What is EBBI? Explore Beyond Borders Inc. is a Toronto-based Canadian immigration and Philippine document services company, operating under the legal authority of Atty. George M. Garvida, Barrister & Solicitor (LSO 68091D). We help clients with IRCC applications, NBI/PSA documents, secure client portal uploads, and end-to-end case support. Atty. Garvida profile · About EBBI · Client resources · Client portal · Terms of Use

Services under the legal authority of Atty. George M. Garvida, Barrister & Solicitor → · Terms of Use · Legal Notice
Services › Ontario Civil Services › Government Benefits (OW & ODSP)

Government Benefits Help (OW & ODSP)

Support with Ontario Works, ODSP and appeals — in English & Tagalog

Applying for Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or appealing a denial, takes a lot of paperwork. We help you organize it. Internal reviews and Social Benefits Tribunal appeals are handled by Atty. George M. Garvida, Barrister & Solicitor (LSO 68091D).

We speak English & Tagalog / Nagsasalita kami ng Tagalog

Book a consultation ← Back to Ontario civil services hub
Explore Beyond Borders Inc.

Who this is for

  • Ontario residents who need financial help and are applying for Ontario Works
  • People with a long-term physical or mental health condition applying for ODSP
  • Applicants whose OW or ODSP application was denied, reduced, suspended or cancelled
  • Families helping a parent, spouse or adult child through the process

Our services

  • Ontario Works application help – We go through the application with you, make a document checklist and track deadlines.
  • ODSP application & Disability Determination Package (DDP) help – We help you organize your medical records, follow up with your health care providers and complete the forms on time.
  • Reapplication after a denial – If applying again is the better route, we help you prepare a stronger new application.
  • Internal Review & Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) appeals – Atty. Garvida handles these. Work includes reviewing the decision, filing on time, preparing evidence and representing you at the hearing.

Fees: [TBD by Atty. Garvida]

Reapply or appeal?

A denial letter usually gives you two options:

  • Appeal (Internal Review, then the Social Benefits Tribunal). If the appeal succeeds, benefits are usually back-dated to your original application.
  • New application. If approved, benefits usually start from the date of the new application.

Deadlines are short: generally 30 days to request an Internal Review, then 30 days to appeal to the SBT. We review every denial and recommend which route suits your situation. Results depend on the facts of each case.

Eligibility note

To get income support you must live in Ontario and have eligible status, for example:

  • a Canadian citizen
  • a permanent resident
  • a protected person or Convention refugee
  • a refugee claimant

Since August 13, 2026 (O. Reg. 277/26), people who are only allowed to stay in Canada temporarily (for example, on a work or study permit or as a visitor) are generally not eligible, unless they have made a refugee claim or applied for permanent residence. Sponsored immigrants may first be expected to rely on their sponsor. Source: Ontario ODSP policy directive 2.5 (ontario.ca). We will check your status during your assessment.

What to bring

  • Photo ID and proof of status in Canada (e.g., PR card, citizenship certificate, IMM-1442)
  • Social Insurance Number
  • Proof of address and rent or housing costs
  • Bank statements, income and benefit records (including CPP, EI and sponsorship information)
  • Medical records, doctor or specialist names, and your medications (for ODSP)
  • Any decision letters from OW, ODSP or the Disability Adjudication Unit, with their dates

Filipino / Tagalog support

Our Filipino-Canadian team can explain each step in Tagalog, help family members take part, and coordinate documents from the Philippines when needed.

FAQ

Can you guarantee I will be approved?

No. Decisions are made by the Ministry, the Disability Adjudication Unit or the Tribunal. We help you put forward the strongest, most complete file possible.

Is there free help available?

Yes. Community legal clinics funded by Legal Aid Ontario help with OW and ODSP appeals for free, and you may contact them at any time (legalaid.on.ca). Filing an SBT appeal also costs nothing. Some clients choose us for Tagalog support, scheduling or having one office for related matters.

How long do I have to appeal?

Generally 30 days from the decision to request an Internal Review, and 30 days from the Internal Review decision to appeal to the SBT. Check the dates on your letter and contact us right away.

I am on a work permit. Can I get ODSP?

Generally not, under the rules in force since August 13, 2026, unless you have made a refugee claim or applied for permanent residence. Ask about your immigration options.

Who will represent me at the Tribunal?

Atty. George M. Garvida, a lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. EBBI staff help with intake and organizing documents under his supervision.

How much does it cost?

[TBD by Atty. Garvida] — fees are set out in writing before any work begins.

Download the intake form (PDF)

Download the OW / ODSP intake form (PDF, 7 pages)

  1. Fill it in. Type directly into the PDF on your computer, or print it and write clearly in CAPITAL LETTERS. Write "N/A" if a question does not apply.
  2. Sign and date the consent and declaration pages.
  3. Return it to us with copies of your documents:

Note: This is EBBI’s own intake form to help us prepare your file. It is not the official Ontario Works or ODSP government application. The official application is submitted to the Province of Ontario or the City of Toronto, and ODSP also requires medical forms completed by your health care provider.

Get started — print, fill in, and bring it to us

  1. Get the forms. Download our OW / ODSP intake form (PDF) below, or call us or visit our office (Unit 306) for a paper copy.
  2. Fill them in by hand in block letters. Write "N/A" if a question does not apply to you.
  3. Gather copies of the documents on the checklist. Please keep your originals.
  4. Bring or send everything to us. Your forms include your SIN and health information, so we gently suggest dropping them off at our office or using our secure upload (with the link or client number our team gives you), rather than regular email. If email is your only option, call us first and we will help you send it as safely as possible.

We review your forms and respond within 2–3 business days with a free assessment and next steps. Prefer help filling in the form? Book a consultation and we will go through it with you in person at Atty. Garvida's law office (Unit 302), in English or Tagalog.

📞 EBBI: (249) 209-6214 · ⚖️ Atty. Garvida: (416) 638-1529 · 📧 admin@explorebeyondborders.ca

📍 EBBI, Unit 306, 3768 Bathurst St, Toronto ON M3H 3M7 · Mon–Sat 10 AM–5 PM (ET), closed Sunday — please call ahead for drop-offs.

Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Legal advice and representation are provided by The Law Offices of George M. Garvida, Barrister and Solicitor (LSO No. 68091D), Unit 302, 3768 Bathurst St, Toronto ON M3H 3M7. Explore Beyond Borders Inc. (Unit 306, same address) provides administrative and document support under his supervision. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every matter is assessed on its own merits. Free legal help is also available through community legal clinics funded by Legal Aid Ontario.