Government disability benefits for people with a disability.

 

Governments of many countries have initiated income support programs for their citizens with a disability. In the United States there is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. The United Kingdom has the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) program for adults with a disability. 

In Canada there are thirteen different programs for people with a disability. One for each province and the territories set in the two official languages and in native languages. Each program has its own name, its own set of regulations and its own asset limits. For Canadians who move from one province to another it’s a daunting task to have to relearn the regulations for their new province.

The key words in every country to receive disability income benefits are “eligible and if you qualify”. These are means tested programs where governments say, if you have money, you don’t need ours. You will not qualify if you have too much money or you are not disabled enough.

In Ontario the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is an income benefit that helps people with disabilities that are in financial need to pay for living expenses. ODSP provides eligible people with disabilities with financial help to pay for living expenses, like food and housing. If you qualify for Income Support, the amount of Income Support you receive will depend on your family size, income, assets, and housing costs.

 

How to apply for the ODSP and where is my local office?

Members will find information on how to apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program, a link to their web site and a list of addresses and phone numbers of their regional offices.

 

Increasing the ODSP benefit.

If the child or relative lives with their parents or caregiver the recipient may qualify for an increase in their ODSP benefit to the maximum monthly benefit by as much as $3,000 a year. Members simply sign in and complete the request form.

 

Exempting assets in excess of the $5,000 ODSP asset limit

If you/your child or relative have received an inheritance or acquired liquid assets that exceed the $5,000 ODSP asset limit we can help exempt those assets up to $100,000. The individual will maintain complete control of their assets and they can withdraw up to $6,000 a year without jeopardizing their ODSP benefit.  Members simply sign in and complete the request form.  

 

Members will receive current updates and information on the ODSP, and a link to the on line “Spotlight magazine” from Developmental Services Ontario.

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The Registered Disability Savings Program(RDSP)

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. If you have an RDSP, you may also be eligible for grants and bonds to help with your long-term savings.

 

You should consider opening an RDSP if you have a long-term disability and are:

• eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (disability amount);

• under the age of 60 (if you are 59, you must apply before the end of the calendar year in which you turned 59);

• a Canadian resident with a Social Insurance Number (SIN); and

• looking for a long-term savings plan.

You may contribute any amount to your RDSP each year, up to the lifetime contribution limit of $200,000. With written permission from the RDSP holder, anyone may contribute to the RDSP.

 

The Canada Disability Savings Act that created the Registered Disability Savings Program was proclaimed in June 2008. The RDSP was designed to provide for long-term financial security of a person with disabilities. Contributions, with the added benefit of government grants and bonds, combined with tax deferred growth, make RDSP’s a powerful investment tool for people with disabilities.

 

Members will receive real time up to date RDSP information memos from Employment and Social Development Canada. You’ll receive these real time information memos weeks before the RDSP issuers notify their clients. You’ll always have the latest information and you’ll always be up to date.

 

Do you want to know how to guarantee your child’s RDPS is completed?

Do you want to know what organizations are offering the RDSP?

Do you want to know about the $70,000 grants and $20,000 bonds?

Do you want to know more about the RDSP?