Simcoe Community Services is encouraged by the Ontario government’s continued investment in ODSP, as announced in the budget this week.

Lynn Price, CEO of Simcoe Community Services, said she looks forward to further news and development on a poverty-reduction strategy to improve quality of life for Ontarians who have a disability.

“Many people who have an intellectual disability depend on ODSP as their sole source of income. The two-per-cent increase announced (Tuesday) will bring the maximum monthly benefit for a single person on ODSP to just under $1,020,” said Price.

“Assuming you receive the maximum, and some people don’t, that amount must cover rent, utilities, groceries, clothing, transportation, and other costs. This year’s increase will begin to help people manage these costs.”

The Liberal government provided cost-of-living increases to ODSP during its last term. Even after this year’s increase, a single person on ODSP will receive a maximum benefit that is still thousands of dollars below the poverty line.

“We’ve asked the current government for a guarantee of annual adjustments to ODSP rates so that people can keep up with bills amid rising inflation. This year’s increase is helpful, but annual increases alone won’t address the increasing poverty of people who have a disability. What we need is a comprehensive strategy,” said Price.

“It’s a start,” said Donna Gage, a local recipient of ODSP. “It’s not a lot, but it will help pay the bills.”