ODSP income support eligibility rules for non-citizens consolidated and tightened

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The rules about who is ineligible for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income support based on immigration status have been rewritten. The previous multi-category approach (covering deportation orders, visitors, tourists, and departure/exclusion orders) is replaced with two streamlined categories: (1) anyone not authorized to remain in Canada, or only authorized to remain temporarily, is ineligible — unless they have filed a refugee protection claim or a permanent resident application; and (2) anyone subject to an enforceable removal order is ineligible — unless the Director is satisfied they have applied for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. References to the old Immigration Act (Canada) have been removed entirely, and the separate subsection that allowed exceptions for people unable to leave the country for reasons beyond their control has been eliminated. People receiving or applying for ODSP who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents should review their current immigration status against the updated criteria.

Who this affects: ODSP applicants and recipients with temporary immigration status · refugee claimants · people subject to removal orders · permanent resident applicants on humanitarian and compassionate grounds · ODSP caseworkers and administrators