Ontario Disability Support Program Changes Help Abuse Survivors

The Ontario Government has made changes to social assistance programs that will provide increased support to sexual abuse survivors.

Sexual abuse causes serious harm and the effects of abuse in childhood can last a lifetime. Some survivors become disabled as a result of their psychological injuries resulting from the abuse. An abuse survivor may be entitled to benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program ("ODSP"). ODSP is one of Ontario's social assistance programs. ODSP provides money to eligible Ontario residents who have disabilities to pay for living expenses like food and housing. It also provides health benefits like drug and dental coverage. ODSP is a program of last resort, meaning it is for people who cannot work and do not have other sources of income or benefits.