Ontario Works - Qualifying for Financial Assistance

If you are in financial need and wish to apply, your first step is to call the local office at 519-631-9350 and choose Option 3 or use our toll free number at 1-800-265-4362 and select Option 3.

Verification Interview

Once we receive your completed application, the next step is to conduct a face-to-face interview at the local office where the Social Service Worker will complete an assessment of eligibility including a review of the applicant’s current financial and employment situation. 

At the Verification Interview the Social Service Worker will be collecting information from the applicant as it relates to the requirements for eligibility to determine if the applicant is eligible for financial and employment assistance. The applicant is responsible for providing the requested information listed below. 

The worker will advise the applicant of their responsibilities to maintain eligibility and the consequences of non-compliance, including ineligibility. The worker will also provide information as it relates to other income support programs and employment services and employment support programs the applicant may access. As part of reviewing roles and responsibilities, the worker will explain the link between participation in Ontario Works and the receipt of financial benefits. 

Qualifying for Financial Assistance

You will find out if you are eligible for financial assistance once you have attended the verification interview and completed all the mandatory forms. 

If you are eligible, you will receive assistance in the form of a cheque. The initial cheque may be picked up at the office and all future cheques will be mailed to your home address. If you are not eligible for assistance, you will receive a Letter of Decision advising you as to why you are ineligible. If you do not agree with the decision, the Letter of Decision will inform you how to appeal the decision.  

After the initial interview is completed, the applicant and participants are required to view an orientation disk explaining the different types of employment participation that is available to each participant. The worker will then discuss the options for participation in an employment related activity with each applicant/participant with a requirement to participate. At this point, a future meeting is scheduled with their worker to discuss options available in the employment assistance program.

Documentation 

Please bring the documents relevant to your situation to the scheduled face-to-face interview for each member of the family:

Verification of Accommodation Expenses

• Rent Receipt (including the address you live at, landlord’s name, landlord’s address and phone number)
• Lease Agreement
• Utility Bills (Union Gas, Hydro, Water, etc.)
• House/Tenant Fire Insurance Policy
• Condominium Fees

Verification of Assets

• Up to Date Bank book or most recent bank statement
• Life Insurance Policies
• Investment/Annuity, GIC, RRSP, RESP, Trust Fund, Inheritance documents
• Deed for any properties owned solely or jointly
• Motor Vehicle ownership documents
• Any other assets

Verification of Income for all Sources of Income

• Pay stub from employment (for the last 4 weeks)
• Notice of Assessment from the Canadian Revenue Agency
• Employment Insurance Benefit
• Workers Safety Insurance Board
• Canada Pension Plan
• Private Insurance income
• Old Age Security, Guaranteed Annual Income Supplement
• Other private or public pensions
• Any other income