First $200/month exempt, 50% reduction above
ODSP earnings exemption
ODSP Act, 1997 — O. Reg. 222/98
6 months (Transitional Health Benefit)
Medical benefit retention after leaving ODSP
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
2 years from leaving ODSP
Rapid Reinstatement window
ODSP Directives — Employment Supports
Up to $10,000 per year without affecting ODSP
Gift exemption (one-time)
ODSP Act, 1997 — O. Reg. 222/98, s. 39
Employment Ontario funds supported employment programs across the province. These programs provide job coaching, workplace training, and employer education. Many are delivered by community agencies with autism expertise.
Supported employment follows a "place-train-maintain" model. Job coaches help with the application process, workplace orientation, and ongoing support. The intensity of support is tailored to the individual and typically decreases over time.
Ontario's Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities guides provincial programs. The strategy emphasizes competitive employment in integrated settings. It recognizes that autistic adults often need ongoing, flexible support to maintain employment.
Employment income reduces ODSP payments through the earnings exemption formula. The first $200 per month is exempt. Above that, ODSP deducts 50 cents per dollar. Total income from work plus ODSP always exceeds ODSP alone.
When employment income causes the ODSP payment to reach zero, the case is suspended but not closed. This is an important distinction. A suspended case can be reactivated quickly. A closed case requires a new application.
Other income sources are treated differently. Gift cards, one-time gifts under $10,000, and RDSP withdrawals do not reduce ODSP. Inheritance may affect eligibility unless it is directed into a Henson Trust.
ODSP medical and dental benefits are critical for many autistic adults. These benefits continue for six months after leaving ODSP due to employment income. The Transitional Health Benefit covers this period.
Rapid Reinstatement allows former ODSP recipients to return to the program within two years. This removes the biggest fear around employment: losing benefits permanently. The reinstatement process is faster than a new application.
For autistic adults with fluctuating employment, these provisions provide a safety net. Seasonal work, contract positions, and variable hours are common. ODSP accommodates these patterns through its reporting and reinstatement systems.
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
ODSP Employment Supports and Earnings Rules (ontario.ca/odsp)
Employment Ontario
Supported Employment programs and Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities
Income Security Advocacy Centre
ODSP Earnings Exemption fact sheet and Rapid Reinstatement guide
Disclaimer:This page provides general information, not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor familiar with disability planning for decisions specific to your family's situation.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
US$2.4M, Lifetime support costs for autism with co-occurring intellectual disability can reach US$2.4 million per person (Buescher et al.)
1 in 50, According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
$200/month, The Canada Disability Benefit provides up to for eligible Canadians with disabilities
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four