The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) continues to be a lifeline for thousands of Ontarians living with disabilities. With the rising cost of living, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about ODSP payment dates, the latest increases, available benefits, and whether your condition qualifies.
In this in-depth guide, we break down the ODSP Payment Dates 2025, highlight any increases, reveal hidden ODSP benefits many don’t know about, and provide a clear list of disabilities that may qualify you for support. We’ll also provide a quick recap of the ODSP payment dates 2024.
Table of Contents
What is ODSP?
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a provincial government benefit that provides income and employment support to residents of Ontario with a substantial physical or mental disability expected to last one year or more.
ODSP is designed to:
- Help cover basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and shelter
- Provide employment support services
- Offer access to health-related and disability-specific benefits
ODSP Payment Dates 2025
ODSP payments are issued monthly, typically on the last business day of the month, except when that day falls on a weekend or holiday.
Confirmed ODSP Pay Dates 2025:
| Month | ODSP Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| January | January 31, 2025 |
| February | February 28, 2025 |
| March | March 31, 2025 |
| April | April 30, 2025 |
| May | May 30, 2025 |
| June | June 30, 2025 |
| July | July 31, 2025 |
| August | August 29, 2025 |
| September | September 30, 2025 |
| October | October 31, 2025 |
| November | November 28, 2025 |
| December | December 31, 2025 |
Tip: Sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays and receive funds on the payment date.
Recap – ODSP Payment Dates 2024
For reference, here’s a quick look back at the ODSP payment dates for 2024:
Month ODSP Payment Dates 2024 January January 31 February February 29 March March 28 April April 30 May May 31 June June 28 July July 31 August August 30 September September 30 October October 31 November November 29 December December 31
ODSP Increase 2025 – New Payment Amount
ODSP recipients saw a 6.5% increase in core monthly rates in July 2024, following inflation adjustments. In a continued effort to protect Ontario’s most vulnerable residents, the province has announced a 2.8% increase to ODSP rates effective July 1, 2025. This marks the fourth annual inflation-based adjustment since ODSP indexing began in September 2022, bringing the total cumulative increase to 20% over three years.
Current Monthly Maximum ODSP Amounts (2025):
- Single person: approx. $1,308 (includes basic needs + shelter allowance)
- Couple, both with disabilities: up to $2,362
- Additional dependents or children may increase your total amount.
- No application needed – increases apply automatically
Starting with the July 31, 2025 payment, ODSP recipients will receive increased monthly support. The 2.8% boost applies to:
- Basic needs and shelter maximums (for singles and families)
- Board and lodge amounts
- Couples where both partners have disabilities
- Support amounts for residents of:
- Long-Term Care Homes
- Specialized Care Residences
Before July 2025: A single individual could receive up to $1,370 for basic needs and shelter.
After July 1, 2025: That same person could receive up to $1,408 per month — an increase of $38.
The exact amount varies depending on individual circumstances, including living arrangements and family size.
Hidden Benefits from ODSP
In addition to monthly income support, ODSP disability offers many lesser-known benefits, including:
🌟 ODSP Hidden Benefits:
- Drug and dental coverage
- Vision care (glasses, exams)
- Hearing aids and batteries
- Medical transportation assistance
- Special diet allowance for specific health conditions
- Guide dog benefit (up to $84/month)
- Employment support and job start-up grants
- Child benefits if you have dependent children
- Discretionary benefits through your municipality (e.g., emergency housing needs)
Note: Some of these benefits require additional documentation or approval.
List of Disabilities That Qualify for ODSP
To be eligible for ODSP disability, your condition must meet the “substantial impairment” criteria, supported by a health professional and approved by the Disability Adjudication Unit.
Commonly Approved ODSP Disabilities:
✅ Physical Disabilities:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic pain/fatigue syndromes
- Amputation or severe mobility impairments
✅ Mental Health Conditions:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
- Severe anxiety or panic disorders
✅ Developmental & Cognitive Disabilities:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Intellectual disability
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Brain injuries (TBI)
✅ Chronic Illnesses:
- Cancer (active treatment)
- Diabetes (complications)
- Epilepsy
- HIV/AIDS
- Kidney failure or dialysis patients
This list is not exhaustive. Any disability causing severe and ongoing functional limitations may qualify if supported by medical evidence.
ODSP Application Package & Forms
To apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), you must complete an application package that includes both financial eligibility forms and a Disability Determination Package (DDP). The process is two-part: first, your financial situation is assessed, then your medical eligibility is reviewed by the Disability Adjudication Unit. Forms can be started online or picked up in person at an ODSP office.
Step by Step Guide:
- Two-step process:
- Financial assessment
- Medical (disability) assessment
- Key forms include:
- Application for Assistance
- Rights and Responsibilities form
- Consent to Disclose and Verify Information
- Disability Determination Package (DDP) – completed by a health professional
- Where to get the forms:
- Online through the ODSP portal (or at Ontario.ca)
- In person at a local ODSP or Ontario Works office
- Health professionals complete the medical section of the DDP
- Submit all documents within 90 days to avoid delays or cancellation
- You can get help filling out the forms at an ODSP office
Extra Benefits You Can Get on ODSP
In addition to monthly financial assistance, ODSP offers a range of extra benefits to support the health, housing, and daily needs of people with disabilities. These additional supports help cover costs like medical supplies, transportation, employment supports, and special diet needs. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on your individual circumstances and needs, and many require approval from your ODSP caseworker.
- Health-related benefits:
- Prescription drug coverage (Ontario Drug Benefit)
- Dental and vision care
- Medical supplies and devices (e.g. diabetic supplies, incontinence items)
- Assistive devices and mobility aids
- Specialized supports:
- Special Diet Allowance for certain medical conditions
- Medical travel and transportation assistance
- Guide dog benefit (for food and care costs)
- Housing and utility support:
- Help with utility arrears, moving costs, or emergency home repairs
- Employment-related benefits:
- Work-related expenses
- Employment supports and job training
- Earnings exemptions (you can work and still receive ODSP)
- Additional one-time benefits:
- Back-to-school and winter clothing allowance (for children)
- Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit (in some cases)
Final Thoughts
The Ontario Disability Support Program is more than just a monthly cheque. It’s a comprehensive system designed to help people living with disabilities access essential health services, maintain housing, and move toward independence.
If you or a loved one may qualify, it’s worth learning about all the ODSP benefits available. And if you’re already receiving ODSP, make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to — especially those lesser-known supports.