Building the Path to Home

Financial services

To find or keep housing, a person must have a regular income. Many people with a dual diagnosis require government income support. Some people also need help with budgeting.

Income support

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Many people with a dual diagnosis meet the requirements for financial assistance through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

To apply, a person must have personal identification (e.g., social insurance card, health card, citizenship certificate). The application asks for personal and financial information and includes a Health Status Report (to be completed by a health care professional) and an Activities of Daily Living Index.

ODSP payments are deposited in the person's bank account. ODSP has a higher allowance than Ontario Works (up to $939 per month for a single person). ODSP also includes both a drug card and a dental plan.

There are two ways to apply for ODSP:

• through an Ontario Works (OW) office. An OW liaison worker will check that you have included all the information. Some financial support may be available through OW while the ODSP application is processed.
• by completing a self-referral package. This is available at any ODSP office.

We suggest that you go to the OW office with:

• social insurance number
• health card
• birth certificate or passport
• proof of citizenship (for Canadian citizens born outside Canada) or
• record of landing (for permanent residents or immigrants)
• financial documents (e.g., current bank statements, proof of housing or shelter and expenses, proof of income from any source).

Make sure a qualified medical professional completes the Health Status Report.

In some circumstances, there may be a way to arrange direct rental payment to ensure that rent is paid on time, but this needs to be discussed with the individual ODSP office staff person.

For ODSP locations, see the Income and Employment Supports office listing.

Applications are often rejected and then accepted after an appeal to the Disability Adjudication Unit. Some people have had a hard time getting information from the Disability Adjudication Unit. If the person you are supporting has his or her application rejected, contact your local Legal Aid office to find out whether it is worth appealing the decision.

Ontario Works

Ontario Works (1 888 465-4478) gives short-term help to people who have applied for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits and need money right away. However, it can be difficult to meet the requirements of the OW declaration of inability to work.

For more information about income support, see:

• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO)
• Challenges & Choices: Finding Mental Health Services in Ontario.

Personal identification services

ID clinics help Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who have lost their personal identification. For personal ID services, see:

• Street Health (also offers a safe place for people who are homeless to store their identification, 416 921-8668)
• settlement.org (for help accessing immigration documents).

ID clinics

• Street Health (416 921-8668)
  Toronto North Support Services (416 499-5969)

Budget management services

Sometimes people need someone to make sure that rent is paid regularly and on time. Voluntary trusteeships help with budgeting and ensuring that rent is paid. Services that provide voluntary trusteeships at no cost include:

• Evangel Hall (552 Adelaide St. West, 416 504-3563)
• Cornerstone Women's Residence (run by All Saints Church)
• Corner Drop-in (run by St. Stephen's House)
• Neighbourhood Information Post (269 Gerrard St. East, 416 924-2543).

If you have concerns about the person’s ability to manage his or her own funds, and no family member, friend or other person is prepared to help or to become an attorney for property, contact the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee at 416 314-2800 in Toronto or toll-free at 1 800 366-0335.

For more information, see Personal Care and Property.

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