By Mikhaela Albarico, Student OT
There are a number of funding options available for Ontario residents with disabilities. This post will cover three funding options. Other possibilities can be found at the end of the post.
| Income Replacement Benefits (IRB) | Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Income Support | Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits (CPP-D) | |
| Eligibility | · If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident.
· You must have been: – Employed or self-employed at the time of the accident. OR – Not employed at the time of the accident but employed for at least 26 weeks in the year before the accident, was at least 16 years old, or excused from attending school under the Education Act. OR – Receiving Employment Insurance at the time of the accident. · As a result of and within 2 years after the accident, you must have a substantial inability to perform the essential tasks of your job. |
· You must be at least 18 years old.
· You must demonstrate financial need. The costs of your household’s basic living expenses must be more than your income and assets. · You must meet the program’s definition of a person with disability: – Substantial mental or physical impairment that is continuous or recurrent and is expected to last at least 1 year. – The impairment directly results in a substantial restriction in your ability to work, care for yourself, or take part in community life. – The duration and restrictions of the impairment have been verified by an approved healthcare professional. |
· You must be under the age of 65.
· You must have contributed to the CPP in: – 4 of the last 6 years OR – 3 of the last 6 years if you have contributed for at least 25 years · Your disability must be severe and prolonged. – Severe: a mental or physical disability that regularly stops you from doing any type of substantially gainful work. – Prolonged: long-term and of indefinite duration or is likely to result in death. |
| Maximum Monthly Amount* | $1,600 | From $1,169 for a single person to $1,971 for a couple with children | $1,335 |
| Deductible from Benefit | · Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
· Short- and long-term disability benefits · Employment Insurance benefits · Certain Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits |
· IRB
· Non-earner benefits · Past or future loss of income · Punitive damages awards · WSIB awards for past or future economic loss |
No information available |
| How Income Affects Benefit | The insurer can deduct from your IRB 70% of any before-tax employment or self-employment income earned after the accident. | 50% of your after-tax earnings over $200 is deducted from your income support payment. | You can earn up to a certain amount each year without losing your benefits. This amount changes every year. In 2018, the amount was $5,500 (before taxes). |
| Period of Benefit | · Maximum of 2 years.
· If you are completely unable to engage in any employment or self-employment after 2 years, you may continue to qualify for IRB. |
· Income support payments stop if you:
– No longer meet the program’s definition of disability. OR – Turn 65 and qualify for Old Age Security. |
· Benefits stop if:
– You no longer have a disability. OR – You are capable of working on a regular basis. OR – You turn 65 and start receiving the CPP retirement pension. |
| When to Consider Applying | · If you are having difficulties returning to work because of accident-related impairments.
· If most of your treatments are for accident-related impairments. |
· If you have tried every other funding source for financial help.
– The ODSP is a program of last resort and you need to show that you have tried all other options. |
If you plan to apply for ODSP, you will first need to apply for CPP-D. |
| Application Process | · Complete an Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1).
· A regulated healthcare professional completes your Disability Certificate (OCF-3). · Within 10 business days after you submit your application, the insurer will: – Pay the IRB OR – Notify you about the reasons why they do not believe you are entitled to the IRB OR – Require you to undergo an insurer examination to confirm your eligibility. |
· You and your healthcare providers complete the Disability Determination Package.
· You provide documentation of: – Your household’s shelter-related costs. – Any money coming into your household. – The value of assets belonging to members of your household. · 25% of applications are reviewed within 10 business days. Complex applications usually take up to 90 business days. |
· Complete the application form.
· A doctor or a nurse practitioner completes your medical report. · It takes approximately 4 months for a decision to be made. |
*Maximum monthly amounts are not guaranteed. The amount you receive will be based on assessments.
An Important Note
There may be factors specific to you that disqualify you from certain benefits. For more information and guidance, consult your legal or regulated healthcare providers or visit your local community legal clinic.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general reference only.
Other Funding Options
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
Resources