January 2018
Sections 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 74(1) and (4) of the Act.
Sections 2, 13, 14, 40, 47.2, 55, 57(5), 57.1, 57.2, 58, 58.1, 58.3 and 59 of Regulation 134/98.
Adequate documentation is on file to support the issuance of mandatory and discretionary benefits, and benefits are provided only to benefit unit members who meet the eligibility criteria.
Benefits do not exceed the maximum allowable amount where applicable, and are issued in accordance with any established time periods.
Basic financial assistance includes mandatory and discretionary benefits.
Mandatory benefits are provided to all eligible Ontario Works recipients and/or members of their benefit unit.
Discretionary benefits are provided on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Administrator to:
The amount provided for discretionary benefits is determined by the Administrator.
Ontario Works recipients, spouses and any dependents may be eligible to receive the following mandatory benefits:
*Notes:
1) Effective January 1, 2018 prescription drug coverage for individuals aged 24 and under who have an Ontario health card is provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care through the OHIP+ program. Individuals aged 24 and under who do not have an Ontario health card will continue to use monthly drug cards issued by a designated Ontario Works delivery partner.
2) Effective January 1, 2016 dental benefits for dependent children aged 17 and under whose Ontario Works is being delivered by a Consolidated Municipal Service Manager or District Social Services Administration Board are provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program. Dependent children whose Ontario Works is being provided by a designated First Nations Ontario Works delivery partner will continue to have access to mandatory dental benefits under Ontario Works.
The following discretionary benefits may be provided to eligible recipients:
The chart below identifies the directives that contain more detail on specific benefits:
Mandatory Benefits
Health-Related | Directive |
Drug coverage | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Dental coverage for dependent children residing in First Nations communities | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Vision care for children | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Eye examinations (ages 20-64) | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Diabetic and surgical supplies | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Travel and transportation for medical purposes | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Extended health benefits | 7.3: Extended Health Benefits |
Assistive devices, batteries and repairs | 7.8: Assistive Devices |
Mandatory Benefits
Non-Health-Related | Directive |
Full-Time Employment Benefit | 7.4: Employment/Participation Benefits |
Other Employment and Employment Assistance Activities Benefit | 7.4: Employment/Participation Benefits |
Advance (up front) child care | 7.4: Employment/Participation Benefits |
Transition Child Benefit | 7.6: Transition Child Benefit |
Guide Dog Benefit | 7.7: Other Benefits |
Discretionary Benefits
Health-Related | Directive |
Dental care for adults | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Vision care for adults | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Prosthetic appliances | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Child care to attend a medical appointment | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Energy and Water Conservation Measures | 7.5: Housing-Related Benefits |
Funerals and Burials | 7.2: Health Benefits |
Non-Health-Related | Directive |
Vocational training | 7.4: Employment/Participation Benefits |
Moving expenses | 7.5: Housing-Related Benefits |
Travel and transportation | 7.7: Other Benefits |
Special Services, Items and Payments | Directive |
Health-related | 7.7: Other Benefits |
Non-health related | 7.7: Other Benefits |
Housing-Related | 7.5: Housing-Related Benefits |