By Phone
- Call the Ontario government, toll free 1-888-999-1142, if you are:
- Local office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. (holidays excepted)
- In Windsor: Call 311 for general information.
- In Leamington: Call (519) 946-9988 or toll free at 1-866-925-2022.
How do I call Ontario Works?
Application Options for Ontario Works
To apply by phone, call the Toronto Application and Support Centre at 416-338-8888 and select option 3 or call our toll-free number at 1-888-465-4478. This line is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on weekends and public holidays.
What is the difference between Ontario Works and welfare?
Ontario Works (OW) is often referred to as “welfare” and is for people who have no or very limited income and/or assets. The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is for people with disabilities who have no or limited income. OW and ODSP may provide benefits for you and the people in your “benefit unit”.
How fast can I get Ontario Works?
Once the caseworker receives all the information they need, they will tell you within four business days if your application has been approved and how much you may receive. If your application is approved, your local Ontario Works office will advise when you can expect your first payment.
What can Ontario Works help me with?
Find out about other support programs you may be eligible for.
- Eligibility.
- Financial assistance for you and your family.
- Health-related benefits.
- Learn your rights and responsibilities.
- Working and earning.
- Transition Child Benefit.
- Ontario Works office locations.
- Forms.
How do I talk to a real person at Service Ontario?
If you would like to talk to a customer service representative who may be able to assist you immediately regarding ServiceOntario products and services, visit any of our ServiceOntario centres, or call us: Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-267-8097. Toronto ( GTA ): 416-326-1234.
Does Ontario Works check your bank account?
To determine your eligibility, staff will access your personal and financial information that is kept in other government or financial computer systems. You will be asked if staff may access this information, however this is a requirement to apply to Ontario Works.
How much is Ontario Works per month?
$733 a month
The amount you can receive for your financial assistance is $733 a month and may be adjusted based on your situation. Find out if you are eligible for Ontario Works.
Will Ontario Works pay for rent?
The IAH operating components (Housing Allowance and Rent Supplement) provide monthly housing support payments to help low-income Ontarians with their rental costs.
How long can you be on welfare Canada?
Financial support can last up to one year after a refugee arrives in Canada, or until they can support themselves, whichever occurs first. Special needs clients selected under the Joint Assistance Sponsorship Program may get Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) income support for 24 months.
What do I need to bring to my Ontario Works appointment?
Please bring the following with you to your verification interview:
- Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, passport, immigration papers, etc.)
- Social Insurance Number.
- Ontario health card number.
- Relevant immigration papers (if applicable)
- Rental or mortgage information.
Can you be denied Ontario Works?
Sometimes when you file an application for social assistance through Ontario Works, you don’t qualify to receive any money. You should receive a letter saying why you’re not eligible, and you have a right to appeal the decision.
What documents do I need for Ontario Works?
You need to:
- Submit documents and information about you, your family and anyone who lives with you. This includes information about your: Date of birth. Health card number. Social Insurance Number (SIN) Address. Income. Housing costs. Assets.
- Go to an interview with an OW worker.
What benefits can I claim if unable to work?
Income support. Income based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Housing benefit.
Do you have to pay Ontario Works back?
If you have received Ontario Works or Social Housing benefits and have been overpaid, you will receive a letter from the City. This letter represents the amount that you were overpaid and need to pay back. If you currently receive Ontario Works, call 3-1-1, then 4 for Social Services or contact your caseworker.
What is considered income for Ontario Works?
Income any money received from a job, Employment Insurance, Spousal Support Payments, Canada Pension Plan, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, or Rental or Boarder Income.
Can I walk in to ServiceOntario?
Book an appointment for in-person visits
Walk-ins are available but limited due to high demand. Select a service and location. If you need multiple services for one person, book only one appointment. If you need the same service for multiple people, book only one appointment.
How do you talk to a live person for serve?
If you have a complaint regarding Serve, contact the Serve customer service division by calling 1-800-954- 0559. If you have a complaint regarding Bluebird, Target Prepaid REDcard, or Gift Card, call us at 1-877-297-4438.
How can I reach a real person on the phone?
TIPS FOR GETTING TO A HUMAN:
- Dial O, or try multiple zeros.
- You can add the # key or the * key before and after a 0.
- Dial multiples of other numbers 1111, 2222, 3333, 4444, etc.
- Being silent sometimes works (believe it or not some people still have rotary phones)
- Speak non-sensible phrases to confuse computer.
How much money can you have in your bank account on Ontario Works?
The asset limits are: $10,000 for a single person. $15,000 for a couple. an additional $500 for each dependant.
Can you own a car on Ontario Works?
After deducting any loans, encumbrances and depreciation, any portion of the value of a vehicle over the maximum of $15,000 should be considered an asset. Applicants or participants will have a six-month grace period in which to sell the vehicle before it is considered an asset for calculating assistance.