Canadian · Ontario social assistance
Ontario Works & ODSP earnings calculator.
See how much of a month's employment earnings is chargeable (deducted from your assistance) after the earnings exemption and child care or disability-related work expense deductions, using the Ontario government's own policy directives.
On ODSP, a person with a disability keeps the first $1,000 of net monthly earnings plus 25% of the rest. Non-disabled adults on ODSP, and everyone on Ontario Works, keep the first $200 plus 50% of the rest. Child care and (ODSP) disability-related employment expenses reduce it further.
Inputs (per earner, per month)
Chargeable earnings
Enter your details and press Calculate.
How chargeable earnings are worked out
Both programs follow the same order. Start with gross earnings, subtract the payroll deductions on your stub (child or spousal support and garnishments are not allowed and are added back), then apply the exemption, then child care, then (ODSP only) disability-related employment expenses. Anything left is deducted from your monthly assistance. It never goes below $0.
| Who | Full exemption | Partial exemption |
|---|---|---|
| ODSP, person with a disability | First $1,000 of net earnings | 25% of net earnings over $1,000 |
| ODSP, non-disabled adult in the benefit unit | First $200 | 50% of net earnings over $200 |
| Ontario Works, each adult | First $200 | 50% of net earnings over $200 |
Licensed child care is deducted at actual cost; unlicensed care is deducted up to $600 per child per month. ODSP disability-related employment expenses are deducted up to $1,000 a month. Earnings of full-time post-secondary students are fully exempt income under both programs. On Ontario Works the earnings exemption starts only after three continuous months on assistance, unless you re-applied within six months of leaving.
Sources, fetched 29 September 2026: ODSP Directive 5.3, ODSP Directive 5.5, ODSP Directive 5.18, Ontario Works Directive 5.3, Ontario Works Directive 5.4.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I earn on ODSP?
There is no cap on earnings, but earnings reduce your payment once they pass the exemption. A person with a disability keeps the first $1,000 of net monthly earnings plus 25% of the rest, before child care and disability-related work expenses.
Does Ontario Works have a waiting period for the exemption?
Yes. Per the directive, the $200 plus 50% exemption applies only after three continuous months of receiving assistance, or immediately if you re-apply within six months of leaving assistance with earnings.
Why doesn't my result match my caseworker's figure exactly?
This calculator keeps cents, while the directive's printed examples round some partial exemptions to whole dollars. It also covers one earner at a time and does not model other income, assets, or shelter and benefit-unit adjustments.
Does this include the amount of my monthly payment?
Only if you enter your monthly entitlement (from your notice) in the optional field. The estimated payment is that amount minus chargeable earnings. Rates change, so this tool doesn't assume one.
Estimate only — not legal advice
This tool applies the earnings exemptions and deductions in the ontario.ca policy directives for one earner in one month. It does not model self-employment or farm income rules, other income, assets, benefit-unit composition or First Nations training exemptions. Your caseworker's calculation governs; report all earnings as required.