Do I need the Disability Tax Credit to get ODSP?

No. ODSP has its own provincial disability test. DTC approval is not required to apply. You may still apply for the DTC separately if you want to explore federal tax and benefit programs.

Will working make me lose ODSP?

Usually no. Ontario exempts the first $1,000 per month in net earnings for a person with a disability, exempts part of earnings above that, and adds a $100 Work-Related Benefit when you report eligible earnings. Use the calculator above to see how your earnings would affect your payment.

What is the 75% reduction people talk about?

Only net earnings above $1,000 per month are subject to reduction, and 25% of that amount is still exempt. ODSP deducts 75% of what remains after exemptions and optional work-cost deductions. In context, working almost always increases your total income.

Does the Canada Disability Benefit reduce ODSP?

No. According to ontario.ca, the federal Canada Disability Benefit is exempt as income for ODSP and does not affect your ODSP eligibility or payment amount.

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

ODSP explained for Ontario

ODSP is Ontario's provincial income support and health benefits program for people with disabilities in financial need. This page explains what is required, how employment affects your payment, and how ODSP differs from federal programs like the Disability Tax Credit. It does not decide whether you qualify.

Official ODSP overview (ontario.ca)

Information only, not legal or financial advice. Rates and rules change. Confirm every detail with your ODSP caseworker and ontario.ca using the official links below.

Official ontario.ca pages last reviewed for this guide: 2026-03-10. Amounts below reflect those pages and may change each July with inflation.

This is not an eligibility test

MyEligible cannot tell you whether Ontario will approve your ODSP application or how much income support you will receive. Only your local ODSP office can confirm entitlement after reviewing your financial and disability information.

What ODSP provides

Monthly income support (basic needs plus shelter, or board and lodge in some situations) and health-related benefits such as prescription drug coverage. The amount depends on your household, living costs, and other income.

What Ontario requires (information only)

Ontario looks at age, residency, financial need, assets, and disability status (or prescribed-class rules). Meeting these on paper does not guarantee approval.

At least 18 (you may start applying up to six months before your 18th birthday). Some people 65+ who are not eligible for Old Age Security may qualify under prescribed-class rules.
Ontario resident for income support purposes.
In financial need: income, expenses, family size, and shelter costs are assessed.
Non-exempt assets within program limits (for example, $40,000 for a single person and $50,000 for a couple; many assets such as your home and RDSP are exempt).
Meet Ontario's definition of a person with a disability through the Disability Determination Package, unless you are in a prescribed class (for example, CPP-D recipient).

ODSP eligibility for income support

ODSP is not the Disability Tax Credit

ODSP and the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) are separate programs with separate applications and decisions. You do not need DTC approval to apply for ODSP. Many people pursue both, but one does not automatically give you the other.

ODSP uses Ontario's own disability determination (Disability Determination Package) or prescribed-class rules, plus a financial need test.
The DTC, Canada Disability Benefit, and RDSP are federal programs. If you are on ODSP, you may still explore them separately when they fit your situation.

Income support amounts (April 2026 policy tables)

Payments depend on household size and verified costs. A single person renting may receive up to about $1,408/month in combined basic needs and shelter maximums (April 2026 tables).

Rates shown are as of April 2026. Ontario increases ODSP rates each July to reflect inflation. A 1.9% increase takes effect July 1, 2026. Confirm current figures on ontario.ca.

Income support amounts on ontario.ca

Working while on ODSP

The first $1,000 in net monthly earnings is fully exempt for a person with a disability. Ontario usually adds a $100 Work-Related Benefit when eligible earnings are reported.

For a person with a disability on ODSP, the first $1,000 per month in net employment earnings is fully exempt and does not reduce income support.
Above $1,000, part of earnings is still exempt, then ODSP reduces income support by 75% of what remains after exemptions and approved work-related deductions.
When you report eligible earnings, Ontario may add a $100 Work-Related Benefit on top of your ODSP payment.

See how working affects your ODSP payment

Interactive estimate using the same exemption and reduction rules as ontario.ca.

Working and earning on ODSP (ontario.ca)

How to apply

Apply online, by phone, or in person. Many people apply to Ontario Works and ODSP together if they need immediate help while ODSP is assessed.

Applying to Ontario Works at the same time can provide immediate basic assistance while your ODSP file is assessed.

Apply for social assistance online (ontario.ca)

Related federal and Ontario supports

ODSP is provincial. These are separate programs you may explore when they fit your situation. None of them replaces ODSP unless you leave the program.

How to apply for the Disability Tax Credit Canada Disability Benefit guide RDSP grant and bond estimator ODSP earnings calculator Official DTC page (canada.ca)

Common questions

Do I need the Disability Tax Credit to get ODSP?: No. ODSP has its own provincial disability test. DTC approval is not required to apply. You may still apply for the DTC separately if you want to explore federal tax and benefit programs.
Will working make me lose ODSP?: Usually no. Ontario exempts the first $1,000 per month in net earnings for a person with a disability, exempts part of earnings above that, and adds a $100 Work-Related Benefit when you report eligible earnings. Use the calculator above to see how your earnings would affect your payment.
What is the 75% reduction people talk about?: Only net earnings above $1,000 per month are subject to reduction, and 25% of that amount is still exempt. ODSP deducts 75% of what remains after exemptions and optional work-cost deductions. In context, working almost always increases your total income.
Does the Canada Disability Benefit reduce ODSP?: No. According to ontario.ca, the federal Canada Disability Benefit is exempt as income for ODSP and does not affect your ODSP eligibility or payment amount.