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Provides free legal services to low-income individuals.

• staff consists of community legal workers and lawyers
• offer services from our main office in St. Thomas and our satellite offices in Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Aylmer, Ingersoll, West Lorne, Chippewa of the Thames, Oneida of the Thames and Munsee Delaware Nation
• initial contact is made through St. Thomas head office

Services include:

• assistance on landlord/tenant matters and appeals in Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support Program, employment law and on Canada Pension Plan matters
• traditional casework, summary advice, public legal education, law reform, and a wide range of community development activities

The Clinic is currently involved in a project to educate and assist residents about sexual harassment in the workplace. A lawyer is available to provide workshops and information about sexual harassment in the workplace free of charge. The Clinic is involved in a project to provide advice and support to victims of intimate violence and sexual abuse with a lawyer and a social worker. The Clinic has an Indigenous Justice Program with a staff member who will assist the Indigenous communities and residents. The program is meant to facilitate connecting Indigenous residents with the justice system.

Main office in St. Thomas with full-time satellite office in Woodstock, and part-time satellite services in Tillsonburg and Ingersoll * if needed, arrangements can be made in other communities to meet with clients that have no transportation

Services offered include * labour market information * applying for a social insurance number * lost or stolen social insurance number * applying for Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Apprenticeship Completion Grant, Canada Pension Plan and Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security * applying or renewing a passport * among many others.

Services offered include * labour market information * applying for a social insurance number * lost or stolen social insurance number * applying for Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Apprenticeship Completion Grant, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security * provides passport applications but does not accept or process completed applications * among many other services and applications.

COVID-19 Appointments are recommended as walk in service is offered only if capacity allows. Clients can apply for critical services online. Personal service support for EI and pension applications are available through e-service online and on mobile phones.

Accessing services Online Services available HERE If you require assistance accessing services please complete an online request HERE A Service Canada officer will contact you within 2 business days. If you do not have access to the internet and require assistance accessing services, please call 1-877-355-2657.

Services to employers and workers including Record of Employment (ROI) support, job order posting, labour standards, labour market information, work-sharing, industrial adjustment services, Employment Insurance (EI), Health and Safety, Workplace Equity, Apprenticeship grants and Youth Services.

SIN numbers, Passport applications and drop-off, Canadian Forces Recruitment, Income Security Programs (CPP), Disability Benefits, Survivor Benefits, Death Benefits, Parental Benefits and Old age Security

Applications from Federal Government Ministries such as Revenue Canada and Human Resources Development Canada. Direct lines to other Federal Departments.

Computers available to assist with job search, walk-in job search centre. Access to computers, fax, photocopier and telephone. Free Internet access, resource materials, job boards, labour market information, software tutorials, assistance with resumes, employment and vocational counselling and assessment, job placement, life skills training, job search and computer skills workshop, interview simulations.

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

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

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

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

Advocacy assistance to those in need * registered charity with certified Paralegals licensed by
the Law Society Of Upper Canada * provides legal advice in dealing with government agencies (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Canada Pension Plan Disability, Ontario Disability Support Program and Landlord and Tenant Matters)

COVID-19 Update: Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Legal Clinic is serving the community primarily by phone and email. In person appointments will be scheduled if a caseworker determines it is necessary. The Clinic is closed to walk in visitors. We will respond to your message within 48 business hours. Please indicate if you have any urgent deadlines as messages are screened and triaged and urgent matters are dealt with in priority sequence. Please leave a phone number or an email address. Please consult our website at www.gwlegalclinic.ca for information about services we provide and suggestions as to where you can get legal help.

Assists tenants who have issues with their landlord, including:

• evictions
• rent increases
• maintenance and tenant rights issues
• rent-geared-to-income housing concerns and reviews

Assists recipients who have concerns about their Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program income support including:

• eligibility
• denial or suspension of benefits
• overpayments
• assistance applying for OW or ODSP

Assists recipients who have been denied Canada Pension Plan - Disability Benefits or Employment Insurance benefits, along with other income maintenance concerns.

Assists non-unionized workers who have questions about:

• rights in the workplace including unpaid wages, leaves of absence, reprisal, termination and severance pay
• wrongful dismissal
• workplace harassment and discrimination

Provides information on consumer protection, including collection agencies, door-to-door sales, etc.

Referrals given for areas of law that the Legal Clinic does not practice, including family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board matters, human rights law, traffic offences, and civil litigation issues

Legal Health Check-Up:

• online check-up to help people living in poverty to identify legal problems and get help
• without adequate money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, an individual's legal health may be at risk

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.

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.

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.

COVID-19 All in person Service Canada Centres are closed to the public until further notice. Clients can apply for critical services online. Personal service support for EI and pension applications are available through e-service online and on mobile phones. Accessing services Online Services available HERE If you require assistance accessing services please complete an online request HERE A Service Canada officer will contact you within 2 business days. If you do not have access to the internet and require assistance accessing services, please call 1-877-355-2657 Services to employers and workers including Record of Employment (ROE) support, job order posting, labour standards, labour market information, work-sharing, industrial adjustment services, Employment Insurance (EI), Health and Safety, Workplace Equity, Apprenticeship grants, Youth Services, Skills Link. For Employment Insurance (EI) please call 1-800-206-7218 SIN numbers, Passport applications and drop-off, Canadian Forces Recruitment, Death Benefits, Parental Benefits, Income Security Programs (ISP), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Disability Benefits, Survivor Benefits. Old age Security please call for appointment 1-800-277-9914 Applications from Federal Government Ministries such as Revenue Canada and Human Resources Development Canada, Passport Canada receiving agent, pleasure craft licences and drop off centre for ISP applications Youth Job Search, walk-in job search centre. Access to computers, fax, photocopier and telephone. Free Internet access. Resource materials, job boards, labour market information, software tutorials, assistance with resumes, employment and vocational counselling and assessment, job placement, life skills training, job search and computer skills workshops and interview simulations

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.

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.

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.

Offers volunteers who assist individuals who are unable to complete income tax and benefit returns. Volunteer tax preparation clinics are offered in various locations across Canada, generally between February and April of each year. Some clinics operate year-round. Full list of clinics available on the website.
The following returns are not eligible for this service:

• returns for deceased persons
• individuals who file for bankruptcy
• self-employed individuals
• individuals who report capital gains or losses
• individuals who report employment expenses, or business or rental income and expenses