Odsp?

[JennyRN]

Hey everyone - so I have been doing some thinking and after this latest episode I have come to the conclusion that I may not be able to work on a consistent basis - I have not mentioned some other symptoms that I have been having - including tremors, staring into space, I think I did mention I have trouble finding my words (all the time though) - anyway, at the last Pdoc appointment he had mentioned that I may not be able to work - so of course that has me worried and upset. I see him again next week and I guess there will be more discussion about whether I should work or not - just wondering how long it has taken some of you to get your ODSP. Thanks in advance - Jen.

[paul m]

Hello Jenn. In regards to ODSP. If you are married or are living with someone who has an income above the poverty line, you would be ineligible for money from ODSP. However you may be eligible for money from Canada Pension Plan Disability. (CPPD)

In the case of ODSP, you would be looking at 6-12 mths, during which time if you were single and had no dependants, you could collect about $550max. The max on ODSP is about 1075 for a single with no dependants. Those are maximums and depend on how much you pay for shelter. Although how they expect anyone to live on $550 a mth including shelter is beyond me.

CPPD also takes about about 6-12 mths to recieve your first payment. Payments average a bit less than $1000 per mth and it does not matter if you have a spouse or other income(as long as it's not from working) or whether you have other assests and rent or own. . Once you start to collect it, you can earn up to approx 4500 per yr from working part time in addition to your CPPD. CPPD depends soley on whether or not you have paid CPP premiums over a certain number of years.

Both pay retro active if you have not starved to death first. Take Care. paul m

[JennyRN]

God - that is insane - how the hell are people supposed to live?? thanks for the info Paul - I have a feeling I am going to have to work no matter what...

[Canuck_Gal_1965]

Hi Jenny

I know the government is insane in what they expect us to live off of. I am still waiting on the forms from my doctor for my LTD Application and my Disabilty Tax Credit (this one I didnt even know existed). With the DTC she is going back in the rcords about 20 years so I realize it will take some time, but I do need my LTD a month ago. She was given these forms on August 19. My UI ran out at 14 weeks (Sept 3). I call her office weekly, I bet she is pissed at me. Maybe calling is making her take longer?? LOL I am fortuneate that my ex pays child support but it is not enough to cover all my bills. My work group RSP, my own RSP payment and my daughters Education Fund payment had to be stopped back in May....I had to cut some things out - my money I have now each month goes directly to essential living expenses.....I too WILL have to go back to work no matter what. I still have hope I can go back to my old job if my employer holds it for me. I keep telling myself my situtation is only temporary but I do have some really bad days where I feel like a failure. Will be thinking about you!!

[JennyRN]

Thanks Canuck_gal - I know the feeling wishing the situation was temporary - somehow I have a feeling it isn't I wish you the best with your financials - all we have is prayer I guess at this point...

[Aurora]

Hi Gals.Hope this will cheer you both up.I know nothing about ODSP because I don't live in Ontario.Ok, refocused again-lol.I applied for my CPPD & Disability Tax Credit & already have recieved now my second month payment from CPPD at the end of the month & have also recieve my 1yr backpay they said I was intitalled to.Also have been contacted that my Disability tax credit is approved & will go back 10yrs so now thats in my accountants hands.Now back to what will cheer you both up is it all took just under 3 mths. so maybe they are improving with the prosessing or I just got lucky.Hope for you both they are just improving. I wish you both good luck with this.Also I don't know how it works in other provinces but I know here (Manitoba) that I have been told that if you are a single person or single with children,or even if your spouse loses their employment & you only have the CPPD as income,social assistance will make the differance you need to live on.Also if your a renter,here they have subsidized housing & also will give out a monthly subsidy if your in a private rental.Ok i'll stop babbling just wanted you to know that the process isn't always as bad as you think.Take care & Good luck.Oh also CPPD Maximum is around the $1000.00.Guess it depends on alot of things,income while you were working,how much you worked,how much you made,etc... I know people getting $400-$450 some lower.Mine is higher but still only $650.00 but it all helps.

[uni]

Jenny and CanuckGal, I really feel for you both. Being without income only adds to the stress, and although I have no suggestions for you, my fingers are crossed for you both.

Aurora, do you know how far back it's possible to get the Disability Tax Credit? Or retroactive CPPD for that matter? When I was off work several years ago I had no idea or guidance about either one. Just wondering whether all is lost or not. If it's too complicated I probably won't tackle it (stress) but you never know.

[Canuck_Gal_1965]

Wild thing is, my shrink called me back as I was to miss the appt. He does know I am dedicated to see him, actually I enjoy it, and he spent 20 minutes on the phone with me to be sure I was okay and being sure if he could help me in any way he would. He expressed he was NOT happy with the addeed stress of me waiting on LTD approval from my doctor. He expressed me being a single parent and no income was a bipolar trigger...I did tell him bi polar or not we all need an income... so he assured me a visit note was on its way to my doctor, but I am here now and no call still....so I wait......

[Sweetest1]

Why isn't your pdoc the one filling out the forms for your LTD?? My pdoc did mine.

[JennyRN]

so some good news - we managed to rent our spare room and rec room to a nice older gentleman for $550 a month (sigh of relief) - a little bit of help to get us by - and with working on a casual basis things should be okay (let's hope and pray) Jen

[AJ]

That is good news. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Sweetest1]

I really hope that arrangement works out for you JennyRN!

[Lizzy]

Resourceful JennyRN.

[JennyRN]

Resourceful JennyRN.

thanks Lizzy

[Canuck_Gal_1965]

Hey Rebecca - my family doctor is filling out my LTD forms - and I am still waiting. P Doc is primary doctor? My psychiatrist I see does not have access to all my records.