If a disability makes it hard to work and pay for food and rent, learning how to apply for ODSP is an important first step. ODSP, the Ontario Disability Support Program, gives income support, health benefits and employment help to people with disabilities who are in financial need.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we welcome many neighbours who live with a disability. We do not run ODSP, but we want you to understand the process, and to know where to find a free meal while your application moves through it.
Quick answer
How do I apply for ODSP?
Apply online through the Ontario government, which takes most people 20 to 30 minutes, or call the Social Assistance Support Line at 1-888-999-1142 (TTY 1-800-387-5559). You can also book an appointment at your local ODSP office. After your financial eligibility is confirmed, a health care professional fills out the Disability Determination Package. The whole process may take a few months.
What ODSP provides
According to the ODSP page on Ontario.ca (opens in a new tab), the program offers three kinds of help.
- Income support: monthly money for living costs, including food and rent.
- Health benefits: help with costs such as prescription drugs and vision care.
- Employment support: help with disability-related barriers to work, plus training and job search help through Employment Ontario.
To qualify, you must have a disability and be in financial need. A specialized team at the ministry reviews medical information to decide whether you meet the legal definition of disability.
Before you start: gather your documents
Having your papers ready saves time. Ontario.ca suggests gathering these for you and the immediate family members who live with you.
- Social insurance numbers
- Ontario health cards (OHIP)
- Birth certificates
- Immigration papers, if they apply
- Tax returns
- Banking information
Later, you may be asked for proof of income, shelter costs, Ontario residency and bank statements. Most people need at least one month of statements, and some need up to 12 months.
The ODSP application, step by step
Applying for ODSP happens in stages. Knowing what comes next can make the wait less stressful.
| Step | What happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply | Fill out the application online, by phone or at your local office | About 20 to 30 minutes online |
| 2. Caseworker call | A caseworker calls to book an appointment | Within 15 business days |
| 3. Financial review | You provide documents and sign the application | Decision within 15 business days |
| 4. Disability Determination Package | A health care professional completes the medical forms | Depends on your appointment |
| 5. Disability review | The ministry decides whether you qualify | Letter within 90 business days |
| 6. Planning and first payment | Your caseworker explains when payments start | After approval |
Step 1: Apply online, by phone or in person
Most people apply online, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes. One application covers you and your immediate family members who live with you.
You can also call the Social Assistance Support Line at 1-888-999-1142 (TTY 1-800-387-5559), or book an appointment at your local ODSP office. Choose whichever is easiest for you.
Steps 2 and 3: Your caseworker and the financial review
A caseworker will call within 15 business days to set up an appointment. At that meeting, you provide your documents and sign your application.
You will hear whether you are financially eligible within 15 business days. If you are found not eligible, you have 30 days to ask for a review of the decision.
Step 4: The Disability Determination Package
If you are financially eligible, you receive the Disability Determination Package, often called the DDP. An approved health care professional, such as your doctor, fills it out to describe your disability and how it affects your daily life.
Some people belong to a prescribed class and do not need a DDP. Your caseworker will tell you if this applies to you. You can mail the paper form or submit the digital version.
Step 5: The disability review and decision
The ministry reviews your medical information. Ontario.ca says you will get a letter within 90 business days telling you whether your disability qualifies.
If you are approved, your caseworker books a planning appointment and tells you when to expect your first payment. If you disagree with a decision, the letter explains how to ask for a review.
Need money while you wait?
The full process may take a few months. If you need money for food and housing in the meantime, Ontario.ca says you can apply for Ontario Works and ODSP together.
Our guide on how to apply for Ontario Works (opens in a new tab) walks through that process. You can check the status of your application with your application number online, through MyBenefits, or by calling 1-888-999-1142, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tips for a smoother application
- Book your doctor’s appointment for the DDP as soon as you receive it.
- Keep copies of every form and letter, and write down your application number.
- Bring a family member or friend to appointments if it helps you.
- Answer calls and letters quickly, so your file is not delayed.
Keep your health records together
The disability review depends on clear medical information. Before your appointment for the Disability Determination Package, make a simple list of your health conditions, medicines, specialists and the daily tasks that are hard for you.
Bring that list to your doctor so nothing important is missed. Keep copies of test results, specialist letters and hospital records in one folder, and note the dates of appointments and treatments.
Free food and support in the meantime
Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves coffee, tea and a light breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. Our Food Bank runs on Wednesdays (opens in a new tab), and the Clothing Closet (opens in a new tab) is open Tuesday to Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Everything is free and open to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get approved for ODSP?
Ontario.ca says the process may take a few months. After the Disability Determination Package is submitted, you get a letter within 90 business days about whether your disability qualifies.
What is the phone number to apply for ODSP?
Call the Social Assistance Support Line at 1-888-999-1142, or TTY 1-800-387-5559. You can also book an appointment at your local ODSP office.
What is the Disability Determination Package?
It is a set of forms an approved health care professional fills out to describe your disability. It is used to decide whether you meet the definition of disability for ODSP.
Can I get Ontario Works while I wait for ODSP?
Yes. If you need money for food and housing while you wait, you can apply for Ontario Works and ODSP together.
Where can I get free meals in Brantford while I wait?
Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves free breakfast and hot meals and runs a Food Bank on Wednesdays, open to everyone.
Applying for ODSP takes patience, and you do not have to go through it alone. Program details can change, so check Ontario.ca for the latest, and lean on our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) along the way.
