Ontario Works vs. Minimum Wage

If you have ever wondered how Ontario Works stacks up to even a minimum wage job, the infographic below shows you the math.

ONTARIO WORKS

The red left column shows an example of what one is left with after taking into account the average market pricing for shelter and the cost of nutritious food. As you can see, those two basic expenses alone account for more than the maximum monthly income provided by Ontario Works.

Some people receiving Ontario Works also qualify for additional help with things like subsidized shelter costs, but the reality is financial benefits are intended only to be temporary solution and never measure up to how an employed person can live.

MINIMUM WAGE

By comparison, the purple right column shows how someone with a minimum wage job* will fare under the same circumstances. After shelter and food are taken care of, there is significantly more money available for other basic expenses like utilities, transportation, clothing, and personal hygiene items.

Through Ontario Works and other programs, the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board works to support citizens with their basic needs and helps break down barriers on their way to finding a job.