I live with another adult. Can this affect my ODSP?

If the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) thinks you live with someone who is your spouse, neither one of you will be able to get as a single person or as a .

Instead, ODSP looks at the and that both of you have to decide if you can get assistance as a couple.

ODSP rules about couples

ODSP has rules that they use to decide whether 2 adults who live together are spouses.

If ODSP decides that the person you're living with is your spouse, and you disagree, you may be able to appeal the decision.

If you apply as a couple, both of you have to sign all of the forms that are part of the application.

If you need help to decide whether to apply for income support as a couple, contact a community legal clinic.

How much you can get

How much you get from ODSP depends on many things. Usually, your monthly payment includes:  

  • a basic needs amount, and 
  • a shelter allowance.

Your basic needs amount is based on who's in your . 

The shelter allowance is based on who you live with and the costs related to your housing, like rent or a mortgage.  

There's a limit to how much ODSP will pay for a shelter allowance. The most you can get is called the “maximum shelter allowance”. 

Below is the highest monthly payment for 2024, if you're:  

  • single and living alone, or  
  • living with a spouse who does not have a disability.   
2024 rates  Basic needs amount  Maximum shelter allowance   Total monthly payment for 2024 
Single person  $786  $582  $1,368 
Couple   $1,134  $915  $2,049 

The amount of income support you get as a couple is less than what you would get as two single people. But if both of you have a disability, you may be able to get more money than if only one of you has a disability. 

You may also be able to get more money from ODSP in certain circumstances, including if you: 

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding 
  • live in a remote community 
  • need a special diet 
  • are a single parent 

Getting help

If ODSP decides that the person you're living with is your spouse, and you disagree, you may be able to appeal the decision. You can contact a community legal clinic for help. 

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