Proving you have a disability
In most cases, you must prove that you have a disability to get ODSP. The ODSP calls this “qualifying as a person with a disability”.
The Disability Adjudication Unit (DAU) is the office that decides if you can get ODSP as a person with a disability.
The DAU also decides if and when you need to prove your disability again to keep getting ODSP. This is called a medical review. Usually, these reviews happen every 2 to 5 years.
To prove your disability, a health professional must confirm that you have a “substantial” physical or mental health problem. And that problem:
- is likely going to last a year or more, and
- limits in a substantial way how much you can work, look after yourself, or do daily chores at home or in the community.
What “substantial” means
Substantial usually means that something has a big or important affect on your life. But the law does not say exactly what a “substantial” disability is or how it has to limit you for you to get ODSP.
The DAU looks at your individual situation. And based on that, it decides if your disability and how it affects you is substantial.
Not having to prove your disability
Some people can get ODSP without having to prove they have a disability. This might apply to you if you:
- get disability benefits from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP-D) or the Québec Pension Plan
- are over 65 but not able to get Old Age Security
- get services or support because you have a developmental disability
Previous page Next page