Income Support

Being out of work is stressful, and gaps between employment - much less meaningful, sustainable employment - are growing longer as the economy remains lean in the wake of financial recession. Managing the space between jobs and living well in the gaps is a set of skills and a mindset most effectivly practiced in community.

When you are between jobs, or unable to work, you may wish to access income supports in order to pay your bills and maintain the necessities of life.  Accessing income support - usually considered a limited income - in cooperation with the resources and tips compiled in the Living Frugally section on this website can help you practice living well with less.    

Please see the links section for information regarding

  • Employment Insurance (EI)
  • Ontario Works (OW)
  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

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Online Resources

Disability Tax Credit - You can do it yourself You may receive the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) if you have a severe and prolonged disability. Its...   direct link
RDSP Calculator The RDSP Calculator helps Canadian families project the estimated value of the Grant and Bond...   direct link
Easy-to-understand Employment Insurance Information Community Legal Education Ontario hosts this useful and well-explained document about Employment...   direct link
Take care of your income! A better income can improve your health - Brochure This brochure has information about income supports, tax credits, and benefits for people on a low...   direct link
Article: "Ontario welfare reforms roll out this month" at thestar.com The government has introduced some changes to the limits on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability...   direct link
Article: "Poverty lowers brain power, making it harder to figure out ways to escape" at therecord.com A new study describes how just being in poverty can have an effect on anyone's ability to make...   direct link
Ministry of Finance document - The Ontario Trillium Benefit: More Choice for People (May 2013) Changes will be made to the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) based on 2013 taxes (starting in 2014)....   direct link
Internationally Trained Worker Loan Program Libro Credit Union and Access Centre for Regulated Employment are offering a program for...   direct link
Article: "EI benefits extended to families of seriously ill children" at cbc.ca Federal Government to create new employment insurance benefit for parents who have to take time off...   direct link
What are Ontario Works Discretionary Benefits? An information brochure created by Northwest Community Legal Clinic describing Ontario Works...   direct link
Working and the Ontario Disability Support Program Information on and tools for calculating how income from work or training can affect your income...   direct link
Article: "Government job cuts mean jobless waiting weeks for EI cheques" at theglobeandmail.com Informative article on the delays in Employment Insurance:"Jobless Canadians are waiting longer for...   direct link
Government of Canada - Employment Insurance Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed Canadians who have...   direct link
Ontario Works If you are in temporary financial need, Ontario Works can provide you with money, and help you find...   direct link
Ontario Disability Support Program The Ontario Disability Support Program helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay...   direct link
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