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ODSP vs Ontario Works

Up to $1,408/month
Official Government Page

What is ODSP vs Ontario Works?

ODSP and Ontario Works both provide income support in Ontario, but they are not close substitutes. ODSP pays much more, allows more savings, and has a much more generous work-income exemption than Ontario Works.

Do I Qualify?

  • ODSP requires an approved disability finding plus financial eligibility
  • Ontario Works is a general last-resort program for people in financial need
  • Many people receive Ontario Works temporarily while waiting for an ODSP decision
  • The rules around work income and assets differ sharply between the two programs

How Much Can I Get?

A single adult can receive up to $1,408 per month on ODSP versus about $733 per month on Ontario Works. ODSP also exempts the first $1,000 of monthly earnings, while Ontario Works generally exempts only the first $200 after the initial waiting period.

How to Apply

You can start through Ontario social assistance intake and request both supports where appropriate. Many applicants receive Ontario Works first and then transition to ODSP if the disability determination is approved.

Visit Official Application Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive Ontario Works while waiting for ODSP?

Yes. Ontario Works often serves as temporary support while an ODSP application is being reviewed. If ODSP is approved, the case usually transitions without needing a brand new income-support application.

Which program pays more?

ODSP pays substantially more. The single-person gap is roughly $675 per month, before considering additional benefits and the much stronger ODSP work-income rules.

Which has a higher earnings exemption?

ODSP is far more generous. It exempts the first $1,000 per month of earnings, while Ontario Works generally exempts the first $200 only after you have been on the program long enough for the exemption to apply.

Is Ontario Works indexed to inflation?

No. Ontario Works has not been inflation-indexed the way ODSP now is, which is one reason the gap between the two programs has grown.

Can I switch from Ontario Works to ODSP?

Yes. If you meet the disability criteria, you can apply for ODSP while on Ontario Works and transition after approval.

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