Social Assistance/Income Security

Depending on our resources and the issue, HALCO may provide free summary advice and/or representation to people living with HIV in Ontario. If we cannot assist, we will do our best to provide information and referrals to other services.

We may be able to assist with the following matters:

  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Eligibility (e.g., questions about income, assets)
  • ODSP Denials, Holds, Suspensions
  • ODSP Non-Financial Benefits (e.g., medication, special diet)
  • Ontario Works (OW) Denials
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement, Disability (advice only)
  • Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement (advice only)
  • Employment Insurance (EI) Regular, Sickness (advice only)

Please note that HALCO does not assist with completing application forms for these benefits.

Most legal clinics in Ontario provide assistance with social assistance matters. You can find your local community legal clinic here: https://www.legalaid.on.ca/legal-clinics/?distance&sort_by

The Steps to Justice Website offers step-by-step information about income assistance law and other common legal problems. https://stepstojustice.ca/legal-topic/income-assistance/