Searching for Federal Government Social Assistance Programs

Service Canada Centre:

• Labour market, employment and vocational training information
  
• Referral to job search assistance and accessing information, forms and services
  
• Information on and applications for Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
  
• Employment Insurance (EI): reviews, processes and supplies information on applications for employment insurance benefits
  
• Compassionate Care Benefits may be paid up to maximum of 6 weeks to individuals absent from work to provide care or support to individuals who are gravely ill; individuals receiving EI are also eligible
  
• Information about services online for youth
  
• Information and applications for Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement
  

Services Offered:


* All Canadians Job Bank

* Labour Market Information

* Pleasure Craft Licensing

* Social Insurance Number Application


- Employers and Organizations Hiring Foreign Workers

* Human Resource Management

* Record of Employment


- Newcomers to Canada Foreign Credentials Referral


- People with Disabilities Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits


* Seniors Allowance for the Survivor Program

* Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension

* Old Age Security

*Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)


-Death Benefit


- Workers Employment Insurance Regular Benefits


- Workers who have Lost their Jobs Targeted Wage Subsidies

Service Canada Centre:

• Labour market, employment and vocational training information
  
• Referral to job search assistance and accessing information, forms and services
  
• Information on and applications for Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
  
• Employment Insurance (EI): reviews, processes and supplies information on applications for employment insurance benefits
  
• Compassionate Care Benefits may be paid up to maximum of 6 weeks to individuals absent from work to provide care or support to individuals who are gravely ill; individuals receiving EI are also eligible
  
• Information about services online for youth
  
• Information and applications for Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement
  

Services Offered:


* All Canadians Job Bank

* Labour Market Information

* Pleasure Craft Licensing

* Social Insurance Number Application


- Employers and Organizations Hiring Foreign Workers

* Human Resource Management

* Record of Employment


- Newcomers to Canada Foreign Credentials Referral


- People with Disabilities Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits


* Seniors Allowance for the Survivor Program

* Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension

* Old Age Security

*Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)


-Death Benefit


- Workers Employment Insurance Regular Benefits


- Workers who have Lost their Jobs Targeted Wage Subsidies

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Do not attend a Service Canada Centre for service unless absolutely necessary
* complete a service request form online for assistance with Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Social Insurance Numbers, immediate requests for Passport Service or Veterans Affairs Canada Services
* a Service Canada officer will call back within 2 business days

----------------------------------------

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services includes:

All Canadians

• apprenticeship grants
  
• benefits finder
  
• job bank
  
• labour market information
  
• passport application
  
• passport receiving agent service
  
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) application

Employers and organizations

• funding programs
  
• hiring foreign workers
  
• human resource management
  
• Record of Employment (ROE)

Families and children

• Canada Child Benefit
  
• Canada Pension Plan children's benefits
  
• Canada Pension Plan death benefit
  
• Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension
  
• Employment Insurance family supplement
  
• Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits
  
• Employment Insurance special benefits for parents of critically ill children

Labour and workplace information

• labour standards
  
• occupational health and safety
  
• wage earner protection program
  
• workplace equity

Newcomers to Canada

• foreign credentials referral

People with disabilities

• Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
  
• opportunities fund for people with disabilities

Seniors

• Allowance program
  
• Allowance for the Survivor program
  
• Canada Pension Plan retirement pension
  
• Canadian government annuities
  
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
  
• international benefits
  
• Old Age Security (OAS)

Veterans

• Veterans Affairs Canada

Workers

• Canadian forces recruitment awareness
  
• Employment Insurance regular benefits
  
• Employment Insurance sickness benefits
  
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recruitment awareness

Youth and Students

• Canada Pension Plan Disability (18-25 years of age)
  
• Canada Pension Plan Survivors (18-25 years of age)
  
• Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
  
• career focus
  
• job search assistance
  
• Skills Link

This listing gives an overview of programs and services available to older adults, and is also an index to related listings in this directory
* for comprehensive information, please see the Halton Seniors' Services Directory here


FOOD
Community Meals: programs that organize suppers, lunches or other get-togethers that give community residents an opportunity to meet one another in a friendly and informal atmosphere
* see list of providers here

Grocery Delivery: organizations that accept online and/or telephone orders and deliver food and household supplies to the homes of people who are unable to go out and shop on their own behalf or food pantries that deliver to people with illnesses, disabilities, transportation issues or other extenuating circumstances which prevent them from picking it up
* see list of providers here

Meal Delivery Providers: programs that prepare and regularly deliver meals to older adults, people with disabilities and others who have difficulties shopping and/or preparing food for themselves
* see list of providers here


HOUSING
Affordable Housing and Help for Rent, Utilities or Property Taxes: information on programs that make rental housing more readily available to low-income individuals, programs that provide financial assistance for people who are at risk for having their utilities shut off, and programs that provide financial assistance to enable people to pay all or a portion of their property taxes
* see separate listing here

Long-Term Care Homes: inpatient health care facilities that provide nursing and personal care over an extended period of time
* for full list see here

Retirement Homes: residential facilities, apartments and/or planned communities for older adults, people with disabilities or other populations that are available at market rates and designed to enable those who are eligible to have a form of independent living in a secure environment while sharing common interests and having access to supportive services
* for full list see here


IN HOME ASSISTANCE
For individual types of services, such as shopping assistance, home maintenance, housekeeping assistance, personal care and yard maintenance, see here (in each category, click 'View Programs and Services' to see all providers)

Some personal care is available for free under Ontario's health care system, by applying to your local Home and Community Care Support Services
* for contact details see full listings here

Veterans Affairs Canada provides funding for eligible veterans to help pay for the cost of in-home care and housekeeping/home maintenance services
* see separate listings here

Assistive Devices Program: programs that pay all or a portion of the costs associated with acquiring assistive technology products and/or obtaining support services such as customization, fit/modification services or repairs
* see separate listings for the Assistive Devices Program and March of Dimes

Friendly Outreach Programs: programs that reach out to people who are hospitalized or in another institutional setting, are socially isolated due to disability or old age, or otherwise lack companionship with the objective of brightening their day and helping them to maintain contact with the outside world
* for full list see here

Homebound Services: services that are provided in-home for Individuals are unable to leave their homes because of illness, disability or frailty
* see list of providers here

Personal Alarm Systems and Locator Aids: programs that provide electronic equipment which connects people with sources of emergency assistance or that facilitate the ability of caregivers to determine the whereabouts of people who have Alzheimer's disease or other similar conditions
* see list of providers here


INCOME SUPPORT
Income Programs and Financial Assistance: information on income supports and benefits from federal, provincial or territorial governments
* see separate listing here

Ontario Drug Benefit Program: program that pays all or a portion of the costs for prescription drugs required by people who meet eligibility requirements for the programs
* see separate listing here


LEGAL SERVICES
Legal Help and Information: information on programs that provide legal counselling and/or representation for low-income individuals who need assistance in routine legal matters
* see separate listing here


TAX ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES
Income Tax Clinics: programs that provide tax preparation services for people who meet income and/or other eligibility criteria
* see list of providers here


TRANSPORTATION
Disability Related Transportation: programs that provide transportation for purposes of shopping, banking, social events, medical appointments, getting to and from work, and similar activities for people with disabilities who need special accommodations and are unable to utilize other available means of transportation
* see list of providers here

Escort Programs: programs that accompany people who have limited mobility, cognitive impairments or other problems to specified local destinations and provide assistance which may include transportation or driving services, and assisting the individual to enter and leave the vehicle and buildings
* see list of providers here

Full-service Gas Stations: Burlington, Oakville

Local Bus Services:
* see list of providers here

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: programs that provide transportation for medical appointments, trips from and between hospitals, to nursing homes or other special-care centres or for other non-emergency medical needs for individuals who, because of their physical condition, are unable to use other means of local transportation
* see list of providers here

Senior Driver Renewal Program: programs that evaluate the motor and cognitive functioning of elderly individuals or people with disabilities to determine the person's ability to drive
* see list of providers here

Taxi Services:
* see separate listing here

This listing provides an overview of benefits from federal, provincial or territorial governments, and acts as an index to related listings in this directory

For a customized list of federal, provincial and territorial programs and services, see the Government of Canada's Benefits Finder
* does not collect or track information

For a customized list of provincial benefits and programs, see the Government of Ontario's Benefits Finder
* does not collect or track information


FEDERAL PROGRAMS:
For assistance with federal programs, see listings for Service Canada Centres here

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension
A monthly, taxable benefit that partially replaces income
* those 60 or older may apply if they have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP
* for more information, see separate listing here

May also qualify for the following CPP benefits:
* disability benefit is a monthly payment for those CPP contributors under 65 who have a mental or physical disability
* survivor's pension is a monthly payment paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased CPP contributor
* children's benefits provide monthly payments to the dependent children of disabled or deceased CPP contributors
* death benefit is a one-time payment, payable to the estate or other eligible individuals, on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor

Employment Insurance (EI)
Provides temporary income support to eligible unemployed workers while they look for employment or to upgrade their skills
* also provides special benefits to workers who take time off work due to specific life events (illness, pregnancy, caring for a newborn or newly adopted child, caring for a critically ill or injured person, or caring for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death)
* for more information, see separate listing here

Old Age Security (OAS)
A monthly, taxable payment for those 65 and older
* amount depends on income and years lived in Canada or specific countries after the age of 18
* for more information, see separate listing here

May also qualify for the following benefits:
* Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) - for low-income OAS recipients living in Canada
* Allowance - for low-income legal spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, ages 60-64, who meet residency requirements
* Allowance for the Survivor - for low-income spouses or common-law partners, ages 60-64, of deceased GIS recipients

Veterans Affairs Canada
Provides income support and emergency funding to eligible veterans and their families
* for more information, see separate listings for Veterans Affairs Canada offices here


PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS:

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Offers monthly financial assistance with living expenses, including food and rent
* for Ontario residents 18 years or older who qualify financially and meet the definition of a disability
* for more information, see separate listing here

Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
Provides a monthly, non-taxable benefit to low-income Ontario seniors
* for those 65 and older, who meet residency requirements, and receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments from the federal government
* for more information, see separate listing here

Ontario Works (OW)
Provides temporary financial assistance to people who are returning to the workforce
* for Ontario residents in financial need who are committed to finding and keeping a job
* for more information, see separate listings for Halton Region's offices here

This listing gives an overview of services to assist newcomers to Canada, and is an index to related listings in this directory

DRIVER'S LICENCE:
A newcomer to Ontario can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days * after 60 days, a newcomer must switch to an Ontario driver's licence
* for more information on driver's licences for newcomers, see Ministry of Transportation website here
* to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, go to a Drivetest Centre (for locations, see full listings here)


HEALTH INSURANCE:
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides publicly-funded health care for residents of Ontario
* for more information, see separate listing here
* to apply for OHIP, go to a ServiceOntario Service Counter (for locations, see full listings here)

Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits for specific groups of people in Canada who do not have provincial, territorial, or private health-care coverage
* for more information, see Government of Canada website here


IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada
* also grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians
* for more information, see Government of Canada website here

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship test is used by newcomers to study for the citizenship test
* the publication is available here to read online, listen to, or download
* a free print copy can be ordered online or by calling 1-888-567-7183
* also available to borrow at some library locations


INFORMATION AND REFERRAL FOR NEWCOMERS
For Community Information Centres throughout Halton that maintain information about the full range of human services and which function as the primary source of information about and linkage to human service providers in the community, see here
* for help in languages other than English, dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Ontario, which uses data from the Halton Community Services Directory and has live translation services in more than 150 languages

Halton Newcomer Portal www.welcometohalton.ca

Settlement.org website


INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION:
For a list of organizations that may provide this service, see here
* may be a fee for document translation


LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - ESL, FSL AND LINC:
Programs that offer opportunities to learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on developing the level of communication competence that is essential for adults who are living in a setting in which English or French is the primary language
* for more information, see separate listing here


NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES:
Free services for newcomers to Canada are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide advice and help on:
* looking for a job * getting a language assessment * registering for language classes * finding a place to live * signing children up for school * learning about community services

Available in Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton and surrounding areas

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Do not attend a Service Canada Centre for service unless absolutely necessary
* complete a service request form online for assistance with Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Social Insurance Numbers, immediate requests for Passport Service or Veterans Affairs Canada Services
* a Service Canada officer will call back within 2 business days

----------------------------------------

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services includes:

All Canadians

• apprenticeship grants
  
• benefits finder
  
• job bank
  
• labour market information
  
• passport application
  
• passport receiving agent service
  
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) application

Employers and organizations

• funding programs
  
• hiring foreign workers
  
• human resource management
  
• Record of Employment (ROE)

Families and children

• Canada Child Benefit
  
• Canada Pension Plan children's benefits
  
• Canada Pension Plan death benefit
  
• Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension
  
• Employment Insurance family supplement
  
• Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits
  
• Employment Insurance special benefits for parents of critically ill children

Labour and workplace information

• labour standards
  
• occupational health and safety
  
• wage earner protection program
  
• workplace equity

Newcomers to Canada

• foreign credentials referral

People with disabilities

• Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
  
• opportunities fund for people with disabilities

Seniors

• Allowance program
  
• Allowance for the Survivor program
  
• Canada Pension Plan retirement pension
  
• Canadian government annuities
  
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
  
• international benefits
  
• Old Age Security (OAS)

Veterans

• Veterans Affairs Canada

Workers

• Canadian forces recruitment awareness
  
• Employment Insurance regular benefits
  
• Employment Insurance sickness benefits
  
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recruitment awareness

Youth and Students

• Canada Pension Plan Disability (18-25 years of age)
  
• Canada Pension Plan Survivors (18-25 years of age)
  
• Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
  
• career focus
  
• job search assistance
  
• Skills Link

A one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.
If an estate exists the executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death.
If no estate exists or if the executor does not apply, payment may be made to: the person or institution responsible for paying funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased, the next-of-kin of the deceased.
Individuals who are eligible for this benefit may also be eligible for the Surviving Child's Benefit or the Survivor's Pension which both offer monthly payments to children, spouses, and common-law partners of deceased CPP contributors.

Provides temporary regular financial benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can't find a job; able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible.
Applications should be submitted as soon as employment ends. Individuals can apply for benefits even if they have not yet received their Record of Employment (ROE)
Visit the website for specific details.

Old Age Security (OAS)

Monthly pension to persons 65 or over regardless of income or assets

• must be legal resident of Canada for at least 40 years to receive full pension
• also full pension for persons who were 25 years or older as of July 1, 1977, and who resided in or had a visa to enter Canada that was valid on that date, or who had resided legally in Canada prior to that date and after reaching age 18, and who resided in Canada immediately before approval of the application

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Supplement added monthly to Old Age Security for those with limited or no income

• amount of supplement is adjusted quarterly
• reapply when income taxes are filed (end of April)
• not payable outside Canada beyond a period of 6 months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada

Allowance

Monthly allowance for spouses 60-64 years of Old Age Security pensioners receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement

• based on combined income of the couple
• allowance is adjusted quarterly
• residence requirements
• proof of age required
• reapply when income taxes are filed (end of April)

Allowance for the Survivor

Monthly allowance for widowed spouses 60-65 years

• death, marriage and applicant's birth certificate required
• based on limited or no income
• deceased spouse need not have received Old Age Security
• apply when income taxes are filed (end of April)

Programs of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada)

A monthly, taxable benefit that replaces a portion of the applicants income upon retirement. Those who qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will receive the retirement pension for the rest of their life.
Individuals aged 60 to 69 can continue to work while receiving CPP. CPP contributions will then go toward post-retirement benefits (PRB) which will increase income upon retirement.

A one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.
If an estate exists the executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death.
If no estate exists or if the executor does not apply, payment may be made to: the person or institution responsible for paying funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased, the next-of-kin of the deceased.
Individuals who are eligible for this benefit may also be eligible for the Surviving Child's Benefit or the Survivor's Pension which both offer monthly payments to children, spouses, and common-law partners of deceased CPP contributors.

Provides temporary regular financial benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can't find a job; able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible.
Applications should be submitted as soon as employment ends. Individuals can apply for benefits even if they have not yet received their Record of Employment (ROE)
Visit the website for specific details.

Old Age Security (OAS)

Monthly pension to persons 65 or over regardless of income or assets

• must be legal resident of Canada for at least 40 years to receive full pension
• also full pension for persons who were 25 years or older as of July 1, 1977, and who resided in or had a visa to enter Canada that was valid on that date, or who had resided legally in Canada prior to that date and after reaching age 18, and who resided in Canada immediately before approval of the application

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Supplement added monthly to Old Age Security for those with limited or no income

• amount of supplement is adjusted quarterly
• reapply when income taxes are filed (end of April)
• not payable outside Canada beyond a period of 6 months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada

Allowance

Monthly allowance for spouses 60-64 years of Old Age Security pensioners receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement

• based on combined income of the couple
• allowance is adjusted quarterly
• residence requirements
• proof of age required
• reapply when income taxes are filed (end of April)

Allowance for the Survivor

Monthly allowance for widowed spouses 60-65 years

• death, marriage and applicant's birth certificate required
• based on limited or no income
• deceased spouse need not have received Old Age Security
• apply when income taxes are filed (end of April)

Programs of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada)

A monthly, taxable benefit that replaces a portion of the applicants income upon retirement. Those who qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will receive the retirement pension for the rest of their life.
Individuals aged 60 to 69 can continue to work while receiving CPP. CPP contributions will then go toward post-retirement benefits (PRB) which will increase income upon retirement.

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services

• labour market information
• information and referral on Employment Insurance, Social Insurance Numbers, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Veterans benefits, Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Canada Education Savings Grant and others
• passport receiving agent

For details on all federal and provincial benefits see Canada Benefits directory

Employment insurance benefits are paid if you are unable to work because of sickness, injury or quarantine.

Employment Insurance (EI) benefits paid to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill and who has a signifcant risk of death within 26 weeks (six months). A maximum of six weeks of compassionate care benefits may be paid to eligible people.

Contributory, earnings-related social insurance program. It ensures a measure of protection to a contributor and his or her family against the loss of income due to disability.

Access to Government of Canada services, benefits, and documentation

Employment Services - Assistance with career planning and counselling including resume and interview assistance and student and youth employment services. Access to online Job Bank

Employment Insurance - Basic income protection program for employed workers

Financial Benefits - Information and forms for federal pensions and benefits including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Disability Benefits, and Survivor Benefits

Social Insurance Number (SIN) application -Personal identification number for access to various Canadian government programs

Services for Business - Services regarding employees and safety, including records of employment; wage subsidies; labour market information; labour standards; occupational health and safety and workplace equity

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services.

Service Request Form
Request a phone call about one or more of the following programs:

• Employment Insurance
• Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement
• Social Insurance Number
• Veterans Affairs Canada Services
• Ukraine immigration measures: Financial assistance

Appointment Booking
Book an appointment at a Service Canada Centre for one of the following services:

• Biometrics Collections
• Passport Services

Apply for a Social Insurance Number Online

Student/youth employment services available May-August through Service Canada Centres for Youth -- see separate entry

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services includes:

All Canadians

• apprenticeship grants
• benefits finder
• job bank
• labour market information
• passport application
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) application

Employers and organizations

• funding programs
• hiring foreign workers
• human resource management
• Record of Employment (ROE)

Families and children

• Canada Child Benefit
• Canada Pension Plan children's benefits
• Canada Pension Plan death benefit
• Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension
• Employment Insurance family supplement
• Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits
• Employment Insurance special benefits for parents of critically ill children

Labour and workplace information

• labour standards
• occupational health and safety
• wage earner protection program
• workplace equity

Newcomers to Canada

• foreign credentials referral

People with disabilities

• Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
• opportunities fund for people with disabilities

Seniors

• Allowance program
• Allowance for the Survivor program
• Canada Pension Plan retirement pension
• Canadian government annuities
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• international benefits
• Old Age Security (OAS)

Veterans

• Veterans Affairs Canada

Workers

• Canadian forces recruitment awareness
• Employment Insurance regular benefits
• Employment Insurance sickness benefits
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recruitment awareness

Youth and Students

• Canada Pension Plan Disability (18-25 years of age)
• Canada Pension Plan Survivors (18-25 years of age)
• Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
• career focus
• job search assistance
• Skills Link

Offers a wide variety of services for Canadian Veterans and their families. This includes: programs to assist them after an injury or during the transition from military to civilian life, allowances and benefits, income support payments, rehabilitation, health care benefits and funding for long term care.