Searching for Utility Assistance Programs

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

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

York Region COVID-19 Temporary Arrears Benefit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• housing counselling
• information and referral
• matches tenants with landlords, eviction prevention, landlord outreach and recruitment, housing listings
• voluntary trusteeship service
• street outreach to persons who are homeless, Streets to Homes follow up support for clients who have been placed in housing

MyAccesstoHousingTO (Housing Connections, see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process

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

• must have legal status in Canada and meet income requirements
• clients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program may be eligible
• landlord and tenant mediation
• money management advice
• follow-up search assistance and community referrals
• also interest-free loans for first and last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable housing

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

• also for 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

COVID19 -- services continue by phone, email, and video, online workshops and webinars available * offices are closed except for refugee shelters * see website page linked here for phone numbers to contact staff at specific services
COVID-19: SERVICE NOTICE

Housing Help services

• support finding and maintaining housing
• eviction prevention and housing stabilization services
• counselling, case management, advocacy support and referral for post housing stabilization
• information, referral, assistance with applications for subsidized, supportive housing, or emergency shelters
• crisis intervention
• drop-in program, free telephone and computers use during drop-in hours
• Streets to Homes Follow-up Program -- services and specialized help for formerly homeless individuals with complex needs, ID clinic
• seasonal income tax clinic

Information, orientation and education on the topics such as money management, tenants' rights and responsibilities and other community services that assist families facing crisis

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

• applicants must be low income with adequate income to sustain their housing
• must have legal status in Canada, and pay market rent (not subsidized)
• additional eligibility criteria apply, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients not eligible

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

• also for 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

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN) and Housing Help Association of Ontario (HHAO)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Hub with multiple collaborative services of partner organizations with a focus on nutritious food and community programs. Includes a meeting space.

Food Support Program (Food Bank)

• community kitchen
• farmers, residents and food distributors donate excess produce and products
• Assistance with Basic Needs Program -- emergency financial assistance for help with utility bills

Social Destination

• free general interest courses
• social support in the form of programs addressing life's challenges such as finding a job or affordable housing
• Santa Fund Program of Christmas baskets with items donated by the community including collection of perishable and non-perishable food items, new toys, gift cards and cash donations

Partner services include:

• Counselling and Care Coordination Program
• mental health supports
• partners include Brampton Caledon Community Living, Canadian Mental Health Association Peel, Peace Ranch, PCHS, Rapport Youth and Family Services, SHIP, and Volunteer MBC, see website for complete list

Low-cost internet access by Rogers
Low cost service from a commercial provider

Natural gas distribution company

• report meter readings anytime by phone or online
• gas rates information by phone or online
• community investments, financial support, corporate donations and sponsorship enquiries
• community events service

Call Before You Dig: individuals must call so that underground wires or pipes can be located before they dig on their property for major landscaping or renovations

New Gas Service Installations: for individuals who currently do not have natural gas in their residence or business and would like further information on getting hooked up to natural gas

Golden Age Service: benefits include the waiving of security deposit and the option to pay their monthly gas bill after receiving their pension cheque (the bill will show the same due date, but the individual won't face any charges for paying late)

Budget billing plan: budgeting plan that evenly distributes natural gas charges over the course of eleven months

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP): one-time emergency financial assistance * program runs throughout the year * maximum grant is $500 per fuel per household per year * grant is credited directly toward energy bill

A program that lowers electricity bills for low-income households. The program will reduce the cost of household electricity by applying a monthly credit directly to the bill. The credit amount will depend on how many people live in the home and the combined household income.

Hamilton intake agencies can assist with your application:
Hamilton Housing Help Centre
Neighbour to Neighbour Centre
Immigrants Working Centre


Ontario Native Welfare Administrator's Association (ONWAA) is available to assist Indigenous communities with their applications. Indigenous households can contact ONWAA at 1-844-885-3157 or emailoesp@onwaa.com

COVID19 -- Essential operations including responding to consumer inquiries

Electricity disconnection ban -- Disconnection for non-payment by residential customers banned until the end of the emergency order, extended to July 31

• low-volume, small business customers are also protected by the ban
• the OEB is calling on distributors to be more flexible on arrears payment arrangements

Time-of-use pricing -- customers on time-of-use (TOU) pricing pay regular rates as of Feb 23, 2021

COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) -- One-time on-bill credit that households, small businesses and charities can apply for to pay down electricity debt

• apply through your local utility, applications reopened on October 16, 2020 and residential customers do not need to be unemployed to apply
• for information COVID19 Energy Assistance Program

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Regulates, licenses, monitors and inspects energy industry participants including natural gas and electricity utilities

• investigates potential violations and enforces regulations
• regulates rates charged to customers and regulates rebates to consumers
• online inquiry and complaint forms
• online energy industry information and resources including lists of licensed gas marketers and electricity retailers, and bill calculators for electricity or natural gas usage
• Help for Low Income consumers -- summary of programs, www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers
• consumer newsletters and brochures

Residential customers -- disconnection for non-payment is banned from November 15 to April 30 of the following year

• electricity providers are required to reconnect customers without power before the start of the disconnection ban period and waive any charges due to reconnection, including Collection of Accounts service fees
• for more details www.oeb.ca/newsroom/2017/ban-disconnection-homes-winter-customers-electricity-distributors-frequently-asked

Affordability Fund -- assists electricity customers who do not qualify for low-income conservation programs N.B. not accepting new applications

• affordabilityfund.org

Emergency material assistance

• emergency assistance food and clothing (no drop-off at this location)
• pastoral counselling
• mental health counselling
• pre-school and caregiver drop in weekly
• youth programs
• seniors programs
• Christian life groups
• Christmas assistance
• volunteering

Rental and utilities Assistance throught Access York, 1-855-487-5327
Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

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

COVID19 -- Many services continue to be available to clients by phone (and if necessary, as determined by the Unison provider/staff, in person); call 416-653-5400 for more information

• Legal Services: phone only, 416-653-5400 ext. 1244
• Housing Services: phone only, 416-653-5400 ext. 1306 and leave a message
• Harm Reduction: phone only, 647-999-3094

Community Health Centre

• health services, health promotion
• community services and community development
• Ontario Health Insurance NOT required for general services

Health Services

• family practice including crisis pregnancy, family planning, management of chronic conditions, prenatal and postnatal care, preventative health care, seniors' health, sexual health
• individual and sexuality counselling, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
• counselling and case management
• dietitian
• podiatry clinic

Health Promotion

• breastfeeding clinic
• child and parenting programs, including Spanish-speaking groups
• Diabetes Education Centre
• harm reduction programs
• seniors programs
• Toronto Public Health dental clinic
• women's programs
• youth programs

Community Services

• Adult Protective Service program for adults with developmental disabilities
• community kitchen

Housing Help Centre

• client advocacy
• crisis referral to shelters
• eviction prevention
• housing search
• information and referral
• landlord outreach
• negotiation with landlords
• Share the Warmth
• Housing Connections Access Centre
• other Home Services -- rent bank and Streets to Homes Follow-up services

Access Centre for 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID19 -- all services and programs provided through phone, email, zoom, google meet, what's app and other channels whether in group sessions or individually; location is open by appointment

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

Settlement Services

• information and referral, housing and legal assistance
• translation and interpretation
• escort to appointments
• counselling for students, individuals and families, liaising with Children's Aid Society
• youth counselling and parenting sessions
• orientation
• Community Connections Mentorship Program -- community support through volunteer befriending, help adapting to community life skills, conversation circles to practice English
• credential assessment - referral to World Education Services (WES)

Refugee Services

• referral and assistance with shelter, attendance at inquiry, employment, social, welfare and legal services
• social and cultural activities
• Ontario Community Participation -- volunteer placement program for Ontario Works recipients

Welcoming Syrians

• services for Syrian newcomers or sponsor groups
• support to facilitate the settlement process
• workshops on cultural safety and sensitivity
• GAR (government assisted refugees) Support Teams composed of settlement counsellors and volunteers

Career Café -- ACCT's Employment Services helps newcomers understand and integrate into the Canadian job market

• delivered one on one and in a group setting, both online and in-person
• self assessment, writing resumes and cover letters, job search techniques, researching the job market and networking

Youth Services

• settlement program encouraging civic participation and integration through a focus on recreation, sport, and mentorship

Access Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program

• assistance with applications

Problem Gambling Program

• culturally appropriate prevention, education and treatment with outreach and public education to community groups
• individual or group counselling for gamblers or those affected by gambling

Domestic Violence Education Program

• counselling and referral for victims of family violence

Corporate contact centre for services offered by the Region of York.

Services offered include (but not limited to):

• Childcare Fee Assistance
• Early Intervention Services
• Garbage and Recycling
• Food Handler Certification
• Public Health
• Regional Clerk's Office
• Social Assistance (Ontario Works)
• Subsidized Housing
• Housing Stability Program
• Water for Tomorrow
• Well Water Testing
• Transportation Services (general inquiries)

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

COVID19 - Closed for public access until further notice.

Short-term counselling services to assist clients in becoming stable and better able to engage in programs, increase their contribution to the economy and/or become socially engaged in their communities

COVID19 -- Assessments by Access York are by telephone only


Provides financial assistance to stabilize housing to eligible York Region residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who are not receiving funds from Ontario Work or the Ontario Disabiity Support Program

Eligible Expenses

• first and last month's rent
• rental arrears
• assistance with mortgage payments or arrears
• utility arrears
• utility security deposit
• utility reconnection fees
• moving costs
• identification replacement
• funds for urgent medical needs
• landlord and tenant mediation

Follow up services are provided

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