Searching for Ontario Government Social Assistance Programs

Program is intended to meet the needs of people with disabilities and help them to become more independent

• provides financial assistance to people with disabilities
• amount of benefit depends on size of family, shelter costs, income, and assets
• for questions about the status of an ODSP application, contact local ODSP office at 705-737-1311 or 1-800-461-7551
• To report Welfare (Ontario Works) or ODSP misuse or fraud call 1-800-394-7867

Connects people with disabilities to sustainable, competitive employment and provides the supports clients need to retain jobs and advance their careers

Supports can include:

• help preparing for work
• job coaching
• on-the-job training
• software and mobility devices that can help you do your job
• interpreter or intervenor services
• transportation assistance
• assistive devices and training to use them
• tools and equipment you need for your job
• special clothing for your job, including safety shoes or boots
• specialized computer training
• payment of
• licensing and/or professional fees

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

COVID19 -- Closed for public access until further notice. Applicants can apply for social assistance by calling Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or online at york.ca.

Assesses eligibility for Ontario Works financial and employment assistance, including verification interview

York Region COVID-19 Temporary Arrears Benefit

• One-time rental/mortgage or utility arrears support to eligible Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) households in York Region who, as a result of COVID-19 have not been able to pay rent or utility expenses (are currently in arrears) and are at risk of eviction
• offers light case management
• benefit is available until December 31, 2021 or until funding is exhaused, whichever is first
• call Access York to apply

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

The Employment Supports Program of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is designed to assist people to overcome (reduce or eliminate) substantial disability related barriers to seek and/or maintain competitive employment and can help people find and keep a job, or advance their career.

Eligible participants may receive assistance to access goods and services which could include things such as:

• employment planning assistance
• training
• technical aids ranging from mobility devices and reading aids to adapted computers and the training to use them
• interpreter
• reader
• and note taker

Available to eligible ODSP recipients. Spouse and/or dependent children under 18 who need help with costs related to accepting a new job. Changing jobs or participating in a training program.

Helps with:

• clothing or uniforms for work
• safety shoes or work boots
• tools and special equipment/devices
• grooming costs
• transportation
• licensing and/or professional fees

Provides financial assistance for living expenses, such as food and housing, to people with disabilities. Amount of benefit depends on size of family, shelter costs, income and assets.

COVID19 -- Closed for public access until further notice. Applicants can apply for social assistance by calling Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or online at york.ca.

Assesses eligibility for Ontario Works financial and employment assistance, including verification interview

York Region COVID-19 Temporary Arrears Benefit

• One-time rental/mortgage or utility arrears support to eligible Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) households in York Region who, as a result of COVID-19 have not been able to pay rent or utility expenses (are currently in arrears) and are at risk of eviction
• offers light case management
• benefit is available until December 31, 2021 or until funding is exhaused, whichever is first
• call Access York to apply

Income Supports:

Health benefits -- prescription drugs, dental care, vision care

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

Disability-related benefits -- assistive devices including mobility devices, vision and hearing aids, prosthetics

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

Employment incentives and benefits -- Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit

• child care costs
• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

Transition Child Benefit -- for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit

Employment Supports -- job preparation, job search, starting a business

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Sun 24 hrs-- automated information and payment details, file status * service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867, welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca -- to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

Ontario Works offers:

• money to help individual and eligible family members with living expenses, including food (special dietary needs accommodated), and rent
• health benefits for individuals and eligible family members
• employment supports to find employment (workshops for resume writing, job counselling, job-specific training and basic education)

Amount of money received by eligible recipients of Ontario Works will depend on the individuals specific situation. In most cases, participation in employment-related activities is required in order to receive financial help. Individuals could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if single.

Individuals may receive more than this amount for:

• benefits (additional money for transportation to medical appointments)
• other immediate family members (if individual has a spouse or child)

Provides financial assistance and employment assistance to individuals in financial need. Services to clients include:

• employment support- referrals to community services including Housing and Children Services


• discretionary benefits maybe available to people receiving OW or ODSP on a case by case basis

COVID19 -- Closed for public access until further notice. Applicants can apply for social assistance by calling Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or online at york.ca.

Assesses eligibility for Ontario Works financial and employment assistance, including verification interview

York Region COVID-19 Temporary Arrears Benefit

• One-time rental/mortgage or utility arrears support to eligible Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) households in York Region who, as a result of COVID-19 have not been able to pay rent or utility expenses (are currently in arrears) and are at risk of eviction
• offers light case management
• benefit is available until December 31, 2021 or until funding is exhaused, whichever is first
• call Access York to apply

Assesses eligibility for Ontario Works financial and employment assistance, including verification interview

Due to COVID-19 Trillium Drug Program Applications can be faxed to 416-642-3034 or emailed to trillium@ontariodrugbenefit.ca
If faxing or emailing, original signed forms will need to be submitted to the Trillium Drug Program by Canada Post when the outbreak is over. Visit website for details.
Provincial Ontario program intended for Ontario residents who have high prescription drug costs in relation to their net household income. The Trillium Drug Program (TDP) provides coverage for prescription drugs products.

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm -- automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Income Supports:

Health benefits -- prescription drugs, dental care, vision care

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

Disability-related benefits -- assistive devices including mobility devices, vision and hearing aids, prosthetics

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

Housing Stabilization Fund, 416-397-5550 -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit and essential furniture

Employment incentives and benefits -- Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit

• child care costs
• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

Transition Child Benefit -- for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit

Employment Supports -- job preparation, job search, starting a business

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Sun 24 hrs -- automated information and payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867, welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca -- to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computerWelfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm
automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder --personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm --automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Income Supports:

Health benefits -- prescription drugs, dental care, vision care

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

Disability-related benefits -- assistive devices including mobility devices, vision and hearing aids, prosthetics

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

Housing Stabilization Fund, 416-397-5550 -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit and essential furniture

Employment incentives and benefits -- Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit

• child care costs
• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

Transition Child Benefit -- for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit

Employment Supports -- job preparation, job search, starting a business

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Sun 24 hrs -- automated information and payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867, welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca-- to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud

Income Supports:

Health benefits -- prescription drugs, dental care, vision care

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

Disability-related benefits -- assistive devices including mobility devices, vision and hearing aids, prosthetics

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

Housing Stabilization Fund, 416-397-5550 -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit and essential furniture

Employment incentives and benefits -- Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit
child care costs

• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

Transition Child Benefit -- for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit

Employment Supports -- job preparation, job search, starting a business

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Sun 24 hrs -- automated information and payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867, welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca-- to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud