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Employment and financial assistance

Ontario Works social assistance

Are you an Ontario works client? Sign up for direct deposit!

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Would you like to receive news about our programs and services through your email?
If so, sign up for our Employment and Social Services e-newsletter. Each month, you will get an email with information on things like:

  • Finding a job
  • Workshops
  • Job fairs
  • Programs and services
  • And more

All we need is your name (optional) and an email address. Sign up!
If you no longer want to receive the newsletter, you can unsubscribe at any time.

MyBenefits
A new online service for social assistance recipients.
Fast. Easy. Secure.
Get payment information, view letters and report income or address changes – anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
You can use the MyBenefits service if you have an email address. Register today at Ontario.ca/MyBenefits
For more information talk to your case worker or call the MyBenefits InfoLine at 1 888 999-6130.

Learn More

Help for people not receiving financial assistance

The Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS) program helps Ottawa residents who cannot afford to pay for items or services needed to maintain their housing and for health items that are not available through other programs.

Learn More

Help finding a job

Help for Ontario Works participants and the general public to prepare for, find and keep a job.

Learn More

Help paying your hydro bill

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

If you receive money from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program or are in a lower-income home, you can save $35 to $75 on your electricity bill every month. If you pay an electricity bill directly, you can receive a monthly credit on your bill. The amount of the credit will depend on how many people live in your house and your combined household income.

You can apply for the OESP online. To learn more:

Help saving for child's education

Did you know you might be able to get up to $2000 from the federal government to help pay for your child’s future education? The money you get will not affect your Ontario Works or ODSP payments. And you do not need to add any of your own money. To see if you qualify and to apply for the Canada Learning Bond, visit smartsaver.org.

Find a computer

Do you need to use a computer?

View this map for all computers available to the public.

This list gives you the name, the address, the hours of operation and any access criteria.

Reporting Ontario Works fraud

The Eligibility Review Program of the Community & Social Services department is committed to preventing and detecting Ontario Works social assistance (welfare) fraud. The program is one mechanism to ensure integrity and accountability to City of Ottawa taxpayers.

The Eligibility Review Program takes all allegations seriously and conducts thorough and timely investigations. The information you provide will be kept in strict confidence. If you wish, you may remain anonymous.

If the person suspected of fraud lives outside the City of Ottawa:

Welfare Fraud HotlineBox 333Toronto ONM7A 1E9

If the person suspected of fraud lives within the City of Ottawa, you can make your report online or by phone. Please give as many details as possible:

  • Online
  • By phone: 613-580-2424 ext. 14784

Thank you for the information.