Ontario Disability Support Program

I got my entire life saved by ODSP income support. The employers and my family always say; all they see is autism whenever they look at me.

I find this place very difficult to deal with and hate calling. I'm sure there are decent people who work there, and I do occasionally get people who are kind and helpful on the phone or in their office, but most of the time my experience is that they are rude and condescending. The woman today laughed at me when I was explaining the issue I was trying to sort out about my income support. I am also rarely able to get a hold of my case worker and I find it ridiculous that I have to chase these people down to sort out any issue. Their job is to help people! Vulnerable people! I shouldn't be left feeling like I'm stupid after calling in to get an issue sorted out!

To start it took me over 4 years to finally get odsp after applying and getting denied then reapplying. Which if you ask a recipient of ODSP the majority of them have the same story: always getting rejected on the first try. A friend of mine (RIP) was denied his first application and he has cancer. This show the amount of compassion this program has; the very least possible.They don't tell you about any other benefits you may be eligible for, like transportation fee coverage and a work bonus if you find work(for work clothes, or tools needed)The actually workers that you speak with are very hit or miss. I've had a few over the years and my first person was wonderful and she was actually very vocal about how the program does not help as much as it should and also why I know about these other benefits. Others would be audibly annoyed every phone call you make to them and want to get you off the phone ASAP. They'll get angry when you can't hear them and will insult how you look..( I was told if I shaved my beard and cut my long hair -I'm a man so it's not the norm'- he said I wouldn't look homeless and people might hire me.So it's hard to comment on the workers themselves but overall the program is necessary and does help. But it needs some serious revamping.Essentially the government is telling people with disabilities they are not worthy or any extra luxury in life and when you do try to work to make up the money you need to have a normal life: they take half of all you earn.Working is difficult enough for people with physically and or mental disabilities.. so to have that hard earn money be cut in half is a spit in the face from the program and the government of Canada.We are people

Great service thank you so much

These people treat you like animals. From the receptionist Jessica right to your worker. Not to mention when I called my workers supervisor, her voice-mail was just about 8 minutes long and she sounded heavily intoxicated. Can't say for sure what substance but one that made her think and speak real slow. As you can imagine she didn't return my phone call either. There is something wrong in this ottawa office and it needs to be addressed. They get off on hurting people in need and making feel bad about themselves.

don't waste your time calling the number listed here, they never answer

When I lived in Ottawa I walked to office one day took me an hour .saw worker for maybe 20 mins .doesn't know what she's doing and she's been there a while and homeless guy sleeping on first floor this place neeeds to be investigated

The front line staff are great.... but the social workers and management team is terrible, no will to follow up or ensure services are actually provided to those in need. Timely service is NOT something you can expect.Each social worker stays for about 1-2years before you get a new one. Each one has their own temperament. Currently the new social worker is much more helpful and on top of timely service than previous worker.

Seems impossible to get clear answers!Lack of knowledge!lack of communication!lack of concern!waiting on incontinent supplies since jan 11th!!!

This doesn’t even deserve one star. They switched my worker 3 times THIS year. I have epilepsy and now a broken jaw in 2 spots, I have been trying to contact you guys since Jan 16. I am on a liquid diet and I am not currently working anymore since my jaw is WIRED SHUT. You told me you would cover my drinks and let me know who my new worker is and it’s 9 days later. DISGUSTING.