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Income Security Advocacy Centre

Income Security Advocacy Centre

ISAC works to address issues of income security and poverty in Ontario

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Discrimination against separated spouses: Smith v. ODSP and OW

January 9, 2019

The Income Security Advocacy Centre intervened in an appeal that raised the issue of whether a man with a disability who lives with his separated spouse so he can get help with his day-to-day living should be treated as a “dependant spouse.”

Because social assistance treats him as a “dependant spouse”, he is ineligible for any benefits. The way OW and ODSP define “dependant spouse” means he is treated as though his separated spouse is supporting him financially, even though she does not and has no obligation to.

There are many situations in which separated spouses live together, even though they are no longer in a relationship. In Mr. Smith’s case, he could not live on his own because of his disability. Although he had been separated from his wife for a decade, she agreed to let him live with her and their children so he would have the help he needed.

ISAC argued that the legislation that defines “dependant spouse” should be interpreted in a way that takes human rights into account. That would mean avoiding interpretations that are too broad, and that capture relationships that the individuals themselves do not see as spousal. A broad definition could force women and persons with disabilities into vulnerable situations of dependence that are not of their choosing.

The case did not go ahead to a hearing because an out-of-court agreement was reached.

To read ISAC’s legal arguments, click here.

-December 2018

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1500 – 55 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5J 2H7
Tel: (416) 597-5820 • Toll Free: 1-866-245-4072 • Fax: (416) 597-5821

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This site contains general legal information for people in Ontario, Canada. It is not intended to be used as legal advice for a specific legal problem. ISAC is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization. ISAC is funded by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). The funding for this website is also provided by LAO. The views expressed in any of ISAC’s publications (including written, oral, or visual) are the views of the clinic and do not necessarily reflect those of LAO.