The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) announced in the March 2007 Budget by the Federal Government, would provide up to $90,000 - in the form of grants and bonds - to qualifying members of the disabled community.
There are an estimated 50,000 individuals in Ontario who would qualify. However, under the current Ontario Disabilities Support Program (ODSP) rules the RDSP assets will be taken into consideration when determining eligibility for ODSP payments. This means that the poorest - those now receiving ODSP – would not be able to enjoy the benefits of the RDSP.
Now, all that could change if Ontario families who include a member with disabilities and those who care about social justice joined forces to support Bill 94.
Bill 94 was introduced on June 12 by Ms. Sylvia Jones, Dufferin –Caledon MPP in the Ontario Legislature. It would amend the Ontario Disability Support Program Act (ODSP Act) and the Ontario Works Act to exclude funds held in registered disability savings plans (RDSP) from the determination of assets.
Bill 94 would also amend the acts to exclude funds withdrawn from a registered disability savings plan from the determination of income.
A private member’s bill rarely becomes law unless there is strong public support for it. Your participation is needed!
