Apply for Ontario Works
What is Ontario Works?
If you don’t 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(link is external).
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(link is external) and shelter(link is external).
How to apply
The Application Process for Ontario Works has changed.
Applications for Ontario Works assistance are now processed by the province.
There are two ways to apply:
Online
Apply at Ontario.ca(link is external). The application:
- Is available 24/7
- Should take 20 to 30 minutes to complete
Phone
Call toll free 1-888-999-1142 Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
- Toll free TTY: 1-800-387-5559
Confidentiality
All information you provide is confidential as per the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
While receiving Ontario Works
- Access and update your case information
- Rights and responsibilities
- Status in Canada
- Cultural interpreter or Sign Language interpreter
- Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)
- Help to prepare for employment
- Participation Benefits
- Health Benefits
- Other Benefits
- Overpayments
- Internal reviews and appeals
- Report Ontario Works fraud