On May 1, 2009, the time limit for requesting internal review of a decision about the right to assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program changed from 10 days to 30 days. Revisions of CLEO's social assistance publications dated May 2009 or later show this change.

Appeals and Internal Reviews (PDF 210 KB)
Internal Review Request Form (PDF 33 KB)
July 2009
This brochure outlines the process to follow when a person disagrees with decisions about their right to social assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. It describes how to request an internal review, file an appeal with the Social Benefits Tribunal, and apply for interim assistance. A blank Internal Review Request Form is included.

Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit (PDF 188 KB)
June 2008
The Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit is for people who qualify for social assistance in Ontario. This benefit helps pay the costs of setting up a new home when moving or leaving an institution. It can also help people who are about to lose the home they are living in because they owe rent or utility payments. This booklet explains who is eligible, how much they might get, how to apply, and how to appeal a refusal.

Disability benefits in Ontario: Who can get them, How to apply (PDF 229 KB)
May 2009
This booklet explains who qualifies for benefits from the Ontario Disability Support Program, how to apply, and how to appeal a refusal.

Do you live with someone who might be seen as your spouse? (PDF 202 KB)
June 2008
This booklet deals with the rule that spouses who live together must qualify for social assistance as a couple. It explains how Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program decide whether two adults who live together are spouses. Topics include applying for assistance while living with someone, being on assistance when someone moves in, living separately from a spouse, and being falsely alleged to be living with someone. There is also a section on how to appeal if assistance is refused or cut off.

Getting an inheritance when you are on Ontario disability benefits (PDF 165 KB)
June 2008
This booklet deals with how inheriting money or other property can affect a person’s right to benefits from the Ontario Disability Support Program. It mentions the rules about assets, income, and payments for disability-related items and services.

Health benefits when you go off Ontario Works
(PDF 215 KB)
May 2009
This booklet provides information about the health benefits available to people who are going off Ontario Works because they have income from other sources. It explains who is eligible for these benefits, how to apply for them, and how to appeal if a health benefit is refused or cut off.

Health benefits when you go off ODSP (PDF 216 KB)
January 2007
This booklet provides information about the Ontario Disability Support Program’s extended health benefit and transitional health benefit. It explains who is eligible for these benefits, how to apply for them, and how to appeal if the extended health benefit is refused or cut off.

Ontario Works and Having a Job (PDF 180 KB)
May 2009
This booklet explains how income from work or training can affect the amount of financial assistance a person gets from Ontario Works. It contains worksheets to help calculate how such income will affect the amount of assistance.

When the social assistance office asks for information or an interview (PDF 192 KB)
July 2009
This brochure explains the rights of people on social assistance when they are asked for information to prove they are still eligible for assistance. Topics include what information and documents can be required and what to do if a document is hard to get. There is also a section on how to appeal if assistance is cut off or reduced.

Working and the Ontario Disability Support Program
(PDF 145KB)
(June 2008)
This booklet explains and offers worksheets to calculate how income from work or training can affect the amount of assistance a person gets from the Ontario Disability Support Program. It notes the ways ODSP can help with the cost of working and also deals with going off assistance and getting back on.