2024–2025 Services delivered: incontinence supplies grant top-up funding

Component: ODSP Financial Assistance

Legislation: Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) Act

Service Objectives

To provide top up funding to eligible children/youth receiving the Incontinence Supplies Grant (ISG) and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities.

Service Description

Sections 44(1) 1 v, vi, vii, of the ODSP Regulation Sections.

People Served

Children and youth between the ages of 3 to 18 years with chronic disabilities (physical or developmental) that result in irreversible incontinence or retention problems lasting longer than six months and requiring the use of incontinence supplies.

This program “tops up” the annual amount from the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program.

Program/Service Features

As of January 1, 1999, the cost of incontinence supplies for members of the benefit unit age 18 years of age and older continue to be provided as a benefit under mandatory special necessities. The costs of incontinence supplies for members of the benefit unit ages 3-17 are provided under the Incontinence program.

Under the program, children continue to be eligible for either $400 (ages 3-5) or $900 (ages 6- 17) for incontinence supplies, in two semi-annual instalments. Applicants to the Incontinence Supplies Program for Children and Youth with Disabilities must contact the TPR. (ODSP Income Support Directive 9.6 - Assistive Devices)

The responsibilities of the Service Provider in providing top up funding to eligible children/youth receiving the Incontinence Supplies Grant and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide eligible applicants with an information package
• Confirm eligibility based on receipt of an original Eligibility Verification & Consent to Release Information Form
• Review their records for continued eligibility for the ISG Program
• Confirm eligibility through the Special Services at Home program
• Calculate the amount of the Top Up Funding that the eligible applicant may receive
• Issue one-time only payments to eligible applicants that meet the eligibility criteria
• Notify their Program Supervisor of any issues associated with implementation

Services will be

• Available to eligible applicants who have received financial assistance through ACSD and the Incontinence Supplies Grant (ISG) Program payments at the same time
• Eligible applicants will be provided with an information package consisting of a letter describing the Incontinence Supplies Grant Top Up Funding and its relationship with the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities and an Eligibility Verification Form to verify when the applicant had been receiving ACSD funding and other demographic information, combined with a Consent to Release Information Form to allow the TPR staff to obtain & share information
• Eligible applicants will provide an original Eligibility Verification & Consent to Release Information Form, which is part of the information package sent from the TPR, as proof that they had received or continue to receive ACSD
• Applicants in receipt of income support under Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support program are not eligible for Top Up Funding as these expenses can be met through a benefit called Mandatory Special Necessities
• Eligibility will be confirmed through the Special Services at Home department responsible to confirm to the TPR that the eligible applicant meets the eligibility criteria prior to a payment of Top Up Funding
• Upon receipt of the Eligibility Verification & Consent form from eligible applicants, The TPR will review their records for continued eligibility for the ISG Program and calculate the amount of the Top Up Funding that the eligible applicant may receive
• For eligible applicants whose children have changed grant levels, the payment date will determine the amount of the grant level the eligible applicant receives
• The TPR will issue one-time only payments to eligible applicants that meet the criteria required for Top Up Funding

An eligible applicant receiving an appealed ISG amount shall be paid a Top Up Funding grant equal to the Appealed Amount equal to 25% of the Appealed Amount each year.

Ministry expectations

The Service Provider will deliver the programs and services in accordance with the requirements as outlined in:

• The legal, financial and service target data portions of the service contract ODSP Income Support Directive 9.6 - Assistive Devices
• Any service/program specific guidelines provided; and
• In keeping with best practices for the delivery of services

Reporting requirements

The following service data will be reported on at an Interim and Final stage. Please refer to your final agreement for report back due dates and targets.