Searching for Ontario Government Social Assistance Programs

The Waterloo Region Community Services Department provides resources on the topics of:

• Income Support (e.g. Ontario Works)
  
• Employment Services/Employment Resource Centres
  
• Children's Services
  
• Seniors Services
  
• Housing Services
  

The Waterloo Region Social Services Department (Cambridge Branch) provides resources on the topics of:

• Income Support (e.g. Ontario Works)
  
• Family Support
  
• Employment Services/Employment Resource Centres
  
• Special Services
  

Provides income support and employment support to people with disabilities in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support * Ontarians 65 years or older who are not eligible for Old Age Security may qualify for ODSP supports if they are in financial need

Provides income support and employment support to people with disabilities in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support * Ontarians 65 years or older who are not eligible for Old Age Security may qualify for ODSP supports if they are in financial need

Provides income support and employment support to people with disabilities in financial need, or who want and are able to work and need support * Ontarians 65 years or older who are not eligible for Old Age Security may qualify for ODSP supports if they are in financial need

The Waterloo Region Social Services Department (Cambridge Branch) provides resources on the topics of:

• Income Support (e.g. Ontario Works)
  
• Family Support
  
• Employment Services/Employment Resource Centres
  
• Special Services
  

Visit COVID-19 Information and Updates for the latest on how to access programs and services during COVID-19.

Temporary income and employment assistance for low income individuals and families in immediate financial need. Requires a financial assessment to determine eligibility for services.

Employment Supports and Benefits

• caseworkers work closely with participants to develop individualized action plans that address unique needs
• participants guided through each stage and encouraged to stay on track
• employment benefits to assist clients in finding and starting a job

Additional employment supports include:

• basic educational upgrading
• English as a second language training
• job specific skills training
• job search assistance (resumé writing, interview preparation)
• access to volunteer and employment placements

Discretionary Benefits for recipients of Ontario Works assistance, or Ontario Disability Support Program assistance.

Other programs include:

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) - for young parents, ages 16-25 years
• Self-Employment - training and supports to operate a business; delivered in partnership with Business Centre Guelph-Wellington
• Life Skills Case Management - intensive support for those who are experiencing issues related to addictions or mental health
• services for empoyers

Helps people with disabilities who are in financial need to pay for living expenses, including food and housing.

ODSP has two parts:

• Income Support: financial assistance for people with disabilities
• Employment Support: helps people with disabilities who want to work prepare for and find a job

Temporary financial assistance to eligible residents of Wellington County and the City of Guelph. Eligibility to receive social assistance is determined by the Ontario Works Act.

In addition to providing financial assistance through the Ontario Works program, the County of Wellington operates programs to assist low income individuals and families in immediate financial need. A financial assessment must be completed to determine eligibility for these services.

Additional supports include:

Addiction Services Initiative

• helps people on social assistance whose substance abuse makes it difficult for them to become or stay employed

Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP)

• assists parents 16-25 years of age to acquire education, parenting skills, and employment related skills

Funeral and Burials
May be able to help with cost of funeral, burial or cremation if the following criteria apply:

• resident in the County of Wellington / City of Guelph
• in receipt of Ontario Works assistance, or
• in receipt of Ontario Disability Support Program assistance, or
• low-income status

Note: All requests for funeral and burial assistance considered on case-by-case basis


Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

• primary caregiver (person who is eligible to receive the Canada Child Benefit in the child's name) may apply for CLB on behalf of the child
• money is placed into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) by the Government of Canada for an eligible child's education after high school

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) for Social Assistance:

• 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
• provides temporary financial assistance to those in need while they meet obligations to become and stay employed

An Ontario government program designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities and their families who are in financial need, or who want to work and need support.

The program has two parts:

• Income Support - provides financial assistance and other benefits to eligible people. This can include accommodation and basic living expenses as well as prescription drugs and basic dental care
  
• Employment Supports Program - provides goods and services to eligible people with disabilities to help overcome barriers to employment. This program is designed for people with disabilities who want to work but need specific supports to help them prepare for, obtain and keep a job in their community

A person with a disability who wants to work may qualify for employment supports even if they are not eligible for income support

Financial and employment assistance to individuals and families residing in the City of Brantford and in Brant County who are in need

Assistance includes income support for basic needs and shelter for eligible persons as well as access to benefits such as:

• drug coverage for most of the cost of prescription drugs for eligible family members
• special diet requirements due to a medical condition
• pregnancy nutritional/breastfeeding allowance for coverage of dietary needs during pregnancy and for 12 months after delivery if breastfeeding
• health-related Items such as diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and, dressings, approved medical transportation of $15 or more per month, and a guide dog benefit
• employment-related benefits when starting a new job or employment assistance activity

Ontario Works Employment supports help you become job-ready. Service Coordinators can help you access employment supports and provide more information

If you receive Ontario Works assistance and are actively involved in an employment assistance activity or have started a job, you may also be eligible to receive assistance with related expenses

Eligible low-income Brantford and Brant County residents, and residents receiving Social Assistance benefits, can get help with the cost of funerals, cremations, and burials. Eligibility is determined on the deceased person's income and assets, not the family member who is making the application

Provides social assistance to people in need in Perth County. Support for housing, homelessness and childcare.

Low-income Energy Support Program (LEAP) - click here If behind on electricity or natural gas bill or face having service disconnected, individuals may qualify for emergency financial help through LEAP. Please note for Festival Hydro customers, this does not cover water or sewage fees. Support is available from the City of Stratford Social Services, 519-271-3773 Ext 200.

Emergency Assistance for those not on Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and have no access to other supports, have applied to EI but have not received payment. How to Apply online HERE or contact at 519-271-3773 Ext 200. Rates based on OW entitlements and are issued temporarily for 16-48 days through an expedited process

Ontario Works - Basic Financial Assistance may be available to assist with cost of basic needs like food, clothing and shelter as well as health benefits and employment assistance. Eligibility is assessed by reviewing family size, income, assets and housing cost. At this time applications for financial assistance and participation agreements can be completed over the phone and verified through third party checks. More information about OW along with rates of assistance can be found HERE How to Apply online HERE or contact at 1-888-999-1142 (including those who have previously been in receipt of OW and need to re-apply)

Financial Assistance - Monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income, monthly drug benefit card and other services including covering the costs related to starting a job or work placement

Employment Assistance - 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

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, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, literacy and basic skills, job skills training -- development of skills for specific jobs, on-the-job training, supports to self-employment and referrals to self-employment programs

Discretionary Benefits may include one-time health related items such as eye glasses, emergency dental treatment, prosthetics and health related supplies, Non-health related items such as essential appliances, utility arrears (in order to avoid disconnection, costs associated with funerals, burials and cremations. Programs may vary by City or Municipality

MyBenefits www.ontario.ca/mybenefits online access to report changes to or to get information about your Ontario Works file.

Temporary Care Program - there is financial assistance available for children under the care of a guardian or with no available parent

Emergency Homelessness - People and families in need of emergency housing during regular work hours should contact the Ontario Works office to speak with an Outreach worker. Outside of normal business hours, contact Shelterlink at 519-272-2294 or 1-888-829-7484

Analyzes industrial health and safety hazards and procedures including WSIB claims investigations and appeals, workplace injury management and return to work programs. Provides consultations on environmental safety, spills response, industrial hygiene standards, safety procedures, ergonomic design and assessment, public and on-site workplace training and professional development.

Ontario Works, Social Housing, and Child Care Subsidy * Client Service Workers are situated in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll and Woodstock * main office is located at the Oxford County Administrative Building * for information or to apply for assistance visit the County of Oxford website

Oxford County Child Care Registry and Waitlist: Click Here

County of Oxford Housing Application System: Click Here

Accessibility Advisory Committee
A committee that focuses on creating a society that is open to all, including persons with disabilities.

Affordable Home Ownership Program
The program provides financial assistance to qualified low-to-moderate income households. Funding is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis, in the form of a 20-year interest-free loan registered on title and up to 5% of the purchase price of an eligible home (current maximum purchase price is $425,000).

Income supports for people in financial need who have permanent disabilities or disabilities expected to last longer than one year * employment supports are available and provided by community service providers

A program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals returning to the workforce.

If you qualify, Ontario Works Halton can also provide:

Financial Assistance -- to help cover the cost of basic needs like food and housing

• you may also be eligible to receive other benefits including: prescription drug and dental coverage, eye glasses, diabetic supplies, moving costs and employment-related costs
• the amount received depends on family size, income, assets and housing costs

Employment Assistance -- help to prepare for and find a job including:

• education programs
• literacy training
• learning/earning/parenting (LEAP)
• job specific skills training
• employment placements
• community placements

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

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

Provides financial assistance to Six Nations band members

• financial assistance is made up of two parts - basic needs and shelter

Additional programs:

• Family Support Program - mandatory for all sole support parents and blended families with children from previous relationships
  
• Innovations - 4-week education, skills, and personal development program

Provides financial assistance and other benefits to eligible people with disabilities who are in financial need to pay for living expenses, like food and housing.
Health benefits including:

• prescription drugs
• dental care
• vision care
• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment
• 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 include:

• assistive devices including mobility devices
• vision and hearing aids
• prosthetics
• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• special diet allowance

Housing Stabilization Fund helps with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit and essential furniture.
Contact or visit the website for more details about ODSP benefits.

Program assists people with disabilities in finding sustainable, competitive employment or to helping to realize self-employment. A person does not need to be in receipt of ODSP in order to be eligible for Employment Supports.
Employment Supports Include:

• job preparation and job search assistance
• employment and training start-up benefit
• child care costs
• work related benefit
• transitional health benefit
• employment transition benefit

Transition Child Benefit is available for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit.
Contact or visit the website for more details about ODSP benefits.

Program helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability and provides respite support to the family.

Ontario Works, Social Housing, and Child Care Subsidy * Client Service Workers are situated in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll and Woodstock * main office is located at the Oxford County Administrative Building * for information or to apply for assistance visit the County of Oxford website

Oxford County Child Care Registry and Waitlist: Click Here

County of Oxford Housing Application System: Click Here

Accessibility Advisory Committee
A committee that focuses on creating a society that is open to all, including persons with disabilities.

Affordable Home Ownership Program
The program provides financial assistance to qualified low-to-moderate income households. Funding is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis, in the form of a 20-year interest-free loan registered on title and up to 5% of the purchase price of an eligible home (current maximum purchase price is $425,000).

Provides financial and employment assistance to individuals and families in need. Operates as a division of the Healthy & Safe Communities Department of the City of Hamilton.

Services include:
* Applications for Ontario Works assistance and emergency assistance
* Ongoing Ontario Works case management
* Connection to community agencies/organizations
* Employment counselling and referral

The Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) program is part of Ontario Works and managed by Children's and Home Management Services, another division of the Community & Emergency Services Department.

Ontario Works is a program of the provincial government that is delivered in Hamilton by the municipal government. Learn more about the provincial program at http://www.ontario.ca/socialassistance.