ODSP Earnings Exemption and Work-Related Benefit

The ODSP recognizes that many people with disabilities can and want to work. If you are receiving ODSP Income Support, you are allowed to work. Having a paid job will increase your total income.

How it Works

For every month you report earnings to the ODSP from a job, a training program or net positive income from the operation of your own business:

• You can receive a $100 Work-Related Benefit to help with costs such as transportation or work clothing.
  
  This benefit is provided as a flat rate benefit, regardless of how many days you work or how much you earn. You will be required to provide proof of your earnings (e.g. pay stub) or business income (e.g. documentation of business income and expenses) in order to claim this benefit.
  
  If you are self-employed and you have net positive business income after your business expenses (e.g., office supplies, rent, tools and equipment) are deducted, you can receive the $100 Work-Related Benefit.
  
• The exemption rate on employment income is 50%. This means that for each $1.00 in net earnings you make, the ODSP will only deduct $0.50 from your ODSP Income Support cheque.

Between your earnings, your ODSP Income Support and the Work-Related Benefit, you will have more money when you are working than from your ODSP Income Support alone.

Example

John is working and has net earnings of $500 this month.

ODSP Income Support	$979.00
Earnings Deduction ($500.00 x 50% = $250.00)	$250.00
ODSP Income Support minus earnings deduction	$729.00
Plus Work-Related Benefit	+ $100.00
Total ODSP Income Support	$829.00
Plus Monthly Earnings	+ $500.00
Total Monthly Income	$1,329.00

If John was not working, he would get $979 per month from ODSP Income Support alone. But combine his ODSP Income Support with his earnings and the Work-Related Benefit, and he now has a total income of $1,329 this month.

Adult Family Members

If your spouse or adult dependent (who is not in secondary school full-time) is working and reporting earnings to the ODSP, they can also receive the $100 Work-Related Benefit. The 50% exemption rate will also apply to their earnings.

Example

Both Sandra and her husband, Mark, are working. Together, they earn $1,412 per month. They have one child under the age of 13.

ODSP Income Support	$1,665.00
Earnings Deduction ($1,412.00 x 50% = $706.00)	-$706.00
ODSP Income Support minus earnings deduction	$959.00
Plus Work-Related Benefit ($100 benefit x 2 people working = $200)	+ $200.00
Total ODSP Income Support	$1,159.00
Plus Monthly Earnings	+ $1,412.00
Total Monthly Income	$2,571.00

This family would get $1,665 per month from ODSP Income Support alone. But combine their ODSP Income Support with their earnings and the Work-Related Benefit, and they now have a total income of $2,571 this month.

Need More Information?

For more information, please contact your worker through your local ODSP office.

For general inquiries, please contact:
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Telephone: 1-888-789-4199
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-387-5559
www.mcss.gov.on.ca

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