ODSP and Autism: A Complete Guide for Ontario Adults

What Is ODSP?

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a provincial program administered by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. It provides two types of support:

• Income Support: Monthly financial assistance for people with disabilities who have low income and limited assets. The amount varies based on family size and individual circumstances. Check Ontario.ca for current rates.
• Employment Supports: Funding and services to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment, including skills training, job coaching, and workplace accommodations assistance.

ODSP is distinct from Ontario Works (OW), which is a general social assistance program without a disability requirement. ODSP rates are generally higher than OW rates.

Disclaimer: ODSP rates and rules change with provincial budgets and policy. Always verify current amounts and eligibility requirements on Ontario.ca.

Does Autism Qualify for ODSP?

Yes. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) qualifies as a disability under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997. To meet ODSP's disability definition, an applicant must have a substantial physical or mental impairment that:

• Is continuous or recurrent
• Is expected to last one year or more (or is likely to recur within that period)
• Directly and substantially restricts one or more activities of daily living (personal care, functioning in the community, or working)

Autism commonly meets these criteria, particularly where significant support needs persist into adulthood. A physician or psychologist must complete the Health Status Report (Form 2) confirming the diagnosis and functional limitations. The Disability Adjudication Unit (DAU) then makes the formal determination.

Having a diagnosis alone is not sufficient, the functional impact on daily living must be documented. Families transitioning a child off the OAP at age 18 should begin the ODSP process well before the 18th birthday, as applications can take months to process.

What ODSP Covers

ODSP Income Support covers both basic needs (food, clothing, personal items) and shelter costs. In addition, ODSP recipients receive extended health benefits:

• Prescription drugs: Covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program.
• Dental care: Basic dental services are covered for ODSP recipients and their dependants.
• Vision care: Periodic eye exams and glasses for eligible recipients.
• Hearing aids and mobility devices: Covered in many cases through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
• Other disability-specific items: Certain items related to your disability may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Employment Supports (separate from Income Support) can fund job coaching, tuition for skills training, interpreter services, and workplace accommodations. You can access Employment Supports even if you do not qualify for Income Support.

How to Apply

1. Contact your local ODSP office. You can call 1-800-387-5514 or visit Ontario.ca to find your nearest ODSP office.
2. Request an application package. This includes forms for you to complete (personal information, financial situation) and the Health Status Report (Form 2) for your medical professional.
3. Have your physician or psychologist complete Form 2. They must describe the nature of the disability and its functional limitations in detail. Comprehensive documentation improves your chances of approval.
4. Gather financial documentation. ODSP also assesses financial need. You will need to provide information about income, assets, and expenses.
5. Submit your application. Applications are reviewed by the Disability Adjudication Unit (DAU). You will receive written notice of the disability decision. Financial eligibility is assessed separately.
6. If denied, appeal within 30 days. You can request an internal review and then appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal if the review does not resolve the issue.

Families transitioning an autistic child at age 18 should apply for ODSP at least 6 months before the 18th birthday to avoid a gap in financial support. OAP services end at 18 and ODSP can help bridge the gap.

Working While on ODSP

ODSP encourages employment through an earnings exemption policy. You can earn a certain amount per month before your ODSP income support begins to be reduced. After the exemption threshold, benefits are typically reduced by 50 cents for every additional dollar of net employment income.

This structure allows many autistic adults to work part-time or in supported employment roles while retaining a meaningful portion of their ODSP support.

ODSP Employment Supports can help autistic adults find appropriate jobs by funding:

• Job development and placement services
• Job coaching and on-the-job support
• Skills training and upgrading
• Transportation to work
• Workplace accommodation assistance

For detailed information on working while on ODSP, see also Supported Employment in Ontario and Workplace Accommodations for Autistic Adults.

Frequently Asked Questions