If you qualify, Ontario Works can provide you with money to help you cover the costs of your basic needs (e.g. food) and housing costs. This is called financial assistance.
The amount of money you may receive from Ontario Works will depend on your: family size income assets, and housing costs.
Other help you may receive
If you qualify for Ontario Works, you may also be eligible to receive a variety of other benefits such as: prescription drug and dental coverage eyeglasses diabetic supplies moving or eviction costs employment-related costs
There are three ways you can apply for Ontario Works:
1. online
2. in person
3. by phone
1. Applying online
The Online Application for Social Assistance allows residents of Ontario to: find out if they might be eligible for Ontario Works, and start the application process.
Find out more about the Online Application for Social Assistance.
2. Applying in person
To begin the application process, contact your local Ontario Works office to talk about your situation.
If you decide to complete an application, you will be given a time to meet with us. This meeting usually takes place at the Ontario Works office. If it is difficult for you to go to the Ontario Works office, the meeting can be held in your home or somewhere in your community.
You will need to bring certain documents to the meeting. When you make your appointment, Ontario Works staff will tell you what documents you need to bring. Here are some examples: proof of your Social Insurance Number
Health Card proof of identity, such as your birth certificate recent bank statement for all your bank accounts copy of your mortgage or rental agreement
Record of Employment and/or your most recent pay stubs copy of your Canada Child Tax Benefit statement (if you have children under 18 years of age) information about other money you may be receiving, such as a pension information about assets you may own, such as a Registered Retirement Savings Plan, and proof of immigration status, if required.
We will look at all this information to decide if you are eligible for Ontario Works.
For more information, please contact your local Ontario Works office.
3. Applying by phone
Call your local Ontario Works office to complete the application over the phone.
You can also use the Social Assistance Office Locator to find an office near you.
If you are receiving Ontario Works, you and your family may be eligible for certain health-related benefits.
Health Benefit
Prescription drug coverage
You and your family will receive coverage for prescription drugs that are: listed in the Ontario Drug Formulary, and prescribed by an approved healthcare professional.
Dental coverage for children
You are eligible to receive basic dental coverage for your children.
Vision Care
You may be able to get help to pay for vision care expenses for your children, such as: prescription eyeglasses eyeglass repairs.
Eye Examinations
The Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) covers eye examinations for people who are: under 20 years of age, or
65 years of age or older.
If you are between the ages of 20-64, Ontario Works will cover the costs for routine eye exams once every 24 months.
Diabetic or surgical supplies and dressings
If you have a prescription for these items, and do not have any other coverage (e.g. from the Canadian Diabetes Association), Ontario Works may cover these costs.
Travel and transportation for medical purposes
If you need to attend appointments for medical reasons, Ontario Works may cover these costs. This includes going to medical, rehabilitation, or counselling appointments.
Assistive Devices
The Assistive Devices Program of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care pays for 75% of the cost of an assistive device. If you do not have coverage for the remaining 25%, Ontario Works may pay for it.
Assistive devices help people with physical disabilities and can include:
mobility
