You have more room — and more rights — than you think.
Ontario Works and ODSP let you keep some savings and some earnings, and every decision can be appealed. But the appeal clock is short. Here's what's true and what to do.
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In 30 seconds, here's what's true
- Ontario Works (OW) is general financial assistance while you look for work. ODSP is for people with a disability and pays significantly more. You can get OW while your ODSP application is being decided.
- You can have savings. The asset limit is about $10,000 for a single person on OW and about $40,000 on ODSP — and your home and one vehicle don't count.
- Working doesn't mean losing everything. On ODSP the first $1,000 you earn each month is fully exempt; on OW the first $200 is exempt after three months on assistance.
- If you're denied or cut off, you have the right to ask for an internal review — usually within 30 days — and then appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal within 30 days of that decision.
- There is no fee to appeal. Community legal clinics handle OW and ODSP cases for free, and they're very good at it.
How the process works
Figure out which program fits
If you have a disability expected to last a year or more, apply for ODSP — it pays far more and lets you keep more. Otherwise, or while you wait for an ODSP decision, apply for Ontario Works.
Apply online, by phone, or in person
You can start an application on the province's website, by phone, or at a local office. For ODSP, you'll later get a Disability Determination Package for a health provider to complete — you usually have 90 days to return it.
If you're denied or cut off, ask for an internal review
Request an internal review in writing, usually within 30 days of the decision. This is the required first step — you can't go straight to the Tribunal without it.
Appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal
If the internal review doesn't fix it, appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal within 30 days using its appeal form. There's no fee, and you can ask for interim assistance while you wait.
Get a community legal clinic on your side
Clinics represent people on OW and ODSP for free and know these rules cold. Start a free PLAIN session and we'll point you to the right clinic.
What to do next
- Decide whether OW or ODSP fits your situation.
- Apply online, by phone, or at a local office.
- For ODSP, return the Disability Determination Package in time.
- Keep every decision letter and note the date you got it.
- If denied or cut off, request an internal review within 30 days.
- If needed, appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal within 30 days.
- Ask about interim assistance while your appeal is pending.
- Start a free PLAIN session to connect with a legal clinic.
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| I can't have any savings or assets. | You can. The limit is about $10,000 single on OW and $40,000 on ODSP, and your home and one car don't count at all. |
| If I work, I lose everything. | No. ODSP exempts your first $1,000 of monthly earnings; OW exempts the first $200 after three months. Working almost always leaves you better off. |
| OW and ODSP are basically the same. | They're not. ODSP pays much more, lets you keep more earnings and savings, and is adjusted for inflation. OW is meant to be temporary. |
| I can't appeal a decision. | You can. Ask for an internal review, then appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal. There's no fee and free legal help is available. |
| Owning a car disqualifies me. | One vehicle is exempt for both OW and ODSP. So is the home you live in. |
| I'll always have to pay social assistance back. | In general, regular assistance you were entitled to is not a loan you repay. Overpayments are a separate issue — get advice if you're told you owe money. |
| Applying for ODSP means I can't get any money now. | You can usually get Ontario Works while your ODSP application is being decided, so you're not left with nothing. |
| The deadline to appeal is flexible. | It's tight — generally 30 days to ask for an internal review and 30 days to appeal. Missing it can end your appeal, so act fast. |
Last reviewed June 2026
Written and reviewed by the founder of PLAIN, checked against primary government and legal sources. How we research these guides
Sources
PLAIN gives legal information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for a lawyer or paralegal — and we'll point you to free ones. Laws change; we review these pages regularly, but always confirm current rules with a licensed professional.
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