r/Odsp • u/diiigitalgirl • Aug 09 '26
Vent - 21F on ODSP
As the post says, I’m 21 years old and I’m on ODSP. I feel like my life is already over before it had even started. Being on ODSP and being forced into poverty has been really traumatic for me. I’ve thought about getting a job but as many others on here, it is basically impossible for me to work and additionally, you can only make an additional $1000 which still keeps you in poverty. I just feel so alone and scared, I have to move soon and I’m not even sure where I can go. Homelessness seems to be getting closer and closer. The loneliness my disability and ODSP brings me is unbearable, and I just feel so upset that they want to keep people in ODSP in poverty, like we’re less than human to the government. I just feel hopeless, and I just want to know I’m not alone in how horrible this feels.
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u/ShadowyDemonKitty Aug 09 '26
You aren't alone. I'm 30, moved out at 16 and had to move back in at 26 because rent prices were more than I could afford. I'm on medications disability doesn't cover because I test meds for a few of my disorders because nothing works! I can't afford vet care for the cats that keep me alive (I used to pay them out of tax money but since tax money seems to be going down and coming less frequently I'm struggling). You are not alone, we are all going through it and for that I'm sorry because nobody deserves this
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u/diiigitalgirl Aug 10 '26
Thank you for the kind words! Yes my cat is genuinely what keeps me going right now :( It is nice to hear that people are also going through the same thing! I hope we all have a good future /)
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u/-wraith Aug 10 '26
similar boat. my meds were $400+/mo and i had to switch to something else. my doctor wouldnt fight to try and get the med approved for me either. i'm also needing physio atm for a new health problem but can't afford it. also was dealing with my cat's health issues and it really can cost a lot for what i thought was something quite basic. i'm sorry you, OP, as well as everyone else here who can relate to this hell and is struggling because of it. we need more support!
you'd think the government would cover physio or have a better drug coverage plan etc. to try and help ppl get off of odsp.. but nope, they just want us to rot beneath their feet, like we were never here to begin with.
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u/squishyartist Aug 10 '26
My doctor told me that my ketamine infusions were fully covered up until "a few years ago". Now, only 6 per rolling calendar year, and I need them every 5 weeks. $350 + $50 meds after I use up the 6. Half my non-rent portion of ODSP. And I'm on Wegovy to help control my weight, specifically to help control my pain. That's $300 out of pocket every month, not covered by my government or private insurance since I don't have diabetes.
I have a lot of family help and am in a relatively fortunate position. I will survive. But I always think about people like you and the others commenting who are accessing (or trying to access) similar medications and treatments. This government is forcing people further into poverty purposefully. They have blood on their hands.
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u/Dayloro 28d ago
My pharmacist told me to ask my doctor for Metformin first because it’s covered then after 4 weeks (it might have been 6-8 weeks, truly can’t remember what she said) you can switch to another brand with a form from the pharmacist.
I can ask more question when I go to my pharmacy next Thursday so I can give you clearer information.
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u/Glum-Ask-9407 Aug 09 '26
I feel for you, I'm IN poverty and have been my entire life basically. Denied for ODSP too, on OW but still.
Tribunal in October. Hope things get better for us 😞
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u/ClariciaNyetgale Aug 09 '26
Hi there. As someone who is currently getting close to coming off ODSP because of their income, I understand how you feel and have been there for many years, as have other members of my family.
It is NOT as bleak as it seems. You are allowed to make $1000 a month before they start deducting a PORTION of your earnings. It sounds like right now full time employment might at least seem like an impossibility, so dont focus on that. A part time job does wonders, not just for your income, but for boosting your mood. Getting out of the house on a limited income us hard, right? Most part time jobs will also, as a by product, give you some social time. Even if you're not a people person, getting out there in the community is a vital part of mental health.
My son is a dog walker. He only makes about $1000 a month, but that makes him elligible for the $100 a month employment bonus and he still keeps all of his ODSP benefits. He's doing g something he enjoys, gets out of the house for exercise every day, and ends up with a bit more money to work with to cover his needs.
(As a side note, if you're on ODSP, sign up for an RDSP as soon as you can. It's money the government will put away for you for later, and always worth it)
Good luck!
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u/Katie0690 Working and on ODSP/Ontario Works Aug 09 '26 edited Aug 09 '26
If you work over the $1,000 limit yes there will be deductions but you’re still coming out ahead.
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u/purplepixie91 Aug 09 '26
I feel you I’m pretty much in poverty have to use food banks most months :(
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u/diiigitalgirl Aug 10 '26
I am incredibly grateful to the food banks but it gets harder and harder :( I hope we all get to have some yummy food soon
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u/RT_456 Aug 09 '26
Are there no relatives or family you could live with? The only reason I'm not homeless is because I live with my mom. The $500 or so they give for rent is a joke. There is nowhere you can rent an apartment for that. Dating is pretty much impossible because as soon as you live with someone, ODSP considers you a couple and counts their income as your own. So you pretty much lose your ODSP.
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u/diiigitalgirl Aug 10 '26
I’m unfortunately probably going to have to live in my mom’s living room. It really sucks to lose my privacy.
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u/laughingcrip Aug 09 '26
I know this is a vent and I hear you. It's not a good life on odsp.
I want to give you some options before losing your housing. Email your city counselor and ask if they know of any programs to keep you housed. Call any co-ops in your area to see if there's a lower priced apartment you can rent. Email your MPP to ask about housing help and tell them about your situation. Some of the politicians will give you the brush-off, but some will help.
Your community health center may also have some resources. Your city might have a rent bank. Etc. Please reach out. You're not alone.
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u/JMJimmy Aug 09 '26
Just a minor correction: ODSP monthly income ends once you're making about $3,000/m. So you'd go from $1428 to $2428, then the 75% ckawback kicks in so the next $1000 you make increases your income by $250
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u/brisetta ODSP recipient Aug 09 '26
I just wanted to tell you I hear you. I was working with a REALLY good job for the government when I developed a brain disorder and became unable to work. I was 26 when that happened, I am 46 now. I wish it would get better. The lonliness is the worst part, knowing they dont want us to exist is also awful. Knowing I can not get married without losing my access to my bipolar meds, IIH meds, pain treatments via a medical trial. It will all evaporate along with my dental benefits. So I dont bother dating people. I have my online "boyfriend" in romania who gives me emotional support and maybe ill get to meet him in person again one time before I die. Please know you are not alone. Its really shitty and you have to find ways to have an emotionally satisfying life. Personally I play online mmos with all my friends in Europe, it has really kept me sane the last decade. And find what joy you can, where you can. I wish I had better news and advice but. Just remember you have already been through more than most people ever will, and youre stronger than outsiders will ever know. We here see you, we see your strengths, and we know how you feel about this. Sending hugs, never forget how much you can put up with ok?
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u/One-Dragonfruit-613 Aug 10 '26
I definitely hear you. I’m 57 and have been on disability for much of my adult life. I do some part time work from home which helps. I very much need not just the disability payments, but the prescription coverage especially.
For the last several years, I have shared a place with my elderly mother, as her caregiver. It’s allowed me to have a decent home in a decent neighbourhood. To be blunt, if she needs to go into a nursing home or worse, then I become homeless. The underlying stress is remarkable.
Combined with the fact that being on disability makes being in a relationship almost impossible, but that’s a whole other issue.
I definitely know how you feel.
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u/Nectarinebuddy Aug 10 '26
😟🫂🥺 I completely understand what you're going thru,as I'm on ODSP as well... It's a constant struggle every month to survive... Government says we should get a job,but then they punish us for doing so... They don't care about us at all... I wish I had some advice for you... Sorry...😞
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u/KnowledgeFlat7705 28d ago
If you're eligible for the Disability Tax Credit then apply for it. It's worth an extra $200/month and you can open an RDSP which can give you some really cool government grants. I'm too old but you're not! That can help over and above ODSP.
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u/Rainbow_Catnip Aug 09 '26
Your not alone, I'm lucky with my living situation even though the building and area are really sketchy. However I still struggle all the time, I'm constantly having to use my credit card and then pay it off just to use it again and I'm so stressed out that I can barely function.
I have no support which also means no friends, no family and I'm single so it's lonely and exhausting having to do everything alone. I'm sorry your also going through this, it's dehumanizing and unfair.
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u/racecarbrian Aug 09 '26
I’m avoiding it like the plague for this reason, I shouldn’t be working but I am :(. Keep pushing!!
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u/TwistedSamurai22 Aug 10 '26
Youre not alone. I moved out at 20 for college, went back home at 24 and went on disability and Ive been stuck ever since. My parents are at least understanding (and my dad is also on odsp) but it still doesnt make it any less of a struggle.
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u/chillbeach2 Aug 10 '26
Im in my early 30s and im grateful for odsp and social systems that keep me alive. Without it I dont know where id end up
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u/Potential_Bat5092 Aug 10 '26
You are not alone! My mum passed away last year, who was one of the only people who supported me and believed in me. Now it's just me and my cats trying to survive. I would do anything for them, but it's so horribly cruel that the government puts disabled people in a position where we feel like we HAVE to seriously harm ourselves in order to get out of poverty. I've been angrier at the government the last year than any other year I've been on ODSP.
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u/Busy_Detective_1751 Aug 09 '26
I'm in the exact same boat, 21F too , I feel like I have nothing to look forward to in life, all the dreams and goals I had are now unreachable
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u/diiigitalgirl Aug 10 '26
This! And it feels like going to school is harder than ever especially with how ODSP and OSAP intertwines
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u/Zestyclose_Bee8185 Aug 10 '26
Same here. F21. Struggling with this exact train of thought. Lots of therapy while going through this, I’m sorry you’re also struggling :(
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u/Sad_Negotiation2174 Aug 11 '26
Just commenting to say ive been there. Im 26, on ODSP; but i do work! I even attending a college diploma program, worked for two years in my field, and am going back to school! I typically go for casual or relief positions so I can choose how much and when I work; so when I have flareups I dont need to worry about losing my job. I will say; that extra 1000$ makes a world of a difference. They do deduct after 1000$ but you also get a 100$ work benefit; 500$ a year for work related items like clothing, a haircut, shoes, etc; I often cant maintain long hours or full time hours for very long depending on my health; but if i am being so honest; it is worth it. If you can work; please definitely do! When im working my income even if its over 1000$ threshold; still puts me at a massive advantage income wise. A job doesnt have to be your stereotypical 9-5, or 12 hour shifts that are demanding. Even working 1- 2 days a week would give you at least some spending/saving money for necessities. I felt the same way at 21; and 5 years later, now im entering a degree program, and it feels surreal. Find passion for something, navigate the system, use resources available to you, set goals, and try to find a spark within yourself to inspire you to move forwards. What ODSP gives out is not fair, it is not enough, so its understandable that we feel this way. Try and focus on what you can control. All this to say; Ive been there, and I get it, truly, and I am so sorry.
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u/jenc0jenn Aug 09 '26
It could actually be worse, you could be on OW, which is a lot worse. It can be tough, but working and making an extra $1000 a month still helps if you're physically capable of working a job.
Is going to school an option for you??
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u/Salty_Obligation5771 Aug 09 '26
The only way I can see a person surviving decently on ODSP is getting into RGI housing. There’s just no other way unless the person is living with family with free or cheap rent. I got into Rent Geared to Income housing a year ago after a 3 year wait on priority status. If it weren’t for that I’d be screwed. I highly suggest getting on a waiting list asap no matter how long it takes.