3. Start your application - Steps to Justice

If you're not on Ontario Works (OW), start by applying to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). You can do this by:

using the online application, or
calling the Social Assistance Contact Centre at 1-888-999-1142. For TTY, call 1-800-387-5559.

If you need help filling out an application, you may be able to go to your local ODSP office. Call first to make an appointment.

You can also contact your local community legal clinic for help.

Fill out all application forms

You must fill out and sign many forms when you apply. Below are some of the forms.

Application for Assistance

This form asks for information about you and your financial situation.

Consent to Disclose and Verify Personal Information

This form lets ODSP check the information that you give them. For example, they can check with your bank, a credit reporting agency, or government agencies, such as the Family Responsibility Office.

But they should only check information that that they need to prove that you qualify financially.

If you have concerns about information that ODSP wants, contact your community legal clinic.

Consent to Disclose and Verify Information (Canada Revenue Agency)

This form lets ODSP check the information that the has about you.

This includes information related to:

your income tax returns, and
any benefits you get from the Government of Canada like Employment Insurance or Old Age Security.

Rights and Responsibilities

This form describes what you must do while you're getting ODSP.

If you need a special diet

People who have certain medical conditions may be able to get a special diet allowance as part of what they get from ODSP.

If you or others in your qualify for a special diet, ODSP must look at this when they decide about your application.

So, it can be important to apply for a special diet allowance with the rest of your application.

If ODSP will not take your application

If the online application says you're not eligible, contact your local ODSP office to find out if this is correct.

If you apply by phone and the ODSP worker will not let you to finish your application, ask to speak to a supervisor. Tell the supervisor that you want to finish your application.

If there's still a problem, contact your community legal clinic right away.