Ontario Works

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Canada Post strike - mail delivery for Ontario Works clients

With the expected Canada Post strike Ontario Works payments will not be mailed out and must be picked up in-person.

For Clients

Ontario Works clients who would normally receive their cheques by mail must pick-up up their cheques at their regular Employment and Social Service Centre.

Daily cheques

Daily cheques will be available for pick-up starting May 21, 2025. Photo identification is required for verification.

Monthly cheques

June monthly cheques will be ready for pick-up starting Friday, May 30, 2025. Photo identification is required for verification.

Sign up for Direct Bank Deposit or a Reloadable Payment Card

Are you receiving your Ontario Works payments by cheque? Now is a good time to talk to your case worker about signing up for Direct Bank Deposit or obtaining a Reloadable Payment Card to receive payments in a secure and reliable way.

Do you have a Reloadable Payment Card but lost it? Visit your regular Employment and Social Service Centre to request a replacement.

For Landlords and Third-party payees

Daily cheques

Landlords and other third-party payees will be contacted to let them know where they can pick up their payments.

Monthly cheques

June monthly cheques will be ready for pick-up starting Friday, May 30, 2025. Checks can be picked up at 100 Constellation Dr, 2nd Floor, from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Photo identification and property manager/contact person’s information is required for verification. If your tenant is picking up a payment on your behalf, written permission is required.

Apply for Ontario Works

What is Ontario Works?

If you do not have enough money for food and housing, or are in financial need, you can apply for financial assistance through Ontario Works. Learn more about the Ontario Works program.

The Ontario Works Act and regulations set the social assistance rates. How much money you could receive depends on your family size, housing costs and income. Refer to the Ontario Works rates for basic needs and shelter.

Former clients who need their file reactivated

If you had an active file within the last three months, your file will need to be reactivated.

  • Within one month – contact your former case worker
  • Two to three months - Call 613-580-2424, ext. 23855 
  • If your file closed more than three months ago, you will need to reapply.

Apply for Ontario Works through the province

Applications for Ontario Works assistance are now processed by the province. There are two ways to apply.

Online

Apply at Ontario.ca. The application:

  • Is available 24/7
  • Should take 20 to 30 minutes to complete

By phone

The process should take about an hour.

Apply for Ontario Works through the City of Ottawa

Eligibility

You can apply through the City of Ottawa if you:

  • Are under the age of 18 and not living with your parent(s)
  • Are caring for a child under 18 years of age who you have no legal obligation to support – Apply for Temporary care
  • Have a same day, urgent need – Apply for Emergency Assistance

By phone

To apply, call 3-1-1 and select:

  1. 1 for English, 2 for French
  2. 4 for Community and Social Services
  3. 3 for Ontario Works

TTY Line: 1-800-855-0511

Employment and Social Service Centers are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Confidentiality

All information you provide is confidential as per the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.