Ontario won’t claw back federal disability benefit

Amid concerns from Ontarians with disabilities and their advocates, the province has announced that it will not claw back the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). The CDB was passed in 2023, with the government allocating $6.1 billion to it in the 2024 federal budget. Starting in July, eligible recipients can receive up to $2,400 per year, or a maximum of $200 per month.

In a news release on Tuesday, the province declared that it will exempt the federal benefit as income. This means that recipients will not have money deducted from their provincial social assistance payments or entitlements such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Advocates have expressed relief at this decision but remain cautious. Rabia Khedr, the national director of the advocacy group Disability Without Poverty (DWP), highlighted the fear and disappointment caused by Alberta’s announcement to claw back the benefit under certain circumstances. However, Khedr expressed hope in the Ontario government’s previous positive steps, such as increasing the ODSP exemption from $200 to $1,000.

Despite this positive development, advocates still have concerns about the CDB program. To be eligible for the benefit, recipients must be approved for the disability tax credit, requiring certification from a medical practitioner. This has led to challenges for individuals without family doctors, who are unable to access the benefit. Advocates are calling for a simplification of the process to ensure easier access for all eligible individuals.

Additionally, there are calls for better collaboration between people with disabilities and their advocates in decision-making processes. Advocates emphasize the importance of including lived experiences in policy-making discussions to ensure that decisions accurately reflect the needs of the community.

While the decision to not claw back the CDB is a positive step, advocates like Khedr and Anicich stress the need for an increase in the benefit amount. They argue that the current maximum monthly payment of $200 is inadequate for individuals living with disabilities, who often face additional costs that push them below the poverty line. A higher benefit amount would allow recipients to improve their quality of life by investing in necessities like healthier food, supplements, and medications.

In conclusion, while the exemption of the CDB from clawbacks is a welcome development, there is still work to be done to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive adequate support. Collaboration, simplification of processes, and an increase in benefit amounts are crucial steps to address the needs of this community effectively.