What is ODSP Earnings Exemption?
ODSP encourages employment much more than Ontario Works does. The first $1,000 per month of earnings is usually fully exempt, and income above that is only partially deducted, which means working should still leave you ahead.
Do I Qualify?
- You must already be receiving ODSP income support
- The exemption applies to employment and self-employment income
- You still need to report earnings to your caseworker on time
- Spousal earnings can follow different rules than the disabled recipient’s own work income
How Much Can I Get?
The first $1,000 per month of earnings is fully exempt. Above that level, 75% is deducted from ODSP, which means you keep 25 cents of each extra dollar on top of your wages. Many workers also receive the $100 monthly Work-Related Benefit.
How to Apply
There is no separate application for the exemption. Report earnings monthly and ODSP should apply the exemption automatically based on the income you report.
Visit Official Application PageFrequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn on ODSP without losing benefits?
In most working cases, you can earn up to $1,000 per month with no reduction to your ODSP payment. After that point, the program deducts part of the extra income instead of eliminating support immediately.
What is the ODSP Work-Related Benefit?
It is an extra monthly amount intended to help with work-related costs. It is paid on top of regular ODSP for recipients with qualifying employment income.
Does my spouse’s income affect my ODSP?
Yes. Spousal earnings can affect the household calculation, and the treatment is usually less generous than the disabled recipient’s own $1,000 earnings exemption.
Do I need to report cash income?
Yes. All employment income, including cash payments, should be reported to ODSP.
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