3. Answer questions about your relationship

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) asks the questions that are in Part 1 of the Questionnaire (for Applicants or Recipients who are living with another adult) if:

• you've been living with someone who is not a close family member for at least 3 months, and
• you say that the person is not your spouse.

Questions in Part 1 of the Questionnaire

In Part 1, ODSP asks you to choose the option that best describes your relationship with this person. You can choose:

• legally married
• marriage-like, such as common-law
• roommate
• roomer or boarder
• friend
• caregiver, if you're not married or living common-law

Or, if you choose, “other”, you have to explain what that means.

There are also questions about:

• whether there's a court order or agreement that says that the person you live with must support you or your child
• whether or not you have children together

Based on your answers to Part 1, ODSP can decide either that:

• you're spouses, or
• they need to ask you more questions before they can decide. Steps 4 and 5 talk about these other questions.

If you disagree with the decision

If ODSP decides that the person you're living with is your spouse, they'll say that you cannot get income support as a single person or as a sole-support parent. Instead, ODSP looks at the income and assets that both of you have to decide if you can get assistance as a couple.

If you disagree with their decision, you may be able to appeal.