These Ontario disability support recipients say they're struggling more as prices soar

Some Thunder Bay residents living on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments say they're relying on food banks and feeding programs, and selling personal belongings to cover expenses as the cost of goods and services soars. 

ODSP recipients who spoke with CBC News described challenges trying to afford food, toiletries, cleaning products and health care.

"I've been accessing the [food bank] and then also popping by the Dew Drop Inn every once in a while for that extra help," said Kai Crites in reference to a Thunder Bay emergency food supplier and a local provider of free meals. 

"In the past, I didn't usually have to access things like Dew Drop Inn."

Across Ontario, more than 500,000 people count on ODSP for part or all of their income. There are 6,011 in the Thunder Bay district and 1,243 in the Kenora district, further to the west, according to statistics provided by Ontario's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. 

Single people on ODSP receive a maximum of $1,169 per month for shelter and basic needs, which works out to $14,028 annually. That's about 30 per cent below the province's poverty line of roughly $20,000.

Here's a look at some statistics about the cost of living in Thunder Bay, according to the latest available data: 

Prices have skyrocketed in recent months as the consumer price index (CPI) increased 7.7 per cent between May 2021 and May 2022, according to Statistics Canada.

In June, Ontario Premier Doug Ford promised to raise monthly ODSP cheques by five per cent, but Crites and others say that's not enough.

"Five per cent on about  $1,000 is only really $50," Crites said. 

"Fifty dollars, if you're trying to buy fruits, vegetables, meat … all those essential things, is not enough money, especially when you see a watermelon that's $15, you know? I cannot afford a watermelon this summer."

Crites, who identifies as they/them, said they've been coping by opting for cheaper cuts of meat at the grocery store — chicken thighs as opposed to boneless, skinless chicken — and giving up "luxuries" like their subscription to Microsoft Office.

They also had to forgo orthotics because they couldn't afford them, resulting in a minor but unnecessary foot surgery. 

Now, they worry about being able to afford their mobile phone and data plan, something they said is essential to helping them live independently.