ODSP and Ontario Works: 2026 Rates and Payment Schedule

Caglar Aybas

Updated on:

New ODSP Payments For Ontario Residents Coming This Week

Updated July 2026. ODSP and Ontario Works both pay on the last business day of the month, covering the following month’s benefits. Rates increased again on July 1, 2026 with a 1.9% inflation adjustment — here’s the current picture for both programs.

ODSP: Current Maximum Amounts (From July 1, 2026)

Maximum monthly benefit amounts for ODSP and Ontario Works in 2026 for different household types, showing ODSP amounts range from $1,436 to $2,639 and Ontario Works amounts range from $733 to $1,553.
Comparison of maximum monthly benefits by household type under ODSP and Ontario Works in 2026.

Following the July 2026 inflation adjustment, a single person’s maximum core income support rose to $1,436/month (from $1,408). This builds on ODSP rates having cumulatively increased over 20% since September 2022. Amounts for other household types adjust proportionally from their 2025-26 levels:

  • Single person: up to $1,436 (basic needs + shelter, shelter capped at $599 pre-adjustment)
  • Couple, no dependents: previously up to $1,951
  • Single parent with one child: previously up to $1,838
  • Couple with two children: previously up to $2,639

Shelter allowance is based on actual housing costs up to the program maximum, with families receiving higher caps than single recipients.

Ontario Works: Maximum Amounts

Ontario Works provides temporary assistance for residents actively seeking work, combining basic needs and shelter allowances:

  • Single person: $733 (basic needs $343, shelter capped at $390)
  • Couple, no dependents: $1,136 (basic needs $494)
  • Single parent with one child: $1,002 (basic needs $360)
  • Couple with two children: $1,553 (basic needs $650, shelter up to $756 for larger families)

2026 Payment Schedule (Both Programs)

Both programs pay on the last business day of the month preceding the benefit month:

  • January 2026 benefits: paid December 31, 2025
  • February: January 30, 2026
  • March: February 27, 2026
  • April: March 31, 2026
  • May: April 30, 2026
  • June: May 29, 2026
  • July: June 30, 2026
  • August: July 31, 2026
  • September: August 31, 2026
  • October: September 29, 2026
  • November: October 30, 2026
  • December: November 30, 2026

December payments are sometimes issued earlier to account for the holiday season.

Practical Tip

Keep your banking information current with the province to avoid payment delays — direct deposit recipients typically see funds between midnight and 6:00 a.m. on the payment date, while cheque recipients should build in extra time for mail delivery.

Source: Government of Ontario, Ontario Disability Support Program.

Caglar Aybas

Written by Caglar Aybas

Caglar Aybas is the founder and editor of Canadianow. He writes about Canadian immigration policy, benefit payments, and everyday life in Canada for newcomers, drawing on official IRCC, CRA, and provincial government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant -- for personalized legal advice, always consult a licensed professional.

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