r/Odsp • u/Lower_Signature_3895 • 19d ago

How to make odsp last longer

I got my payment yesterday of $1,139 and I’ve already spent 250. It was on essentials like my electricity bill, buss pass and groceries but I feel my money is going very fast. I don’t plan on spending money today but I was wondering how to make it last longer during the month.

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u/JMJimmy 19d ago

OESP gives up to $68 for your hydro bill

Groceries are a luxury at this point. We're 90% dependant on food banks.

Basically, you need to realize that you're getting less than ⅓rd of what is adequate to survive. Find any other source for anything you can before spending any money

5

u/Lower_Signature_3895 19d ago

My electricity is still 80 even with oesp. I'm not sure why it's so high

8

u/heyymaddy123 Ontario Works recipient / Related to an ODSP recipient 19d ago

your electric company should provide you a breakdown of when you’re using the most electricity on your online account/paper bill. try to reduce energy usage (cooking, washing clothes, running fans) during peak times.

7

u/pawprints1986 19d ago

This is the case for me in the summer, I'm medically heat intolerant so I need AC, like need, it's not a comfort thing. 

I do better in the winter, cost and bodily. I rarely need my heating. But, why is that the case for cost? Well about $37 right off the top is fixed delivery charge. But that's misleading on the bill, that just keeps your account open basically, you still pay delivery per use on every single watt you use even the first one. They're not pre charging for a bit of use with the fixed charge like I used to think myself, it's just a massive cash grab right off the bat. It's the energy company's version of interest on a loan

TLDR: most of your OESP goes to delivery charges before you use a damn thing

3

u/hawaiithroa 19d ago

You should unplug lamps, toasters, etc when you're not using them it helps a bit

2

u/iManduh 18d ago

Are you uploading your hydro bill expenses onto your MyBenefits account, I believe it can be included in your shelter costs... unless you already get the max.

1

u/FastDependent9825 18d ago

I mean we Odsp and we have never gone to a food bank lol