Ontario Works
If you have trouble meeting basic needs, you may qualify for Ontario Works. This social assistance program provides income support for basic living expenses and can help you prepare for and find work. If you are looking for job opportunities, please see our employment supports.
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On this page
Who is eligible
You may qualify based on:
- Your earnings
- How much you pay for rent
- Your assets
How to apply
Online
The online application for Ontario Works is available 24/7. It is often the fastest way to start receiving financial assistance.
It takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Submit one application for you and your immediate family members who live with you.
Phone
You can also call the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services if you would like to apply over the phone.
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, excluding holidays.
Get help to complete your application
Depending on your situation, Region of Waterloo staff may be able to assist you with completing your application. If you are in any of the following groups, you can apply at a local office by phone or in person.
- An adult providing temporary care for a child who’s in financial need and is not your dependent
- Under the age of 18
- In an emergency situation in immediate need:
- Homeless or pending eviction in less than seven days
- In a health related crisis
- Victim of abuse
- Victim of disaster (fire, flood, etc.)
- Applying for discretionary benefits including funeral applications
If you are not in one of these groups, but would like help completing an online application, visit a Welcome Space and a staff member will be able to assist you.
Office locations and Welcome Spaces
150 Main Street, Cambridge, ON N1R 6P9
- Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Enter through the main building entrance. The Welcome Space is on the first floor.
- View map
20 Weber Street East, Kitchener, ON N2H 1C3
- Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Enter through the main building entrance. The Welcome Space is on the first floor.
- View map
99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3
- Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Enter through the main building entrance. The Welcome Space is on the first floor.
- View map
More information about Welcome Spaces.
After you apply
Receiving Ontario Works
Health care and other benefits
If you receive Ontario Works, you may qualify for other benefits to help you pay for things like:
- Starting a job or training
- Items you need for work (safety boots, for example)
- Drugs and medical supplies
- Travel to medical appointments
- Eye care
- Diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and dressings
- A special diet
- Mobility or hearing aids
Reporting requirements
If your living situation or income changes while you are receiving Ontario Works, you will need to inform your caseworker. You may also be required to submit your earnings every month (money that you or others living with you receive through employment or paid training). You can use the online Ontario Works tool (MyBenefits) to do this.
Overpayments
Changes in your life, such as getting a part-time job, paying less rent, or moving in with a partner, can impact how much money you receive from Ontario Works. Depending on when you report these changes to your caseworker, you may receive money you aren’t eligible for.
When this happens, it is called an overpayment. That money must be repaid. Five to ten per cent of your benefits will be deducted each month until the extra amount is paid back in full.
Even if you no longer receive Ontario Works, you will be required to pay back the amount you were overpaid.
There are three ways to do this:
- Online through your online personal banking. Follow the instructions to add Waterloo Region Social Services as a new payee, and use your SAMS ID# as the account number to set up the payee. You can make a one-time payment or set-up recurring payments.
- Visit one of three Community Services Welcome Spaces. You can make a repayment by cash, cheque, or debit.
- Write a cheque payable to the Region of Waterloo. Send by mail to Region of Waterloo, Corporate Finance – Ontario Works Finance, 150 Frederick St., 4th floor, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Register for MyBenefits
If you already receive Ontario Works, sign up for MyBenefits to get information about your case, receive e-letters and report any income. Access MyBenefits anywhere and on any device (smartphones, tablets, and computers).
With MyBenefits, you can:
- send documents to your caseworker electronically, saving time and money
- check payment history and overpayment information
- report earned income and track status
- view profile information, report phone number and address changes
- view and download letters
- send messages to your caseworker
Sign up for MyBenefits or ask your caseworker for more information.
Having trouble signing-up? You can call toll free for technical help at 1-888-999-6130 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday) or visit the MyBenefits Help Page.
Services for Young Parents Receiving Ontario Works
Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP)
Opportunities for you and your child.
LEAP is
- A program for parents under 26 years of age receiving Ontario Works
- Supports for parents to achieve their high school diplomas
- Resources and supports to help with parenting skills
- Help with job readiness
Benefits include
- Direct referral to subsidized child care
- Monthly bus pass
- Financial help for school supplies and other necessities
- Education incentive available for you and your child upon completion of the program
- Increase job readiness
LEAP Services for Young Parents
Learning
- Promotes high school graduation through regular school, alternative programs or other options
Earning
- Supports to develop realistic employment goals
- Assistance with resumes and job search
- Referrals to employment programs
- Provides job placement opportunities
Parenting
- Promotes the importance of a strong parent/child relationship
- Provides resources to strengthen parenting skills
- Access a range of community based programs and supports though Ontario Wellbeing + Mental Health
Get involved by calling your caseworker.
This program is available in partnership with the Province of Ontario.
Appeal a decision
If you disagree with a decision that's been made about your Ontario Works benefits, you can request a review by an impartial third party. This applies to the following:
- You apply and are determined to be ineligible;
- If you did not receive a benefit you requested; or
- If your benefits are lowered or cancelled.
To request a review, call 519-575-4400 or you can complete the Internal Review Form.
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