Did you know, that if one spouse works full time, and the other receives ODSP Disability income,  when the working spouse, is laid off, and applies for the Covid -19 federal support benefit (CERB) or (EI), ODSP (Ontario) will claw back those funds from the ODSP Recipients benefit dollar for dollar? 

How does this allow workers, to support their vulnerable family members?

This was the answer from the ODSP Disability office, to a disabled spouse, who recently suffered a heart attack! Why is this happening during a National Emergency and global pandemic?

What use, will the Federal Assistance be, to a Worker, displaced, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, if it is deducted dollar for dollar by the Province?

It leaves vulnerable individuals, and their families, in a serious financial situation! No income from work, and having to live solely, on the paltry amount remaining, after deductions by ODSP!

In many cases, ODSP Recipients will completely lose their benefits, including health and dental benefits, which will compromise the health of vulnerable Recipients!

With these issues, how can a Worker help his/her vulnerable family members to prepare for sheltering at home, and purchase enough supplies to survive, in this national and global pandemic?

Yet, both Federal and Provincial Governments strongly advise everyone, especially vulnerable people, to stay home! With the ODSP deductions, and risk of losing health benefits, how is this possible? 

I find it strange that neither the Federal Government, nor Provincial Government, has even addressed this!

There is literally a media blackout on these questions. Why is this so? I've called the CBC and they continue to ignore this issue! Why shouldn't protecting vulnerable people be newsworthy? 

There have been no direct public messages to ODSP Disability Recipients, to alleviate the stress and uncertainty. There have been no answers regarding these issues, during a national and global pandemic! 

It seems cruel to ignore the most vulnerable...when the Provincial Government "claims" they wish to "protect ALL the People in Ontario and the Federal Government claims to "have our backs"!

In calling an Ontario MPP's office, to ask these same questions, one of the responses given by his Representative, was;

"We don't want anyone defrauding the system...not you of course!"

I don't see how a Worker, asking legitimate questions, has anything to with "defrauding" the Province?

Insensitive, and cruel comments, should not be directed to the public by a Representative, speaking on behalf of an elected Official! Especially during a national and global health crisis!

Does the Federal Government know what is happening in Ontario, during this crisis? 

Why is the Province clawing back ODSP funding from their most vulnerable people, the disabled? Especially during a National and Global pandemic?

There are many, including low-income senior citizens and ODSP Disability Recipients, out of food and supplies. Not only due to having little, or no funding, but unable to obtain their necessities due to mobility issues and others' hoarding!

To date, the province has allocated a one-time amount of $100-200 depending on family size! With this inadequate amount, there is no way disabled people can purchase the extra food, meds and supplies to stay home for the entire duration of the pandemic!

Those on ODSP, most of whom are already immuno-compromised, have been waiting in dread, and are under tremendous stress, because nothing is being addressed on these issues by either Federal or Provincial Governments!

We propose the following to both Provincial and Federal Governments;

-That the Federal Government promptly address the Ontario Government, on this this cruel claw back of Emergency Federal funding, dollar for dollar, by ODSP, for Workers whose Spouses are disabled.

Even temporary suspension on these claw backs, would help workers support their vulnerable family members and reduce their need to apply for ODSP discretionary funds, so that these emergency funds, are directed instead, to the most vulnerable...those WITHOUT family support!

It is reprehensible that the Province chooses to increase their provincial coffers, off the backs of ODSP Recipients, because their working Spouses have lost their jobs, and have applied for Federal Assistance, along with thousands of others, during a global pandemic!

Why are workers, with spouses on ODSP, being penalized? Especially during the Covid-19 crisis? We work as hard as other workers! These claw backs should at least, be stopped, or reduced, for the duration of the pandemic!

-Please direct the Provincial Government to increase the level of discretionary funding beyond the present inadequate amounts, and keep the amount of support in-line with Covid -19 Federal support standards! ODSP offices are being inundated with calls from people, requesting these discretionary funds, which will not be enough to sustain those most vulnerable!

-We request extra support to ODSP Provincial workers, whom are under tremendous stress,  due to the increase in calls from stressed Recipients, and Workers, who fear their Federal CERB will be deducted from their Spouses' ODSP benefits!

-We request that the Government set measures in place, in negotiation with essential businesses,  which will allow seniors, disabled citizens, their caregivers and/or supporting family members, to have the opportunity to acquire food supplies, etc., needed to shelter at home for the duration of the Pandemic. 

With the continued hoarding, what chance does a senior citizen, or disabled person, have to obtain their necessities such as food, medicines, etc., specifically those with limited mobility?

These steps can assist vulnerable people, which can help to reduce the spread of Covid-19, without putting their health, and others, at risk! 

-Please direct Provincial Officials and their Representatives, to refrain from making stereotypical, judgemental statements about ODSP recipients, and their family members, and to interact with ALL Members of Society with compassion and empathy during this difficult crisis!

-We request Federal and Provincial Governments to promptly address these issues, to relieve the uncertainty and stress of ODSP Recipients, and their supporting spouses!

Shouldn't everyone, including those on disability,  receive the same consideration, and support, as any other Canadian?

Federal and Provincial Governments...your words and promises of supporting the most vulnerable of your fellow Canadians mean nothing, however, your actions will!

Thank you.