Online Benefits Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ONTARIO WORKS

Q: What if I don't know how long I'll be sick?
If you have a medical problem and are unsure of how long you will be unable to work, it is a good idea to apply for ODSP at the same time that you apply for Ontario Works. ODSP benefits usually pay more than Ontario Works, but can take several months to start. OW will assist you to make an application to ODSP. You could also apply for Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits. CPP can also take about 4-6 months to start...

Q: Will I have to sell my furniture or TV?
Generally, you would not be expected to part with your household goods, such as televisions, stereos, VCRs, computers, etc, but OW has a liquid asset level that you must be under in order to qualify.

Q: What if I have debts?
If you have debts, such as credit cards or bank loans, you should declare them when you apply for OW. If you were to receive money, perhaps from a family member, to repay a debt, OW would need to have known about that debt. Otherwise, the money you had received would be deducted from your benefits cheque.

Q: Can I work part-time?
Yes. However, you must declare any earnings to Ontario Works. They will withhold an equivalent amount from your next benefit cheque. After being on Ontario Works for more than 3 months, you can qualify for the STEP program. With the STEP program calculations, a certain percentage of your earnings will be deducted dollar for dollar while you are allowed to keep $143 (a single person). The longer you are on Ontario Works, the greater the percentage that is deducted from your entitlement. Also, any employment could result in your being re-evaluated for eligibility for Ontario Works benefits.

Q: How long does it take to usually get a cheque?
Usually 72 hours.

Ontario Disability Support Program

Q: I'm HIV+ but my health is okay. Don't I qualify for ODSP based on my HIV status?
Yes. A positive diagnosis of HIV with confirming blood tests is considered a disability.

Q: I'm on Employment Insurance. Can I still apply for ODSP?
If you think you qualify for ODSP, apply for it right away. You can receive EI payments while waiting for your ODSP to be approved. EI benefits are often larger than ODSP benefits. You wouldn't start receiving benefits until your EI benefits run out, unless your EI is less than what ODSP would pay you. However, you might qualify for a Drug Benefit Card. Many people apply for EI and ODSP at the same time. If you are approved for ODSP while receiving EI benefits, you will have to report the EI benefits as income.

Q: Is there a way to get extra money from ODSP?
Yes. You may qualify for specific costs such as a Special Diet Allowance, transportation costs, community start-up costs.

Q: Iâm HIV+ but my health is okay. Donât I qualify for ODSP based on my HIV status?
Yes. A positive diagnosis of HIV with confirming blood tests is considered a disability.

Canada Pension Plan

Q: Does being HIV+ automatically entitle me to benefits?
Currently, being HIV+ by itself is not enough to get CPP-Disability benefits. HIV has to be affecting your health enough that you meet the disability criteria.

Q: Can I be on CPP-Disability and also on Ontario Works ( welfare)?
While waiting for CPP-Disability to be approved, you may need to apply for Ontario Works. Once you start receiving CPP-Disability benefits you will have to report this to your Ontario Works office. Many people apply for both CPP-Disability and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) at the same time. For many people, the amount they get from CPP-Disability is less than their eligibility for ODSP, and they will continue to qualify for some money from ODSP (called a "top up") as well as having a drug card.

Q: Can I be on CPP-Disability and go back to work?
Yes, if you are working part-time or working sporadically. You might also be able to participate in a vocational rehabilitation program, which allows you to retrain. If you go back to work fulltime there is 3-month trial period during which you could continue to receive CPP-Disability benefits while working. Any return to work could be reason to re-assess your file. You can earn up to $3,900.00 from work in a calendar year without informing HRDC and without losing your benefits

Q: Does my spouse/partner's income affect my eligibility for CPP-Disability?
No

Q: Will an inheritance or a gift of money from my family affect my CPP benefits?
No. Any other non-employment income that you might have will not affect your CPP-Disability income.

Q: Will CPP pay for my medications?
No. Many people on CPP either get their medications covered by ODSP, or if they aren't qualified for ODSP then they get coverage from the Trillium Drug Program.

Q: What if I don't tell CPP-Disability that I went back to work?
CPP-Disability can learn of an undeclared return-to-work either through the employer (i.e. Employment Insurance or CPP deductions), or through a 3rd party complaint ("snitch line"). If you went back to work and earned more than $3,900 and didn't declare it, you will probably have to repay all the benefits that you received after you started back to work and may lose your benefits.

Employment Insurance Benefits

Q: What can I do for income while I'm waiting to get my first EI cheque?
Many people apply for Ontario Works (welfare) to cover them while they wait for their first EI benefit cheque. If Ontario Works knows that you are waiting for an EI cheque, you will have to declare your EI benefits to Ontario Works, and they will deduct an equivalent amount from your Ontario Works benefits. Also, the amount you receive from OW may be deducted directly from your first EI payment.

Q: I might still be too ill to work when my EI runs out. What can I do for income?
If you suspect you may still be ill when your EI benefits run out, it would be a good idea to apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Many people apply for EI and ODSP at the same time. The waiting time for ODSP can be several months. You might even be approved for ODSP before your EI runs out, in which case you might not receive any financial benefit from ODSP, but might qualify for a drug card.

Q: Will EI pay for my medications?
No. Many people who are on EI, but don't have drug coverage, apply for the Trillium Drug Program.

Q: I left my job over a month ago. Is it too late to apply for EI?
No. If you can demonstrate that you left your job due to health problems (as verified by your doctor on the medical form) it is not too late to apply. You will only be covered for 17 weeks (15 weeks of payment), but the amount can be retroactive if you were delayed in applying.

Q: Do I have to tell EI what's wrong with me?
No. Your physician will have to fill out a medical form that provides the date you became incapable of work and your expected date of recovery, and some basic medical facts.

Q: Will future employers find out that I was on EI with an HIV related health problem?
No, not unless you tell them.

Q: Will getting EI sickness benefits affect my getting EI benefits in the future?
No. If you work the required number of hours, you will be entitled to receive EI benefits in the future.

Q: Is there any way to extend my EI benefits?
If you are well enough to work at the end of your illness benefits, you may be eligible for regular EI benefits if you do not have your previous job to return to. However, you may have to participate in whatever job-search programs may be mandatory at that time. You would need to demonstrate (i.e. a letter from your doctor) when you were well enough to return to work, and demonstrate that you cannot return to your previous position because of no fault of your own (i.e. job closure, lay offs, etc.)

Q: My hours have been cut drastically at work. I'm still making some money, but not enough to pay my billes. Can I apply for EI benefits?
If you have 7 consecutive days of No Work and No Benefits then you can apply for EI. Your employer must issue a ROE for you to submit with your application. You must report any earnings to EI and they will adjust your entitlement accordingly.

Trillium Drug Program

Q: Will my spouse/partner's drug insurance from their employer effect my Trillium application?
You must declare any drug insurance plans which cover you and all family members.

Q: I get drug insurance at my job. But it's a small company and my HIV drugs are going to cost a lot, and will affect everyone's premiums. I worry that people will end up figuring out that it's because of me. Can't I just go on Trillium and not use my employer's drug insurance?
This is a very tricky situation. You could tell your employer that you wish to opt out of the drug insurance plan at work. Sometimes drug insurance is part of a benefits package that is not divisible, so you'd have to give up other benefits as well. You'll have to consider what the best deal is for yourself and your family. If you would be eligible for drug coverage under your spouse, common-law, or same-sex partner, you must declare that on your application.

Q: My income tax information for last year shows a much higher income than I have now. Will Trillium base my deductible on that amount?
You can request that your deductible be based on your current income. You will have to submit proof of your current income, such as pay stubs, a letter from an employer, a monthly pension statement, etc.

Q: Does my Trillium cover my child or other family members?
Your Trillium coverage will include all dependent children and other family members you declare on your application. You must provide verification of income for all family members over the age of 16. A trillium representative can help you if you have any further questions.

Q: Do I have to renew Trillium every year?
Yes. Trillium will send you a renewal form. It is important to complete the form and submit it, as soon as possible, with proof of income to ensure you are re-enrolled for the New Year.

Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP)

Q: Is anyone exempt from the waiting period?
Ministry staff will help you determine if you are exempt. Several groups are exempt from the waiting period. These include:

• newborn babies born in Ontario,
• discharged Canadian forces and RCMP personnel making their residence in Ontario,
• People from other provinces who immediately become residents of approved charitable homes, homes for the aged or nursing homes in Ontario.

Q: What is the difference between the old and new Ontario Health Cards?
The old Health Cards are red and white, with just your name and Health Card number on it. The new cards (green) have your picture, date of birth, address, and period that your card is valid for (note that your card has an expiry date). The green card also has a phone number for contacting OHIP if you change addresses. Your signature is also laminated on the card. If you have ever had your Health Card replaced (due to it being lost, stolen or re-issued) your Card will have a Version Code - 2 letters following your Card number. It is your responsibility to notify the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care when you move, and to update your Card prior to the expiry date.

Q: What if I use a Health Card that is not mine?
It is against the law to receive insured health care when you are not an insured person. People who use a card which is not theirs can face criminal prosecution.

Q: Does OHIP pay for medications?
No, OHIP doesn't pay for medications except during hospital stays. You will need to obtain drug coverage from another source. See our chapters on the TRILLIUM Drug Plan, and also Ontario Works, and Ontario Disability Support Program.

Q: I am planning on leaving the country on a trip. Will OHIP pay for my medical or emergency needs while I am away?
Your Ontario Health Insurance does not cover all medical services when you are out of Canada. They will cover some emergency medical services, with limits. OHIP encourages you to purchase further coverage when you are leaving the country. You may purchase special Out of Country travel insurance that covers you for things not covered by OHIP. But be sure to carefully review the contract - some have clauses that won't cover pre-existing conditions, have limits on services that are covered, or may require you to pay up-front for costs and seek reimbursement later. The best tip is to read the contract carefully and ask questions.

Short term/Long term Disability

Q: What is a short-term disability?
Often considered to be a disability which prevents you from doing your job; usually lasting not longer than six months.

Q: Does being HIV+ entitle me to short-term disability benefits?
Only if HIV is affecting your health (opportunistic infections, side effects from HIV medications, etc.) in a way that affects your ability to work. Also, some people with HIV have emotional or mental health problems in response to their diagnosis that might affect their ability to work.

Q: Will I have to tell my boss about my HIV status? My company?
No. Your doctor may tell your insurance provider if it's relevant, and that information is confidential.

Q: Can I get STD at the same time as EI benefits?
Maybe. Some STD insurers will provide you with money in addition to EI; some will only start after your EI has run out.

Q: What is a long-term disability?
A significant period of disability which prevents you from doing your job; generally ranging from six months or longer.

Q: Am I still an employee if I am on LTD?
Usually, you are still considered an employee while on LTD.

Utilizing Personal Assets

Q: How can I know how much money I'll need?
You need to look at your monthly expenses, and deduct them from your monthly income. Look at ways to reduce your monthly expenses. Find out what financial assistance you may be entitled to. Find out what government benefits you may be entitled to if the health effects of HIV prevent you from working.

Q: I don't know how long I'll live. Should this affect my financial decisions?
HIV and AIDS are still relatively unpredictable. You may live many years with HIV, or have one catastrophic illness that takes you away suddenly. Many people with HIV/AIDS develop a serious illness, believe they aren't going to live long, and spend their money accordingly. Then they recover, and have no money left. You need to know your health situation, and also keep up to date with HIV/AIDS treatments. The old saying goes "Plan for a rainy day; it won't hurt you if it stays sunny".

Q: If I sell my art/collectibles/jewelry, will it affect my welfare benefit?
Any cash income could affect your Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program monthly financial assistance, depending on the amount. Find out how it will affect you, before you sell. Check our sections on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program.

Q: I don't know whether I can keep up the payments on my house. What should I do?
Read our section on the long-term disability waiver clause, above. You might be insured for just such a situation. If not, you might consider a reverse mortgage. Or selling. It's not a decision you will make lightly, so get professional advice before you take any action.

Q: I wanted to leave my stuff to my family when I die. If I cash in everything, there won't be anything to leave.
Most of us would like to be able to leave something to our families and friends. It's not always possible. Unless you have dependants, you probably shouldn't be thinking this way. Your loved ones would want you to be as comfortable as possible, while you are alive. If you are worried about the cost of burying/cremation, there is a death benefit from Canada Pension Plan that is usually enough to cover the basics. It's not a nice thought, but many people take comfort in knowing their loved ones won't go in debt to bury them.

If you do have dependants, such as minor children, disabled sibling, or infirm parents, then the decision to sell assets is a much more difficult one. You need to balance your financial needs, with what you feel you could provide for your loved one. The decision is very difficult. It would be a good idea to get professional advice from a lawyer, accountant, financial planner, or benefits advisor.

To learn more about the various government programs, and tips on how to create your own financial puzzle, see our section on Navigating the system/creating your own personal map.