Searching for Ontario Government Social Assistance Programs

Community Services Provider

• administers Ontario Works, Social Housing and Children Services
• Ontario Works provides employment & financial assistance to qualified applicants
• Social Housing provides access to affordable housing to qualified applicants based on availability
• Children Services provides Child Care listings, subsidies, before & after school programming information & parent resources

COVID-19 (August 18, 2021): We urge you not to visit Service Canada Centres unless absolutely necessary.

Services

• Applications and inquiries for Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Number applications
• Employment Insurance applications
• Income Security Program applications

Information on Community Partners who help unemployed clients obtain employment

The focus on many HRDC programs and services is to help people who are currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to become re-employed

eServiceCanada Service Request Form

ODSP is a provincial government program which provides income and employment supports to eligible persons with disabilities. This program replaces the former Family Benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation services. Income support is provided to persons who both qualify financially and have been determined to be disabled under the Ontario Disability Program Act. Employment support is available to disabled persons who require goods and services to pursue their competitive employment goals. A Local Planning and coordination Group comprised of interested members of the community, at least half of whom are persons with disabilities. provides advice and support to guide the administration of the employment support component of ODSP.

Community Services Provider

• administers Ontario Works, Social Housing and Children Services
• Ontario Works provides employment & financial assistance to qualified applicants
• Social Housing provides access to affordable housing to qualified applicants based on availability
• Children Services provides Child Care listings, subsidies, before & after school programming information & parent resources

Social Assistance - Financial and Employment assistance - programs to help people in temporary financial need find sustainable employment and achieve self-reliance through the provision of effective, integrated employment services and financial assistance

• Financial and Obtaining Employment Services
• Coordinate linkages with community services
• Linkage to employment services and opportunities
• Provide financial assistance to those who have been determined eligible
• Linkage to child care supports and social housing

Two types of assistance for people in financial need: Financial assistance: income support to help with the costs of basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter health benefits for clients and their families Employment assistance: to help clients find, prepare for and keep a job may include workshops on resume writing and interviewing, job counselling, job-specific skills training and access to basic education

Community Services Provider

• administers Ontario Works, Social Housing and Children Services
• Ontario Works provides employment & financial assistance to qualified applicants
• Social Housing provides access to affordable housing to qualified applicants based on availability
• Children Services provides Child Care listings, subsidies, before & after school programming information & parent resources

Financial assistance and employment supports including training and skills development, academic upgrading and work placements

Financial Assistance

• monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income
• monthly drug benefit card

Employment Start-Up Benefit

• covers costs related to starting a job or work placement

Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative

• help with housing or moving costs

Health-Related Benefits

• may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, special diet allowance, health care supplies, medical transportation funds, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

Employment Assistance

• clients 18-65 years who are not caring for pre-school age children or who do not have a serious disability or illness must participate in employment assistance activities

Employment Resource Centre

• walk-in job search centre
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, resource materials, job banks, labour market information
• assistance with resumes
• referrals to job counselling and training

Community Participation

• volunteer placements

Job Search Programs

• based on individual's skills, experience and circumstances

Employment Placement

• job matching service

Job Skills Training

• development of skills for specific jobs
• on-the-job training

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

• helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Other services:

Addiction Services Initiative

• assistance for recipients whose substance abuse makes it difficult to become/stay employed

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268

• automated information and payment details, payment history, file status
• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867

• to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance (ODSP)

Financial assistance and employment supports including training and skills development, academic upgrading and work placements

Financial Assistance

• monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income
• monthly drug benefit card

Employment Start-Up Benefit

• covers costs related to starting a job or work placement

Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI)

• to assist with arrears of rent/mortgage; housing or moving costs; prevention of homelessness; disconnection of utilities or arrears Health-Related Benefits - may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, special diet allowance, health care supplies, medical transportation funds, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

Employment Assistance

Employment Resource Centre

• walk-in job search centre
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• resource materials, job banks, labour market information
• assistance with resumes
• referrals to job counselling and training

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

• helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Other services:

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268

• automated information and payment details, payment history, file status
• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users but can be arranged

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867

• to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

City of Kingston's Ontario Works program delivery is available on site, one day (Thursday) per week

Financial Assistance
Monthly financial assistance is available to eligible (needs tested) residents for basic needs and shelter. The amount of assistance paid is determined by family size, income and expenses.

Employment Assistance
Employment supports are available to help people become and stay employed. Funding and assistance may be available for community and employment placement, job searching, basic education or job-specific skills training, literacy training, supports to self-employment, Employment Readiness Scale, transportation, referrals to workshops and courses, Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP - a program offered to young parents) and addictions treatment.

Mandatory Benefits
Benefits prescribed in the Ontario Works provincial regulations include a monthly drug card, dental and vision care for dependent children, special diet, pregnancy nutritional allowance, diabetic supplies, incontinence supplies, medical travel and transportation, and guide dog allowance.

Discretionary Benefits:
Discretionary Health Benefits may include: adult vision and dental care, health and well-being benefits, new born / child benefits, and other items such as ID replacements.
Discretionary Residency Benefits may include: funding towards rent arrears, utility arrears, last month's rent deposit, moving expenses and emergency heating fuel.

Emergency Assistance
Emergency assistance may be paid to a person experiencing an extreme, urgent, and unusual situation that jeopardizes the health and well-being of a member of the benefit unit.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268 -- automated information and payment details, payment history, file status * information and announcements about Ontario Works * service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

Northumberland County Community & Social Services is responsible for the delivery of Ontario Works, a program that provides income support and employment services referrals to eligible residents of the County

• Active participants have access to their case file information and important program announcements through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) number, 1-800-808-2268. Clients will be asked to enter their 9-digit identification number and 4-digit security personal identification number (PIN). They will then have a number of choices that will allow them to access the information they are looking for.

COVID19 Response

• Residents are encouraged to contact staff by phone, email or visit website for online application forms.
• For program and services closures and updates visit Program and Services Information
• For a list of community resources visit Community Resources

Regular Service
Upper tier municipal government for seven municipalities.

• Financial and Employment Supports
• Childrens Services
• Housing and Shelter
• Roads
• Garbage and Recyclying
• Emergency First Response
• Long Term Care
• Tickets, Fines and Offences
• Tourism

Provincial ministry is responsible for income and employment supports and social and community services

• developmental services
• adoption
• youth group home
• foster care licensing
• child protection
• children with special needs
• foster care
• children and youth mental health
• autism

Income support

• available to adults who are in financial need who have been determined to be disabled
• eligible persons receive a monthly living allowance, drug, dental and other basic benefits

Employment supports

• job development
• job retention supports
• available to persons with disabilities who may or may not be receiving Income support, and require goods and services that will allow them to pursue their competitive employment or self-employment goals
• employment can be part time, full time, or temporary
• students with disabilities who are seeking part-time employment while in school may also be eligible

Temporary financial assistance and employment supports to those most in need residing in the City of Kingston and County of Frontenac while they undertake requirements to become and stay employed

Financial Assistance
Monthly financial assistance is available to eligible (needs tested) residents for basic needs and shelter. The amount of assistance paid is determined by family size, income and expenses.

Employment Assistance
Employment supports are available to help people become and stay employed. Funding and assistance may be available for community and employment placement, job searching, basic education or job-specific skills training, literacy training, supports to self-employment, Employment Readiness Scale, transportation, referrals to workshops and courses, Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP - a program offered to young parents) and addictions treatment.

Mandatory Benefits
Benefits prescribed in the Ontario Works provincial regulations include a prescription drug coverage, vision care for dependent children, special diet, pregnancy nutritional allowance, diabetic supplies, incontinence supplies, medical travel and transportation, and guide dog allowance.

Discretionary Benefits:
Discretionary Health Benefits may include: adult vision and dental care, health and well-being benefits, new born / child benefits, and other items such as ID replacements.
Discretionary Residency Benefits may include: funding towards rent arrears, utility arrears, last month's rent deposit, moving expenses and emergency heating fuel.

Emergency Assistance
Emergency assistance may be paid to a person experiencing an extreme, urgent, and unusual situation that jeopardizes the health and well-being of a member of the benefit unit, where all other financial means have been explored and exhausted.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268 -- automated information and payment details, payment history, file status * information and announcements about Ontario Works * service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

Satellite office of the City of Kingston's Housing & Social Services Department, Ontario Works Program serving residents of Central and North Frontenac.

Financial Assistance
Temporary financial assistance to those most in need while they undertake requirements to become and stay employed. Monthly financial assistance is available to eligible (needs tested) residents for basic needs and shelter. The amount of assistance paid is determined by family size, income and expenses.

Employment Assistance
Employment supports are available to help people become and stay employed. Funding and assistance may be available for community and employment placement, job searching, basic education or job-specific skills training, literacy training, supports to self-employment, Employment Readiness Scale, transportation, referrals to workshops and courses, Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP - a program offered to young parents) and addictions treatment.

Mandatory Benefits
Benefits prescribed in the Ontario Works provincial regulations include monthly drug benefits, dental and vision care for dependent children, special diet, pregnancy nutritional allowance, diabetic supplies, incontinence supplies, medical travel and transportation, and guide dog allowance.

Discretionary Benefits:
Discretionary Health Benefits may include: adult vision and dental care, health and well-being benefits, new born / child benefits, and other items such as ID replacements.

Discretionary Residency Benefits may include: funding towards rent arrears, utility arrears, last month's rent deposit, moving expenses and emergency heating fuel.

Emergency Assistance
Emergency assistance may be paid to a person experiencing an extreme, urgent, and unusual situation that jeopardizes the health and well-being of a member of the benefit unit.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268 -- automated information and payment details, payment history, file status * information and announcements about Ontario Works * service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

Legal clinic

Services

• rental housing (tenant duty counsel)
• income security
• education
• human rights
• consumer debt
• public legal education
• ODSP walk-in-clinic

ODSP provides income and employment supports to people who have a substantial physical or mental impairment that is documented by a Health professional. A financial assessment will also be made to assess eligibility.

For Income Support the amount of the benefit will depend on the size of the family, age of dependent children/adults, shelter costs and availability and receipt of income, special diet. Other benefits include: prescription drugs, dental services, eyeglasses, hearing aids and special medical necessities.

ODSP Employment Supports helps persons with disabilities to find a job, advance to another job if under employed, overcome a disability-related job crisis to maintain employment and retain long-term employment.

COVID19 Response

• Ontario Works Social assistance payments will continue as usual. The Social Services office continues to remain open to the public with public health measures in place including enhanced cleaning and disinfection, screening and limiting the number of people in the reception area to allow for social distancing. Appointments can be made by calling 705-748-8830 or 1-888-999-1142. Applicants are encouraged to apply online for social assistance using the new centralized Intake and Benefits Unit Application at ontario.ca/socialassistance or by calling 1-888-999-1142.
• Additional Assistance: for those currently receiving social assistance and facing additional costs related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Funding can be used to meet needs such as cleaning supplies, transportation, food or clothing that individuals and families may require due to COVID-19
• Ontario Works recipients can access emergency benefits by calling their caseworker. * Emergency benefits for COVID-19 related expenses: up to $100 for single individuals and up to $200 for families.
• Child Care: All municipal child care services will be closed to the public until Mon, April 13. This includes the before- and after-school programs at Edmison Heights and Westmount Public School, the full-day program at Pearson/PCVS, and the Peterborough Day Care Centre.
• Child care services are available for employees at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Peterborough Public Health and long-term care facilities at no cost to parents. 114 spaces available for ages infants to 12 years. To be eligible, the family must have no other option for child care. Information on how to apply is available through employer - Do not call social services.
• For updated information on City services visit City Services During COVID19

Regular Services
Peterborough Social Services can help connect individuals with supports including Ontario Works, Child Care, Housing, Food and other community services.

• Staff member will screen individuals for all programs
• Offers community referrals
• Once application is granted, individuals are referred to a caseworker. Together a plan is created to find ways to move forward with personal goals
• Clients can access specific personal case file information and important program announcements by calling the provincial toll-free Interactive Voice Response number: 1-800-808-2268

See separate listings for other services and programs

COVID-19 (8 April 2020) ODSP local offices are closed to the public until further notice. Clients are to call their caseworker for information. If you need to apply for COVID-19 emergency assistance, use the online application for social assistance. If you are not currently on social assistance and do not want to apply for social assistance, you can still apply for COVID-19 emergency assistance.

For detail information visit the ODSP website page.

Outreach location for the delivery of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Provides financial and employment supports for persons with disabilities. Financial supports include income to support basic needs, shelter costs, drug and dental benefits, medical supplies and further benefits.

Employment Supports offers community-based employment services to obtain, and maintain competitive employment. Services can include: employment planning, job search supports and job retention services.

ODSP recipients can be employed and remain on ODSP; income changes would apply.

COVID-19 (April 24, 2020): Municipal offices are closed to the public until further notice, clients for Community and Social Service (CSS) are asked to email or telephone their caseworker

Financial assistance and employment supports including training and skills development, academic upgrading and work placements

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

• monthly drug benefit

other services include:
Employment and Participation benefits -- cover costs related to starting a job or placement or education

Families with Children -- child care start-up costs

Health-Related Benefits -- may include emergency dental services, eyeglasses, special diet allowance, health care supplies, medical transportation funds, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

Employment Assistance
Clients 18-65 years who are not caring for pre-school age children or who do not have a serious disability or illness must participate in employment assistance activities

Community Participation -- volunteer placements

Job Search Programs -- based on individual's skills, experience and circumstances

Employment Placement -- job matching service

Basic Education --

• basic adult upgrading
• high school upgrading
• literacy and basic skills

Job Skills Training --

• development of skills for specific jobs
• on-the-job training

Supports to Self-Employment -- referrals to self-employment programs

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Other services:

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268 --

• automated information and payment details, payment history, file status
• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867 --
to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

Community Services Provider

• administers Ontario Works, Social Housing and Children Services
• Ontario Works provides employment & financial assistance to qualified applicants
• Social Housing provides access to affordable housing to qualified applicants based on availability
• Children Services provides Child Care listings, subsidies, before & after school programming information & parent resources

COVID19 (25 Jan 2022) Kawartha Lakes - Kawartha Lakes Human Services offices are closed to the public until further notice. This includes the office at 68 Lindsay St. N. in Lindsay and at 49 Maple Ave. in Haliburton.

Services for the public are still being delivered and are available to all program recipients and tenants. New requests for service and general questions will still be received and addressed. Please see more detailed information below for programs.

Anyone wishing to contact Human Services can call the Lindsay office at 705-324-9870, or 1-877-324-9870, or the Haliburton office at 705-457-4571 or visit the website. Emails may also be submitted to cklhumanservices@kawarthalakes.ca. Drop boxes are also available at both offices.


The Human Services Department provides services to support life stabilization and financial assistance through a variety of programs including Ontario Works (OW) program, Children's Services and Housing Support Programs in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

Ontario Works provides financial and employment assistance to people in need. Children's Services staff ensure that quality, stable and affordable childcare is available to residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

• Administration of Financial and Employment Assistance under the Ontario Works Act, Children's Services including Child Care Fee Subsidy and the Community Social Investment Fund, and Homelessness prevention programming.
• The provision of social assistance programs is governed by the Ontario Works Act and Regulations and consists of financial support through Income Services and participation in Employment Services programs.
• The provision of Children's Services programs is governed by the Child care and Early Years Act and Guidelines and consists of financial support through Child Care Fee Subsidy, Special Needs Resourcing Services and Operating Fund Supports for Service Providers.

Income Services:

Provides financial support for basic needs to eligible recipients. Eligibility and the amount of assistance is based on family size, income, assets and living arrangements. Other benefits may also be provided, including Ontario Drug Benefits coverage, Medical Transportation costs, Diabetic Supplies, Dental and Vision care for children and health-related discretionary benefits for adults. To apply for assistance, call ext.3.


Employment Services:

Almost all recipients of financial support must participate in employment related activities. These can include job searching, educational opportunities, volunteering, training and/or job retention programs. There are also a number of financial supports to assist with participation costs. Individuals who are leaving assistance because of work can continue to receive a number of benefits, including the drug benefit card and other supports, for between 6 and 12 months after going off assistance.


Children's Services:

Provides financial support for eligible applicants for child care services in a Ministry licensed child care program or private home and in an informal setting for recipients of financial support under the Ontario Works Act. Agencies may also receive financial support through wage subsidies. Financial supports to agencies may also be provided to support the inclusion of children with special needs.


Homelessness Services:

Providing support and assistance to help with maintaining housing, help to find housing, help for Landlords, and help with emergency housing through a 19 bed emergency shelter (operated by A Place Called Home).

Learning Earning and Parenting for Young Parents (LEAP Program): is a Social Service program for young parents 16 and over who do not have their high school diploma please talk to your Case Worker if you are interested.

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities who are in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support.

There program has two components:

• Income Support: provides financial assistance and other benefits to eligible people with disabilities and their families. This includes accommodation and basic living expenses, as well as prescription drugs, basic dental care and other supports.
  
• ODSP Employment Support: program works with community service providers to help people with disabilities prepare for and find jobs, keep a job and advance their career. The program can also help people with disabilities become self-employed.