Description
Ontario Works (OW) helps people who have pressing, short-term financial need. This program offers income support to help with the costs of basic needs and health benefits, as well as assistance to help you find, prepare for, and keep a job.
Benefit Amount
Ontario Works offers:
- money to help you and your eligible family members with living expenses, including food, and rent
- health benefits for you and your eligible family members
- employment supports to help you find and keep a job (such as workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)
- If you are eligible for Ontario Works, the amount of money you get will depend on your specific situation. In most cases, you must participate in employment-related activities to receive financial help.
You could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if you are single. You may receive more than this for:
- benefits (for example, you might get additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
- other immediate family members (for example, if you have a spouse or child you will receive a larger amount)
Eligibility Criteria
You might be eligible for Ontario Works if you:
- Need help with your living expenses, meaning you do not have enough money to cover your immediate family’s living expenses.
- Are 16 or older.
- Live in Ontario (and are not a visitor or a tourist).
Application Process
Your application process:
- Step 1: Fill in your personal information.
- Step 2: Ontario Works reviews your application.
- Step 3: Meet with Ontario Works.
- Step 4: Get approved and receive your payment.
- Step 5: Meet with your caseworker.
Before you begin your application, please visit the How to apply for Ontario Works page to learn more about the steps in the application process and the documentation you will need to complete it.
To apply for this program, visit the Apply for Ontario Works page.
You can also apply for this program in person at your local Ontario Works office.
Appeal Process
Find out what you can do if you disagree with a decision you received from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/internal-reviews-and-appeals-social-assistance