Searching for Housing Expense Assistance

COVID19 - application to be done online * service by phone and email


Housing Stability Program (HSP) for those at risk of homelessness with eviction prevention and homeless households with obtaining rental accommodations

• for qualified low-income households, benefits could include rent, heat or utility arrears to a maximum of two months
• benefits can also include connection fees and security deposits
• last month's rent deposit
• moving costs to a maximum of $200 or up to $500 for those with medical limitations * assistance may be issued a maximum of once in a 36-month period

Note

• households requesting assistance with arrears need to be able to normally afford their accommodation costs, but, as a result of unexpected financial pressures or cost increases, are unable to pay their rent, heat or utility bills
• households seeking help to move must have a valid reason for doing so, and the new accommodations must be affordable

The Shelter Benefit is available for anyone needing assistance with the following items who meet the eligibility criteria :

• Last month rent deposit
• Utility deposit - issued directly to the utility provider
• Rental arrears to avoid eviction
• Utility arrears to avoid disconnection or to reconnect
• Moving costs
• Bed bug treatment/eradication for home owners
• Bed bug treatment for rental situation - assistance may be issued to cover the reasonable costs incurred by the tenants for bed bug treatment (including mattress covers and additional laundry costs)
• Household items - reasonable costs to be considered for those who are leaving shelter services, discharge from the hospital, discharge from incarceration, or cases of separation where a person is establishing a new residence (i.e. pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, bedding, linen, etc)

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.

Monthly benefit payment to help eligible households pay their rent. Benefit payments are:

• portable, so benefit may be received after moving to another address
• based on household income and local market rent values

Services include:

Housing Stability Program

• rental arrears and/or utility or energy arrears
• last month's rental deposit
• moving costs for those that move to secure more affordable accommodation
• assistance with rental arrears, moving cost, and utility arrears

Access to Affordable Housing

• staff assist to locate units available in the communities that clients wish to live
• assist with rental applications, completion of a standard lease and connecting clients with housing providers
• market rent and rent-geared-to-income (RGI)

ID Replacement

• year-round I.D. replacement for birth certificates
• staff assist with processing application information and will provide payment for the document
• expedited birth certificates will not be expensed by North House
• birth certificate replacements available to both clients, and their child if required

Income Tax

• complete taxes for the current year and 10 years prior
• e-file to CRA

Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Support

• staff will address and advise on concerns that you may have about your tenancy and the appropriate forms to file with the LTB
• staff can attend scheduled hearings as emotional and moral support but cannot speak on client's behalf

Landlord Engagement

• Opening Doors in Durham Region where landlords may be eligible to receive a signing bonus of up to $1,000 to provide permanent, affordable, and supported housing solutions to the communities in north Durham Region

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

• assistance with arrears of electricity or natural gas bill and facing possibility of disconnection

Ontario Electricity Support Program

• lowers electricity bills for lower-income households
• provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and household size
• credits are applied directly to eligible customers' electricity bills

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

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

Homeless Drop-In and Services

• meal program -- breakfast, hot lunch, snacks
• access to computer and internet
• access to phone
• laundry available on-site
• individual support and informal counselling
• information and referral

Health programs

• foot care and general nurse
• harm reduction supplies

Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) program -- case management for those with opiate dependency, group supports, and public education workshops in the community

Housing programs

• housing assistance via rental listings and assistance applying/updating subsidised housing application

Member Agency of Toronto Drop-In Network (TDIN)

Drop-In North

• breakfast, snacks and hot lunch
• showers, clothing
• access to computer
• locker storage (up to 3 months)
• information and referral
• individual support and informal counselling

Medical Clinic

• foot care and general nurse
• biweekly for people who are experiencing homelessness
• not primary care, call 416-321-6912 ext 232 for appointment
• harm reduction supplies

Housing Hub

• support for individuals and households at-risk or experiencing homelessness to find, apply for and maintain housing

Member Agency of Toronto Drop-In Network (TDIN)

COVID19 Services provided remotely; call, email or fax and staff will follow up

Housing help, including information and referral, advice on tenant rights and responsibilities, eviction prevention, drop-in Tuesday mornings

• promotes affordable housing options
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process

Toronto Rent Bank
Access centre for interest-free repayable loans to low-income households in rental arrears, or needing to move into more suitable housing; also interest-free loans for first and last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable housing

• must have legal status in Canada and meet income requirements of 50 percent or less from social assistance
• landlord and tenant mediation
• follow-up search assistance and community referrals

Utilities Program
Access centre for utilities assistance

• help with applications for Ontario Electricity Support Program providing assistance to lower-income customers with their electricity bills
• help with applications for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) providing assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327
• access to Toronto Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) providing one-time grant to help pay electricity and gas bills

Community Building and Connections
Advocacy or access to financial aid to support integration and settlement in new community, including support to maintain or access permanent housing

• for women, seniors and individuals who are unhoused due to domestic violence, and not eligible for existing federal settlement programs
• also for residents of Scarborough or eastern North York, who have low income and at risk for homelessness

Settlement Program
Orientation, interpretation, referral to education, employment or health services, help with form filling, citizenship test preparation classes

Landlord Recruitment Program
Matches tenants with landlords, includes free rental listings, and information on landlord and tenant rights

EPIC Program
Follow-up case management services for individuals recently housed by the City of Toronto, by referral from City of Toronto outreach service

Provides assistance to resident through a range of services for housing related needs, including:

• help to maintain housing
• help to find housing
• help with financial assistance
• help for landlords
• help with support services
• help with emergency housing

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

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

Assists people living in the City and County of Peterborough to get or keep their housing. Help may be available for paying overdue bills, rent, and other housing-related costs.
Those with a low income and at risk of losing their housing may be eligible.
Some examples of eligible housing costs are:

• Heat, hydro or rent arrears
• Mortgage or tax arrears
• Last month's rent
• Beds, bed covers, mattresses and box springs
• Emergency home repairs
• Replacing or purchasing appliances
• Moving or storage costs

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

Financial assistance for assistive devices -- subsidizes mobility equipment, ramps, tub transfer benches, wheelchairs (both manual and electric), grab bars, seat cushions, commodes, beds, transfer boards, bath chairs, computer software

Subsidized gym memberships -- for persons with disabilities

Accessible gym equipment-- funded by RH Mobility and housed at Ed Sackfield Fitness Centre

Community development -- works with other organizations to foster inclusion and create new programs and events for persons with disabilities

COVID19 -- LIFE sessions and After Stroke programs are being offered virtually


Community-based rehabilitation and advocacy; affordable supportive housing for people with physical disabilities

Attendant Care Services -- non-medical assistance with activities of daily living

MODC Non-Profit Housing -- supportive care in 6 unit house, capacity 8, in Meynell House with additional houses around Ontario

Assistive Devices Program, 1-866-765-7237 -- financial assistance for adults to purchase or repair devices that increase their mobility and functional independence; may also assist with information or resources to assist in locating additional funding sources

Pop can tabs collection program -- proceeds support Assistive Devices Program

Home and Vehicle Modification Program, 1-877-369-4867 or 1-877-369-HVMP -- financial assistance (up to $15,000) for basic home and vehicle modifications for permanent Ontario residents with a substantial impairment expected to last one year or more

Acquired Brain Injury Services -- life skills, communication, community integration, emotional and behavioural support, vocational support, recreation

Conductive Education -- for people with neurological motor disorders; physical rehabilitation and education to train the brain and the body

DesignAbility, 1-800-263-3463, ext 7211

• volunteers work with persons with mobility challenges to craft creative, custom-built solutions to overcome barriers to work, play, personal hygiene and other daily activities
• no charge, except for building materials

LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Empowerment) -- skill-building transition sessions to provide support to young adults with a disability

Post-Polio Canada, polio@marchofdimes.ca, www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/postpolio -- in-person and virtual support services, resources and information for polio survivors

After Stroke, afterstroke@marchofdimes.ca, afterstroke.ca -- person-to-person support, educational opportunities and community-based programs designed to provide connection to other people, hope and life after stroke

Business and training services for other non-profit agencies

Community Resource Services

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

Settlement Services

• one-on-one needs assessment and plan
• information and referrals services
• orientation to life in Canada
• information on:
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
  • health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
  • education system
  • housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
  • financial services and the banking system
  • transportation system in Canada
  • family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
  • employment related services
• citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
• orientation to Ontario workshop series
• assistance with immigration related forms
• volunteer opportunities

Housing Services

• assistance with housing issues, including housing search, follow up and support, assistance with applications for subsidized housing
• Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre
• Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications
• LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)
• Emergency Energy Fund Call Centre: 416-397-7368

Seniors Program

• The Integrated Services for Seniors (ISFS) program
• The Personal Support Services (PSS) for Low Acuity Home Care program

Violence Against Women

• counselling and crisis intervention, needs assessment and referral
• transitional support
• support groups for victims and survivors

Youth Drop-in Centre

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

Housing Help Centre

• assistance in housing search and applying for subsidized housing
• education on tenant rights and eviction prevention services

Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre -- interest-free repayable loans to low-income households who are in rental arrears or need to move into more suitable housing

• outreach, tenancy support for landlord and tenant mediation, eviction prevention, housing stabilization and tenant education sessions

Ontario Electricity Support Program​ -- access centre for assistance with applications

LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto

• assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327

Streets to Homes Follow up Program -- follow-up case management services for individuals recently housed by the City

Satellite Housing Access and Tenancy Support offices:

East York Community Centre, 1081 1/2 Pape Ave

Beaches Employment and Social Services Office, 1631 Queen St E

Toronto Public Library, Dawes Road Branch, 416 Dawes Rd

Scarborough Village Employment and Social Services, 3660 Kingston Rd

Provides funding to eligible applicants for basic home and/or vehicle modifications which enables children and adults with mobility restrictions to continue living in their homes, avoid job loss, and participate fully in their communities.

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

Home ownership program by a nonprofit housing development corporation and social enterprise * cost-effective homes, down payment support available

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