What change came into effect in 2017 regarding child support payments and social assistance (ODSP or OW)?

In 2017, Ontario modified the laws governing child support and social assistance (ODSP or OW). Previously, child support was deducted from your social assistance payments. But beginning in 2017:

If you receive child support, it will no longer affect your social assistance payments. You can have both. * If you are on OW, this change began on February 1, 2017. ODSP began on January 1, 2017. * However, this only applies to child support payable after these dates. If you previously received child support, you may need to repay some of it to OW or ODSP. To qualify for social assistance, you are no longer necessary to seek child support from the other parent. *You must still notify OW and ODSP of any child support you get, but if it is the same every month, you are not required to report it each time.

When did the changes take place for the two different forms of social assistance?

The change took place in February 2017 for Ontario Works (OW) and January 2017 for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Also, what else has changed in regards to child support and social assistance?

Another notable development in child support and social assistance in Ontario, Canada, was the elimination of an obligation to obtain child support from the other parent in order to qualify for social assistance. Prior to the reform, recipients were expected to seek child support from the other parent, and failure to do so could lead to a reduction or cancellation of social assistance benefits. However, new regulations implemented in 2017 no longer require applicants to seek child support in order to receive social assistance benefits. The adjustment increases recipients’ independence and removes potential barriers to receiving social assistance.

How does it affect child support owed before that?

Prior to the 2017 change, child support payments were deducted dollar for dollar from social assistance payments. If recipients received child support while on social assistance, they may be obliged to reimburse OW or ODSP, but only to the extent of the financial aid received.

Do you need to report your child support payments?

Yes, you still have to report your child support payments to Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program. However, if the amount of child support is consistent from month to month, you are not required to report it each month.