4. Learn about getting help with costs of working
Question and answer
Can I work and get ODSP?Participation Benefit
The Participation Benefit helps with the costs of activities that help you get ready to find a job or keep a job you already have. You can get up to $500 every 12 months.
For example, you might be able to get money for:
- identification documents, like a birth certificate or an Ontario photo card
- mental health counselling or support programs like anger management
- low-cost cell phone or internet access
- a record suspension or pardon, or other legal help
- hygiene supports, such as a haircut or clean clothes
Financial support from Employment Ontario
If you're working with an Employment Ontario program, they may be able to help you pay for things related to getting, keeping, or changing your job.
They may be able to help pay for things like:
- tools, equipment, and clothes for work
- travel costs related to preparing for, finding, or starting a new job
- fees to apply for college or university
- a licence that you need to work, for example, as a skilled tradesperson like a plumber or an electrician
- a membership fee for a professional or trade association
- items or services you need to help you work with your disability, for example, a specialized computer or a sign language interpreter
Work-Related Benefit
The Work-Related Benefit gives you $100 each month that you earn money from a job or training program. You do not have to ask for the Work-Related Benefit or show how you spend it. The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) adds it to your when you qualify.
But for each month that you work, you need to show ODSP proof that you earned money from a job or training program. For example, you can give them a copy of your pay stub.
If you’re self-employed
You get the Work-Related Benefit each month when your is more than the total of:
- your business expenses, and
- any earning exemption.
An earning exemption is the amount of money you can earn before ODSP reduces the amount of money it gives you. Learn more in Step 2.
Getting money right away to pay for child care
If you have to pay for child care when you're starting a job or training program, you might be able to get money from ODSP. This is called an Up-Front Child Care Benefit.
The most you can get as an Up Front Child Care payment is the amount of child-care expenses you can claim in one year. That amount depends on the type of child-care provider you use. The rules about that are in the table in Step 3.