Post on 19-Jan-2015
description
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ODSP: Know Your Rights
ODSP Action Coalition
Updated rates and rule changes
September 26, 2013
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Who We Are
ODSP Action Coalition has been around for more than 10 years
Advocate for changes to ODSP
Have a shared leadership model:
Made up of people on ODSP, and those who work in this field (at legal clinics, agencies and patient advocacy groups)
This workshop is part of our efforts to build knowledge and confidence in our members for personal and political advocacy
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Overview
ODSP Know Your Benefits WebinarFebruary 2013 – covered all the main rules and benefits
This is an update and chance to discuss questions
Rates change
Earnings exemption
Mandatory and Discretionary benefits
Questions—sent in advance
Other questions—from participants
For more information
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Rates—effective September 1, 2013
ODSP Basic
Needs
Max
Shelter
Max
OCB
Total
Single $607 $479 $0 $1086
Couple-1
person disabled$893 $753 $0 $1646
Single
Parent +
1 Child
$750 $753 $101 $1604
Couple (1
disabled)
+ 1 Child
$893 $816 $101 $1810
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Changes to rates
Families of ODSP recipients not given any increase
--just $11 for person with disability
All of increase on basic needs, not shelter
No more basic needs for children; ODSP/OW
cheques for families reduced because of increase in
Ontario Child Benefit
Support for teens now same as for young children
Families still get more for shelter than singles, so
children are still “on social assistance” partially
More info: www.incomesecurity.org –fact sheets
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Earnings
The amount of income from a job or self-
employment that you can keep changed in
September, 2013
The 1st $200.00 of net earnings is “exempt”—it
will not be subtracted from ODSP cheque
Net earnings: “take home” pay after deductions
like taxes, EI, CPP, union dues
50% of remaining net earnings is deducted
$100 is added to ODSP cheque whenever
anyone has net earnings (Work Related Benefit)
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Self Employment
Net Earnings for self-employed people means
the gross earnings of the business minus
approved expenses
Expenses are deemed to be at least $100 per
month; no proof is required for expenses less
than $100.00
Casual work or odd jobs, earning less than
$100.00 per month, are usually considered self-
employment.
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Benefits: Two main types
Mandatory Available across Ontario
If ODSP says ‘no’ to your request, you can appeal all the way to the Social Benefits Tribunal
Funding for mandatory benefits is based on needs
Discretionary Municipalities (OW) provides these but ODSP recipients apply
through ODSP
Different benefits are available in different places
You can ask for a review if you are denied, but there is no higher level appeal
Funding is limited/capped
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Mandatory Benefits
Special Diet
Drug & Dental card
Vision, Hearing
Guide Dog
Assistive Devices—repairs and Co-payments
Mandatory Special Necessities:
Diabetic supplies
Surgical supplies and dressings
Medical transportation
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Discretionary Benefits
Health related—eg orthotics, back brace, air
conditioner, artificial limbs
Funerals\burials
Employment related: retraining, work clothing,
transportation, “Community Participation” in
some places
Housing Stabilization Fund: formerly
Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefit
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Questions sent in
Vehicles: 2 OK if used for work, 2nd <$15,000
No person with a disability on ODSP forced
to work in current ODSP law and program
2 quotes for wheelchair repairs: to save gov’t
money; not necessary in emergency—eg
stranded outside home
ODSP effective from month following your
completed application-not before
RDSP not income or asset, does not affect
ODSP, but still report it
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Questions from Participants
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Tips & Strategies
Know about the benefits available
Ask in writing and keep a copy (of everything!)
Ask your worker if specific form needed (and get the
form)
Pay attention to time limits (for ex, for appeals)
Keep letters, benefit statements, and work stubs
Make records about conversations, contacts, etc
Where possible and needed, get doctors or other
professionals to support your requests in writing
Ask for help from your local community legal clinic
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For more information
This presentation is very general and may not have answered your questions.
To find out more information about the work of the ODSP Action Coalition, please see our website: www.odspaction.ca or our facebook page: facebook.com/ODSPACTION
To find your local community legal clinic for free legal advice on ODSP, as well as more information about applying for and receiving ODSP, see http://yourlegalrights.on.ca/