Social Assistance - Ontario Works

Reactivation of Your File

If you had an active file within the past three months, it may be reactivated. To do so, you can:

• contact your former caseworker by phone, at 613-675-4661 or 1-800-667-6307 (toll-free);
• use the messaging feature in MyBenefits if you were registered before your file was closed; or
• send us a message at the following email address: [email protected].

If your file has been closed for more than three months, you must submit a new application.

Apply for the Ontario Works Program

Applications for the Ontario Works program are now processed by the Province of Ontario.

There are two ways to submit a new application:

Online

You can apply anytime using a smartphone or computer on the social assistance website. Completing an online application takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

By Phone

You can also apply by phone, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by calling 1-888-999-1142 (toll-free) ou 1-800-387-5559 (TTY, toll-free). The phone application process takes about 1 hour.

Who Processes Your Application?

In most cases, the Ministry will make the initial decision regarding your eligibility.

However, certain types of applications will continue to be assessed by local offices:

• Applications for emergency assistance;
• Applications for temporary care assistance; and
• Applications for individuals under 18 years of age.

If your application is approved, your file will be assigned to a caseworker at one of our offices near your place of residence. This person will follow up on your application and work with you to develop an action plan that supports your participation.

Other Types of Financial Assistance

You may be eligible for other types of financial assistance depending on your situation.

You are under 18 years of age and do not live with your parents?

You can apply by phone by contacting our office directly, at 613-675-4661 or toll-free at 1-800-667-6307.

To learn more, please visit: people under 18 who apply or participate in Ontario Works.

You are caring for a child under the age of 18?

You can apply online for Temporary Care Assistance or by phone, toll-free, at 1-888-999-1142 or by TTY at 1-800-387-5559.

For more information:  Temporary Care Assistance.

Emergency Assistance

If you are in an emergency situation, you may receive assistance immediately after submitting an application.

This assistance may include :

• an amount to cover your basic needs (such as food or essential items);
• housing support; and
• other benefits, depending on your situation.

The amount granted depends on your personal circumstances.

You can apply for emergency assistance:

• online: apply for emergency assistance;
• by phone (toll-free): 1-888-999-1142 or by TTY at 1-800-387-5559 (for people who are hard of hearing or deaf); or
• in person: visit one of our local offices to apply in person.

Our Local Offices

• L’Orignal
  59 Court Street, L’Orignal, Ontario, K0B 1K0;
• Casselman
  676A Principale Street, Casselman, Ontario, K0A 1M0;
• Hawkesbury
  876 James Street, Hawkesbury, Ontario, K6A 2W8;
• Rockland
  2303 Laurier Street, Unit 105, Rockland, Ontario, K4K 1K4

Office Hours

Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Please note that our offices are closed during the lunch hour.

Contact Us

By Phone

613-675-4661 or toll-free: 1-800-667-6307

Instructions for the automated phone system:

• For service in English, press 1;
• To access the list of departments, press 1;
• To reach Social Services, press 1; and
• For the Ontario Works program, press 1.

By Email

[email protected]

MyBenefits

This service is intended for social assistance recipients and trustees.

It allows you to:

• receive and send documents electronically to your case manager;
• communicate directly with your case manager;
• receive messages and forms;
• check your payment history;
• report your earned income;
• report a change of address or phone number; and
• choose paperless communication.

To register, you need:

• your email address, as recorded in your Ontario Works file; and
• your Ontario Works Member ID number.

Register online today on MyBenefits!

There are three ways to receive social assistance benefits:

• Direct deposit for recipients and for third parties on behalf of recipients;
• Reloadable payment card; or
• Cheque.

For more information about payment options and the reloadable payment card, please contact your caseworker at 613-675-4661 or 1-800-667-6307 (toll-free).

Direct Deposit and Electronic Statements for Third Parties

This service is intended for third parties who receive payments on behalf of social assistance recipients. These may include:

• property owners or landlords receiving rent directly;
• utility companies (electricity, water, etc.); and
• suppliers of goods or services billed directly.

Enrollment or Update of Your Information

To enroll in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) program, also known as direct deposit, or to update your existing information, please follow the steps outlined in the online guide or fill out the third party enrolment form.

If you receive financial assistance through the Ontario Works program, you must participate in employment related activities in order to continue receiving support.

This requirement applies to:

• you;
• adult members of your family; and
• people participating in the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), based on their ability.

Personalized Support

A caseworker will support you throughout your journey. They can:

• connect you with the services suited to your situation; and
• refer you to Employment Ontario when you are ready.

Assessment and Action Plan

Within 30 days of your application, you will meet with your caseworker at a local office. Together, you will:

• set your employment goals;
• identify barriers; and
• find appropriate solutions.

Your action plan will be reviewed regularly to reflect your progress.

Financial Assistance for Participation

You may receive financial assistance to cover the costs of support activities related to a specific goal in your action plan.

Once referred to Employment Ontario, this service will provide financial support to help overcome temporary barriers to employment.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your case manager.

If you are eligible for the Ontario Works program, you may receive monthly financial assistance to help cover basic needs, such as:

• food, clothing, and personal items;
• rent and other housing related costs; and
• assistance for a special diet.

The amount you receive depends on your individual situation.

For more information on applicable rates, please consult the two following directives:

• 6.2 - Basic Needs; and
• 6.3 - Shelter.

Basic financial assistance may also include mandatory and discretionary benefits.

Mandatory Benefits

These benefits are automatically provided to all individuals eligible for the Ontario Works program, as well as their families.

Examples of mandatory benefits (non-exhaustive list):

• Coverage for prescription medications;
• Reimbursement of travel expenses for medical purposes (if costs are $15 or more);
• Employment benefits and benefits for participation in employment support activities; and
• Transitional child benefits.

Discretionary Benefits

Discretionary benefits are provided on a case-by-case basis, depending on your situation. They may be available to individuals who:

• receive financial assistance from Ontario Works, including children receiving assistance for temporary care; and
• receive income support under the 1997 Ontario Disability Support Program Act.

The amount of discretionary benefits is determined by the administrator and may vary by municipality.

Examples of discretionary benefits (non-exhaustive list):

• Dental care for adults;
• Eye care for adults;
• Funeral and burial expenses;
• Moving expenses; and
• Other services, items, or special payments authorized by the administrator.

For More Information

Please contact your case manager or the Ontario Works office:

• Phone: 613-675-4661; or
• Toll-free: 1-800-667-6307.

Rights and Responsibilities - Ontario Works

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Works program, please refer to the following document: Ontario Works - Rights and Responsibilities.

This document will be explained to you in detail by your case manager once your eligibility for financial assistance has been confirmed.

Request for an Internal Review

An internal review is an informal examination of a decision made regarding your financial assistance.

You have 30 days from the date you receive the decision letter to request a review.

How to Request an Internal Review

You can submit a request for an internal review in one of the following ways:

• Complete the official form: Request for Internal Review; or
• Write a letter: compose a letter explaining why you disagree with the decision.

Where to Send Your Request

By Mail:

Ontario Works Office
59 Court Street, P.O. Box 303
L’Orignal, Ontario, K0B 1K0

Online:

Via your MyBenefits account

By email:

Send your request to [email protected].

Appeal to the Social Benefit Tribunal (SBT)

You can appeal to the SBT if you disagree with the outcome of the internal review.

You have 30 calendar days from the date you receive the decision on the internal review or within 30 calendar days from the date of the request if no internal review was completed within that time.

How to Request an Appeal

To request a hearing before the Tribunal, you must download the SBT appeal form.

For More Information

• Please visit the SBT's official website; or
• Contact the SBT by phone, at 416-326-0978 or at 1-800-753-3895 (toll-free).

The Ontario Works program provides financial assistance to individuals who are temporarily in need.

If you suspect that someone is receiving assistance they are not entitled to, you can make a report.

Here are the ways to report social assistance fraud in Ontario:

• Complete the online form to report fraud; or
• Send an email to [email protected].

We value your feedback!

Please take a few moments to complete a short survey about your experience with Ontario Works. Your responses are completely confidential and will help us improve our services. Only general information will be shared with local offices.