Ontario Works financial assistance is intended to cover basic living expenses such as food, clothing, shelter and personal needs items. Social assistance recipients may qualify for a number of mandatory and discretionary benefits over and above their monthly Ontario Works entitlement.
Some examples of mandatory benefits include:
Some examples of discretionary benefits include:
Most families on social assistance with children under 18 years of age also receive the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) and the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS). Parents on Ontario Works not receiving the maximum OCB or NCBS payments may temporarily receive the Transition Child Benefit (TCB)
An advance (up front) child care payment may be provided if required to begin employment or an employment assistance activity.
Participants may receive additional benefits to help cover expenses associated to an employment assistance activity negotiated on their participation agreement. Examples may include transportation, clothing, grooming, special equipment, and minor fees associated to job specific skills training.
Ontario works recipients starting part-time employment may receive money to help cover the cost of items or services required to begin employment. Examples may include work boots, work clothing or uniforms, licenses or associated fees, and transportation.
Ontario works recipients starting full-time employment may receive money to help cover the cost of items or services required to begin employment. Examples may include work boots, work clothing or uniforms, licenses or associated fees, and transportation.
People leaving Ontario Works because they are working and do not have medical coverage with their new employer may continue to receive help with health costs for a period of time after they no longer qualify for Ontario Works.
People leaving Ontario Works due to income and / or earnings may continue to receive help if they have high prescription drug or other health related costs after they no longer qualify for Ontario Works.
Ontario Works recipients can use their Ontario Health Card to access prescription medication through the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
Adults in receipt of Ontario Works qualify for emergency dental care through their dental card.
Children, 17 years of age and younger, are automatically eligible for the Healthy Smiles Ontario dental program when their family receives Ontario Works.
ODSP Dependent Adults qualify for a dental card through Ontario Works to cover emergency dental care.
Routine eye exams are covered once every two years to Ontario Works recipients through their Ontario Health Card.
Ontario Works recipients may be eligible for help with the cost of eyeglasses.
Ontario Works recipients may qualify for help to cover the costs associated to medical supplies, equipment and devices.
Ontario Works recipients may qualify for help with the cost to care and feed a certified guide, hearing or service dog.
Ontario Works recipients may qualify for help with the cost to attend medical appointments.
Ontario Works recipients may qualify for extra money each month to the cover the additional cost of food required for specific medical conditions.
Coverage for basic funeral expenses may be provided on behalf of deceased residents of Nipissing District who do not have enough money in their estate to cover these costs.
Please note: the information on this website is intended to be used as a guide and is subject to change.