The Progressive Conservative government said recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) will begin receiving their five per cent increases in September.
As part of his re-election campaign – and to keep up with his opponents, who have all pledged to drastically increase ODSP payments – Premier Doug Ford promised a five percent increase in monthly payments for ODSP recipients.
ODSP individuals receive $1,169 per month as of 2018. A five percent increase would put an extra $58 in their pockets.
“This is just one of the many ways our government is providing support to those who need it most,” Finance Minister Peter Betlenfalvi told reporters on Tuesday after the budget was re-tabled.
The PCs said they would introduce a statutory annual increase based on inflation, which has risen over the past few years.
But advocates say a five percent increase isn’t enough.
Last month, more than 200 advocacy groups signed an open letter demanding that the Ontario government double ODSP payment levels. They argued that a five percent increase tied to inflation would mean ODSP recipients would constantly struggle.
“With continued inflation and the associated increase in the cost of living, five percent is not enough of a rate increase to survive,” the Center for Income Protection wrote in its letter.
At a press conference, Betlenfalvi was asked repeatedly by reporters if he could live on $1,200 a month. He dodged questions, saying only that the government was fulfilling its campaign commitment.
“The question is, what can we do for the people in Ontario who are most vulnerable?” Bethlenfalvi said instead. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, the Progressive Conservatives included a number of other money-saving proposals in their 2022 budget, including eliminating license plate sticker renewal fees, reducing the gasoline tax and handing out money to parents.
New ODSP payments will begin in September, the ministry said, and are usually made at the end of the month.
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