McMeekin announces increase in welfare, disability rates

Welfare and disability recipients in the province will see their payouts edge increase this fall.

As of Sept 1, rates for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)recipients will rise by one per cent. Ontario Works (OW)rates will go up by one per cent on Oct. 1, the province announced on Thursday.

"We're committed to helping more people find jobs and become more financially secure," Ted McMeekin, a Hamilton MP and the minister of community and social services, said in a statement. "These changes are part of our government's vision for a prosperous and fair Ontario."

The rate change was proposed in the spring asLiberal government's first budget with Premier Kathleen Wynne at the helm. After she was appointed party leader in January, Wynne identified welfare reform asa priority for her minority government.

Queen's Park is making other changes to the province's social assistance programs. Recipients of ODSP and Ontario Works will be able to earn $200 per month in employment income without seeing their benefits clawed back.

In addition, individuals on OW will be allowed to possess up to $2,500 in assets without any impact on their eligibility for benefits. The government says that number for couples will be $5,000.

More to come