TORONTO, May 31 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government has eliminated a rule

that limited retroactive payments for Ontario Disability Support Program

(ODSP) applicants, Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur

announced today.

     "We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, no matter

what struggles they face," said Meilleur. "That's why we moved quickly to

change the rules so that we can help people when they need our help the most."

     As part of its plan to restore integrity to Ontario's social assistance

program, the government has eliminated the four month limit on retroactive

ODSP payments. Now, an individual who is approved for ODSP after submitting an

application will receive retroactive payments for the full amount of time that

they have been waiting for approval. Under the previous rule, this person

would only have been eligible for up to four months of retroactive support.

     The announcement builds on previous initiatives to cut the amount of time

it takes to process an application, including investments in new technology

and the hiring of additional staff. It also responds to a major recommendation

made by the provincial Ombudsman in his report released today.

     This is the latest change to bring greater fairness and respect to social

assistance recipients and their families. Other changes include:

     -  Allowing social assistance recipients to keep registered education

        savings plan (RESP) funds so that their children can get an education

        and escape the cycle of poverty

     -  Improving rapid reinstatement rules to allow recipients who leave

        ODSP for employment to return to ODSP at any time, if their job does

        not work out

     -  No longer requiring social assistance recipients to place a lien on

        their home in order to receive social assistance.

     "Today's report from the provincial Ombudsman shows that we are making

progress on protecting our most vulnerable citizens," said Meilleur. "By

treating people with fairness and respect, we are building a stronger

Ontario."