When should families start preparing?
Turning 18 can change how a young person with a disability accesses income support and community services in Ontario. Families should begin planning early rather than assuming childhood benefits will automatically continue.
Ontario allows young people to start the ODSP application process up to six months before their 18th birthday. ODSP income support cannot begin before age 18, and approval is not automatic.
What changes at age 18?
Childhood supports such as Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) and Special Services at Home (SSAH) have different eligibility rules from adult programs. Families should confirm when each benefit ends and whether a separate adult application is required. Receiving childhood disability assistance does not guarantee ODSP approval.
How to apply for ODSP before turning 18
- Six months before the birthday: Contact ODSP or begin the provincial application process.
- Prepare financial information: Gather details about income, assets, identity and living arrangements.
- Complete disability paperwork if required: Provide the Disability Determination Package and supporting healthcare information within the applicable deadline.
- Respond to requests: Keep copies of submissions and follow up on missing documents.
- Review the decision: If approved, confirm when payments and benefits can begin. If denied, check the decision letter for internal-review deadlines.
Can a young adult receive ODSP while living with parents?
Yes. Living with parents does not automatically prevent eligibility. The young adult’s individual circumstances, financial eligibility and living arrangements can affect the assessment and amount payable.
Developmental Services Ontario: a separate transition
Young people with developmental disabilities may also need to contact Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). Families can begin the adult developmental-services application process at age 16, although adult services generally begin at 18. DSO and ODSP are separate programs; applying for one does not enroll someone in the other.
Family checklist: ages 16 to 18
Age 16–17
- Make a list of childhood benefits and their end dates.
- Contact DSO if developmental services may be needed.
- Organize medical records, assessments and identification.
- Discuss school, work, housing, consent and caregiving arrangements.
Six months before age 18
- Begin the ODSP application process.
- Gather requested financial and disability documentation.
- Track submission dates and correspondence.
At age 18
- Confirm ODSP application status and benefit start dates.
- Review changes to ACSD, SSAH and other childhood supports.
- Follow up with adult service providers and healthcare teams.
Frequently asked questions
Does ODSP start automatically at 18?
No. An application and eligibility assessment are generally required.
Can someone apply while attending high school?
Yes. Being in school does not automatically prevent an application, although all eligibility rules still apply.
Does ACSD approval guarantee ODSP?
No. The programs have separate eligibility requirements.
Can parents help with an application?
Parents and caregivers can help prepare paperwork, subject to the young adult’s consent and any applicable legal authorization.
What if ODSP denies the application?
Read the decision letter promptly. Applicants may be able to request an internal review and, for eligible decisions, appeal. Deadlines apply.
Helpful resources
- Ontario: ODSP income-support eligibility
- Ontario: Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
- Ontario: Adult developmental disability services
- ODSP Support: How to apply
ODSP Support is an independent information website and is not affiliated with the Government of Ontario. Rules and eligibility depend on individual circumstances; verify details with the responsible program.