1. Who is eligible for Ontario Works?

• Financial need is determined according to family size, income, assets, and shelter costs, and is updated as circumstances change. For example, a single person can only ha ve assets (either cash or specific items that can be easily converted to cash) valued at up to $548. For families, the asset limit is higher.
• Participation expectations are laid out in an agreement, which is signed by each individual applicant and updated as activities are completed or modified.
• The agreement includes a plan to take part in employment assistance activities that support the individual's transition to employment.
• Eligibility rules are designed to ensure that people turn to social assistance only when all other financial resources have been exhausted.

2. How do I apply for Ontario Works?

• Social Insurance Number;
• Health card number;
• proof of identity and date of birth;
• employment history/information;
• income and asset statements;
• shelter costs; and
• status in Canada.

3. What are the current Ontario Works rates?

• Ontario Works Rate Table

4. Am I required to complete a literacy screening questionnaire?

5. What are my Rights & Responsibilities as an Ontario Works applicant or recipient?

• An Interview - You may bring someone with you when you meet the Case Manager. This person can be anyone you choose.
• A Decision - You will be informed (in writing) of any decisions to grant, refuse, suspend or cancel your financial assistance and the reasons for making those decisions.
• A Chance To Have Decisions Reviewed - If you disagree with the decision made, you may make a written request within 10 days to have the decision reviewed by our local office. This internal review must be completed by our office within 10 days, and you will be told of the result. If you disagree with the internal review decision, you can make an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal within 30 days of the date of the internal review decision. Your Case Manager can give you information about the appeal process.
• You also have access to our Family Support Program which can provide you with the help you need to pursue financial support for yourself and your child(ren).

• Respond Promptly - Contact your Case Manager promptly if you receive a message or notice to do so. Complete and return promptly forms and documents as requested by your Case Manager. Periodic interviews will be required.
• Work and Participate - You must actively look for work or better paying work or participate in an approved activity that will improve your opportunities to obtain and keep employment.
• Obtain and Report All Available Income - You must make every reasonable effort to obtain income available from all sources, and report any income you receive.
• Report All Assets - You must also report all assets, that being anything that can be converted into cash (such as property, vehicle, bonds or investments).
• Report Your Living Arrangements and Other Changes - You must report any changes in your living arrangements such as your address, phone number, rent or housing costs, number of people in your household, etc. as and when the change is known.
• You also have a responsibility to participate in the Consolidated Verification Process and attend appointments as required.

6. What is the Family Support Program?

• Depending on your situation, we may be able to assist you to:
• Search for the absent parent
• Negotiate an agreement / resolve issues out of court
• Enforce support agreements / orders
• Obtain court orders for support and/or custody agreements
• Increase the current level of payments

7. What is the Eligibility Review Program?

8. What is Consolidated Verification Process (CVP)?

• Your file will be checked to make sure that all necessary information is there.
• You may be asked to attend a CVP Interview and to bring any information that is needed for your file.
• During the CVP interview, all the information in your file will be reviewed and you will be asked about changes to your personal information.
• After the CVP interview, you will receive a list of any information still required for your file and this information must be provided within ten working days.
• Once your file review has been completed, you will be advised if there are changes to your financial assistance and/or eligibility.

9. How does Ontario Works help people on social assistance find employment?

• practical help in finding a job, such as writing résumés and letters of application and how to perform well in interviews;
• community and employment placements to gain working experience;
• basic education and job skills training, such as keyboarding, forklift operating, chainsaw operating, hospitality;
• support in developing self-employment opportunities;
• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP), provides young parents who are receiving assistance through Ontario Works with the supports they need to finish high school, improve parenting skills, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
• literacy screening and training;
• addiction services; and
• earnings exemptions and employment incentives that encourage participants move back into the workforce and off social assistance.

10. What is Interactive Voice Response – IVR?

• Most recent cheque amount and date
• Previous cheque payments (within the last 45 days)
• Overpayments
• Case file status

11. What items are included in my monthly entitlement?

• Rent
• Principal and interest on a mortgage or loan incurred to purchase a residence
• Occupancy costs paid under an agreement to purchase the residence
• Property taxes
• Fire insurance policy with respect to the property
• Utilities other than energy for heat i.e. propane, water and sewer etc
• Rent under a land lease
• The cost of energy for heat
• An amount for Board and Lodging.

12. How do I complete and Income Reporting Statement (IRS)?

13. How is my Ontario Works assistance paid out to me?

• Your bank account must have withdrawal privileges
• You must be one of the registered account holders. You may not use another person's account.

• Funds are deposited into your account at 12:01 am on the payment due date.
• You will receive a statement in the mail that will consist of the same 4 parts as a cheque with the exception of the cheque portion. The Statement of Direct Deposit will replace the cheque portion and is similar to a cheque in appearance. However, in the bottom right corner it will read "Non-Negotiable".
• Creditors may attempt to recover outstanding debts from funds in your account. If you have concerns in this regard please contact your Case Manager.
• Notify your Case Manager immediately if you change or wish to close your bank account and provide your Case Manager with your new bank information.
• If you are wishing to close your account do not do so until after your direct deposit arrives at your new account.

14. What other Benefits might I be eligible for?

• Dental care for dependent children
• Vision care for dependent children
• Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefits
• Medical Travel and Transportation allowance
• Assistance with diabetic or surgical supplies

• Dental care for adults
• Vision care for adults
• Dentures
• Prosthetic devices
• Other items required for health related reasons

• clothing, grooming
• safety equipment
• supplies and equipment
• travel and transportation
• criminal reference checks or medical examinations and certificates
• minor fees such as certification changes, short term training costs; and child care costs

15. Are there any other Government Programs that I might be eligible for?

• Birth Certificate
• Social Insurance Number
• Canada Pension Plan - Disability
• Canada Pension Plan - Retirement
• Old Age Security
• Trillium Drug - Coverage
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Family Responsibility Office

16. If I have a job how much of my income is deducted from my assistance?

17. What do I do if I can't make my appointment?

18. I received a letter saying that my assistance has been suspended. What should I do?

19. If my assistance is currently suspended do I still need to send in my Income Reporting Statement?

20. What do I do if I get a job and no longer require assistance?

21. What period of time does the Income Reporting Statement cover?

22. What if I plan on leaving the province?

23. How can I pay for daycare if I get a job?