Is the ministry cutting people off from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)?
No. We want to make sure ODSP continues to help the people who qualify for it.
People who no longer qualify for ODSP as a result of a medical review will continue to receive income support and benefits for three months to help them adjust to their new circumstances.
People who no longer qualify for ODSP may choose to apply for Ontario Works.
Has the eligibility criteria for ODSP changed?
No. This process is consistent with our regulations, which require us to set a review date for anyone whose condition is likely to improve.
Will the eligibility criteria for ODSP be changing as a result of this process?
No. This process is consistent with our regulations, which require us to set a review date for anyone whose condition is likely to improve.
How will the ministry implement medical reviews?
We want to support recipients through this process and treat people fairly.
We will contact people by telephone and send notification letters and medical review forms.
People will have 90 days to collect and submit the information for a medical review and can ask for more time to submit the forms if they need it. We understand that some people may need more time to meet with a health care professional and to collect the information.
While medical reviews are underway, the ministry will continue to provide income support and all benefits to recipients who are making an effort to comply with the process.
In some cases, a medical review will confirm that the recipient is a person with a disability on an ongoing basis.
Will the ministry be providing assistance in getting an appointment or finding a doctor in their area if they don’t have one? If not the ministry, how are we assisting clients who are “orphan patients” (have no family doctor) and will have difficulty in getting the forms completed (even by a clinic)?
When recipients call to seek help in finding a doctor to fill in their Disability Determination Package, we direct them to Health Care Connect. Health Care Connect is a service that helps Ontarians without a family health care provider find one. The clients may call the Health Care Connect toll-free number: 1-800-445-1822, extension: 1.
If a recipient is only able to find a physician located outside his or her area, the ministry can provide funding to assist with travel and accommodation through the Mandatory Special Necessities benefit.
Some recipients may seek another type of health care professional to complete their forms. The Disability Determination Package lists categories or groups of approved health care professionals who can complete the required forms.
For example, the Health Status Report may be completed by the following health care professionals:
- a medical doctor, such as a family doctor or a specialist (e.g., a psychiatrist)
- a psychologist or a psychological associate
- a registered nurse (in the extended class)
- an ophthalmologist or an optometrist
The Activities of Daily Living form may be completed health care professionals, such as:
- a medical doctor
- an occupational therapist
- a physiotherapis
- a chiropractor
- a psychologist
- a registered nurse, or a registered nurse (in the extended class)
- an audiologist
- a speech-language pathologist
- a registered social worker or optometrist.