Social Assistance Information

Ontario Works

General Description:

Ontario Works is a social service program that provides temporary financial assistance to folks with financial limitations. This program includes monthly drug coverage and employment supports assisting in the preparation, allocation and continuation of employment.

Overview:

Are you able to work, with no barriers to obtaining employment? If yes, then it is a requirement for you to participate in activities related to employment assistance as a condition to receiving Ontario Works.

If you have temporary or permanent barriers to obtaining work, such as illness, or providing care for an ill family member, your are not required to participate in Ontario Works activities. Documentation from a healthcare provider is required.

You must be able to provide sufficient documentation supporting your financial limitation in order to receive Ontario Works. Assistance is only given to those with limited liquid assets or sources of income. In short, the individual/family must show that their income is less than the basic monthly allowance calculated by Ontario Works. Your eligibility for financial assistance depends on two factors: the amount of assets that you have at the time of application, and the size of your family. Your monthly entitlement is determined by: a basic allowance that would cover primary needs, and a shelter allowance amount. The primary needs allowance also includes any additional finds you could be eligible for. An example of this is the special diet allowance, which should be considered as part of the eligibility calculation.

Other potential benefits would include:

1. Ontario Drug Benefits Card
2. Emergency dental benefits for dependent children (dependent children are fully covered through Toronto Public Health)
3. Discretionary costs

The Application Process:

When applying for Ontario Works, some considerations and requirements to note are:

1. Must be between the ages of 18-65 (16 and 17 year olds can apply in special circumstances)
2. Must be a Canadian citizen
3. Must be a resident of Ontario
4. Must be able to provide all necessary documentation and applicant information

Applications are assessed over the phone, and further eligibility will be established through a meeting with a worker, and you must bring proper documentation to support your situation and financial needs. Ontario Works will continuously monitor your eligibility and entitlement. Therefore, you must report any changes in your:

1. Income or assets
2. Living situation
3. Family composition
4. Other significant changes

Failure to report any of these changes would result in the suspension or termination of your benefits.

Once you have been approved for Ontario Works, your first payment should be received within 72 hours or 3 days.

Important Documentation:

Documentation required by Ontario Works include:

1. Identification (passport, driver’s license, Birth Certificate, SIN card)
2. Proof and value of all liquid and acquired assets (updated bankbook, RRSP’s, etc)
3. All housing related expenses (copy of your lease or letter from your landlord stating your rent, mortgage payments, condo fee’s, utilities, etc)
4. All documentation related to employment and income (pay stubs, receipts for contract work, Record of Employment)
5. Any additional documents that are unique and pertain to your situation and application for eligibility.

Responsibilities:

If you begin to receive financial assistance from another source and are no longer eligible for Ontario Works, it is your responsibility to report this as soon as possible. Failing to do this could jeopardize a future application. There are several reasons as to why you might opt out of the Ontario Works program:

1. You may be receiving income from another source (ODSP, EI, CPP)
2. You inherit a substantial asset
3. You move out of the municipality
4. Your health improves and you decide to go back to work.

It is your responsibility to report any changes in your income or assets, living situation, family composition, or any other significant life changes.

FAQ:

Q: Who is eligible for Ontario Works?
A: Applicants must be a resident of Ontario between the ages of 18-65.
Eligibility for Ontario Works is based on an assessment of financial need and an agreement to participate in employment activities
Eligibility rules are designed to ensure that people turn to welfare only when all other financial resources have been exhausted.

Q: How do I apply for Ontario Works?
A: The application process for Ontario Works can begin over the phone or in person at a local Ontario Works office. You will need to bring the following documents to complete the application process:

1. Social Insurance Number
2. Health Number
3. Proof of identity and date of birth
4. Record of Employment (history and information)
5. Income and asset statements (updated bankbook)
6. Cost of shelter
7. Status in Canada

The application process is completed in person. You will be required to fully complete and sign all necessary documents and forms, including the application for assistance, and the participation agreement.

Q: Am I required to complete a literacy screening questionnaire?
A: If applicants are without a Grade 12 (high school diploma) or equivalent without proof of a learning disorder, and if the applicant’s reading, writing, and/or math skills appear to be a barrier to employment, are required to complete a literacy screening questionnaire.

Q: How does Ontario Works help people on social assistance find employment?
A: Ontario Works provides a range of employment assistance, which includes:

1. Practical help in finding a job (resume writing, letters of applications, interview preparation, etc)
2. Community and employment placements for gaining work experience
3. Basic education skills
4. Support in developing self-employment opportunities
5. Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) to help young parents finish school, learn how to be a good parent, and get a job
6. Literacy screening and training
7. Addiction treatment
8. Earning exemptions that allow participants to earn an income as they integrate back into the workforce.

Q: What are earning exemptions?
A: Ontario Works earning exemptions mean that any income earned does not reduce financial assistance dollar for dollar. Earning exemptions help participants make an easier transition to employment and self-sufficiency.

Q: What if I don’t know how long I will be ill?
A: If you have a medical problem and are unsure about how long you won’t be able to work, you may apply for ODSP and CPP at the same time that you apply for Ontario Works. However, ODSP and CPP can take several months to process and start.

Q: Will I have to sell my furniture or TV?
A: It is not expected for you to sell your household goods.

Q: What if I have debts?
A: If you have any debts, you should declare them at the time of application for Ontario works. If you were to receive money from a friend or family member to repay a debt, Ontario Works would need to have known about the debt; otherwise the amount of money received would be deducted from your benefits cheque.

Q: Can I work part-time?
A: Yes, but you would have to declare any earnings to the Ontario Works, and they will withhold an equivalent amount from your next benefit cheque. After being on Ontario Works for more than 3 months, you are eligible to qualify for the STEP program. With this program, a certain percentage of your earnings will be deducted dollar for dollar. Recently, this policy has changed, and individuals can now keep 50% of their earnings. Also, any employment could result in your being re-evaluated for eligibility for Ontario Works benefits.

Q: How long does it take to usually get a cheque?
A: It usually takes about 72 hours, or 3 days, for you to receive your cheque.

Resource
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/CFCS/en/programs/IES/OntarioWorks/FAQs/HowDoIApply.html

Acknowledgement

Prepared by: Liza Ng, 3rd Year Ryerson University Nursing Student

Project Partners
Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS)
Alliance for South Asians AIDS Prevention (ASAAP)

Project Advisory Committee Members
Andrea Sharp, Social Worker from Toronto General Hospital
Catherine Allan, HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario (HALCO)
Jane Ballantyne, Case Worker from Ontario Works (OW)
Rounak Khan, Support Worker, Alliance for South-Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAP)

If you require any addition information or have any further questions please contact the Support Program Coordinator/Counsellor Patrick Truong at ACAS: (416) 963-4300 x 22 or at support@acas.org