Promoting healthy communities through
the planning, coordination and management
of municipal services and programs.
Policies and Procedures
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Local Ontario Works Policy
INTRODUCTION TO ONTARIO WORKS
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Mission Statement
1.3 Programs
1.4 Confidentiality
1.5 Children in need of Protection
1.6 Sexual Racial Harassment
1.7 Caseload Management Principals
APPLICATIONS
2.1 Intake Guidelines
2.2 Emergency Assistance
2.3 How to Complete an Application
2.4 Referrals to ODSP
2.5 Declaration of Support and Maintenance
2.6 Participation Requirements
2.7 Emergency Housing
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLITY
3.1 Co-Residency
3.2 Living with Parents
3.3 Trusteeship
3.4 Custody
3.5 Temporary Care Assistance
3.6 Students
3.7 Applicants Under 18
3.8 Transients & Homeless Persons
ASSETS
4.1 Recreational Vehicles
4.2 Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) / Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) /
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
INCOME AND EXEMPTIONS
5.1 Treatment of Income
5.2 Treatment of Payments
5.3 Fire & Flood Victims
5.4 Lost or Stolen Cash
5.5 Food Vouchers
5.6 Child Tax Benefits
5.7 Child Care Informal - Revised March 1, 2016
5.8 Assignments Overview
5.9 Family Support Assignments
5.10 Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Assignments
5.11 Employment Insurance (EI) Assignment
5.12 Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) Assignments
5.13 Cancellation Refusal of Assignment
5.14 Subrogation
CALCULATING ASSISTANCE
6.1 Board and Lodging
6.2 Long Term Care Facilities
6.3 Change of Address
6.4 Rent not being paid
6.5 Rent Pay Direct
6.6 Incarcerations
6.7 Short Term Substance Abuse Programs
6.8 Income Reporting Statements (IRS) Revised Jan.12, 2018
6.9 Heating and Utilities Costs
MANDATORY BENEFITS
7A.1 Mandatory Benefits Overview
7A.2 Diabetic Supplies
7A.3 Surgical Supplies & Dressings
7A.4 Travel & Transportation for Medical Purposes
7A.5 Drug Coverage
7A.6 Dental Coverage for Dependent Children
7A.7 Vision Care for Dependent Children
7A.8 Guide Dog Benefit
7A.9 Batteries & Repairs for Mobility Devices
7A.10 Employment Benefits
DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS
7B.1 Discretionary Benefits Overview
7B.2 Emergency Dental Coverage for Adults
7B.3 Dentures
7B.4 Orthodontics
7B.5 Vision Care for Adults
7B.6 Prosthetic Appliances
7B.7 Oxygen
7B.8 Drugs, Non-Formulary
7B.9 EPI, Bee Sting Kits, Other Allergen Products
7B.10 Paternity Testing
7B.11 Funerals
7B.12 Housing Related Benefits Revised July 1, 2021
7B.13 Last Months Rent
7B.14 Utility Arrears
7B.15 Approved Household ItemsRevised May 1, 2017
7B.16 Job Specific Skills Training
7B.18 Travel & Transportation Non-Health Related
7B.19 Special Services & Items
7B.20 Payment for SBT Witnesses
MANAGING PARTICIPATION
8.1 Job Search Requirements
8.2 Community & Employment Placements
MONITORING ELIGIBILITY
9.1 Frequency of Reviews
9.2 Internal Review
9.3 Overpayment Letter Inquiries
9.4 Overpayment Recoveries
9.5 Recovery of Interim Assistance
9.6 Eligibility Review Officer (ERO) Responsibility
9.7 Suspending Assistance
9.8 Non-Compliance
OTHER PROGRAMS
| 10.1 | Healthy Communities Fund |
| 10.1a | Healthy Communities Pamphlet |
| 10.2 | Our Kids Count |
| 10.2a | Our Kids Count Pamphlet |
| 10.3 | Direct Shelter Subsidy |
| 10.3a | Direct Shelter Subsidy Pamphlet |
| 10.4 | Employment Ontario |
ADMINISTRATION
11.1 Payment of Assistance
11.2 Manual Cheques
11.3 Direct Bank Deposit
11.4 Refunds & Repayments
11.5 Garnishment of Assistance
11.6 Reloadable Payment Cards
Provincial Policy and Directives
Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB - Children's Services Local Policy Manual
Provincial - Ontario Works Policy Directives
Provincial - Ontario Disability Support Program Directives
Contact Us
How to Apply for Ontario Works
You can apply for Ontario Works through the new online applicatin for Social Assistance, over the phone with the IBAU call centre, in person or by phone with your local Ontario Works office.
The province has launched a new online application for Social Assistance taht will allow some of the manual parts of the application to be done automatically.
Users who complete the application online may still be asked to gather documentation however using the online application may result in less information gathering on your part. Users of the online application can potentially have their applications granted immediately if they meet the requirements.
You may be required to complete and sign all necessary forms, including the application for assistance, and a participation agreement outlining the specific employment activities that support your best route to sustainable employment. You may also need to provide any required information and documents.
To begin the application process you may go to www.ontario.ca/socialassistance and complete an on-line application or, contact the IBAU call centre at 1-888-999-1142 or contact your local office at 1-800-667-3145 (toll free) or 862-7850.
If you are not near one of our offices or do not have a telephone, you can complete a short Ontario Works Application. The application form can be forwarded to the Main office in Espanola by one of the following methods:
1. Fax the completed form to: 1-866-397-3334 or 862-7805
2. Mail the completed form to: 210 Mead Blvd. Espanola ON P5E 1R9 attention: Intake
3. If you are close to one of the office locations below it can be dropped off at the front desk for processing.
Once your application is received it will be forwarded to the Case Manager for your area after which an appointment will be scheduled to speak with a Case Manager within 4 business days.
If you live outside the Manitoulin-Sudbury District area and require assistance please locate the District Services Board for your area by clicking HERE.
How to Apply for Recreation Subsidies
If you would like your child to participate in a recreation program this season, and require assistance with the registration fee or equipment, please complete the Our Kids Count Self-Application and return to the DSB office nearest you. Maximum of $400 per child per year. Pour la version française, appuyez-ici.
How to Apply for Informal Child Care
If you're trying to move off of Ontario Works, and need temporary assistance with your child care costs, the DSB provides informal child care in areas where licensed care has not been established. Please complete the Our Kids Count Self-Application and return to the DSB office nearest you. Pour la version française, appuyez-ici.
How to Apply for Early Childhood & Supplemental Health Related Items
If you require assistance with purchasing items such as car seats, cribs and beds, please complete the Our Kids Count Self-Application and return to the DSB office nearest you. Maximum of $300 per child per year Pour la version française, appuyez-ici. We can also assist with emergency needs such as formula and diapers.
How to Apply for Healthy Communities Fund
Through this fund we can help you with short-term one-time assistance for such things as hydro arrears or disconnection, rental arrears to avoid eviction as well as other emergency situations. Please complete the Healthy Communities Application and return it to the DSB office nearest you.
How to Apply for Community Housing:
If you wish to apply for Community Housing please complete the Housing Application Form and return it to the DSB office nearest you. This form must be printed and signed before submitting.
How to Apply for Direct Shelter Subsidy
If you have high shelter costs, you may qualify for Direct Shelter Subsidy. You must apply for Community Housing in order to qualify for this program. Applying for Community Housing does not necessarily mean you will have to move to a unit should it become available. Please contact your local office to apply for Direct Shelter Subsidy.
How to Apply for Formal Child Care Fee Subsidy
If you are working, going to school or your child requires day care for socialization you may qualify for a full or partial subsidy with a licensed daycare provider. Please complete the Child Care Application (English) (French) and return it to the DSB nearest you.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
The IVR is an automated telephone line that provides active Ontario Works recipients information about their case. Recipients can obtain information regarding payment amounts and dates, overpayment balances, case status, important announcements and other general information.
The telephone number is toll free and is accessible any time of the day or night: 1-800-808-2268.
You will be asked to enter in your nine-digit Member ID number and your four-digit Personal Identification Number.
You Case Manager will setup your Interactive Voice Response (IVR) access after you have been granted Ontario Works. Your Case Manager will provide you with your nine-digit Member ID number and your four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number)
MyBenefits
MyBenefits is an online service available to residents of Ontario who are active Ontario Works or ODSP recipeints. It is available 24/7 and allows clients to see their payment and letters, report changes, report earned income and direct messages to their Case Manager. You can register for MyBenefits online.
Text Us
Espanola - espanolaiss@msdsb.net
Warren - warreniss@msdsb.net
Little Current - lciss@msdsb.net
Chapleau - chapleauiss@msdsb.net
Community Food Banks
List of Community Food Banks
Espanola
| Espanola | Helping Hands Food Bank |
705-583-3045 |
87 Centre Street Unit C Espanola, ON P5E 1N3 |
| Massey | Massey Food Bank |
705-865-2450 |
355 Imperial St. South Massey, ON P0P 1P0 (attached to Poirier's Confectionery Store) |
| Mindemoya | Manitoulin Family Resources - Haven House |
705-368-3400 Ext. 242 |
27 Forest Street Mindemoya, ON P0P 1S0 |
| Chapleau/ Foleyet | Chapleau Pentecostal Church |
705-864-0828 |
9 Elm Street Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0 |
| Markstay | St. Mark Parish Food Bank |
705-853-4836 705-853-4553 |
17 Church Street Markstay, ON P0M 2G0 |
| Killarney | St.Bonaventure Catholic Women's League |
705-287-2300 |
10 Commissionner's Street Killarney, ON P0M 2A0 |
| St. Charles | St. Charles Food Bank | 705-867-2418 |
99 King Street East St. Charles, ON P0M 2W0 |
| French River | French River Food Bank | 705-898-2294 |
37 St-Antonie Street Noelville, ON P0M 2N0 |
Message from the Supervisor
The Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB's purpose is to aid individuals in becoming economically independent. We strive to help participants achieve their individual goals through employment support, literacy and education upgrading, and referrals to other agencies.
We are committed to the fair, sensitive and equitable treatment of all people who require Ontario Works services.
At Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB, we believe:
- in an affordable and effective community based health and social services system that enables individuals to play an active role in programs designed to improve the conditions of their lives;
- that investing in people through a comprehensive, integrated, responsive health and social services system is vital to healthy communities;
- that employment and community placements are integral to an individual's feeling of contribution to the community and purpose, and that these placements should, where possible, reflect the individual's particular interests and talents;
- that resources are to be targeted to programs and services that are proven to be effective;
- in community-based and integrated partnerships that are built on clear roles and responsibilities;
- in the provision of French language and culturally appropriate services that, through our work with those we are here to assist, we are actively contributing to the sustained social and economic vitality of the communities within the Manitoulin and Sudbury Districts.
Sincerely,
Anne Quenneville
Ontario Works Program Supervisor
Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB
Phone: 705-862-7850 ext. 105
Email: owsupervisor@msdsb.net
Overview
The Ontario Works Program provides income and employment assistance for people who are in temporary financial need.
To be eligible for Ontario Works, an applicant must be:
- a resident of Ontario;
- in immediate financial need; and
- willing to participate in employment assistance activities.
The amount of money that someone receives from Ontario Works varies depending upon housing costs and family size. Clients may also be eligible for drug and dental coverage, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and community and employment start-up benefits.
All recipients of Ontario Works are required to participate in one or more employment assistance activities as a condition of eligibility for financial assistance. This helps people move as quickly as possible to a job and to become self-reliant.
Ontario Works provides practical help in finding a job. It helps people determine what they need to become employed. Because different people have different needs, Ontario Works has a number of ways to help its clients. Some participants need to update or upgrade their skills. Some need to complete their basic education or training for a particular job. Others simply need help in finding a job and staying employed. Ontario Works addresses these needs through a range of employment assistance activities based on individual skills, experience and circumstances.