Financial and Legal Considerations

Financial Support for Adults Who Cannot Work or Go to School

Ontario Works

  • helps social assistance participants prepare for a job, get one, and keep it.
  • coaches individuals as they gain the skills to be more independent and make a living on their own.

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

  • helps people with disabilities with financial needs pay for living expenses like food and housing.

Please make an appointment with your nearest Ontario Works office to discuss your application for either program with a counsellor.

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Financial Support for Personal Growth and Independence

The Passport Program

  • Helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live as independently as possible in their own communities.
  • Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (or their families) can apply for funding to support their personal development and growth.
  • They can use the money to pay for activities to help them:
    • grow personally
    • participate in the community
    • develop work and volunteer skills create their own life plans (this is called person-directed planning)
    • reach their goals

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Financial Help for Prescription Medications

Trillium Drug Program (TDP)

  • provides benefits for certain prescription drugs
  • criteria:
    • applicant must be an Ontario resident who have a valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP)
    • individual’s prescription drug costs is high in relation to his/her net household income

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Financial Support for University and College Students

Individual schools have resources and assistance for students with disabilities. You should check with the school that you want to attend to see what they can provide to assist you and for assistance with applications.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a government financial program that provides financial assistance to post-secondary students in the form of a student loan.

Under OSAP, there are specific programs for students who have disabilities

  • Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)
  • Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE)

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Financial Support for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Individuals who have physical disabilities may need equipment or special devices to be more independent

Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

  • provides financial assistance to people with long term disabilities
  • the money helps obtain basic, personalized assistive devices for activities of daily living at home.

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Long term planning

Many parents who have children with special needs try to take care of them for most of their lives. However, it is recommended that parents plan ahead for the days when they can no longer care for their children.

Please see our Planning ahead for care page for more information. If you would like to discuss these issues, please make an appointment to see the Social Worker at the Dalglish Clinic.

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