Applying for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Referral | Applying | Appeals | Prescribed Class
Residents of Ontario can apply for financial assistance from Ontario Works (OW) while pending an application to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). If the applicant is not eligible for OW, an application must be made directly through the local ODSP office.
Referral
Any OW client, who believes they are disabled, as defined by ODSP Act regulations, can request to be referred to ODSP by an OW Caseworker. The OW Caseworker will issue a Disability Determination Package (DDP) and make a referral to the Disability Adjudication Unit (DAU).
Applying
The DDP must be completed and sent to the DAU within 90 days of the referral date.
Appeals
All ODSP applicants who are found to be a person without a disability have the right to appeal the decision to the DAU. An outline of the appeal process is available in the ODSP Handbook.
Prescribed Class
Some applicants will not be required to apply to the DAU, as they are members of an ODSP prescribed class and do not require adjudication. The following persons are recognized as members of a prescribed class:
- A person aged 65 or over who is not eligible for a pension under the Old Age Security Act
- Residents in a facility designated as a psychiatric facility, a facility operated by the Addiction and Mental Health Services Corporation, or the Homewood Health Center
- Residents in a home for special care, licensed or approved under the Homes for Special Care Act
- Persons in receipt of disability under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)