If you are receiving Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support, the Employment and Training Start Up Benefit can help pay for items you and your family need to start:
- a new full-time or part-time job
- a training program
- your own business
- an approved employment activity, such as a job search.
Eligible family members include:
- your spouse
- your children 18 years of age or older who are not attending secondary school full time, and
- your children under 18 years of age who have completed secondary school.
You and each eligible family member can get up to $500 in a 12-month period to help pay for items you need to start working. Here are some examples:
- clothing or uniforms
- safety shoes or work boots
- tools and special equipment
- grooming costs
- transportation
- licensing fees, professional fees, association costs.
How do I get this benefit?
You need to contact your local Ontario Disability Support Program office to make sure you are eligible. You may need to give your worker:
- proof of your employment or employment activity, such as a letter of employment from your employer or the registration form for a training course
- information about the items you need to start your job or training program.
After we have reviewed this information, we will send you a letter to tell you if you have been approved.