New changes to social assistance rules will help recipients pursue educational and employment opportunities and improve their lives and the lives of their children.

EARNINGS EXEMPTION FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS

Social assistance recipients who are full-time post-secondary students will soon be able to keep all their earnings from employment or a training program. Students will also be able to save these earnings to pay for post-secondary education without affecting their eligibility for social assistance.

The exemption will apply to income earned both during the school year and during the pre-study period – a maximum of 16 weeks prior to the start of their studies.

To benefit from these changes, Ontario Works recipients and non-disabled members of families on the Ontario Disability Program (ODSP) must be taking at least 60 per cent of a full course load, while persons with disabilities under ODSP must be taking at least 40 per cent of a full course load.

Under the new rule, it will be easier for post-secondary students to work and save money while pursuing educational opportunities.

UP-FRONT CHILD CARE BENEFIT

The Up-front Child Care Benefit is currently available to social assistance recipients who are required to pay in advance for child care costs when they begin or change jobs or work-related activities. Eligibility for this benefit will be extended to recipients who require it in order to maintain their current job or work-related activity. For example, if a recipient’s child care needs change, they may be able to receive this benefit even if they have not changed jobs or work-related activities.

This benefit will also be available to recipients’ children, if they have children of their own.

INTERNAL REVIEW

If a social assistance recipient wants to request an internal review regarding a decision made about their assistance, they will have 30 days from receiving the decision letter to request a review.

If the recipient misses the deadline, they can still ask for an internal review, but they will need to explain why they need more time.

EFFECTIVE DATES FOR RULE CHANGES