Living with a serious mental health condition can make it hard to work, pay rent and keep up with daily life. The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) helps adults with disabilities who are in financial need. It provides money for living costs and health benefits such as prescription drugs. Mental health conditions can qualify. This guide explains the definition of disability, the two-part application, the Disability Determination Package and what to do if you're turned down.
This is general information, not legal advice. ODSP makes every decision, and the Government of Ontario's current pages are the ones that count.
What ODSP offers
ODSP is run by the Government of Ontario. It offers:
Income support for basic needs such as food and shelter
Health and other benefits, including drug coverage and vision care
Employment supports to help you prepare for, find or keep a job
The amount depends on your situation. Ontario says a single person could get up to $1,436 a month for basic needs and shelter, after the July 2026 increase. Your caseworker can tell you what applies to your family.
Who qualifies
To get ODSP income support, Ontario says you must:
be at least 18 (you can start applying up to six months before your 18th birthday)
live in Ontario
have assets under the program's limits (Ontario lists $40,000 for a single person and $50,000 for a couple, and some assets, such as your home and main vehicle, don't count)
be in financial need
meet ODSP's definition of a person with a disability, or be in a "prescribed class"
What "disability" means for ODSP
ODSP uses a legal definition from the Ontario Disability Support Program Act. You must have:
A substantial mental or physical impairment that is continuous or recurrent and expected to last one year or more
A substantial restriction in your ability to work, care for yourself or take part in community life, because of the direct and cumulative effect of the impairment
Your impairment, its likely length and your restrictions verified by an approved health care professional
The word "recurrent" matters for mental health. Many conditions come and go. Depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders can have periods that look better and periods that are much worse. A condition doesn't have to be the same every day to count.
Also notice that ODSP looks at your whole life, not just work. Trouble with self-care, such as eating regularly or keeping up your home, counts. So does trouble taking part in the community, such as shopping or using transit.
Some people skip the disability review
People in a prescribed class don't have to go through the disability review. They still have to apply and qualify financially. One prescribed class is people who already get Canada Pension Plan disability (CPP-D) benefits. If you have CPP-D, mention it when you apply.
Step by step: how to apply
Step 1: Apply. You can apply online in about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also apply by phone at 1-888-999-1142, or in person by booking with your local ODSP office. Have your ID and details about your income, assets and housing costs ready.
Step 2: ODSP reviews your file. A caseworker will call within about 15 business days to book an appointment.
Step 3: Verify your finances. At your appointment, you'll show proof of income, rent and other costs. You can bring anyone you choose with you to meetings with your caseworker.
Step 4: Complete the Disability Determination Package (DDP). If you're financially eligible and not in a prescribed class, you'll get the DDP. You have 90 days to return it, or your application is treated as withdrawn. You can ask in writing for more time.
Step 5: ODSP reviews your package. Specialized staff at the ministry's Disability Adjudication Unit decide if you meet the definition of disability. They don't assess you in person, so the forms matter a lot. You should get a letter within about 90 business days.
Step 6: Make a plan. If you're eligible, your caseworker will meet with you to plan your support and tell you when your first payment will come.
Short on money while you wait? You can apply to Ontario Works and ODSP at the same time. If you qualify for Ontario Works, you can get help while ODSP reviews your file.
Inside the Disability Determination Package
The DDP has four parts:
Health Status Report. Your medical condition, impairments, restrictions, treatment and how long it's expected to last.
Activities of Daily Living Index. How your condition affects work, self-care and community life.
Self Report. Your chance to explain your life in your own words.
Consent to the Release of Medical Information. You must sign this.
Who can fill it out. Ontario says the Health Status Report and Activities of Daily Living sections can be completed by a physician, psychologist, psychological associate, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or optometrist. The Activities of Daily Living section can also be completed by a social worker, occupational therapist and some others. One professional can do both parts, or two can split them.
Ontario asks health professionals to attach extra information, such as clinical notes, hospital reports or consult reports. These can make a big difference for mental health claims.
Tips for your Self Report
You don't have to fill out the Self Report, but Ontario encourages it. This is where you can show what a hard day really looks like. Try to:
Describe your worst days, not just your average. How often do they happen?
Give real examples. Missing meals, not leaving the house for days, or losing jobs because of symptoms.
Mention what help you need. For example, someone reminds you about appointments or helps with bills.
Ask for help if writing is hard. Ontario says you may have someone help you fill it out.
After you're approved
Once you qualify, ODSP expects you to keep it up to date. You need to report changes in income, assets, housing or family. If ODSP thinks your condition may improve, it will also give you a date for a medical review. When it's time, you'll get a Medical Review Package. An approved health care professional fills out the forms, and you have 90 days to send them in. Keeping a simple file of your health records and receipts makes these steps much easier.
If ODSP says no
If you don't agree with a decision, you can ask for an internal review. ODSP must give you its decisions and reasons in writing. If the review doesn't change the outcome, you can appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal, which is part of Tribunals Ontario.
If ODSP finds you aren't financially eligible, you have 30 days to ask it to look at your information again.
Support for your mental health
Applying for ODSP can be stressful, especially when you're already struggling. Therapy can help you manage symptoms, cope with money stress and keep going through a long process. Learn more about our support for depression, anxiety and people living with chronic illness and disability. Our clinicians can provide supporting documentation where appropriate, as part of your care with us.
You can see us in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge or Ottawa, or by secure video from anywhere in Ontario.
Cost, billing and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. Let them know what you're looking for and what you can afford, and they'll help you find a good fit.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Ontario Disability Support Program, Government of Ontario
ODSP eligibility for income support, Government of Ontario
ODSP Disability Determination Package (for health care professionals), Government of Ontario
Rights and responsibilities for ODSP clients, Government of Ontario
Social Benefits Tribunal, Tribunals Ontario