Community Resources for People with Arthritis: Financial Services

Human Resources Development Canada- Income Security Programs Branch
457 Richmond St. Suite 101, London
1-800-277-9914
Provides users with valuable information, such as eligibility/qualification info, as well as application processes for Canada Pension Plan, Disability Benefits, Survivor Benefits, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Also a link to all available HRDC forms, with information regarding downloadable sources and how to do so for the not-so-computer savvy user.

Veterans Affairs Canada
LHSC, Westminster Tower, 777 Baseline Rd. London
(519) 686-7975
Provide pensions for disability or death, economic support in the form of allowances, health care benefits and services to those meeting the eligibility requirements. An Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines posting is available for viewing. May download a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Application, which must then be submitted to a VAC office; for locations and contact information.

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
217 York St. 3rd Floor London
(519) 438-5111
The program provides income support for people with disabilities and employmnt supports for people with disabilities who can and want to work. Support consists of income support and employment support. Provides information regarding qualification criteria. There is an Application form section, where there are downloadable forms, downloadable versions of the software, as well as information regarding the application process and the required documentation for unemployment support. Lists contact information for the ODSP office in the South West Ontario region, which is their suggested means of getting started

Credit Counselling London
150 Kent St. London
(519) 433-0159
email: aholt@creditcounsellinglondon.on.ca
"London's only accredited not-for-profit credit counselling agency" serving all of London, Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin Counties. Provide strictly confidential services including education, assessment, budget counselling, third party intervention, debt management programs, community education and bankruptcy counselling at no-cost/low-cost, based on your ability to pay, with an minimal initial consultation fee --$5 at current time. Offers a listing of office locations in the area and an application is available to be downloaded. Provides various self-assessment tools, and potentially useful information regarding current spending habits/problems.