NEW ISAC Report: “In Their Own Words: The State of Social Assistance in Ontario”
Nearly one million Ontarians rely on social assistance programs like Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for survival. These are programs of last resort, a lifeline for those with nowhere else to turn. Unfortunately, these programs are not working for the people who use them. Read our recommendations on how to fix these programs, pulled directly from recipient experience, in our new report “In Their Own Words”.
We advance the systemic interests and rights of low-income and equity-seeking communities and meaningfully support Indigenous Peoples and communities, with a focus on improving income security programs and ending low-wage precarious employment.
Updates
After years of advocacy from workers’ groups, the federal government created the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal (EI BOA). The EI BOA will take over responsibility from the Social Security Tribunal (SST) – General Division…
The federal government has opened its consultation session for the upcoming budget, with a submission deadline of May 22, 2026 (details about how to submit your own recommendations can be found in our post here.)…
Looking for help with your Disability Tax Credit (DTC) or Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) application? You may be able to get individualized help from a non-profit organization that has been trained and funded to help.…
Ontario’s 2026 Budget arrives with a familiar promise of protection, but for whom? The province faces compounding pressures, including a deficit that has nearly doubled to $13.8 billion, ongoing U.S. tariff threats, and the ripple…
There are many reasons why someone may stop receiving social assistance. For example, a senior may turn 65 and begin receiving seniors benefits that are greater than their Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income. A…
Turning 65 is often seen as a milestone, but for low-income seniors in Ontario, it can bring financial and health-related uncertainty. Many seniors turning 65 no longer financially qualify for Ontario Works (OW) or the…
Updates
After years of advocacy from workers’ groups, the federal government created the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal (EI BOA). The EI BOA will take over responsibility from the Social Security Tribunal (SST) – General Division…
The federal government has opened its consultation session for the upcoming budget, with a submission deadline of May 22, 2026 (details about how to submit your own recommendations can be found in our post here.)…
Looking for help with your Disability Tax Credit (DTC) or Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) application? You may be able to get individualized help from a non-profit organization that has been trained and funded to help.…
Ontario’s 2026 Budget arrives with a familiar promise of protection, but for whom? The province faces compounding pressures, including a deficit that has nearly doubled to $13.8 billion, ongoing U.S. tariff threats, and the ripple…
There are many reasons why someone may stop receiving social assistance. For example, a senior may turn 65 and begin receiving seniors benefits that are greater than their Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income. A…
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