Disability Weekly News

The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) helps low-income households manage rising energy costs by providing monthly credits on electricity bills. Credits range from \$45 to \$75, with higher amounts for electric heating or medical device use. With expanded eligibility in 2024, more families now qualify, ensuring vital financial relief and energy affordability across Ontario.

The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) offers emergency financial aid to Ontario households struggling with overdue electricity or natural gas bills. Eligible families can receive up to \$650 in grants, or \$780 for electrically heated homes, paid directly to utility providers. By preventing disconnection, LEAP ensures low-income households can maintain essential energy services.

In Waterloo Region, housing support programs help individuals and families at risk of homelessness find stability. Options include supportive housing with onsite staff offering social, recreational, and independent living support, and portable home-based support for private renters lasting 3–18 months. Applications begin at Lutherwood Housing Resource Centres through the PATHS waitlist.

The Salvation Army Centre of Hope in London operates the Housing Stability Bank, a vital program helping low-income residents prevent homelessness. It provides interest-free loans for overdue rent and last or first month’s rent, along with grants or loans for utility arrears. By offering financial support and stability, the Centre empowers families to maintain safe and secure housing.

The Rent Secure Program in Hamilton provides a temporary, portable rental benefit for up to two years, helping low-income households and those at risk of homelessness cover housing costs. Unlike traditional subsidies, it moves with you if you relocate, offering flexibility and stability. By bridging the gap between income and rent, it supports vulnerable residents while they transition to long-term housing solutions.

The Housing Allowance Program in Hamilton offers time-limited monthly subsidies to low-income households renting in the private market. Providing support for up to eight years, the program helps cover rising housing costs with subsidies ranging from \$350 to \$550 based on household size. It ensures stability for residents while they work toward long-term affordable housing solutions.

The Housing Emergency Fund (HEF) in Hamilton provides critical financial aid to OW and ODSP recipients, as well as low-income households, to prevent homelessness. Support includes help with last month’s rent, overdue rent, and utility arrears, with up to \$3,000 for singles and \$7,000 for families over 24 months, ensuring vulnerable residents can maintain safe and stable housing.

The Region of Peel offers vital housing subsidies to support low- and moderate-income residents in Mississauga and Brampton. Options include Community Housing (Rent-Geared-to-Income), Private Rental Subsidies, and Portable Benefits that move with you. These programs help families secure affordable housing and maintain stability, reducing the risk of homelessness.

The Below Market Rent (BMR) Program in Ottawa provides affordable housing by offering rental units at up to 80% of average market rent, easing the burden for low- and moderate-income households. Managed through the Social Housing Registry, the program helps families secure stable homes while paying reduced rent directly to landlords, creating greater housing stability in the city.

The City of Ottawa’s Rent Supplement Program helps low- and moderate-income households secure affordable housing by bridging the gap between income and market rent. Through Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) and the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB), eligible families and individuals can pay no more than 30% of their income, ensuring safe, stable, and flexible housing options.

The Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF) helps Toronto residents on OW or ODSP prevent homelessness by offering emergency financial support. It covers rental arrears, utility bills, moving costs, and essential furniture, ensuring families and individuals can maintain stable housing during crises. Quick processing makes it a vital lifeline.

The Toronto Rent Bank provides crucial financial support to help low-income residents avoid eviction and secure housing. Offering grants of up to \$5,000 for rent arrears and \$2,000–\$3,500 for deposits, the program ensures stability for families in need. With quick processing and multilingual support, it’s a vital lifeline for tenants across the city.

The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) is more than financial aid—it’s one of the few long-term solutions helping families survive endless subsidized housing waitlists. With waits stretching up to 15 years, the COHB offers immediate, portable support that keeps people from homelessness. By prioritizing survivors, seniors, people with disabilities, and those at risk, this program gives hope, stability, and the power to choose safe housing while waiting for permanent options

Finding safe, accessible, and affordable housing is a major challenge for Ontarians with disabilities, with rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing waitlists often lasting 10–15 years. This post explores available housing supports, including subsidized and supportive housing, special priority placements, and community-based resources like co-ops and non-profits. Learn how to apply, prepare documents, and discover practical tips for improving your chances while navigating Ontario’

Living on ODSP in 2025 is challenging, with $1,368 a month falling short of Ontario’s rising costs. This post shares practical budgeting tips, community resources, and strategies to stretch your income while highlighting advocacy efforts for higher ODSP rates.

ODSP’s Extended Health Benefit (EHB) helps you keep vital health coverage—even if your income goes over ODSP limits. From drug, dental, and vision care to mobility device repairs and diabetic supplies, this blog explains who qualifies and how EHB can support your health while you work.

ODSP offers personalized employment supports to help individuals with disabilities find and keep meaningful work. From job coaching and self-employment help to milestone payments and retention bonuses, this blog explains how ODSP can support your career goals and financial independence.

Worried that working might affect your ODSP? Good news—new guidelines let you earn up to \$1,000/month with no deductions, plus keep part of any income above that. This post breaks down income rules, work benefits, and job supports so you can earn money *and* keep your support.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities under ODSP is key to maintaining your support. This blog covers what you’re entitled to—like meetings, written decisions, and health benefits—as well as what you must report to stay eligible and avoid overpayments. Stay informed and in control.

ODSP helps individuals with disabilities cover basic living costs through monthly payments for food, housing, and personal needs. This post breaks down how support is calculated, extra benefits for remote communities, and health-related coverage like meds, dental, and vision care.