Ontario Works and ODSP Caseload Survey

In preparation for upcoming Independent First Nations (IFN) work that will be completed and to assist in planning, the IFN is collaborating with Ontario Native Welfare Administrators Association (ONWAA) to conduct a survey aimed at gathering essential information regarding Ontario Works (OW) caseloads, transitions to Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and potential barriers. Your participation in this survey is crucial as it will provide valuable insights into the current landscape of social assistance programs, aid in the development of support systems, and provide relevant up-to-date data for the upcoming Joint Social Services Table discussions.

Please take the time to provide accurate and detailed responses to the following survey questions. Your participation is essential in ensuring the success and reliability of this study. All information provided will be treated confidentially. We appreciate your time and valuable input. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Chi-Miigwetch!

Deadline to complete survey: 22nd April 2024

Name

Your Community

Email Address

Please select the type of delivery site:

Full Delivery site (Financial and Employment Assistance)

Financial Assistance Only site

Part-time site

How many Ontario Works (OW) clients do you currently serve?

Do you pilot Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) sevices?

Yes

How many ODSP clients are within your community?

Are you interested in delivering ODSP services within your community as a pilot?

Do you know how many of the OW clients are eligible or suitable for transfer to ODSP? If you do not have exact numbers, please give us your best estimate.

Supplementary caseload consists of five categories:

1. Applicants who discontinue their application.

2. Applicants found ineligible during the intake process.

3. Emergency assistance recipients.

4. Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) individuals participating in Ontario Works employment assistance.

5. Cases referred by Ontario Works delivery partners to ODSP.

For the five supplemental categories, can the data be easily extracted from AD Morrison on an annual basis, and is it reliable for use to determine funding allocations to recognize the additional administrative efforts?

Please provide the approximate total number of applicants who discontinued their applications over the past fiscal year. For example: A single parent applies for Ontario Works assistance due to job loss. However, they secure a new job shortly after applying and decide to withdraw their application before receiving any benefits from Ontario Works.

Please provide the approximate total number of applicants found ineligible during the intake process over the past fiscal year. For example: An individual applies for Ontario Works assistance but fails to meet the eligibility criteria due to having assets above the allowable limit. After the intake process, it's determined they do not qualify for social assistance under the program.

Please provide the approximate total number of emergency assistance recipients over the past fiscal year. For example: A family experiences a sudden and unexpected house fire, resulting in loss of belongings and displacement. They apply for emergency assistance through Ontario Works to cover temporary housing, food, and clothing expenses until they can find stable accommodation.

Please provide the approximate total number of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) individuals participating in Ontario Works employment assistance over the past fiscal year. For example: A person with a disability who is receiving ODSP benefits expresses an interest in participating in employment assistance programs offered through Ontario Works to gain skills and field employment suitable for their abilities.

Please provide the approximate total number of cases referred from your Ontario Works office to ODSP over the past fiscal year. For example: A client with complex medical needs who is currently receiving Ontario Works assistance is identified by their caseworker as potentially eligible for more comprehensive support through the Ontario Disability Support Program. The case is referred to ODSP for further assessment and determination of eligibility for additional benefits and services.

Do you have accessibility to support services, including assessments, and medical professionals to get clients referred or for clients transitioning to ODSP?

Are there any specific challenges, barriers, or gaps in service delivery that you have encountered in assisting clients with their transition to ODSP? If so, please elaborate.

Chi-Miigwetch for taking the time to complete this questionnaire!

If you have any additional comments or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to the team: Muskaan Premji (policyanalyst@onwaa.ca) or Chelsea Brunelle (research@onwaa.ca)

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