UPDATE: Wednesday, September 19
Here’s a Toronto Star article on the global opinions of the Ontario Basic Income pilot cancellation, Cancellation of Ontario’s basic income project sparks global outrage.
UPDATE: Saturday, August 11
There’s currently a petition with over 23,800 signatures to the Minister of Social Services Lisa MacLeod called Save the Basic Income on Leadnow.ca which you can sign.
UPDATE: Tuesday, July 31
The new provincial government cancels the basic income pilot after only 15 months, as noted in this CBC article, PC’s plan to scrap Ontario basic income pilot project called ‘shameful’ by NDP leader. Along with that announcement, the government also mentioned that the planned 3% increase for Ontario Works and ODSP recipients will only be 1.5% and that they are looking into other solutions within the next 100-days.
Any readers that’s currently part of the program want to share how they’re feeling about this?
UPDATE: Sunday, February 25
Toronto Star released an article yesterday, From ‘barely surviving’ to thriving: Ontario basic income recipients report less stress, better health which interviewed several people that are currently participating in the pilot program and how it has impacted their lives so far.
Anyone here is now part of the basic income program and can share their experiences with us?
UPDATE: Thursday, February 22
There was a question of whether those that are part of the Basic Income program would impact other sources of funding they may be receiving. Here is the response from the ministry:
As you may know, to participate in the pilot, social assistance recipients would need to withdraw from social assistance. ODSP clients will remain eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit and dental benefits if they were receiving them prior to entering the pilot. ODSP clients will not remain eligible for other benefits such as hearing aids and mobility devices, special diet allowance, and transportation for medical purposes; however they will remain eligible for other services and supports received outside of ODSP including services provided through Developmental Services Ontario (e.g. Passport), rehabilitation services, and other programs for people with special needs.
The existing income-based benefits and tax credits will continue to be available to pilot participants. Examples of these benefits include the Ontario Student Assistance Program, the Trillium Drug Program, the Child Care Fee Subsidy, Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing, and Healthy Smiles Ontario.
UPDATE: Saturday, September 9
There were some questions regarding what would happen post-pilot to those that are on ODSP. Here is the response from the ministry:
Thank you for your e-mail to the Ministry of Community and Social Services concerning the Basic Income Pilot.
As you may know, we launched the three-year pilot in late spring in Hamilton, Brantford and Brant County, and in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area, and Lindsay will be added this fall. Invitations to apply are being mailed to a randomly selected sample of mailing addresses in the initial pilot regions.
To participate in the pilot, social assistance recipients would need to withdraw from social assistance. Ontario Works and ODSP clients will remain eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit, and those on ODSP will remain eligible for dental benefits if they were receiving them prior to entering the pilot.
Prior to the end of the pilot, the Basic Income will be gradually phased out. Participants who wish to return to ODSP will follow the existing rapid reinstatement process. Rapid reinstatement is a streamlined re-application process for granting income support to a former ODSP recipient without re-adjudicating the applicant’s disability.
For further assistance and information about this or any other aspect of the application or pilot process, I encourage any person who has received a Basic Income Pilot invitation in the mail to use either of the contact options in the package to reach the Centralized Pilot Team directly.
Please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-basic-income-pilot for more information about the Basic Income Pilot as our work continues.
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UPDATE: Monday, May 29.
The Ontario Basic Income Pilot page is up with more details on the program, locations, participants, what’s measured, payment amount, impact on other benefits, evaluation and reporting.
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UPDATE: Sunday, May 7.
Ontario launches basic income pilot for 4,000 in Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Lindsay.
This will be a 3-year pilot and the dollar amount to be provided looks to be the same as what was in the proposal with no impact on any drug and medical coverage. Under the plan, single adults between the ages of 18 and 64 will receive up to $16,989 annually and couples will receive up to $24,027. People with disabilities will receive an additional $6,000. Single people would have to earn less than about $34,000 to qualify and the income cut-off for couples would be about $48,000, according to a government spokeswoman.
The program will begin rolling out spring and summer in Thunder Bay and the Hamilton area, including Brantford and Brant County. Lindsay will join the project in the fall. About 1,000 households will be chosen in the Hamilton area and another 1,000 will be invited to participate in Thunder Bay. About 2,000 are expected to take part in Lindsay, where larger community impacts of the basic income will be studied. Participants must be living in one of the test locations for the past 12 months or longer to be eligible.
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Basic Income has been in the news lately, with Elon Musk, CEO and founder of Tesla and SpaceX back in November 2016, predicting that the rise of machines in the workplace could soon mean job displacement and a ‘universal basic income’ for humans. Finland is one of the first countries in 2017 to pilot which started on January 1.
What exactly is basic income?
According to the Basic Income Earth Network, a basic income is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-testing or work requirement.
Many reasons have all been invoked in Basic Income’s favour, including liberty and equality, efficiency and community, common ownership of the Earth and equal sharing in the benefits of technical progress, the flexibility of the labour market and the dignity of the poor, the fight against inhumane working conditions, against the desertification of the countryside and against interregional inequalities, the viability of cooperatives and the promotion of adult education, autonomy from bosses, husbands and bureaucrats.
The inability to tackle unemployment with conventional means has, in the last decade or so, become a major reason for the idea being taken seriously throughout Europe by a growing number of scholars and organisations. Social policy and economic policy can no longer be conceived separately, and Basic Income is increasingly viewed as the only viable way of reconciling two of their respective central objectives: poverty relief and full employment.
What is happening in Ontario?
In June 2016, the Ontario government asked the Honourable Hugh Segal for advice on the design of a Basic Income Pilot. As a result, Mr Segal has submitted a discussion paper, Finding a Better Way: A Basic Income Pilot for Ontario. Which the government is using as the platform for the pilot.
What excites me most is that the recommendations of the Ontario Basic Income pilot would replace Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which removes many of the restrictions of those two existing programs on current recipients. As noted in the discussion paper:
In answer to this set of questions, it is recommended that the pilot focuses on testing a Basic Income in the form of a NIT (what some would call a refundable tax credit) that would replace Ontario Works and ODSP, and for which Ontarians aged 18 to 65 living in poverty would be eligible. Unlike the support provided under the current Ontario Works and ODSP, the financial support provided would not impose restrictions, limits or interdictions related to financial assets, work-based earnings, or labour force participation.
Individuals would be guaranteed an income equivalent to a determined proportion of the LIM (that proportion differing across experimental groups), which would not be taxed. Additional earnings beyond the Basic Income would be encouraged and taxed at varying rates. These tax rates would apply until an individual has paid, in taxes on earned income, the exact equivalent of the Basic Income, with a threshold (or break-even point) after which earned incomes would be subject to the normal income tax schedule by which all working Ontarians are governed. The taxation mechanisms applied to earned incomes in the context of the NIT would provide incentives for individuals whose incomes are currently below the poverty line to join or remain in the workforce. They would also reduce the costs to the province of implementing a Basic Income, should it choose to do so after studying the results of the pilot.
As you can see in the table above, a single adult would see an increase of $787.75 to $1915.75 per month, and for a couple, $814.25 to $2502.25 per month on basic income compared to ODSP, and you would still be able to earn on top of that without same restrictions. The only thing that the paper doesn’t address is whether the other programs within ODSP such as health or disability-related benefits would be cut.
It is of course not full proof and with concerns such as how would we pay for the basic income programs? However, I am optimistic with Ontario piloting this program, and unlike the Mincome experiment in Manitoba back in the 1970s, to have concrete results and to truly address poverty relief and full employment for all.
Be sure to participate in the Ontario Basic Income Pilot public survey before January 31, 2017.
If this program does in deed take of and let’s say that it will replace social assistance.
What happens in the three years when it’s done taking its course will they bring back social assistance?
Thank you
Excellent question John! It’s noted on the Ontario government website that the plan will be released in the spring of this year. We’ll get more details once that is released. https://www.ontario.ca/page/basic-income-pilot-consultation
Yes, After 3 years they say it will phase out, And people will have to go back to o.d.s.p and welfare. So they the so called mafia government of Canada will force the poor and disabled people back to a pan handlers lifestyle. Starvation and everything else that goes with it. What are they trying to do cause a mass suicide, Getting the poor use to a higher level of living then yanking the carpet out from under them.
I am on odsp me and my spouce both have disabilities will he get the 2500 or a little more
Hi, Cindy, it’s uncertain until the government’s plan is released later this year and to understand the final details. According to what’s been shared so far, it does suggest that a couple who are on ODSP, would receive approximately $2,500 per month on the Basic Income Pilot.
Why are they leaving everyone else out of it. They started in Hamilton area everyone should of got it. Instead of having it thrown in are face as we suffer trying to survive
Lucky you, myself and my dependant son get $686, and from that I have ronoay my rent bills food and his $500 college registration every semester tuition and transportation that leaves us starving monthly and having to beg my mom who barely survives on cpp. Once she turned 65 she got shafted by our government. Employed or not you’ll get nothing when you are a senior. I knew when they voted him in we’d be dead and nobody can or wants to do anything to help us
I am confuse is the Ont Basic Is to start in 3 years or April 30, 2017, in sept 2017 why would Ottawa Ont wait 3 years, people need housing the waiting list for Ottawa Community housing is 8 years some of the housing projects are not save to live. Instead of having all this meeting that cost $1750 for a ticket professional to attend the meeting. Ottawa Ont need this program to start april 2017.
Hi, Andrea, great points that a basic income program is valuable sooner than later. However, until we see what the proposed pilot program will look like we won’t know the true impact it will have. And as for housing, much like Ottawa, Toronto is also having the same problems, don’t think that the basic income pilot will solve the waitlist for community housing.
I think her point is people on ODSP can’t afford a place to live….barely so with this program people on ODSP can actually afford a legit place to live.
Hi Craig, I do agree that the basic income program would definitely help open up more housing choices in any city. And it does show the limitations of ODSP and other complementary social support programs like social housing.
Ive been trying to figure this out, are they going to help us now and then study how it goes or are they going to watch us suffer for 3 years then help us? lol
The announcement was made recently. See top of the article for the latest update.
Watch us SUFFER !!!
How do I appy ,I am on ODSP and am a single parent raising my daughter on my own, And been struggling!
Hi Joseph, if you’re living in one of the pilot program areas which was announced, Hamilton, Thunder Bay and Lindsay for the past 12-months you would qualify. More details at the top of this page.
How do I apply? I am not on odsp or ow I only count on what my common law partner brings in with Manulife and cpp. We barely make ends meet every month. I was on odsp when we first met. I went off because he was working and made enough money for the two of us. Now his health isn’t good and I take care of him so I can’t work. Would I qualify for this program? Could you please send me in the right direction for help? Thank you in advance.
Hi Kim, as Barb mentioned you can register for a session or contact them by email or phone. https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-basic-income-pilot
Go online and look up Ontario basic income pilot there’s a link that will send you to set up an appointment or a phone number to call and set up an appointment do it ASAP actually here’s the number 1844 2174516
I manage 2 Residential Care Facilities in Hamilton for Mental Health Residents,they are all on ODSP and not one of them were told of this Pilot program. Why
Hi Liz, great question and shows how communication of programs like this can slip through the cracks. You may want to call the hotline and see if they can still give the residents the opportunity: 1-844-217-4516
How do I apply?
Hi, Joseph, there’s no way to apply. As long as you live in one of the three cities selected you would be randomly selected.
That’s not intirly true. I live in one of the select cities and I received a call from the legal aid. They call and gave me a couple dates as when they were doing application clinics. I went and signed up. Now I wait to see if I am selected to take part in the project.
That’s good to know Rob. Thanks for the update!
I was just made aware of this pilot program. I didn’t complete any surveys pertaining to the program in 2015-16. I reside in one of the areas included in the pilot program. Will I be included as a participant?
I’m also an ODSP recipient who back in August 2016 was diagnosed with Melanoma cancer on top of having other physical and mental health issues.
I wasn’t told anything about this from my ODSP caseworker. Shouldn’t she have told me about the survey ?
I was just made aware of this pilot program. I didn’t complete any surveys pertaining to the program in 2015-16. I reside in one of the areas included in the pilot program. Will I be included as a participant?
I’m also an ODSP recipient who back in August 2016 was diagnosed with Melanoma cancer on top of having other physical and mental health issues.
I wasn’t told anything about this from my ODSP caseworker. Shouldn’t she have told me about the survey ? I haven’t read anything pertaining to WHEN the pilot program is set to commence, or did I miss that part ?
Hi Anita, it was only recently announced which cities will be part of the three-year pilot. I’m not sure what the ODSP caseworkers would have been told about such pilot and survey. More details at the top of this page.
I am quite confused, I am a single parent raising 2 children, working 2 part time jobs. I have been told by the government that I make too much money to qualify for any assistance. How is it possible for an Ontario Works recipient to make money than a single parent working 2 jobs and not be expected to find employment??
If you make less than than the qualifying amount needed to be in the pilot then you can receive it. This is open to everyone. In fact the gov thinks less than 30% of the participants will be from ODSP/Social Services
By everyone I mean the people in the area’s selected
This basic income pilot is a good idea but indeed very bad news for all ODSP and OW people. Its pure political and not to help a majority of us.
For the next three years , we may forget about any changes in ODSP and OW , unless you live in the three communities chosen for the pilot.
This pilot project is just smart way out from fixing rates for all in need . Very sad that no one noticed that three years is a very long time to wait to fix real problems for 95% of the rest of ODSP and OW dependants. Poor have lost hope already and glorifying basic income project is a false trick to gain time by the government which does nothing to ease up the suffering of the real majority of people living under poverty line for years.
I couldnt agree more 3 more horrible years to wait is horrible .. And even at the 3 year mark u can bet there will be even more waiting . Its futile and now here in london Hyro one says rate hike again .. No food in my house for at least 3 more years plus whatever else they will do to us on odsp . Just rase those rates today . The longer they take the less credit will be given to there Bull shit story’s of study more study and even more study .My god enough When they already know we on odsp are walking the line of no hydro or no food Never mind luxury’s like a cell phone or any of that ..Oh and xmas is another doom and gloom outlook . Food banks are my savoir.
JUst for votes for the liberals. Then they will drop this and the rest of us will NEVER see this once they are voted back in. Just another SCAM from Trudeau and Wynne. Lies. Lies. More Lies. 3 years to figure it out. Hahaha. They mean 3 years till voting Etc. Then it’s Over and they will try to tell us it did not work. It’s a joke.
The Government is willing to study forever ,,,in order to stall ANY significant reform leading to raising the ODSP rates .
WE KNOW THAT ODSP RATES ARE LOW , creating unwanted poverty .
Why the Minister is not including ALL ODSP dependents ????
Why wait three years to see only if rates could be fixed ???
Vote NDP , from now on……please.
this government is very wrong in just doing 3 cities what about all other cities thousands of us on odsp and ow everyone on assistance should be on the pilot program not just 3 cities we cant live on such a low income we all should be on pilot program now lots us are hungry lots times do without lots homeless low rates a 2 percent raise is like a slap in the face we all should be on this now were living in poverty these 3 cities will not have to struggle each day being on the pilet program and they now wont go hunry it doesn’t take 3 years to see if it work it will work this government just doesn’t want to pay out all the money to the poor that’s in poverty 2020 I bet the pilet ends they will have another excuse to not help poor that been living in poverty and will continue 3 years long time should be able see it work in 3 months not 3 years government needs look at this pilet program now and help poor 3 years to long everyone in poverty should be on it now its not fair people are starving and dieing doesn’t this goverment care it be nice to be able to eat not go hungry half time im on odsp have servere emphysema I live in poverty this government needs to take a day live like we do see how it feels Kingston Ontario every city needs pilet program now not 3 years from now step up do right thing for all in poverty
This pilot is about low incomes period. Not ODSP/assistance. Some families with children live on less than 20k and this will help them too. Its open to everyone in the selected area’s. If you live in Lindsay you have a better chance of getting it than the other area’s,way way smaller population and double the participants.
They waste money traveling, where the $1.715 to rent a meeting could help low and moderate income people, if the rate could be rise to 30% we can live better. Every 6 months just little rise all the time, does not make any sense, we do not need a rise in asset, we need a decent risae in income. Best Regard Andrea Brown
That is all good, but what about the people who actually work? They don’t qualify for financial help, because they make too much money. On minimum wage, or working casual hours. How about helping them first.
If you make less than the cutoff amount then you will be able to apply. If you make more then this is of no use to you. This is less than you would make on minimum wages at 40 hours.Its not going to replace ODSP/Social Services at this time and the majority of participants will be the working poor according to some Social Service workers.Its a trial not a province wide roll out. It may come to nothing and may be cancelled after the election. Who knows.
Hi im on odsp in London Ontario.is everyone getting this extra $500.00 a month we could sure use it if anyone knows about this get back to when its going happpen thank:-)
Hi Karen, the three locations the government will be conducting the pilot are 1) Hamilton, Brantford, Brant County 2) Thunder Bay and 3) Lindsay.
Here is more information on the program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-basic-income-pilot
You need to sign up ASAP here is the number 18442174516 they are all ready underway with this program
Great idea but it should help everyone not just a selected few there will be more anger when some get chosen and others left in the cold. I myself receive less than five thousand a year and I guarantee I won’t be selected.
I think guaranteed income is a good idea however pilot project will be unfair I receive less than five thousand a year. I can guarantee I will not be chosen for this program. I firmly believe everyone should be allowed to participate. All this means another 3years of suffering.As for odsp where I live these people get 1200.00 a month they pay 139. In rent they have more than enough to survive help should be for all not a select few. Anyway take care all.
You pay the rent you pay..if you are on a housing program its still at least 30% of earnings..not 150 bucks..
Not disabled but you want more money…. how about getting a job Joe instead of envying the disabled.
Joe you are absolutely wrong odsp recipients do not get 1200.00 nor pay 139.00 in rent I know because i recieve odsp I recieve almost 1100.00 and i am left with 200.00 a month after rent
Hi Susan I’m right I live in a building I know I pay 115 a month I presently receive ow but I do work part time all government housing people know this only odsp benefit in government housing people in private sector do need help. People in the building where I live on odsp feel they are entitled to everything.
I receive 1,111.00 from odsp and live in gov’t housing where 20% of us pay a fixed rent while 80% pay market rent. My rent is $139 a month and after all other expenses I don’t even have $50 left at the end of each month. I don’t know how anyone receiving the same amount as me, or less, with no additional income could possible survive when a 1 bedroom in my building is $1300 market rent ( the cheapest rent in my area). There are some crazies in my building who do believe they’re entitled to better treatment, more money, services, wreak havoc on neighbours and tchc staff, and generally bitch about everything. Not sure what planet they’re from. I’m just grateful to have a roof over my head.
So after the 3 yrs..all of us that did not get picked, do we get back pay for the money we missed out on??
Pilot project is simply an item for relection its been tested before governments are great at wasting time and money. Liberal government is nothing but a joke.it getting more expensive to live there is no middle class anymore we are a society of rich and poor and future for everyone will be different we can thank computers for that.
Unfortunately not, there won’t be any rollback for those that aren’t part of the pilot program.
What happens to the people on ODSP who were chosen to participate, and pilot program ends? Will they have to reapply for ODSP or be put back on automatically? I know someone who was chosen and she more stressed out about having to go through ODSP application process again rather then getting extra money over next three years. Cant find any information about this.
Hi Dawn, great question. Not sure what the answer to that is. Will see if I can find out.
Hi Dawn,
I received a response from the ministry and have included it at the top of this post. As the response shows, the person you know won’t have a problem being reinstated back onto ODSP once the three-year pilot is complete.
Hi Dawn what is the # u called to confirm people on odsp will be reinsted? I would like to call n confirm this! U said the ministry? Tx
Anonymous, you can find the phone number to call the Basic Income Pilot program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-basic-income-pilot
I did read people on odds will not have to reply they will get odds back real fast so tell your friend do not stress about that enjoy the next 3 years with any luck your friend will not have to worry about that hopefully it all works out and they keep the program.
Should I apply for odsp? I have medical issues and was on for more than 10 years
Hi Kim, unfortunately, one cannot apply for the pilot program as individuals living in Hamilton, Brantford and Brant County, and Thunder Bay are randomly selected. If you do live in those cities and haven’t received an invitation then given your circumstance I’d suggest you apply to ODSP. You can do so online: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/apply_online.aspx
Well… I just filled out the application form for the Basic Income Pilot today at a recruitment drive. I am a single mum on ODSP with one child and I was told if chosen that I would be receiving significantly less than the $30 027 yearly your chart says.. It still means I’m up approximately $400 a month as compared to ODSP but I have to say, I was a little surprised. I was expecting more of an increase.
Thanks for sharing Chantal. I wonder why that is. Will look into it.
Did they give you a timeline as you completed the application to when you’ll start receiving the basic income payments?
How long did it take before you knew what you qualified for and if you were even approved ?
Is this gonna come to st Catharine’s soon anyone know thank you
Hi Dave, considering they will begin rolling this program out this spring to the cities of Hamilton, Brantford and Brant County, and in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area, and Lindsay will be added this fall. It is unlikely any new cities would be added to the program.
IS THE ONTARIO Basic Income Pilot a taxable income?
It doesn’t say specifically on the Ontario Basic Income Pilot page: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-basic-income-pilot however The pilot recommendation suggests that it not to be taxable income like ODSP. Will look into a confirmation for you.
How are they going to Pay for all this? Ontario’s deficit tripled under the Liberals to over 300 billions. I think it is nuts, I understand supporting the disabled and the senior citizens but giving so much money to young able bodied people is a luxury that Ontario cannot afford in its current financial situation and they know it, Kathleen Wynne is doing this to get votes. The chance of people going to work voluntarily knowing that half of their pay is going to be taken away from them is very slim. People who are able to work should be encouraged to go to work , not to stay on the couch and expect to live comfortably.
I would have loved it, if I had been asked to participate. My $100,000 plus inheritance, that was suppose to supplement my income (once my mother died) was removed from the bank by a family member, within days, after finding out my mother might have weeks to live, even though all the banks had been informed the money was to go to me. I can’t afford to pay for a lawyer (legal aid won’t/can’t help). A lawyer wanted $2,000 just to notify the courts, that this person didn’t provide their financial records. To top it off, this morning I get a notice that ODSP over paid shelter costs, saying that my actual shelter costs have gone DOWN, so they are clawing back $479 dollars. Trouble is, the person who receives the $479, has been asking ODSP for MORE, saying that it is NOT enough, (taxes went up, utilities up), and that I should start setting aside more for the taxes next year, as ODSP shelter costs wasn’t going to be enough. Now you have to wait for 3 years to see if the program helps or not. If you’re poor or on ODSP of course it’s going to help, you don’t need a 3 years study. I once had to wait 7 weeks for a ride to the grocery store, stocking up on pasta, ramen, oatmeal and toilet paper before my mother died, sure came in handy, but I’ve gone 3 months, where I ate only every second day, every other day just water, just to see if I could do it. I wait on average 4 months just to get a ride to the bank to get my money, as I’m too poor to qualify for a credit card.
Basic income should be forever given to disabled so that at-least they can stop suffering from money shortages and financial restrictions .
People are talking how the minimum wage will be $15, but that will still leave people in poverty, even needing food banks, but if you’re on ODSP, it’s worse. The government, doesn’t realize, that people will just buy more, or better food, and move to better/safer neighborhoods (or stay where they are)and thus stimulate the economy, it’s not like they are going to save the money for a trip to Disneyland.
Just got informed, that ODSP will pay the actual increase in shelter costs of nearly $100 per month, BUT only by taking it away from my Basic Needs amount. This means that currently I will now have less money every month to live on, not more.
Now I will have about $15 A DAY to live off of, after all the bills are paid. This is without cable TV, cellphone or high speed internet. From this amount I have to buy food, clothes, and household repairs,(can’t afford to pay for someone to do them) and any insurance problems, the first $1,000. If I want to save money now for a future repair, I will have to cut back on spending, it was already suggested that I cancel the house insurance, and what just cross my fingers that nothing bad will happen? People think inflation is low, but there is a hidden inflation, when they reduce the size of a product, but charge the same, meaning you now have to buy more/pay more. If you reduce the size, 25% but keep the price the same, it’s basically like they raised the price by 25%, but since you pay the same you don’t realize it, unless you notice it, and poor people notice it more, especially when trying to stretch a dollar.
ODSP needs to cover actual Shelter costs, without going into the basic needs money, especially if you live in the family home, or if you pay normal rent (so you don’t need to keep moving). I was told years ago, that eventually they’d have to sell the house when ODSP won’t be enough to live on and pay the house expenses. This means that either a new cheaper house?!? to live in, or the house money goes into trust (since they took my name off the deed) which means I’d have to pay rent, but since ODSP doesn’t give enough for rent, the house money would be used to cover the rest, but what happens when it runs out?
Someone suggested the house be sold, and that I would pay them rent, but when I explained what ODSP allows for rent, I realized, that they expected the extra money to come from the house money, they had no intention of charging me $489 a month rent. It’s still cheaper to live at home than pay rent, where they want the expenses covered plus a profit. If the lawyer had gotten the money back, I would have about $35 a day to live off of, instead of $15. I guess I’d better stock up on more Ramen, Pasta, and Oatmeal.
What happens when a disabled person turns 65? Don’t tell me they will have Less money and benefits than an able bodied young person… To my knowledge, senior citizens disabled or not do not have dental benefits…
Since the minimum wage of Ontario is going up, is there going to be an increase in monthly ODSP income? Can anyone shed some light?
Thanks
Maybe an increase of 1-2%, which is a slap in the face, like waiting 3 years for their stupid project. By the time they’re finished with their typical bureaucratic nonsense inflation and cost of living will render the increased amount obsolete. The Ontario Government is constantly playing catch-up with social assistance because everything they do is at a snail’s pace and covered in red tape.
im worries the landlords are going to see everyone get an increase in cash and then they will all turn around and raise the rents by a few hundred dollars to line their own pockets..so if th guaranteed basic income for an odsp person is like an extra $780 a month what happens if the landlord raises the rent $$300? all of a sudden you have less money again.
I was wondering the same thing! Half of my odso goes to rent!
Hi just wondering if this apllies for people like me on disablity (ODSP) Iam married but live seperate due to medical reasons ….I get 1000 a month on odsp to live on …so how dose this program work and whats this all about this pilot project
Miranda
Hi Miranda, yes it would apply to you as long as you live in the following cities of Hamilton, Brantford and Brant County, and in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area, and Lindsay. If you are living in one of those cities you can contact the Pilot Program to enrol by email at basicincome@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-844-217-4516.
Yes minimum wage is 15 an hour…..that sorts that out ….but people on ODSP 1000 a month single is not enough to live on some like my wife born with CP from birth cannot work so what happence to these people do there stay at 1000 a month and struggle even even working people make 15 an hour what about ODSP and there 1000 a month to live on??????
Yes minimum wage is 15 an hour…..that sorts that out ….but people on ODSP 1000 a month single is not enough to live on some like my wife born with CP from birth cannot work so what happence to these people do there stay at 1000 a month and struggle even even working people make 15 an hour what about ODSP and there 1000 a month to live on?????? So they may get left behind we fixed it for working people at 15 an hour ……but none working ODSP?????
I just applied for the program today in Thunder Bay. I walked into session with little knowledge of what was going on. I am on ODSP for a long time. They say the selction is based on Randomness but after taking their survey, I am pretty sure they select people based on how they respond to all the questions. All the questions seemed to be about whether or not I would be employable in the near the future. Today I was severely depressed and didn’t have the mentality to deal with all this and was looking for some hope. I need to be on ODSP right now and really don’t have the energy to think about all these things.
Yep thank you Ms. Wynne..go on and on about how minimum wage has to be increased as those are individuals living in poverty but those on ODSP..it’s “oh well..sucks to be you”. Anyone who has had to apply for ODSP knows full well all the hoops you have to jump through including full and complete disclosure of your assets and debts and piles of medical documentation as well as an Application that only those with an education or someone who can assist can fill out and yet, they STILL have to live in poverty. I get that some people are on OW and need to be for some time but at least they have the ability to go to school and get an education to further themselves..those on ODSP can’t even go to school to further their education due to medical ailments beyond their own control and yet, it’s “sucks to be you”. Where is the common sense here???
I got selected for the control group and i am on odsp they said i will not receive the income i am very upset can u appeal a decsion they said i will be compensated for surveys how much is that very vague just isnt fair at all
How is any of this fair at all when their are people in major need now people paying too dollar for housing because they can’t get the low income housing becauuse they love to far to apply or ontario works and even then I lost my job due to unaffordable fixings on my vehicle out grocery store costs a fortune where I live I have 3 daughters under 6 years single parent and to avoid changing schools I had to move to a 900 dollar home plus I’m still paying insurance to not get a penalty men here can’t even work because of my area no transportation costly food no jobs locally my ex husband is in Alberta coldlake military most of the time I see 50 to 100 bucks every now and then and I can’t finish court documents because I don’t have transportation I know way to many people in towns that would benefit with this but we all just have to struggle lose homes lose jobs single men are lucky to receive 500 on welfare trying to look for a job some people spend along time trying to find one and towns like mine they drink do it sell drugs video game to pass time because there’s no jobs or way to get to one and single parents with many children suffer horribly my mother worked her butt off to afford us to survive days we would have to scrap together meals we always had to move I was in 13 schools moved more than that she had 6 children and the taxes would always screw her around for her child benefits especially when we needed them and now ur going to make all areas but 3 suffer for 3 years this could have been thought out a lot better and equally distributed in more areas and if it doesn’t work we all lose out too at a chance to get ahead a little seems were still getting screwed around and hopes up 3 years other areas could end up worst because you only chose 3 and a lot of people in those areas at that
And I’m not receiving any support but a tax credit because I can’t apply or make the appointments
so is this going to be in other areas of Ontario eventually cause poverty is everywhere not just in those towns that was mentioned …we are the smaller cities that could be very helpful for us as well…having this change would help people live better without relying on Food banks …donations …borrowing from others and so forth….thxs
It’s a good point and question Darin. There’s no talk yet as to when this pilot would expand to other cities as it only states it would roll this out to Thunder Bay and the Hamilton area, including Brantford and Brant County and Lindsay in the fall.
In learning from youtube testimonials how incredibly difficult it is to gain support from odsp and the unreasonable amount of time and bureaucracy process of its denial system it becomes obviously abundantly clear that a complete overhaul of this program desperately needs to be addressed to provide a reasonably adequate means of aid within a reasonably acceptable time frame.How one is expected to survive on the allowance allotted in face of continual rising costs and rent rates is utterly unfathomable.With this in mind it should be of governmental mandate to actively set up housing complexes either through governmental formed building companies or some sort of tax incentives for privately owned construction companies that can therefore provide housing and be exempt from the hydro costs of residing in them,and as such be given an amount to cover their basic living needs.Food banks,and satellite governmental agencies that pertain to these issues could be set up in the lobbies of these buildings to provide for easy access.Perhaps some programs such as this already do exist but if this is so it seems logical that more should be accomplished in this regard to meet its obvious demand
Hi Dave, great points. And as you describe it, this is a complex issue with many factors involved. There are a variety of subsidies for hydro, housing offered by each municipality, and among other things but whether the amount actually covers a considerable amount I don’t know and if enough people are applying to it I don’t have the answer to that at this moment either.
I think there is a fair bit the government could do but they don’t have it as a priority. that’s why people are in limbo and cant really see any changes coming.
I found this information online one day while seeking where I could find help for myself. I receive CPPD, however, sad as it sounds, I would rather receive ODSP or OW. The minority of us that have landed on CPPD are quite literally thrown to the curb. It was our taxes that built many government offices, yet we cannot access many services that are currently available to ODSP. I need a wheelchair, and applied to ADP, who in turn told me that I do not qualify because I am not on OW or ODSP. I also pay for my own medication, as there is no drug, dental, or eyewear plan available to CPPD recipients. Frustrated and disgusted, I now tell people if you are on OW or ODSP, stay on it. There used to be pride attached to the fact you worked and paid taxes, not so anymore. Prior to receiving CPPD, I was on OW temporary assistance, and since the change over, I discovered I had a $700 surplus per month on OW, and a mere $240 on CPPD. For every place I reached out the answer was the same, if I was on OW or ODSP, I would not have any problems getting benefits covered by OW and ODSP. My disability is brain damage caused by being prescribed to medications that when put together became toxic and I was being overdosed. On top of that I don’t have the 5 million it would take to prosecute the matter. Here I sit. I can’t even go to the store by myself anymore, because I do not have a scooter or power chair to this. My right shoulder was broken, and it healed in a way that left the joint deformed so my arm slips in and out of the socket. I would love to hear anyone’s thoughts on anyplace that does help CPPD recipients to get benefits equal to those provided by ODSP. Up till now the advice and information has all been negative. I am stuck with medical bills of upwards of $270.00 per month, and without them, survival is a bare minimum. My teeth broke in a fall, no help for me. I am literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. I welcome all thoughts and information, beyond, CPPD is federal, therefor only the federal government can help me, because they do not.
Hi EJ, that must be frustrating for you. Which city or region in Ontario do you live in? Contact me at terrenceho@enables.me and let’s see what’s available to you.
Well i am on the program and not o ly did my check not come for june, but my rent went up to full market rent and im left with no benefits. It also takes at least 2 weeks to get a reply back through phone from anyone running this program. Completely frustrating!!!
That must be extremely frustrating. Did anyone from the Basic Income Pilot office ever get back to you? Are able to receive any form of support for housing?
even if the guaranteed basic income does get approved it may be a mistake only leeting people who work keep half their earnings plus receive the GBI,,if yo want to create real opportunities and more money don’t penalize people for working..let them have guaranteed basic income and let people keep their working money.
why not instead just raise the odsp rates ? make it $1900 a month.for a single person intead of $1150? it would seem more practical doing that immediately wouldn’t it?
THE GOVERNMENT JUST CANCELLED THE GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME PROGRAM…see the yahoo news.
That’s huge news. Let’s see how it unfolds. As for those of you that are on ODSP or OW, the planned 3% increase will now only be 1.5%.