Toronto. Employment and Social Services

Ontario Works


Description
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
    Eligibility
    Toronto residents 18 years and older in financial need, determined by a review of income, assets and living expenses, youth 16-17 years may be eligible
    • people not eligible for social assistance benefits may qualify for one-time help with medical costs
    • Employment Centre -- open to all Toronto residents
    Application Process
    Apply online or call 1-888-999-1142, TTY 1-800-387-5559
    Toll Free
    1-888-999-1142 - Application
    Office
    416-392-8623
    Fax
    416-696-3475
    TTY
    1-800-387-5559 - Application
    Web Site
    Visit Website
    Mailing Address
    PO Box 3888 Stn Industrial Park
    Markham, ON, L3R 5T2
    Canada
    Languages
    English, French
    Fees
    None
    Documents Required
    May vary; contact for information
    Accessibility
    Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms ; braille and voice elevator, lowered buttons ; entrance close to parking
    Topic(s)
    Agency Information
    View Agency Profile
    Copyright
    Findhelp Information Services
    Last Updated On
    September 15, 2023
    Hours of Operation
    Mon
    8:30 am to 4:30 pm
    Tue
    8:30 am to 4:30 pm
    Wed
    8:30 am to 4:30 pm
    Thu
    8:30 am to 4:30 pm
    Fri
    8:30 am to 4:30 pm

    Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
    Service Area(s)
    Greater Toronto Area