Don Valley Community Legal Services

06/15/2026

Join TNO's SWIS Program for a FREE virtual information session on key social assistance and income support programs available in Canada.

Guest Speaker: Rana Ismail, Attorney, Don Valley Community Legal Services.

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
🕑 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
💻 Online via Zoom
🔗 Meeting link will be provided upon registration.

Topics Include:
✔️ Ontario Works (OW)
✔️ Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
✔️ Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
✔️ Old Age Security (OAS)

This session is a great opportunity to learn about eligibility, benefits, and available supports, and to have your questions answered by a legal expert.

For more information or to register, contact Dima Agha:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (416) 996-4232

05/15/2026

Join us at the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub Open House on May 23rd!

DVCLS moved into the Hub in 2025 and we would love to see you at the Open House. We will have free legal information and resources, as well as ongoing info sessions throughout the afternoon.

Whether you’ve visited us before or you’re curious about what the Hub has to offer, this is your chance to explore the space, connect with your neighbors, and discover the services and programs in the Hub.

When: Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: 45 Overlea Blvd, Second Floor, East York Town Centre (use Entrance 6)
Drop in anytime — no registration needed.

The event includes:
- Guided tours of the Hub
- Meet your local service providers and partners
- Meet your neighborhood’s grassroots leaders and Resident Council members
- Fun activities and giveaways

The Hub was built with the community in mind, offering holistic services that support your health, well-being, employment, legal, settlement, and daily life. Join us to learn more about what the hub has to offer.

TNO - The Neighbourhood Organization

05/14/2026

Applying for Canadian citizenship is an important way to protect your rights. While the day-to-day life of a citizen and permanent resident may look similar, the legal difference matters. Permanent residents who travel abroad for too long, or who are convicted of crimes, can lose their status. Canadian citizens are free to travel as much as they want, and will not have their status taken away, except in a few rare exceptions.

So, when can you apply for citizenship? Learn about citizenship rules and recent changes in our latest legal information article.

The following is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1. This information is up to date as of May 13, 2026. Applying for Canadian citizenship is an important way to protect your rights.

05/12/2026

*Ontario is increasing ODSP rates by 1.9% effective July 2026*

This will be the fifth increase to ODSP rates since September 2022 and rates will have increased by more than 22% since then. ODSP rates are tied to inflation and adjusted annually in July.

The 2026 inflation-based increase to ODSP will take effect on July 1, 2026. People receiving ODSP will see an inflation-based increase of 1.9% to:

- basic needs and shelter maximum amounts for individuals and families
- board and lodge amounts for individuals and families
- the amount provided for a couple if both people have disabilities
- amounts for services provided by a long-term care home or a specialized care residence

ODSP website:

Find information about income support, benefits for health costs and other disability supports from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).Apply for ODSP

04/22/2026

In Ontario, employers have legal obligations regarding how employees are paid. Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”), employers must pay wages properly and on time, provide wage statements (commonly referred to as “pay stubs”) and follow strict rules when making deductions from wages.

Understanding the law can help you recognize how to be paid properly, when your worker’s rights have been violated and what steps to take if your wages are missing or incorrect.

Read our latest legal information article:

Article written by: Mahnoor Fatima, Student-at-Law The following is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1. In Ontario, employers have legal obligations regarding how employees are paid. Under t...

04/07/2026

Applications and support for the 2026 Air Conditioner Assistance Program will be open April 7 to 21. Low-income seniors, pregnant individuals and families with infants are eligible to apply for a free portable AC unit. Supply is limited. Check eligibility and apply at toronto.ca/ACprogram.

04/01/2026

Happy Easter!
Chag Pesach Sameach!
Happy Spring! 🌷

We are closed Friday, April 3rd and Monday, April 6th

03/31/2026

We're sharing this important information from our friends at the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE).

NOT ALONE: Senior Scam Stories
*Empowering Seniors against Targeted Scams and Frauds through Storytelling*

Empowering Seniors against Targeted Scams and Frauds through Storytelling Real Experiences, Legal Guidance & Prevention Tips Fraud and scams are increasingly targeting older adults across Canada. Behind every statistic is a real person — a parent, a neighbour, a friend — whose trust was exploite...