Changes in 2017 That May Impact Your Family – Part 2: Child Support and Social Assistance
The law is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult to keep track of all the changes that will affect your life and that of your family. This is the second in a series of blog posts summarizing some of the things that happened in 2017 that may impact your family. This post will discuss child support payments and social assistance.
End of child support “clawback” from ODSP and Ontario works
In mid-2016, the Ontario government announced that it would end its clawback of child support payments from social assistance. Previously, any child support received by a parent on social assistance was deducted dollar-for-dollar from their Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments.
As of January 1, 2017, child support is fully exempt from ODSP income calculations. And as of February 1, 2017, child support is also fully exempt from OW income calculations.
Furthermore, parents on OW or ODSP are no longer required to pursue child support as a pre-condition for receiving social assistance. This is a welcome step forward in reducing child poverty, as well as the financial and emotional barriers to obtaining social assistance.
If you would like to learn more about how any of the above changes may impact you, contact our Family Law Group.