We, The people On ODSP, call on the Government of Ontario to take urgent action to reform the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) earnings rules, which unfairly penalize people with disabilities for working.

The Current Problem

ODSP allows recipients to earn up to $1,000 per month without reducing benefits. While this is an improvement over the old $200 exemption, once a recipient earns more than $1,000, ODSP claws back 50 cents for every additional $1 earned.

This means people only keep 25% of their income above $1,000. Instead of rewarding work, the system punishes it.

The Human Impact

People with disabilities face higher costs for food, rent, medical expenses, and transportation. Every dollar matters. But when ODSP claws back 75%, working more feels pointless.

For example:

If someone earns $1,400 per month, ODSP takes $300 back, leaving them with just $1,100.
If someone earns $2,000 per month, ODSP takes $750, leaving them with only $1,250 — not much more than the $1,000 exemption.

This creates a poverty trap. People who want to work more, gain experience, and improve their lives are punished for doing so. Instead of encouraging independence, ODSP rules keep people stuck!

What Needs to Change !!!

We believe people with disabilities should be able to keep most of what they earn, not just 25%. Employment should be encouraged, not punished.

We demand that ODSP change its rules so recipients keep at least 75% of every dollar earned above $1,000.

This would:

Make work worthwhile.
Reduce poverty and dependence.
Allow people with disabilities to build savings and stability.
Show that Ontario values inclusion and dignity.

Our Demands

We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Ontario to:

Reduce the ODSP clawback rate so recipients keep at least 75% of what they earn above $1,000.
Raise the $1,000 exemption to reflect the real cost of living in Ontario.
Work directly with ODSP recipients and disability advocates to design fair policies.
Ensure that work pays and that people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect.

Conclusion

It is unfair that people with disabilities are left with only 25¢ of every dollar they earn above $1,000. This system traps people in poverty and discourages work. Ontario must act now to make ODSP fairer by letting people keep at least 75% of what they earn.

We, demand this change!