Who is eligible?

To be eligible for Ontario Works, you must:

• live in Ontario
• need money right away to help pay for food and shelter, and
• be willing to take part in activities that will help you find a job.

How we assess your eligibility

We look at two aspects when we assess your eligibility:

• your financial situation, and
• your willingness to take part in activities to find a job.

When you apply to Ontario Works, you will need to give us information about your:

• family size
• income
• assets, and
• housing costs.

Ontario Works staff will use this information to decide if you are financially eligible.

Then we help you come up with a plan to find work and/or improve your skills. These activities are written up in your Participation Agreement.

You will have to sign an Application for Financial Assistance and a Participation Agreement to be eligible for Ontario Works.