox & Addington County)
Call 613-962-9562 or Toll Free: 1-800-267-4355.
TDD/TTY: (613) 962-2927
Kingston office: (covering some of Lennox & Addington County)
Call 613-545-4553 or Toll Free: 1-800-267-0236
TDD/TTY: (613) 545-4532
Services available in French and English
ODSP rates and benefits
- ODSP Income Support Policy Directives:
- CALC tip sheet on Benefits available to people receiving income support.
- Income Security Advocacy Centre – Rates page
How to appeal a decision about ODSP
The Social Benefits Tribunal hears appeals by people who disagree with the decision denying them benefits as a disabled person. Their website has information about the appeal and hearing process and the forms you need.
See our tip sheet on Appealing to the Social Benefits Tribunal.
Hamilton Community Legal Clinic has a video explaining the appeal process: Going to Your Hearing at the Social Benefits Tribunal (ODSP Disability):
If your browser is not displaying the video above, you can watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/x7bUDWceih4
General legal information:
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) has free pamphlets on income assistance.
ARCH Disability Law Centre serves people with disabilities. They provide legal advice to people with disabilities on areas such as power of attorney, problems with trustees, etc. They may also represent on cases re: findings of incapacity or abuse by a guardian or a person with power of attorney.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services site has information on ODSP, including:
- eligibility
- how to apply
- income support (monthly financial assistance and benefits)
- employment support (help for people on ODSP to find and keep a job)
- information sheets
- income support policy directives
- employment support policy directives
Social Assistance News
See our News page for an important update on social assistance, effective November 2019.