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Ontario Works

Ontario Works is a provincial government program that provides income and employment assistance for people who are in temporary financial need.

You must show that you are in immediate financial need in order to get Ontario Works (OW). The rules are designed to make sure that people apply only when they have used up all other financial resources. Financial need is based on several factors such as the size of your family, your housing costs and assets you own.

You are required to participate in activities to prepare for, find and keep a job in order to get OW. You will have to prepare and agree to a plan to find a job. This is called a participation agreement.

If you have a mental illness or other disability, you will still need to sign an agreement. Your agreement should include activities that you are capable of doing, taking into account the impact of your mental illness.

Find Ontario Works Services and Supports

Ontario Works, Ministry of Community and Social Services (official government site)
Ontario Works list of local offices
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): Plain language publications on Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program and other forms of social assistance.
CLEONet: This online clearinghouse for community legal information includes information on Ontario Works.
ODSP and OW “Extras”: Benefits You May Not Know About… (PDF), HIV and AIDS Legal Clinic (Ontario): This 2005 presentation includes information about some of the additional sources of funding that are potentially available to people receiving social assistance, such as the special diet allowance.

FAQ: About Ontario Works

How do I apply for Ontario Works?

You can apply for Ontario Works either by phone or in person at a local office. You need to provide the office with details about your income, family, assets, debts and other information. You need to provide documents for personal identification and sources of income.

You can bring someone with you to the local Ontario Works office to help you. If you need an interpreter, the local office may be able to help.

For details, see How to Apply for Financial Assistance under Ontario Works.

I can’t work right now because of my mental illness. Can I get government income support?

If you expect your illness to be temporary (under a year) you may qualify for Ontario Works. You have to meet the same criteria as other applicants. That is, you must have exhausted all other sources of income.

The Ontario Disability Support Program (OSDP) [link to ODSP page] is for people who are not able to work because they have a disability. Mental illnesses are considered disabilities. You may be eligible for ODSP if your mental illness

is considered to be severe,
is expected to last for a year or more, and
limits your ability to work, take care of yourself, or carry out daily activities.

If you need money right away, you can apply for Ontario Works while your application for ODSP is being considered.

What happens if I’m rejected for Ontario Works?

You can appeal if your application for OW is rejected. The first step is to make a request in writing for an internal review. You have 10 days from the date you receive the decision to appeal. It is important to respond to any decisions within the deadlines of the OW rules.

If your internal review is denied, you can appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent agency. For more information about the tribunal, see www.sbt.gov.on.ca.

If your application is rejected or if you have other difficulties, you may also be able to get help from your local community legal clinic. To find your local clinic you can look online at Legal Aid Ontario. You can also call their toll-free telephone number at 1-800-668-8258.