Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered income for Ontario Works?

Income and other sources of funds you need to report include:

• A job
• Tax benefits
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Québec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits
• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits
• Earnings from a job, training program
• Profit from a farm or business, including self-employment
• Spousal support
• Sponsorship support
• Guaranteed Annual Income Supplement (GAINS)
• Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

What if I have income? Am I eligible for Ontario Works?

You may be eligible for Ontario Works if you have income. Information such as your family size, housing costs, amount of income and assets, will be used to find out if you are eligible.

All income received must be reported, but some income types are exempt, meaning it does not reduce your Ontario Works benefits. For example, child support must be reported but it is fully exempt. Earnings are another example. Earnings must be reported, but if you have been receiving Ontario Works for longer than three months, only a portion of the earnings will be subtracted from your Ontario Works benefits.

What are considered assets for Ontario Works?

Assets include:

• cash
• money you have in bank accounts
• stocks and bonds
• Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP)
• vehicles
• property (for example, land or a house)
• trust funds
• any other assets that you or your family own

There are some things which are not considered assets. Your Case Manager will tell you about these at your verification interview.

You will not be eligible for income assistance if the non-exempt assets of all members of your household are greater than the allowable asset limits.

Asset limits are the same across the province and are based on the number and type of dependents in the benefit unit.

The following table shows the allowable asset limits used to determine eligibility for assistance.

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 dependent

How do I Apply for Ontario Works:

Step One:

• Apply Online or
• Call the provincial Intake and Benefits Administration Unit to complete your application by phone. This service is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday by calling 1-888-999-1142.  This process takes approximately one hour to complete.
• If you are under the age of 18, need a Trustee or seeking short-term one-time emergency assistance, call the local office at 613-342-3840 ext. 2119 or Toll Free: 1-800-267-8146.

Step Two:

• You will be asked to verify your ID and provide electronic consent. You may also be requested to submit documentation. If you do not, or there are other issues with your application, someone from the Intake and Benefits Administration Unit will contact you to ask for more information.
• After your eligibility is determined you will receive a call from our office to schedule an appointment to complete the required forms.

Step Three:

• Meet with your Case Manager to sign several forms, provide verifications and decide on work-related activities that best suit you and your goals. 

What documentation is required for my Intake Interview?

You may be required to provide the following documentation:

• Date of birth, SIN number, and health card number
• Current address
• Contact telephone number
• Monthly rent/mortgage cost
• Landlord´s name, address and telephone number
• Mortgage payments and mortgages
• Monthly heat, hydro and water costs
• House insurance and property taxes
• Banking history for all family members' bank accounts
• Life insurance policy number
• Current pay stubs, if applicable
• Other income information (ie: CPP, EI, Child Tax Benefit, child /spousal support)

A list of the documents that you may need is available here.

What is Income Reporting?

When you become eligible for Ontario Works, you must declare any income or money you get every month. You must declare your income on the 16^th of every month to avoid any delay in your benefits.

The amount of your financial assistance payment is based on the income you report. All income received must be reported, but some income types are exempt, meaning it does not reduce your Ontario Works benefits. Your Case Manager can explain how different types of income affect the amount of assistance you receive.

How are earnings deducted from my financial assistance payment?

For the first three months
For the first three months on assistance, employment income is deducted dollar-for-dollar.

After three months
After three months on assistance, employment income will be deducted based on a calculated exemption amount and percentage of earnings. You must still report your full earnings on the income reporting statement.

What is Literacy Screening and Training?

If you have less than grade 12 education, you will be asked to do a literacy screening test. This helps the Case Manager figure out the best work-related activities for you. Activities may include referral to literacy and education programs, if applicable.

What is a Participation Agreement?

The Participation Agreement is part of the application for Ontario Works. It is a step-by-step plan to help you reach your employment goals. It is a list of work-related activities you agree upon with your Case Manager.

There are some exceptions. Each person must talk to their Case Manager if they feel they cannot participate in activities.

What if I Can't Participate?

Every adult is required to participate in one or more work-related activity.

The Case Manager may defer or restrict participation in activities for a short time. You may be deferred or restricted from activities if:

1. You are a sole support parent with at least one child that is not yet old enough to attend school.
2. You are a caregiver for a family member and the Case Manager is satisfied,

• that the family member needs care due to a disability, illness or old age, and
• The documentation provided proves that participation is not practical.

3. You are 65 years of age or older.

4. There are special circumstances that apply.

Discuss with your Case Manager any concerns you may have about your ability to participate.

Do you provide assistance for medication?

If you are eligible for Ontario Works assistance, you are also eligible for medical benefits. Medical benefits include assistance with prescription drug costs. The Province of Ontario decides which medications will be covered. You may also be eligible for medical benefits for up to 6 months if your Ontario Works assistance ends due to income from a job. Speak to your Case Manager for more details.

If you are not eligible for Ontario Works, you may be eligible for drug coverage under the Trillium Drug Program.

What other benefits are available to Ontario Works recipients?

There may be other benefits you are eligible for under Ontario Works. Some examples include:

Health-Related:

• Dental care for adults
• Vision care for adults and children
• Diabetic and surgical supplies
• Transportation costs for medical purposes

Non-Health Related:

• Clothing, grooming, transportation and child-care for work-related activities
• Training costs

Please contact your Case Manager to see if there are any other benefits or programs available to support your specific situation and needs.