Ontario Supporting Recipients of Disability Benefits

by ahnationtalk on May 27, 202521 Views

May 27, 2025

Province exempting Canada Disability Benefit as income to protect recipients from benefit reductions

TORONTO – The Ontario government intends to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as income so that social assistance recipients would receive the benefit without seeing a reduction in their provincial social assistance payments or entitlements. The changes would help recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works and the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) program receive their maximum entitlements.

“In a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty brought on by U.S. tariffs and trade barriers, our government is taking action to keep costs down and protect Ontario families,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “This starts with safeguarding our most vulnerable, which is why we are exempting the Canada Disability Benefit as income so people who rely on social assistance receive the benefit without seeing any reductions in their social assistance payments.”

The CDB offers up to $200 each month ($2,400 each year) for eligible low-income, working-age Canadians with disabilities. By exempting the CDB, social assistance recipients will be able to fully benefit from the new program. Today’s announcement furthers Ontario’s commitment to protect families by building a more effective and efficient social assistance system that supports those who need it most.

This change would build on work the government has done to strengthen social assistance, such as tying ODSP and ACSD rates to inflation and increasing the earnings exemption for people with a disability receiving ODSP. Ontario continues to call on the federal government to amend its Income Tax Act so this new benefit has the broadest possible reach.

Quick Facts

Ontario also fully exempts financial supports for veterans through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission under ODSP and Ontario Works, and continues to support Truth and Reconciliation efforts with exemptions specifically for Indigenous persons who receive social assistance.
ODSP rates and the maximum monthly ACSD payment are now tied to inflation. The next inflation-based rate increase will take place this July. Since September 2022, the government has increased social assistance disability payments by almost 17 per cent.
Ontario has increased the earnings exemption for a person with a disability receiving ODSP. An individual can now earn up to $1,000 a month through employment without it affecting their income support, benefits or eligibility.
In addition to financial support, Ontario Works recipients receive employment supports through Employment Ontario to help people get the training, skills and experience they need to find and keep a job. These supports include workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education.
Information about the Canada Disability Benefit, including eligibility and how to apply for the benefit, is available at the Government of Canada’s website.

Quotes

“Daily Bread Food Bank thanks the Ontario government for exempting the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as income for ODSP, Ontario Works and ACSD so recipients can continue to receive their full provincial social assistance payments. With 1 in 4 food bank clients in Toronto reporting a disability, today’s announcement will help reduce food insecurity for some of our most vulnerable Ontarians as they navigate through the uncertain economic times ahead. We join Ontario in continuing to call on the federal government to exempt the CDB from being treated as income under the Income Tax Act.”
– Neil Hetherington
CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank

“With May being Community Living Month in Ontario, we are pleased to hear that the Government of Ontario is fulfilling its promise to tie Ontario Disability Support Program levels to increases in inflation. This is an important measure that allows people who rely on ODSP to keep pace with the ever-increasing cost of living. We also welcome the news that the Government of Ontario has accepted our recommendation to not reduce ODSP payments for those who will receive the federal Canada Disability Benefit. While there is still much to be done to raise income support to livable levels in Ontario, these are two essential steps that will put more money in people’s pockets.”
– Chris Beesley
CEO, Community Living Ontario

“Making life more affordable is a critical challenge, particularly for those dependent on ODSP. The government’s commitment to adjust ODSP in line with inflation and guarantee that the CDB does not reduce the amount are strong steps in the right direction. We look forward to working with the government to continue this progress towards an Ontario where everyone belongs!”
– Brad Saunders
CEO, Community Living Toronto

“Reena welcomes the Ontario government’s decision to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit from income. This move demonstrates a strong commitment to equity and ensures that individuals with disabilities can fully benefit from both federal and provincial supports without penalty. As a leader in the developmental services sector, Reena believes this is a vital step forward in promoting financial stability and dignity for our most vulnerable citizens.”
– Bryan Keshen
CEO, Reena

Additional Resources

Ontario Supporting Recipients of Disability Benefits

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