Policy Brief: How research organizations can effectively work with individuals receiving social assistance in Ontario: addressing barriers to employment and compensation

Individuals working at research organizations throughout Ontario should be knowledgeable about ODSP and OW, as they may encounter individuals receiving social assistance during their research activities. Engaging, hiring, and compensating individuals with lived experience as research partners is becoming increasingly common. However, there are no specific guidelines on how to compensate those on ODSP or OW who participate in research.

Without understanding the programs’ earnings exemptions and benefit “claw-back” policies, researchers risk compromising participants’ eligibility for benefits, discouraging their participation, and losing community trust. It is essential to enable individuals with lived experience of Ontario’s social assistance programs to contribute to research. This necessitates researchers and staff being well-versed in ODSP and OW policy directives to support and advocate for individuals and households on social assistance and to push for changes in organizational policies that create barriers.