Ontario Disability Support Program
In Canada, being in a relationship by marriage or common law can be disadvantageous when it comes to disability support programs. For a person living with a disability who relies on income from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or from the new federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), entering a marriage or common-law relationship can … Read more
If a person with a disability receives an inheritance directly, they may lose their provincial disability benefits because these programs have strict asset limits. One of the goals of creating an inheritance plan for a disabled child is to allow them to maintain their quality of life while ensuring they are not disqualified from provincial … Read more
The primary residence is often the most significant asset a parent can leave behind, but it’s also the most legally complex especially when the child is disabled. Because every situation is unique, deciding the ideal plan requires careful consideration of long term needs of the beneficiary, tax implications, and provincial benefit rules. Shared ownership (joint … Read more
When an adult child on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) resides in the home of the parents or guardians, how does the family maximize the child’s provincial disability supports without creating tax implications for the parents? The following guide explores the ODSP shelter allowance, and how the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) views family arrangements … Read more
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) covers transportation costs for medical appointments provided they are $15 or more per month. When travel expenses are approved, the most economical mode of transportation must be used. Clients will not be permitted to take an expensive taxi if cheap public transportation is available unless a medical professional confirms … Read more
Subsidized housing, also known as Rent Geared to Income (RGI), operates under provincial or municipal acts that are separate from social assistance programs such as ODSP. Because the rules of each program are different, it is imperative that recipients are familiar with asset and income thresholds. In 2026, where you live in Canada determines whether … Read more
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has established a commitment with major banks to offer free bank accounts to specific groups, including disabled individuals who qualify for the Disability tax credit (DTC) or are a recipient of provincial social assistance such as ODSP. This commitment was updated on December 1, 2025, enhancing the benefits … Read more
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients can earn up to $1,000 monthly from working without seeing any reduction in support payments. For every dollar earned above the $1,000 threshold, 75 cents is deducted from their monthly cheque. In addition, clients may be eligible for an extra $100 each month they have earnings from employment (including … Read more
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) does not typically end at age 65. For most recipients, they will transition to the Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS); And because income from these sources is typically greater than ODSP benefits, clients are therefore ineligible for continued … Read more
A key strength of a Henson Trust is the exemption from Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) asset thresholds. Unlike typical trusts that limit assets to $100,000, a Henson Trust can hold unlimited funds while fully protecting the beneficiary’s provincial benefits. However, while it is powerful tool for protecting a beneficiary’s long term financial goals, the … Read more