Learn how to repay your Ontario Works overpayment

If you have received Ontario Works and have an overpayment, you will receive a letter from the City of Ottawa Employment and Social Services. This letter shows the amount that you were overpaid and need to pay back.

Before you begin

This information is for Ontario Works clients with terminated files.

If you currently receive Ontario Works, call 3-1-1 to contact your case worker. You have an obligation to repay this amount.

What you need

You will need your Case ID number as shown in the top right corner of your Ontario Works letter.

Pay

If your Ontario Works file closed before January 27, 2025 and was referred to Overpayment Recovery (OPR) for collection, please contact OPR at 613-580-2896 for further assistance or refer to Pay your overpayment through OPR for payment options.

If you Ontario Works file closed on or after January 27, 2025, please contact the Financial Services Unit from the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services at 1-888-346-5184 / TTY: 1-866-457-6533

If you are unsure of where your overpayment has been referred, please contact your former Ontario Works case worker.

Contact

If you need help contact your former case worker:

  • Call 3-1-1 Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm or TTY Line at 613-580-2401
    1. Select language (1 for English, 2 for French)
    2. Select 4 for Employment and Social Services