Learn the rules about gifts ODSP doesn’t count

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) considers an to be a type of gift.

But there are some gifts that are “exempt”. This means that ODSP does not count them when they add up your and .

Money to pay for items or services related to your disability

ODSP will not count money that someone gives you to pay for items or services related to your disability. But this applies only if you get approval from ODSP.

Money to pay for certain other things

ODSP does not count money that someone gives you:

  • to use as first and last month's rent because you need a place to live
  • to help buy a home for you to live in
  • to help buy a car that’s an exempt asset
  • to put in a registered education savings plan (RESP) or a registered disability savings plan (RDSP)

But you should use the money:

  • within 12 months if you use it to buy a home
  • within 6 months if you use it to buy a car or pay first and last month's rent, or you put it inan RESP or RDSP

If you don't do this, ODSP counts the money as income in the month you get it and as an asset in the months after that.

You can ask ODSP to give you more time. You need to explain why you need it. If they refuse, get legal advice.

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