3. Apply for ODSP based on Long COVID

If you can't work because of Long COVID, you might be able to get from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

To get income support from ODSP, you must qualify both:

  1. financially, and
  2. as a person with a disability.

Proving you have a disability

ODSP rules say that you're a person with a disability if:

  • you have a physical or mental health problem that's expected to last a year or more, and
  • your health problem limits your ability to work, look after yourself, or do daily tasks at home or in the community.

The law also says that your health problem must be substantial and must limit what you can do in a substantial way.

There are many forms that you must submit to prove that you have a disability. This is explained in detail in If I apply for ODSP, how do I prove my disability?

Proving you have Long COVID

Long COVID is new, difficult to diagnose, and can have invisible symptoms. So, it can be more difficult to prove that you're a person with a disability if you have Long COVID.

Invisible symptoms are things the doctor can't see, like being tired and having trouble concentrating.

Your doctor must rely on what you tell them to assess how much Long COVID is affecting your life. So make sure to describe your symptoms and give practical details about how the symptoms limit what you're able to do.

If you're applying for ODSP based on having Long COVID, a community legal clinic may be able to help you with your application.

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