The Ontario Disability Support Program, or ODSP, is a government benefit that provides financial assistance to Ontario residents with disabilities who are in financial need. ODSP offers a monthly payment to help cover basic living expenses, like shelter, food, and medication.
Understanding when ODSP payments are made, how to qualify for support, and how to successfully apply are critical steps for disabled Ontarians seeking this source of income. Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
When are the ODSP Payment Dates for 2025?
ODSP sends out payments on the same schedule each month, depositing funds directly into recipients’ bank accounts. Here are all of the ODSP payment dates set for 2025:
- January 31, 2025
- February 28, 2025
- March 31, 2025
- April 30, 2025
- May 30, 2025
- June 30, 2025
- July 31, 2025
- August 29, 2025
- September 29, 2025
- October 31, 2025
- November 28, 2025
- December 2025: Exact date TBD
The December ODSP payment is always made in early December, ahead of the year-end holidays, to prevent any delay in recipients accessing their final payment for the year.
ODSP recipients can choose to receive funds via direct deposit into a bank account, by cheque through the mail, or through a reloadable payment card that functions similarly to a prepaid debit card.
Among these options, direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable payout method, particularly for avoiding postal service disruptions.
Who is Eligible for ODSP Disability Benefits?
To qualify for ODSP financial assistance and health benefits, you must:
- Be an Ontario resident
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have a substantial physical or mental disability that is verified by a healthcare professional, that is expected to last at least a year.
- Be considered a person with a disability under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act
In addition to the above requirements, applicants must demonstrate financial need to be eligible. Here are the income and asset thresholds:
| Family Status | Income Limit | Asset Limit |
| Single person | $1,000 per month | $40,000 |
| Couple (both on ODSP) | $1,750 per month | $50,000 |
| Each additional dependant | Increases limits | +$500 |
Applicants must go through an in-depth financial assessment to confirm income and demonstrate assets below the allowable limits. Exceptions are made for the principal residence and vehicle.
How Much is the ODSP Monthly Payment?
The maximum monthly ODSP payment consists of two components: a basic needs allowance and a shelter allowance.
The basic needs allowance contributes to costs for food, clothing, transportation and other daily necessities.
The maximum basic needs allowance amounts for different family situations are outlined below:
| Dependents Under 18 | Dependents 18+ | Single | Spouse Without Disability | Spouse With Disability |
| 0 | 0 | $786 | $1,134 | $1,569 |
| 1 | 0 | $786 | $1,134 | $1,569 |
| 0 | 1 | $1,219 | $1,355 | $1,790 |
| 2 | 0 | $786 | $1,134 | $1,569 |
For a single person, the total maximum monthly ODSP payment that combines both allowances is $1,254. For couples where both individuals have a disability, the maximum is $2,258.
On the order side, the shelter allowance goes towards housing costs like rent, mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and insurance. As stated, the maximum shelter allowance depends on family size:
- 1 person – $582 per month
- 2 people – $915 per month
- 3 people – $990 per month
- 4 people – $1,074 per month
- 5 people – $1,159 per month
- 6+ people – $1,201 per month
That said, the actual amount each recipient gets is based on their living situation, including:
- Marital status
- Number of dependents
- Ages of dependents
- Housing costs
- Location in Ontario
Once you understand how these factors affect monthly payment amounts, you can plan your finances effectively while receiving ODSP assistance.
What Can You Get Help Paying For Through ODSP?
In addition to basic needs and shelter costs, ODSP offers financial aid for other disability-related expenses:
- Prescription drugs – Basic coverage and copayment assistance
- Dental care – Basic and specialty dental services
- Vision care – Eye exams and prescription glasses/repairs
- Medical transportation – For appointments and treatments
- Pregnancy/nursing nutritional allowance
- Medical supplies and devices – prosthetics, hearing aids, etc.
- Dietary supplements – For special nutritional needs
ODSP also provides employment help, including skills training, job search assistance, workplace accommodations, and business start-up support.
This wide range of supplementary coverage and support provides crucial financial relief for disability-related healthcare and living costs.
How Do You Apply for ODSP Benefits?
You can apply for ODSP online, in person at your local ODSP office, over the phone, or by mail.
Follow six steps to submit an ODSP application and successfully enroll in the program:
Step 1: Complete the online application form
- Provide personal details: names, birthdates, contact info, marital status
- List income and assets for all family members
- Specify housing costs
- Disclose any current or previous government assistance
Step 2: ODSP reviews the initial application
- Processing time is up to 15 business days
- Additional documents may be requested
Step 3: Attend an in-person intake appointment
- Verify your application details are complete and accurate
- Provide signed consent for further verification
- Caseworker determines preliminary financial eligibility
Step 4: Submit Disability Determination Package
- Includes self-report, health status report, and activities of daily living assessment
- Healthcare provider completes clinical verification of disability
- 90 days to return package to Disability Adjudication Unit
Step 5: Final adjudication of eligibility
- ODSP officials evaluate all evidence and make a final determination
- Applicants are informed of the decision within 15 business days
- Eligible applicants are scheduled for the first ODSP payment deposit
Step 6: Report any changes in status
- Changes to income, living arrangements, or disability must be reported
- ODSP payments are adjusted accordingly
- Eligibility is reassessed annually
Completing all documentation accurately and working closely with your ODSP caseworker can help expedite the application process. If approved, be diligent about reporting any changes that could impact your eligibility or monthly support payments.
Overall, it can take 3-6 months to get fully approved for ODSP. You may be able to get Ontario Works financial assistance in the interim.
What is the Difference Between ODSP and Ontario Works?
While ODSP and Ontario Works both provide income assistance, there are important distinctions between the two programs. The key differences are summarized in the following table:
| Program Aspect | ODSP | Ontario Works (OW) |
| Program duration | Long-term support for prolonged disabilities | Shorter-term, temporary financial assistance |
| Eligibility | Requires proof of disability from a health professional | No disability requirement |
| Income assistance | Higher monthly payments | Payments may be reduced faster with earned income |
| Mandatory participation | No required participation or job searching | Requires employment assistance activities |
| Healthcare benefits | Covers more extended health and dental benefits | Basic dental and prescription coverage only |
Many ODSP applicants start on OW while awaiting final approval for longer-term disability benefits. You can receive ODSP and OW simultaneously, but payments are adjusted to avoid duplication.
What if Your ODSP Payment is Late?
If your monthly ODSP payment does not arrive when expected, first check:
- Your bank account – Log in to confirm whether the deposit is just delayed.
- Your MyBenefits account – The payment may display as issued there, indicating bank delays.
- Reloadable card balance – Ensure funds were added if you receive ODSP this way.
- Mail delays – If you receive paper cheques, be patient for potential Canada Post service impacts.
If the payment still does not arrive by the end of the day, contact your ODSP caseworker immediately for assistance. They can investigate, confirm payment status, and reissue the funds if necessary.
Having the ODSP office number handy ensures you can promptly report late payments. The sooner the issue is reported, the quicker any delays can be rectified.
Other Benefits ODSP Recipients May Qualify For
In addition to ODSP basic income support and healthcare coverage, recipients may qualify for complementary financial assistance and credits, including:
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) – For contributors unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability.
- Federal disability tax credit – Reduces income taxes owed by up to $1,299 annually.
- Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) – Up to $122/month per eligible child under 18.
- Ontario Trillium Drug Program – Additional prescription medication coverage with no deductible for ODSP recipients.
- Rent-geared-to-income housing – Subsidized housing with rent determined based on income level.
- Ontario Works – Short-term income and employment assistance while awaiting ODSP.
- GST/HST credit – Quarterly payments to help offset sales taxes for those with low incomes.
- Canada workers benefit – Refundable tax credits supplementing income from employment.
Leveraging these additional supports alongside ODSP payments can help disabled individuals and families make ends meet. ODSP caseworkers can assist with accessing and coordinating complementary benefits and programs.
The bottom line
ODSP provides a vital source of income and healthcare support for Ontarians living with disabilities. Understanding when payments are made, how to qualify, and how to apply is key to accessing this essential financial lifeline.
So, you should consult this guide for key dates, amounts, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for ODSP benefits in 2025. Reach out to your local ODSP office for personalized assistance in accessing disability income support.
FAQs related to ODSP Payment Dates
How can I get ODSP deposited directly?
To receive payments via direct bank deposit, provide your banking information through your MyBenefits account or to your ODSP caseworker. Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable method.
What if my ODSP payment is late?
First, confirm the payment status through your bank, MyBenefits account, or caseworker. If it is late, contact your caseworker immediately to investigate and reissue the payment if needed.
Why do ODSP payments increase each year?
ODSP rates are indexed to inflation so payments rise annually when the cost of living goes up, usually in July. This helps maintain recipients' purchasing power.
What extra health benefits come with ODSP?
Recipients get coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision care, medical transportation, disability devices, dietary needs, and more based on eligibility.
Can ODSP be taken away or denied?
If you no longer meet eligibility criteria due to income, assets, or disability status changes, payments can be reduced or discontinued upon review.
