Ontario Works
Ontario Works
Ontario Works programs and services
About Ontario Works
The Ontario Works program (external link) provides temporary financial assistance, benefits and employment assistance to those in need.
You may be eligible for Ontario Works if you:
- live in Ontario
- are in financial need (your household income does not cover basic living requirements)
- are committed to finding and keeping a job (unless you have a specific circumstance that prevents you from doing so)
Your income, assets, living arrangements and family size are also used to determine your eligibility.
Apply to Ontario Works
Apply online
Apply by phone
Processing applications
Your call may be transferred to staff at Halton Region if you are:
- under the age of 18
- an adult providing temporary care for a child who is in financial need and not your dependent
- in specific emergency situations (for example, pending eviction in less than 7 days, victim of abuse or disaster)
If you do not meet the above criteria and call Halton Region, you will be directed to the Social Assistance Contract Centre.
Staff from the Province of Ontario and Halton Region work together to process applications as quickly as possible.
Get information about the application process (external link).
Application requirements
An application can take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. To complete your application, you should:
- have all family members with you that will be included in your application (this will allow them to provide consent, answer questions and confirm information); and,
- have identification and tax documents ready for all family members.
Examples of identification and tax documents include:
- social insurance number (SIN)
- OHIP card (Ontario Health card)
- birth certificate
- immigration papers
- tax returns and banking information
- lease or rental agreement
Benefits available
In addition to your monthly assistance, you may be eligible to receive other benefits (for example, prescription drugs, dental, vision, medical treatments, supplies, equipment and related costs, and more). Visit the Province’s Social Assistance webpage (external link) for a summary of benefits.
You may also qualify for other benefits. Use the links below for more information and talk to your case manager to find out if you qualify.
- Child care:
- The child care subsidy program helps Halton families who qualify with the cost of child care. Get information about the program.
- Activities for children:
- If you are in receipt of Ontario Works assistance, your children may be eligible for subsidies for recreational activities such as sports, art and music.
- Eyeglasses/eye appointments:
- All children in receipt of Ontario Works assistance are eligible for basic vision care coverage.
- Dental care:
- Healthy Smiles Ontario, (external link) a government funded program provides dental services to children and youth, aged 17 and under, from low-income household.
Halton Region Housing Services supports low and moderate income households with housing and/or financial assistance. See what supports might be available to you.
Employment Halton may be able to support you with access and funds to navigate your job search. Supports could include:
- Start up expenses for a new job or training
- Participation expenses (to take part in job search activities)
- Tuition fees
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Job placement
A number of community resources are also available in Halton to support you and your family.