Ontario Works (OW)

Ontario Works used to be called "General Welfare Assistance". It is one of two social assistance programs in the Province of Ontario. If you have little or no income, you may qualify for assistance from Ontario Works. OW helps people in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing and give them support in finding a job.

You can apply for OW here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance

OR

Call 1-888-999-1142, 1-800-387-5559

Our Clinic offers information, advice and representation the following:

• if you your OW income was suspended;
• if your OW income was terminated;
• if your OW income was reduced;
• if your OW benefit was reduced
• if your OW benefit was cancelled; and
• if your OW benefit was suspended

We can assist by challenging OW decisions. We can help appeal decisions, and sometimes represent you at the Social Benefits Tribunal.

Who is eligible for OW assistance?

To qualify for Ontario Works Financial Assistance, you must

• be at least 16 years of age
• be an Ontario resident
• have assets no greater than the limits set out in the program
• be in financial need
• participate in employment activities

Assets

You need to tell your OW caseworker about any assets you or your family own if you are applying for Ontario Works or are receiving financial assistance from the program.

Exempt assets:

Some assets are exempt, which means they do not affect your eligibility for financial assistance. Here are some examples of exempt assets:

• the home you own and live in
• your primary vehicle (the one you use the most, if you have more than one)
• pre-paid funerals
• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP)
• Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP)
• necessary household and personal items, such as furniture and clothing

Asset limits:

There are limits to the amount of non-exempt assets you can have and still be eligible for financial assistance. The asset limits are:

• $10,000 for a single person
• $15,000 for a couple
• an additional $500 for each dependant

You also must inform OW of how much money you, your spouse, and your dependents make each month. Dependants are people who live with you and who you take care of financially.

How are benefits calculated?

Ontario Works benefits are divided into Basic Needs Allowance and a Shelter Allowance.

1. Basic Needs Allowance (BNA): this is a fixed amount, depending on the number of persons in your household;
2. Shelter Allowance: this allowance is based on the amount of your rent, utilities, water and home insurance.

Drug Card:

If you qualify for Ontario Works benefits, you will receive a drug card to cover many medication costs. There is also dental coverage for any children you receive benefits for and limited dental assistance for you and your spouse (emergency treatment – extractions, etc.)

How are benefits calculated if there is other household income?

If you have other income, such as group life benefits, employment insurance, or workplace safety & insurance board benefits, Ontario Works can only “top up” your benefits by paying the difference between what you already receive and the amount you are entitled to from Ontario Works.  Employment income is treated differently.

$200 Exemption After First 3 Months:

After the first 3 months, OW will not reduce the monthly amount they give you if your take-home pay is $200 or less that month. This is called earning exemption.

Money you Make Over $200:

If your take-home pay (money after employer has taken taxes) is more than $200, OW reduces the money they give you that month. They reduce it by half of the amount of what you earn above $200.

What if I my OW Benefits are denied or terminated? (Appeals)

If you are denied Ontario Works or your benefits have been suspended or terminated, you should appeal. We can assist you with the request for an Internal Review (IR) and an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal.

• You have 30 days from the date of the decision to request an Internal Review
• You have 30 days from the date of the IR decision to appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal.

You should call us for help as soon as you receive a written decision telling you that you will not receive benefits or your benefits are being suspended/cancelled.

Employment Support

Ontario Works may provide you with employment support to help you find a job or upgrade your skills.  A caseworker will discuss employment support with you at your initial interview, if you are able to work.  If you find work, you may be able to continue to receive Ontario Works through Extended Health Benefits.

Costs related to Work OW may be able to help you pay for:

• Tools, equipment, and clothing for work
• Travel costs related to a new job
• Fees for a licence or membership in a work-related association
• Child care so you can go to work

Will I receive help with medication?

When you qualify for Ontario Works, you will receive a drug card for yourself and any other member of your family who is included in your monthly cheque. This will cover many of your medication costs and some dental costs. If you find work, you may be entitled to help with your medication, etc for a period of time.

Please contact our legal clinic if you have been denied, suspended benefits or have been subject to an overpayment if you request further legal information and assistance.

Benefits After you Stop Receiving Money from OW

If it has been determined that you can no longer receive money from OW because of the money you get from work, then you might be able to get Extended Health Benefits (EHB). EHB might be able to cover the following:

• Visits to a doctor
• Prescription drugs
• Eye exams and glasses

 

The Steps to Justice website offers step-by-step information about Ontario Works and other common legal problems.