Access and update your case information
MyBenefits is an online service for social assistance recipients to report changes in their circumstances or get information about their Ontario Works case. It is available 24/7. With MyBenefits, you can:
- Send a message to your case worker.
- Send documents electronically.
- View monthly statements, including a breakdown of each payment.
- Receive, view and download letters about your file.
- Report income and track the status of each submission.
- Show proof of assistance.
- Report changes to your address and phone number.
- Report shelter costs (e.g., rent, mortgage, property tax, maintenance fees).
To use this service, you must have an email address on file and create an account.
If you are having trouble signing in or registering, visit the Help page or call 1-888-999-6130. For more information, speak with your case worker.
Rights and responsibilities
Learn about your rights and responsibilities for you and your family.
Your rights
- An interview
- A decision in writing
- A chance to have decisions reviewed
- Benefits available (if you are eligible)
Your responsibilities
- Attend interviews
- Look for work and becoming job-ready
- Keep receipts and statements
- Tell us about your income and other money received
- Tell us about your assets
- Report when something changes in your life and in your family
- Try to find other sources of income
- Repay an overpayment
- Report honestly
- Participate in employment activities to prepare for and find a job
For more information, visit the Province of Ontario website.
Ontario Works information video
Ontario Works information video
The Ontario Works Information Video is part of the application process. It provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities while receiving employment and financial assistance under the Ontario Works program. Applicants are asked to sign a declaration stating that they have viewed this video.
Financial Assistance
Man speaking: I was only getting a couple of hours a week at work and I couldn’t make ends meet. So I applied for Ontario Works. They gave me an appointment to meet a caseworker a couple days later. They told me what to bring like ID, my lease, my bank statements and a copy of my most recent résumé. When I met with my caseworker we filled out some forms and talked about my employment past and my education and what I liked to do. Then my caseworker told me that Ontario Works could provide me with money to pay for my basic living expenses like food, rent and utilities. And they gave me a drug card to pay for my prescription needs. It only took a couple days after we met and a deposit was made into my bank account. I was so relieved.
[Narrator] The amount of money you receive from Ontario Works is based on the rates set by the province and will depend on: the size of your family, your housing costs and your income. Most incomes are deducted from your Ontario Works payment. The type of income will determine how much is deducted. Additional benefits may also be available to you for other needs such as medical supplies or dental services.
Employment Assistance
You and your caseworker will work together to develop an action plan that identifies the steps you will take to prepare for and find a job. This action plan is called a “Participation Agreement” and is part of your application for Ontario Works. It will take into account your skills, job experience and will be reflective of the employment opportunities that exist in Ottawa Your spouse and other adult members of your family living with you will also need to sign a Participation Agreement. Participation Agreements are flexible and updated regularly. If you’re not able to participate in an employment activity, it’s important that you talk to your caseworker. Our staff is here to help you achieve your employment goals.
Employment Activities
If you don’t have your grade 12, the Ontario Works program requires that you take a Literacy Screening Test. There are a lot of activities to choose from that will help you prepare for work. For example: English as a second language, training, employment placement or academic upgrading. You may decide to go back to school to improve your reading, writing or math skills and work towards your high school diploma. If you are a parent aged 16 to 25, the Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) Program can help you finish your high school, work on your parenting skills and get a job. Think about which activity is best for you! To help you with your job search, you can go to one of our four employment centres. Our employment centres have job postings, newspapers, phones, photocopiers, fax machines and computers with access to the Internet. Our staff will provide one-on-one coaching and connect you with employers who are hiring. We can also help you with your résumé and prepare you for an interview. Each employment centre has a daycare where you can bring your children while you look for work All of our services are free!
Man speaking: I left home at a very young age and I never graduated high school. I’d had a string of mostly part-time work but never anything full time. I told my caseworker that I wanted to go back to school to get my grade twelve as I felt like it was holding me back. My caseworker told me that I can go back to school and that Ontario Works would help pay for my school registration fees and books. It was great to know one of my options included finally getting my high school diploma. Plus, I could continue to work part time job while I attend school.
[Narrator] Employment Benefits
There is extra money available to help with costs related to your employment activity or when you start working. This may include money for transportation, clothing or uniforms, work boots, tools and special equipment, licensing fees and child care. If you are working, your earnings will be deducted from your Ontario Works payment. However, after three months, only fifty percent of your monthly earnings will be deducted. If you are self-employed, approved expenses can be deducted from your income.
Monthly payments
Your Ontario Works benefits are paid once a month. There are four parts to your monthly payment: The first part is a direct bank deposit statement or a cheque. If you need help to open a bank account or to get identification, talk to your caseworker. The second part is a statement of assistance which gives you a breakdown of your payment. The third is a drug card which covers most prescription drugs for you and your family. You will need to bring the drug card to a pharmacy. The drug card can also pay for eye exams. The fourth part is an income reporting statement which is used to report income, earnings and changes to your situation. For example, you must report if you have a new address, your rent changes, you get a roommate, you get married or separate, or you have a baby. This information is used to calculate your next monthly payment. You must submit an Income Reporting Statement by the sixteenth of each month and attach proof of income such as pay stubs. If you have no income, you may not have to submit an Income Reporting Statement. Your caseworker will let you know. In addition to the financial assistance you get from Ontario Works, the Ontario government has new benefits for singles and families – but you must file your tax return to get them. Filing a tax return is to your advantage even if you don’t work or haven’t filed for a few years. Tax benefits are extra money and are not deducted from your Ontario Works payment. Ask your caseworker for help if you need to find a free tax clinic to file your taxes. For your convenience, the Interactive Voice Response is a free automated phone line that gives you personal information about your Ontario Works file. Within two to three weeks of receiving your first payment, you will get two letters in the mail with your confidential nine-digit Member ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can call the toll free number around the twenty-fifth of each month to get details about your next payment. If you have any questions, or if your Ontario Works file has been suspended, you need to talk to your caseworker as quickly as possible
Man speaking: At one point, I had very little money for food and was having trouble with my roommate. My caseworker was so helpful and she referred me to The Ottawa Foodbank and to a housing agency for advice. I knew I would've dropped out of school again had my caseworker not been there to support me and encourage me.
[Narrator] City of Ottawa staff are knowledgeable about community resources and may refer you to other agencies for additional help such as: a food bank, community legal service or housing agency. If you have a drug or alcohol addiction that is keeping you from working, help is available. If you are a person with a substantial physical or mental disability, talk to your caseworker right away. We may refer you to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). ODSP provides more money and longer term support. Ontario Works can also help you apply for other sources of income such as child and spousal support, Employment Insurance or the Canada Pension Plan. When you find work and no longer need social assistance, we have additional services and benefits to help you stay in the workforce. For example, we can provide: employment coaching if you’re at risk of losing your job, crisis intervention (for example, where to find help if you fall behind in your rent), and a drug card for additional six months to a year while you wait for your employee benefits to kick in.
Man speaking: My car had broken down and Ontario Works was able to help pay for my bus pass while I went to school. It took me four months and I finally graduated! Then I went to their employment centre and an employment specialist helped me find full time work. I’ve been off Ontario Works for two months now and they’re still helping me out I'm still getting a drug card to pay for my medication up until my employee benefits kick in. I can’t believe how much my life has improved in such a short amount of time.
[Narrator] The Ontario Works program is here to help. Communication with your caseworker is important. We will write to tell you of any eligibility or financial decisions we make and the reasons for making them. If you do not agree with a decision, talk to your caseworker talk to the supervisor. Remember to keep in contact, report all income and changes to your situation. We are committed to providing excellent service. If you have any concerns or feedback about the service you receive, good or bad, let us know. For more information about the Ontario Works program or community resources visit: ottawa.ca This is the end of the information session. You can come back to this video and watch it at any time.
End note: Special thanks to City of Ottawa staff who participated in and created this video. This video is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The story depicted in this video is fictional and does not portray any actual persons, companies, products or events.
Status in Canada
All applicants and recipients of Ontario Works must provide documentation to verify their status in Canada.
For more information about residency requirements, visit the Ontario Works policy directives.
Convention refugees
Convention refugees may be eligible for Ontario Works. Convention refugees are selected by the federal Immigration and Refugee Board based on the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Convention refugees may be sponsored by either the federal government or a private sponsor and are provided with resettlement assistance. Convention refugees who are sponsored may be eligible when the sponsorship ends.
In-country refugee claimants
In-Country (in-land and port of entry) refugee claimants with official documentation confirming they have made a claim for refugee protection are eligible for Ontario Works effective the date they initiated their claim with an immigration officer. Official documentation includes:
- Refugee Protection Claimant Document (IMM-1442)
- Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview Form
- Entry for Further Examination or Admissibility Hearing Form
- Acknowledgement of Conditions Form (IMM-1262)
In cases where an individual has a future appointment scheduled with the IRCC to determine if their claim is eligible for referral to the IRB, the status of their claim must be verified one week (five working days) after their scheduled appointment with an immigration officer.
Family-class immigrants
Family class immigrants are sponsored by relatives who live in Canada.
You may be eligible for financial assistance if your sponsor is no longer able to provide for your basic needs, fully or partially. You must try to obtain support from your sponsor unless violence is an issue. In the event of a sponsorship breakdown, any funds issued to the sponsored individual(s) will result in sponsorship debt to the sponsor. The sponsor will be notified by Ontario Works of the potential debt. Special rules apply to family violence.
Refugee claimants
You may be eligible for financial assistance while you wait for your refugee claim hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). During this waiting period, you may apply for a work permit and are eligible for basic health coverage from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (Interim Federal Health program).
Tourists
Tourists are people who are in Canada for a short period of time. They are not eligible for Ontario Works.
Visitors
Visitors are people who are in Canada for a temporary purpose. A visitor may have a tourist visa, student visa or work permit/authorization or may be temporarily re-located from another country (e.g., a natural disaster has forced a community evacuation).
Visitors are not eligible for Ontario Works unless they have made a claim for refugee protection or applied for status as a permanent resident under the federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
Cultural interpreter or Sign Language interpreter
If you have a limited knowledge of English or French, you can bring any adult you chose including a cultural interpreter.
You have the right to request cultural interpretation services if your first language is not English or French.
An interpreter can support with the following:
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Translate information about the programs and services you for which you are eligible.
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Interpret word for word the message from your case worker who will explain the programs and services for which you may be are eligible for.
Please note that two days are required to book a cultural interpreter if one is needed for an appointment.
If you are a person who is hard of hearing and your preferred method of communication is Sign Language, a Sign Language interpreter can be arranged for you.
Assistance with employment
Activities to help find, prepare for and/or keep a job:
You are required to participate in activities as a condition of eligibility for social assistance. These activities may include:
- Basic Education
- Job Search
- Job Specific Skills Training
- Retaining Employment
- Self Employment
- Volunteering in the community placement
- Learning, Earning and Parenting
Money for employment-related or training costs
You may receive money to help cover expenses participating in the above activity such as clothing, grooming, supplies, equipment, or fees.
Self- Employment
What is self-employment?
The self-employment program is an Ontario Works employment activity that supports participants, who have a realistic business idea, to successfully develop their business. Self-employment is a full time activity, however, depending on the circumstances; part time involvement may be approved.
Who can participate?
Ontario Works participants who:
- are legally entitled to operate a business in Canada
- have a viable/realistic business idea
- have a business idea that can be started with minimum start-up costs
- have given their business idea some serious thought and started preliminary research
- can understand and articulate the gap in the market their product/service will fill
- can commit to their business for at least 30 hours per week for 60 weeks
- have no health barriers that would limit their ability to carry out their business idea
- have stable housing, transportation and childcare supports in place or in the process of being referred/secured.
How does it work?
Ontario Works participants interested to pursue self-employment are:
- to discuss their interest to participate in the self-employment program with their case coordinator
- to attend a mandatory Self-employment Information Session, where they will receive instruction on how to complete an application form and learn about the requirements of the program.
- to complete a Self-Assessment Application form to help determine if they and their business idea are suitable for the program
- to be working closely with a self-employment case coordinator, once accepted in the program.
What additional supports may be available?
Self-employment and small business development are two of the leading growth areas in the province's economy. Providing Ontario Works participants the opportunity to become self-sufficient through self-employment is another way of helping participants to find and keep a job.
If you become involved with the self-employment program, the following additional supports may be available to you:
- the support of a self-employment case coordinator
- referrals to self-employment resources in the community
Ontario Works participants interested in self-employment must:
- Discuss their interest to participate in the self-employment program with their case worker.
- Attend a mandatory information session, where they will find out about the requirements of the program.
- Complete a self-assessment application form to help determine if they and their business idea are suitable for the program.
- Work closely with a self-employment case worker, once accepted in the program.
What other supports may be available once accepted into the program?
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Support of a self-employment case worker
- Referrals to self-employment resources in the community
Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)
The LEAP program helps meet the needs of young parents on social assistance with financial and stability support. Completing Grade 12 is an important step in planning your future. With the support of a case worker, LEAP provides help to:
- Finish high school
- Develop employment skills
- Gain work experience
- Learn more about parenting
The program is:
- Mandatory for 16 and 17-year-old parents on Ontario Works who have not completed high school
- Optional for eligible single parents and couples aged 18 to 25 who have not completed high school
LEAP program supports may be used to cover the following expenses:
- Housing
- Child care
- Transportation
- School or training supplies
Upon finishing high school and an approved parenting program, participants will receive a $500 bursary to be put towards their post-secondary education or their child's Education Savings Plan.
For more information about the LEAP program, speak to an Ontario Works case worker.
Employment Ontario
Employment Ontario is a free service that can help you get the training, skills and experience you need to achieve your goals. They connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers. Your case worker can refer you / make a referral for you.
For more information, visit Employment Ontario.
Employment Benefits
When you start a job, you may qualify for the additional employment benefits listed below. Speak to your Case Worker for more information and to see if you are eligible.
Money for Employment-Related or Training Costs
You may receive funds when you start a job or begin a training program to help with expenses like licensing fees, clothing, equipment, supplies, or transportation.
Money When Starting Part-Time Work or Self-Employment
You may receive up to $253 in a 12-month period
Money When Starting Full-Time Employment
You may receive up to $500 in a 12-month period.
Money for Child Care When Starting Work or Training
You may receive money, once in a 12-month period, to pay one month of childcare in advance if required by your provider when you start a job or begin an employment assistance activity such as training. The maximum amount is $600 per child for unlicensed day care and no maximum for licensed day care.
Health Benefits
Dental Health
For more information, see Dental Health
Eyeglasses and eye exams
For more information, see Eyeglasses and eye exams
Cost of medical supplies
For more information, see Cost of medical supplies
Prescription Drugs
For more information, see Prescription Drugs
Special dietary needs
Help with the cost of food required for specific medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
See a chart of the Special Diet Allowance amounts and which medical conditions qualify.
Pregnancy nutritional / breast-feeding allowance
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you may be able to receive money to assist with the costs of the nutritional needs.
See a chart of the Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance amounts
Medical transportation
You may receive money for transportation costs to attend medical appointments.
This may be available if:
- you have regular appointments with a doctor or other health professional, or you are attending a drug or alcohol recovery program,
- your transportation costs are $15.00 per month or more, and
- your transportation costs are not already being covered
Health benefits coverage when leaving Ontario Works
If you are leaving Ontario Works because you are starting work or getting other income, you may continue to receive help with health costs after you stop receiving monthly Ontario Works payments.
This can include:
- coverage of medication costs under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
- Dental services and help with eyeglasses for children (and, in some cases, for adults)
Other Benefits
Coverage for guide dogs
You may receive money towards the care and feeding costs of a certified guide, hearing or service dog. This benefit amount is $84/month, with a yearly review.
Money while waiting for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made by the government to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. To get CCB, you need to file your income taxes.
If you are a parent and are not yet receiving CCB payments or are receiving less than the maximum amount, you may temporarily receive the Transition Child Benefit (TCB). The amount you may receive depends on how much CCB you are receiving. You must try to get and/or continue to get CCB while receiving the Transition Child Benefit.
When CCB payments start, you may receive a lump sum payment that covers the months you waited. If you received TCB for the same period, your Ontario Works payment(s) may be reduced up to a maximum of three months or until you have repaid the duplicate amount.
Note: Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) migrants in receipt of EA are not eligible for the Transitional Child Benefit as their status in Canada is Visitor.
Overpayments
Changes in your life can affect your Ontario Works benefits. For example, if you get a part-time job or your rent changes, so will the amount of your Ontario Works payment. Depending on when you report these changes to your case worker, you may receive benefits you are not eligible for.
When this happens, it is called an overpayment. That money must be repaid. Your payment each month will be reduced, until the overpayment amount is paid back in full. You can make a request to your case worker to lower the monthly repayment amount.
Even if you no longer receive Ontario Works, you must pay back the amount you were overpaid.
Internal reviews and appeals
Internal reviews
If you disagree with a decision about your Ontario Works benefits, you can:
- Speak with your case worker to resolve the issue.
- Request an Internal Review of the decision.
Your request for an internal review must be made in writing and sent to the Ontario Works office. You must complete the Internal Review Form [ 75.4 KB ] or provide a letter that includes:
- A statement that you would like the original decision reviewed
- The reason you disagree with the decision
- Your name, date of birth and Member ID
- Your signature
Your written request must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the original decision. A review will take place within 30 days of receiving your request. You will receive a letter informing you of the internal review decision and what you should do if you continue to disagree.
Appeal to Social Benefits Tribunal
If you disagree with the results of the Internal Review or the office has not completed the Internal Review within 30 days of your request, you may be able to appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal directly. Your Internal Review Decision letter will tell you whether you can appeal the decision to the Social Benefits Tribunal. Not all decisions can be appealed.
The Social Benefits Tribunal is an independent group separate from Employment & Social Services and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Tribunal holds hearings which are like court, but less formal.
If your Internal Review Decision letter states that you can appeal, then you can fill out and send an Appeal Form to the Social Benefits Tribunal. You must send in this form within 30 days of receiving your Internal Review Decision letter.
Appeal forms are available at your local Employment & Social Services office or from the Social Benefits Tribunal website. Send your completed Appeal form to the:
Social Benefits Tribunal
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2G6
Toll-free: 1-800-753-3895
TTY: Call the Bell Relay Service at 1-800-855-0511
After you send in your Appeal form, you will receive a letter from the Social Benefits Tribunal stating the date, time and location of your appeal hearing.
Interim assistance
Interim assistance is financial aid you may be eligible to receive while waiting for your hearing with the Social Benefits Tribunal. This can include pausing overpayment recovery. Contact the Social Benefits Tribunal to apply for interim assistance.
More resources
- Ontario Works Act and Regulations – provincial legislation that governs Ontario Works
- Social Benefits Tribunal – reviews social assistance decisions that can be appealed under the Ontario Works Act.
- Legal Services can help you appeal a decision.