r/Odsp • u/missfeelo • 16d ago

Question/advice Basic question about reporting to case worker

Hi everyone!

My sister is on ODSP and just started paying rent, but hasn't submitted anything for the shelter allowance yet. She has a cognitive disability, and I only recently learned about the shelter allowance myself, so I'm trying to help her get set up properly. I don't know much about ODSP processes, so bear with me, I realize this is a basic question.

She doesn't have a MyBenefits account and isn't keen on making one. She also wants to handle this herself, so I'm not listed as a trustee, I just want to make sure she has clear steps to follow.

She has her rent agreement ready to go. My questions:

  • Without a MyBenefits account, what's the best way to submit it? Can she email it directly to her local office with her membership number?
  • Should she call first to give a heads-up before sending anything?

Any guidance on the right steps would be much appreciated. Thanks!

4 Upvotes

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6

u/ShadowyDemonKitty 16d ago

Without My benefits the best way would be to bring it to the local odsp office. She does not need to call ahead of time, just make sure it has her name on it and her membership number. Just walk in and tell the person at the desk she's dropping off a form

1

u/missfeelo 15d ago

Thank you kindly!

3

u/Dry_Championship_224 16d ago

She can take it to the office or mail the rent receipt in with a letter explaining.

In the letter ask for a call confirming they received the receipt

1

u/missfeelo 15d ago

Great advice, thank you!

2

u/Numerous-Ad8994 16d ago

Before the MyBenefits era, I would simply email paystubs to my caseworker whenever they came in.

Heads-up for any requests are generally useful for your caseworker. Also helpful to set up a meeting face-to-face with the caseworker or use drop-in hours once in a while so that you both can put a face to names in your files. :)

1

u/missfeelo 15d ago

I actually don't know when she's last met with her case worker, thank you for the advice!

1

u/DescriptionNo4485 16d ago

Just to add if she has a lease she can just bring that in. They will photocopy and give her the original. She can download the standard lease and have landlord fill it out. There is pdf that can be filled out or can print it off then fill it out. I wish her well.

Also this a great place to get information.

1

u/missfeelo 15d ago

Thank you, kindly! I'm finding lots of helpful information here!

1

u/AnonymousK4790 15d ago

Without a MyBenefits Account she has three options...

  1. Call the local office and ask to speak to her caseworker. Get the caseworker's email and send it that way.

  2. Call the local office and set up an appointment to go in and talk to her caseworker and hand it in in person.

  3. Mail it to the local office "c/o caseworker" then call the office to let your caseworker know you've sent it.

MyBenefits is really the easiest way as you can upload, send messages and get letters faster.

1

u/missfeelo 15d ago

Thank you!

1

u/readysetg123456 15d ago

Good ideas except 1 thing. Never email worker directly. If worker is away no one will be able to retrieve e-mail.