2. Learn how earnings exemptions affect your ODSP
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Question & Answer
Can I work and get ODSP at the same time?Earnings exemptions are the rules that let you earn some money without the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) reducing your assistance by the full amount that you earn.
The general rule is that you can have $200 in in a month before the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) reduces your monthly .
So if you make more than $200 in net earnings in a month, ODSP gives you less assistance. And they take off an amount that equals half of the net earnings you make that are above $200.
For example, if you make $300 in net earnings in a month, ODSP takes $50 from the amount they usually give you. This is because $300 in net earnings minus $200 equals $100. And $100 divided by 2 equals $50. See below for how this works:
$300 (net monthly earnings) |
---|
– $200 |
= $100 |
÷ 2 |
= $50 (amount ODSP subtracts from the amount they usually give you) |
Keeping more of your assistance
You might get to keep more of your assistance if:
- you have expenses related to working because of your disability
- you have to pay for child care so you can go to work
Claiming expenses related to your disability
You can claim expenses if you had to pay for items and services you need to work because of your disability. For example, you might need:
- specialized computer equipment and software
- sign language interpreters
- transportation services
- attendant care services
You need proof of your expenses, for example, receipts to show what you paid.
You can claim up to $1,000 each month.
Step 3 has more about claiming child‑care expenses.
Step 4 has more about other rules that can help you with costs of working.
If you live in a First Nations community
ODSP will not reduce your support because you’re getting money for being in an employment training program that lasts up to 12 months.
This includes the training allowance and money to pay for child care and travel.