February 23, 2020
Open Policy
Ontario
John Stapleton
Tales from the deep end of the poverty pool: How Ontario Works keeps ODSP from rising and what Oliver Twist might ask
In 2020, the maximum single rate for ODSP is $1,169 a month and $733 a month for OW. The maximum ODSP increment is $436 a month. The ODSP maximum payment is almost 60% (59.5%) higher than OW.
In the absence of payment adequacy, few argue that ODSP payments are too high. Both OW and ODSP payments are too low such that the difference between them is seldom discussed.
But the reality is that if OW payments were more adequate, the idea of a 60% increment for disability would become a topic of conversation. And I donÂt believe that there is either any evidence or any advocacy that would support a 60% increment for benefits for people with disabilities. The increment is just too much.