Question

[miked]

hello i was just wondering.. i have issues mentally and have started seeing someone at my local mental health and addictions clinic.. i have an appointment everyweek with a nurse and 2 times a month with a psycologist. since my attempted suicide which i was hospitalized for i have noticed myself heading to a bad place again and seeked help. however my bills are starting to build up and i have no way to pay them cause i do not have a job at this time. i am very anti social esp lately and speaking on this is hard enough.. i was just wondering what options were available to help provide financial support till i can get better mentally so i can work again.. someone has mentioned disability but iv also read in alot of places that it is very difficult to get it.. how hard is it to apply and get disability via the information i have given. is there another way i can get assistance.. any help would be happily accepted thanks

 

[Yuray]

Have you, or anyone on your behalf, looked into social services in your area?

 

[David Baxter PhD]

To start, call EI and ask them for forms to apply for Medical EI. They will probably accept your psychologist as a professional to complete the forms. You need certification from a mental health professional that you are unable to work at the present time due to mental health issues. See Employment Insurance (EI) and maternity, parental and sickness benefits for more information.

If you need longer term disability, you can also get your psychologist and doctor(s) to help you apply for ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program). This requires much more extensive documentation and is harder to obtain.

Another option is Canada Pension Plan benefits: see Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits