DNSSAB | What Documents Do I Need

What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Ontario Works?

January 9, 2018

It is important to take the time to gather the required documents before beginning your online Ontario Works application. Here is the complete list of documents you will need in order to apply for social assistance. Click on any of the listed items for acceptable examples.

1. NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH FROM AN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT.

Examples:

birth certificate, or
baptismal certificate, or
immigration papers, or
landing document, or
passport

2. INFORMATION ON STATUS IN CANADA, INCLUDING THE DATE YOU CAME TO CANADA (IF YOU WERE NOT BORN IN CANADA).

Canadian Citizenship card, or
Permanent Resident card, or
Record of Landing, or
passport

3. EXACT TOTAL AMOUNT OF INCOME (MONEY THAT YOU AND THE MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY RECEIVE), INCLUDING START DATE AND AMOUNT FOR EACH ITEM.

tax return, or income tax Notice of Assessment for the last year (for family members who are 18 years or older)
pay stubs (for family members who are 18 years or older)
statements from Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or other pension programs
Employment Insurance (EI)
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Security (GIS) or Guaranteed Annual Income Security (GAINS)
student loans
child or spousal support agreements
sponsorship payments
any other type of income

4. EXACT TOTAL AMOUNT OF ASSETS, INCLUDING VALUE AND DATE PURCHASED FOR EACH ITEM.

cash
bank books or statements (including name of bank, transit number, account number and date account was opened)
life insurance policies
copies of savings bonds
statements for Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), Guaranteed Income Certificates (GIC), bonds or any other investments
etc.

5. INFORMATION ON OTHER ASSETS, INCLUDING VALUE AND DATE PURCHASED FOR EACH ITEM.

property you own, other than where you live
vehicle(s) you own
other valuables including jewellery
trusts
pre-paid funerals
etc.

6. EXACT TOTAL AMOUNT YOU PAY FOR YOUR HOUSING (WHAT YOU PAY FOR WHERE YOU LIVE).

rent
board and lodging
utility bills
heating bills
mortgage agreement
property tax statement
home insurance premium statement

7. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS WITH JOBS.

start date of employment
employer name
monthly income from work

8. EXACT OR ESTIMATED CHILD CARE EXPENSES (IF APPLICABLE).

the amount you pay each month for unlicensed (e.g., babysitter) and/or licensed (day care centre) child care
extended day (school) program fees

9. EXACT OR ESTIMATED DISABILITY RELATED WORK EXPENSES (IF APPLICABLE).

the amount you pay each month for disability related items or services so you can work or participate in a training program. For example, attendant care, sign language interpreter services, specialized equipment, etc.

10. EXACT OR ESTIMATED SPECIALIZED EXPENSES FOR A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY (IF APPLICABLE)

the amount you pay every year for items or services for a child with a disability. For example, transportation to medical appointments, special equipment or clothing, home repairs, etc.

Once you have collected the required documents, you’re ready to start your online Ontario Works application.

Apply Online