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 the Application Centre 416-338-8888 option 3
  • clients are assigned to offices according to postal code -- see separate listings or online office locator
  • homeless people can call the Application Centre
Toll Free
1-888-465-4478
Office
416-392-8623
Ontario Works Application Centre
416-338-8888
Fax
416-696-3475
TTY
416-392-2823
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
January 23, 2023
Address
Metro Hall, 55 John St, 11th Fl
Toronto, ON, M5V 3C6
Cross street: University Ave and King St W
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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