There are rules about how much money a person living on Ontario Works can receive in gifts or “voluntary payments”. Generally, a person living on Ontario Works can receive gifts up to a maximum of…
TORONTO, ON – Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients will see a slight increase to their July social assistance cheques due to an inflation-related increase to basic needs and maximum shelter allowances. The Income Security…
For the fifth year in a row, Ontario Works (OW) incomes remain stagnant and well below the official poverty line for every family type. The provincial government did not make any increases to OW benefit…
On Thursday, March 23, following Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy’s Speech from the Throne, the Provincial 2023-2024 Budget was introduced. Released shortly after the three-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Budget contained few provisions to support…
In a typical year, provincial budget season lasts from January to early Spring, and includes pre-budget and budget submission periods, meetings, and hearings. On February 13, 2023, ISAC’s Senior Policy Analyst, Devorah Kobluk, spoke at…
In a typical year, provincial budget season lasts from January to early Spring, and includes pre-budget and budget submission periods, meetings, and hearings. ISAC’s Senior Policy Analyst, Devorah Kobluk, was invited to present to MPP…
The federal government is offering three temporary benefits for families and people living on low incomes. Canada Dental Benefit (temporary, one-time benefit, two eligibility periods) The Canada Dental Benefit is intended to support families whose…
On November 14, 2022, the Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, presented the Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review. While the proposed changes for people who rely on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and can work…
On October 27, 2022, the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) released its Economic and Budget Outlook, Fall 2022. It details the FAO’s projection of the Ontario government’s fiscal position, specifically that with unexpected and increased income,…
This marks the fourth year the provincial government did not make any increases to Ontario Works (OW) benefit rates. However, the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefit rates have increased by 5%. Families with children…
Effective today, ODSP benefit rates will increase by 5%. This 5% applies to both basic needs and shelter amounts, board and lodge rates, and sponsored immigrants. Services provided in long-term care homes will also be…
ISAC’s Senior Policy Analyst Devorah Kobluk was interviewed on NOW with Dave Brown, an Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) podcast, about the Ontario government’s promise to increase ODSP rates by 5% and the Open Letter released…