Odsp Application: Fill & Download for Free

In Ontario, Canada the process was getting my GP to refer me to a psychiatrist.His report supported a disability claim which went into my ODSP application. The psychiatrist’s recommendation was key.No lawyers were involved.

ODSP is a provincial disability benefit. Technically, someone in receipt of ODSP can live anywhere in Ontario. HOWEVER, there are things to consider before making a move.a) There are two parts to the ODSP cheque. There’s the shelter portion and the basic needs portion. The shelter portion is based upon actual rent costs up to the maximum amount of $497. More information about the ODSP shelter allowance calculation is available at the link below:6.2 Shelter CalculationIn Toronto, a single disabled recipient living alone would receive a maximum shelter allowance of $497 per month. However, if they move to a small town and rent is only $300 per month, the recipient would receive only $300 per month to cover their actual cost.Furthermore, if a recipient lives in certain parts of northern Ontario, they might be eligible for the Remote Communities Allowance. If you move south, then, the allowance would no longer be paid. More information about the Remote Communities Allowance and the basic needs portion of ODSP are available at the link below:6.1 Basic Needs Calculationb) Moving from an urban area to a rural area might be a positive move in terms of housing costs. Some rentals could include a garden which would mean the possibility of home grown food. However, one would have to calculate the cost of vehicle upkeep and gas; in addition, in rural communities, services are more limited and food, clothes, etc can be more expensive. Savings in housing costs could be reduced or eliminated by increased costs of other basic amenities.c) ODSPA is provincial legislation. Even though law and regulation are provincially mandated, practice can vary by municipality. Legislation can be interpreted leniently or strictly depending on the person in charge.Also, some towns and cities offer assistance to social assistance recipients and / or disabled persons. For example, the city of St. Catharines provides free snow removal and allows veterans to travel free on the bus. See links below.Assistance Programs for ResidentsFares - St. Catharines TransitThe City of London offers a subsidized bus pass to persons living on low incomes. See link below.Income-Related Transit ProgramThe City of Hamilton has only seniors fares which are not income tested. See link below. Cash, Tickets and PassesIt’s important to calculate all your living costs before you move. Check which municipality offers services that are most important to you.d) ODSP does not routinely cover moving expenses. Applicants have to apply for discretionary funds. Check with your specific municipality about the types of moving costs they will cover and how much they pay.Finally, (and most importantly), twenty years ago, I worked as a disability advocate in a community legal clinic. The information I offer here is based on my past work experience and legal research. However, I am not a lawyer and none of what I have written is to be construed as legal advice.For up to date information and advice about your specific issue, contact your local community legal clinic. Just put your address in the form at the link below. You will find out the name and number of the closest community legal clinic. Legal clinics provide free legal advice and / or representation on ODSP issues.Legal Clinics Archive - Legal Aid Ontario

Nobody ever HAS to repay a loan or debt. But here’s the thing, and it’s hard learned. You’ll regret it.While it’s easy enough to duck a uncashed Cheque, or payday loan (I do know a few who have done it) it ends up affecting your long term credit. And it WILL show up on it.The first time I checked my credit score (about 2006) which was about 20 years after being out in my own, I discovered I had a score of 450–500.No big deal right? That’s what I thought. Suddenly every rental application, loan application made more sense. 90%+ Of Canadians had better credit then I did.Over the years I had been on a General Welfare, and even ODSP, and at no point does being on either make you “immune” to paying your debts.That said, there IS a loophole in most payday loan agreements (especially online) that we can make use of. If you loan/reloan 3–4 times inside x days, you can request smaller more manageable payments.A family emergency caused us to end up with a second one. While we got one finally paid down. The larger one remained, and there seemed to be no recovery from it.Finally we got tired of juggling the payment and decided to stop payments from my wife’s account, we are now under an agreement to make much smaller manageable payments on a monthly basis.THERE IS a way out, just read your agreement and/or talk to them about your issues.But its no doubt, you DO owe the money from ANY loan you put your name on. Best to arrange a payment schedule that you can deal with.