Poverty Awareness in York Region

February 8, 2006

McGuinty Government Helping People With Disabilities Find Jobs And Increase Their Income Changes Mean A Higher Quality Of Life For Social Assistance Recipients And Their Families

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is helping people with disabilities gain greater financial independence and increase their standard of living by improving the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello announced today.

As part of its plan to restore integrity to Ontario's social assistance system, the government is introducing changes to ODSP supports and services to make it easier for recipients and their families to find jobs, keep more of what they earn and, for those who are able, move toward financial independence from ODSP.

"It's time our social assistance system did a better job of supporting people with disabilities who want and are able to work, and rewarding those who are trying," said Pupatello. "Having a job brings more than financial benefits – it gives people an opportunity to contribute to their communities and helps them fulfil their potential. That leads to a higher quality of life for our clients and their families."

Currently, more than 18,000 ODSP recipients are working. Many more are able and willing to work, but need the right supports. In the coming months, the government will implement a number of improvements that will help ODSP recipients and their families:

Find work – such as improving access to employment services, like job placement and retention support, to help recipients and their families find and keep real, sustainable jobs

Keep more of what they earn – such as replacing the current set of complicated earnings exemption rules with an easy-to-understand 50 per cent flat rate exemption combined with a new $100 monthly work-related benefit. For recipients this means that only half of their income will be deducted from their ODSP payment, plus they will receive an extra $100 per month – and as a result, the vast majority of current earners will automatically see an increase in their disposable income

Move toward financial independence – such as providing ongoing health-related benefits to recipients who find employment and leave ODSP until they receive employer health coverage, so people don't have to worry about how they will pay for their prescription drug, dental and vision care expenses.

"Our plan to help more people with disabilities get into the workforce will result in a stronger economy, stronger communities and a stronger Ontario," said Pupatello. "By investing in our people, we're investing in the future prosperity of our province."