OW or ODSP: Which one to apply for – CLEO

Ontario Works (OW)

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

• You can’t find work

• You have a disability

• you’re a caregiver for a family member who needs ongoing daily physical assistance because of a disability, illness, or old age
• you’re a sole-support parent and your child has not started school yet

• You can prove your disability by having an approved health professional confirm that:
  • you have a physical or mental health problem that’s expected to last a year or more, and
  • your health problem limits your ability to work, look after yourself, or do daily activities
• Your health problem is substantial and limits your abilities in a substantial way

• You’re working but making so little money that you qualify for assistance or

• You’re applying to ODSP but you need money while you wait for a decision

• you get disability benefits from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP-D) or the Québec Pension Plan
• you’re over 65 years old but are not eligible for Old Age Security