2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Do you urgently need financial help because of COVID-19? If you are not already receiving support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, you can apply for emergency assistance online.
Learn about temporary program changes during the COVID-19 outbreak for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Current Ontario Works and ODSP recipients
If you currently receive income support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, you will continue to receive your regular monthly payments.
Get information about your Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program
If you have exceptional COVID-19-related costs, you may speak with your case worker about discretionary benefits.
Find your Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program office.
Social assistance treatment of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
We know these are unprecedented and uncertain times, especially for individuals who are receiving social assistance from Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Recognizing the temporary and emergency nature of the new federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Ontario is treating the CERB similar to earnings under both programs. Ontario will partially exempt income received under the CERB for Ontario Works and ODSP clients who were on the program prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. This approach enables existing clients to partially stack the CERB and social assistance payments, and to continue to access health and other benefits while receiving CERB.
Health and safety notice
To help ensure the health and safety of clients and staff, we are asking that clients do not visit Ontario Works or ODSP local offices at this time.
Please:
- Stay at home
- Call your caseworker for information
- Sign up for MyBenefits
- Call your caseworker to ask about receiving payments electronically through direct bank deposit
If you are told you must visit us, remember the following to help ensure everyone’s safety:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Do your best to keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) away from others
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, washing your hands after you do
- Please delay your visit if you are unwell, you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), or you have travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days
Ontario has two social assistance programs to help eligible residents of Ontario who are in financial need.
Ontario Works
Ontario Works helps people who are in temporary financial need.
This program offers both financial and employment assistance.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
ODSP helps people who have disabilities. It has two parts:
- Income Support (financial help)
- Employment Supports (help finding a job)
We're improving service for social assistance recipients in Ontario.
- MyBenefits is a new online service that makes it faster, easier and more convenient for people on social assistance to securely access case information anytime, anywhere on any device
- Making it easier to access ODSP dental benefits
Program news and updates
September 30, 2020 - Ontario Modernizes Social Assistance to Help More People Re-enter the Workforce
Looking for work? Visit the Jobs and employment page to get connected with resources, and learn about supports and training available to you.
If you received Basic Income payments in 2019, a T5007 slip will automatically be sent to you before the end of February. This income must be reported when completing your income tax return.
Contact the Ministry of Finance if you didn’t receive your slip by the end of February. For other Basic Income inquiries, contact the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services.
Social Assistance interactive voice response reference guide
2020 payment dates
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About the Ontario Disability Support Program
