When you apply to Ontario Works, you will need to give us information about your:
Ontario Works staff will use this information to decide if you are financially eligible.
Then we help you come up with a plan to find work and/or improve your skills. These activities are written up in your Participation Agreement.
You will have to sign an Application for Financial Assistance and a Participation Agreement to be eligible for Ontario Works.
The goal of the Participation Agreement is to help you create a plan to move towards sustainable employment, unless you are unable, which will be discussed with your Case Manager.
The first time you are found to be non-compliant, your benefits are suspended for one month. If you are found to be non-compliant any time after that, your benefits are suspended for three months.
The assistance is intended to cover basic living expenses, such as food, clothing, shelter and personal needs items. In addition, examples of other benefits which may also be available to eligible recipients in certain circumstances, include:
*For more details, see “What employment and education supports could I be eligible for?” in the Ontario Works – Employment Services section.
You have the option of choosing licensed (potential subsidy) and unlicensed childcare. Childcare subsidy is based on your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the previous year.
For more information on childcare subsidy, visit our Children’s Services page.
If you do not submit this form, there is a possibility that your monthly benefit may be delayed. If you have been on assistance for longer than 3 months, and you are not currently employed, you may be deferred from having to hand this form in. Please speak with your Case Manager.
The appeal process is located on the letter sent to you explaining the denial. You can file a request for an internal review in writing within 10 days of the denial. A decision regarding your request for an internal review will be made within 30 days. Internal reviews can be upheld, overturned or varied.
If you don’t agree with the decision made at internal review, you may be able to appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT). It is important to note that not all benefits can be appealed to SBT.
An Employment Placement is a paid job placement with a local employer. This provides the participant with gainful employment and extra support and coaching that will eventually lead to self-sufficiency.
A Community Placement is a volunteer activity aimed at providing workplace experience and links to job opportunities.
The Self-Employment program is structured and designed to help a citizen succeed as an entrepreneur. A person is required to prove the business is viable and must create a business plan. The Self-Employment program is time limited and has milestones.
Teen an young adult parents between the ages of 16 and 25 may also participate in the Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) program.
You may need to complete a Request for Benefits form and/or a Self Declaration Regarding Employment form:
Title | Size | Download |
---|---|---|
Request For Benefits (English) | 44.87 KB | DownloadPreview |
Request For Benefits (French) | 45.03 KB | DownloadPreview |
Title | Size | Download |
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Self Declaration Regarding Employment (English) | 53.22 KB | DownloadPreview |
Self Declaration Regarding Employment (French) | 53.49 KB | DownloadPreview |
Title | Size | Download |
---|---|---|
Request For Benefits (English) | 44.87 KB | DownloadPreview |
Request For Benefits (French) | 45.03 KB | DownloadPreview |
Title | Size | Download |
---|---|---|
Self Declaration Regarding Employment (English) | 53.22 KB | DownloadPreview |
Self Declaration Regarding Employment (French) | 53.49 KB | DownloadPreview |
You can call the IVR toll free at: 800.808.2268
You will need your nine (9) digit Member ID and four (4) digit PIN to access the system.
Still need help? Send us a message!