Immigrants and refugees may apply for financial assistance from Ontario Works if they provide immigrant or refugee-status documents. A cultural interpreter can help them if necessary.

Who Can Apply?

Family-Class Immigrants

You may apply if your sponsor no longer provides for your essential needs. You must try to regain support from your sponsor, unless violence is an issue. Special rules apply to family violence. Ask your Case Coordinator.

The Employment and Financial Assistance Branch has the authority to decide whether your sponsor is able to provide for your essential needs, and will conduct a financial assessment of your sponsor's income, assets and expenses.

Convention Refugees

You must wait until you are no longer eligible for the Resettlement Assistance Program. This program lasts for one year after you arrive in Canada, but Immigration Canada may extend the period to two years. When the periods of the Resettlement Assistance Program or private sponsorship are over, you may apply for assistance under Ontario Works if you meet the same eligibility rules as other applicants.

Refugee Claimants

You may be eligible for financial assistance while you wait for your refugee claim to be settled by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). You must meet the same eligibility rules as Canadian applicants. You may obtain a work permit while you are waiting.

You are eligible for basic health coverage from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (Interim Federal Health Program).