ODSP, anyone?

Just wondering if anyone living in Ontario has applied for ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program, I believe). I am currently going through the process, and have a few questions:

1. Were you rejected the first time you applied? If so, how many times did you have to apply before you got accepted?

2. How long did it take your doc to fill out their part of the application?

3. How long did it take for ODSP to process your application and get back to you?

Thanks for taking the time to read. I'm a little discouraged in this whole situation, being 18 and having to apply for this, but it's just a fact that I can't handle working right now.

HI I'm on ODSP, and yep that's the acronym.

1. I was accepted the first time. I actually wandered into their office and since I have a wheelchair it's a lot more obvious that I AM disabled, thus really qualify for the program.
2. My doc filled it out in maybe 20-ish minutes as I recall.
3. I can't remember unfortunately, but not long at all.

I applied for it back when I was 18 I think too. (It's been a while can't remember exactly how old I was). It is a bit weird, but it's free money and it comes with a drug plan which is AWESOME if you're on different meds that are expensive. You dont have to be on it forever, just use it as long as you need it. They also have a job help associated with it (Ontario Works) which can help you find a job even with a disability, if you're looking for that sort of thing.

They are finicky about financial stuff, so make sure you've collected bank statements when that part of the process is in play. The people are pretty nice, and I do like their office. It's a lot of paperwork, but if you've got a disability (a physical one especially) you're quite likely to not get turned down at all.

If you've got any other questions, send me a PM and I can help. Even for emotional support.

Hi Melissa,
I have MS and was diagnosed 3 years ago. I had lost my vision so I had to quit working and depend on my spouse for assistance. Since then I tried to apply for ODSP about 3 times

I also began a battle with CPP. Which I was adamant to receive after paying into it close to 20years.

When I contacted ODSP I was told that because I owned a home and had RRSP savings I would be expected to go through that first.
" So let me get this straight" I asked " I need to be financially destitute before you will help me? Isn't it better for me to keep my savings and home and you just assist me?" I never did get an answer to that question.

My Neurologist was great and filled out as many forms as I needed he was expecting me to get assistance like I was.

Don't give up! A lot of it is bureaucratic BS and keep in mind that a civil servant is NOT a Doctor and they have to give a really good written reason for rejecting your application.

My wife and I were having difficulties in our relationship I was going through painful treatment and since I was the only 'adult' at home who could deal with ODSP I gave it up because it was too hard by myself.

Let me end on a good note I fought the federal government for 2 years and was awarded CPP in April.

During the battle
I learned this:

1. It doesn't matter what disability you have.
If you agree with your doctor FIGHT for it.

2. A non-medical person has no right to decide if you do or don't qualify on 'their' own judgment or experience.

3 Keep asking, applying, calling and don't give up.

4 Call your MPP or MP - that's what they are there for -It doesn't matter if you voted for them or not. Call their office write letters keep sending it and don't get discouraged if they send you back a 'form' letter telling you what the government 'has' done - call and demand to speak to someone who will help you NOW!

5 Get mad and stay mad! for me I found that's what motivated me. I never accepted no as an answer or some government 'gobbly gook'.

I hope this helps.
You can email me if you have any more questions.

Good Luck!

ODSP won't cover you if you've got over $5,000 to your name, since ODSP is *only* for those who are in financial need, maybe including savings, home ownership, car ownership, RRSP/RESPs, etc. (Or at least that's what it was when I first got on, and it's likely still the same). The only thing you're allowed to have are lines of credit, and things like a loan, because they're negative income (you owe them rather than actually have free money).

For ODSP, if you're denied the first time, you can request an Internal Review. If you're denied again, your last chance is requesting a Social Benefits Tribunal.