Subsidy Calculations - Part I

Our co-op has found a new way to stack its coffers - by retracting subsidies and it affects the most vulnerable members in the co-op - people on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Under ODSP a recipient is entitled to work. ODSP then deducts 50% of the recipient's earnings. However, for income tax purposes, ODSP's T5 gives the GROSS amount they would have paid the recipient, without taking into consideration the 50% deductions for earned income. The co-op has decided to use the gross amount in their calculations, plus the T4s of the recipient. These two amounts can bring the recipient's income over the level allowable for subsidy qualification and BINGO the recipient loses their subsidy and by definition their security of housing. The consequence is that a recipient is PREVENTED from working.

This is GROSS discrimination against disabled persons.

An example: An ODSP recipient has Multiple Sclerosis and is afforded the opportunity under ODSP to work and earn money within the person’s capability. The recipient knows that it is a degenerative disease, but for the time being it is in remission. The disabled person has secured a subsidized unit and is now earning a part-time income. This income is being deducted on his/her ODSP income stub by 50%. The co-op then is determined to take an additional 35% off the person’s pay stub. The ODSP recipient is now losing 85% of his/her earnings. Add to that the co-op’s determination to add the GROSS amount of ODSP payments on his/her Tax Assessment to the recipient’s T4s and presto! - the disabled person loses their subsidy.

Reality Check: If an ODSP recipient had an income greater than the amount they qualify for under ODSP rules, they would no longer receive ODSP.

Spouses of disabled recipients must work (some exceptions due to medical circumstances allowed) under ODSP rules and this puts in jeopardy their security of housing. Furthermore, an ODSP recipient would be reluctant to enter into a relationship with a part-time working person because of this. This is a gross violation of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, the Preamble of which states:

The people of Ontario support the right of persons of all ages with disabilities to enjoy equal opportunity and to participate fully in the life of the province.

The Act further declares that:

The purpose of this Act is to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province. 2001, c. 32, s. 1.

The co-op is discriminating against the most vulnerable in society in that the co-op will provide subsidies to the working poor, but not to disabled people receiving ODSP if they choose or are mandated to work. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Equality Rights, states:

15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. (2) Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

The co-op, as an entity, cannot block a disabled person’s right to participate equally in society, or to disqualify a disabled person from receiving subsidized housing by the mere fact that he/she or their spouse works part-time.

Co-ops exist to provide affordable housing to this sector of society. THAT is their mandate!

NONE of these subsidy changes have come to an All Members Meeting for members approval. The co-op has ILLEGALLY thrust these twisted calculations unto unsuspecting members, in good standing, without any notice or rationalization. As a result families are undergoing severe strains - something they could NOT have envisioned a year ago.

Taking the gross amount of ODSP's T5, plus 35% of a recipient's earned income is a new tactic. In the past the Shelter Component was used to calculate an ODSP's recipient housing charge. Why? Because all other forms of income are taken into consideration by ODSP and deducted accordingly. There can be no DOUBLE DIPPING!