What is a needs-based disability benefit in Canada?
Provinces run income-support programs for people with disabilities — Ontario's ODSP, Alberta's AISH, BC's Disability Assistance and others. These are social assistance (needs-based), so your income and assets affect eligibility, unlike the contributory CPP-D.
How do earnings affect ODSP or AISH?
Each program exempts a portion of employment income before reducing your benefit. ODSP exempts a monthly amount then claws back 50 cents per dollar earned above it; AISH exempts a set amount then reduces at a partial rate. Non-exempt income such as CPP-D generally reduces the benefit dollar-for-dollar.
Can I receive CPP Disability and ODSP or AISH together?
Yes, but the provincial benefit is reduced by your CPP-D payment. Provinces usually require you to apply for CPP-D first, then top up to the provincial maximum. This calculator treats CPP-D as non-exempt income.
Do provincial disability rates change every year?
Yes. Provinces adjust maximum rates and exemptions periodically, and some index to inflation. Treat these figures as current-year estimates.