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Ontario Government Website
Ministry of Community and Social Services
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Ministry of Community and Social Services
 

June 30, 2004

Ontario Social Assistance Rate Increase and Special Payments

  • On May 18, 2004, the Ontario Budget announced a three per cent rate increase to the basic needs allowance and maximum shelter allowance for individuals and families who rely on social assistance. These are the first increases to social assistance rates since 1993.

  • The rate increase will be implemented on February 28, 2005 for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients, and on March 1, 2005 for Ontario Works (OW) recipients.

  • The government will get extra funds to eligible individuals and families on social assistance as quickly as possible. Until the rate increase can be implemented, eligible social assistance recipients will receive two lump-sum special payments in the fall of 2004.
    • In both September and November, an eligible single person receiving ODSP will receive an extra $110, and an eligible family on ODSP will receive an extra $200.
    • In both October and December, an eligible single person receiving OW will receive an extra $65, and an eligible family on OW will receive an extra $130.
    • In both October and December, eligible individuals receiving the OW Temporary Care Allowance will receive $25 for one child or $45 for two or more children.

  • Currently, there are approximately 400,000 active social assistance cases, representing more than 670,000 Ontarians.
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