Who is eligible for Ontario Works?
To be eligible for Ontario Works, applicants must be residents of Ontario. Eligibility for Ontario Works is based on an assessment of financial need and an agreement to participate in employment activities.
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Financial need is determined according to family size, income, assets, and shelter costs, and is updated as circumstances change. For example, a single person can only have assets (either cash or specific items that can be easily converted to cash) valued at up to $536. For families, the asset limit is higher.
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Participation expectations are laid out in an agreement, which is signed by each individual applicant and updated as activities are completed or modified.
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The agreement includes a plan to take part in employment assistance activities that support the individual's transition to employment.
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Eligibility rules are designed to ensure that people turn to social assistance only when all other financial resources have been exhausted.
Detailed information about eligibility for Ontario Works financial assistance and employment assistance is available in the Ontario Works directives.
How do I apply for Ontario Works?
You can begin the application process for Ontario Works over the phone or in person at a local Ontario Works office. At the beginning of the application process, you will receive information about the Ontario Works program. You will also be told which information and documents may be needed to complete the application process, for example:
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Social Insurance Number;
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Health card number;
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proof of identity and date of birth;
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employment history/information;
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income and asset statements;
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shelter costs; and
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status in Canada.
The application process is completed in person at your local Ontario Works office. You will be required to complete and sign all necessary forms, including the application for assistance, and a participation agreement outlining the specific employment activities that support your best route to sustainable employment. You will also need to provide any required information and documents.
To begin the application process, please contact your local Ontario Works office.
Am I required to complete a literacy screening questionnaire?
All Ontario Works applicants without Grade 12 education (high school diploma) or equivalent and without proof of a learning disorder are required to complete a literacy screening questionnaire.
In addition, Ontario Works participants whose reading, writing, and/or math skills appear to be a barrier to employment may be asked to complete the screening questionnaire and/or be sent for an assessment. Literacy screening and training can help people on social assistance upgrade their reading, writing and math skills so they can find and keep a job.
How does Ontario Works help people on social assistance find employment?
Ontario Works is focused on helping people find and keep employment. The program provides a range of employment assistance, such as:
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practical help in finding a job, such as writing résumés and letters of application and how to perform well in interviews;
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community and employment placements to gain working experience;
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basic education and job skills training, such as keyboarding, forklift operating, chainsaw operating, hospitality;
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support in developing self-employment opportunities;
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Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP), a program to help young parents finish high school, learn more about being good parents and get a job;
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literacy screening and training;
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addiction services; and
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earning exemptions and employment incentives that encourage participants move back into the workforce and off social assistance.