Income Assistance

Ontario Works (OW)

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Beware of scams

People have been getting phone calls with a pre-recorded message telling them their Ontario Works account has been deleted.

This is a scam to trick you into sharing your personal information. If you get a call like that, hang up the phone. You can report these calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

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Use this flowchart to learn how to appeal a decision refusing OW.

Use this letter-writing tool to ask OW for an internal review.

Newest questions
Most visited questions
All questions

Applying for OW

Do I need a MyBenefits account when I apply for or get income assistance?
I need money to live. Can I get help from Ontario Works?
I’m under 18 and do not live with my parents. Can I get OW?

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Living with another adult

I’m an adult and live with my parents. Can I get OW?
My adult child lives with me. Can this affect my OW?
Can I get OW if I live with another adult?

See all (7)

Appealing a decision

I want to make changes to my tribunal hearing. What can I do?
I disagree with a decision from OW. What can I do?
How do I appeal an OW decision to the Social Benefits Tribunal?

See all (8)

Paying back assistance

Can OW make me pay back money in the future?
Ontario Works says I have an overpayment. What can I do?
I have a problem with Ontario Works. Where can I get help?

Getting income assistance and other benefits

Can Ontario Works help pay for a special diet?
Can Ontario Works pay my assistance to someone else for me?
Can I leave Ontario and still get OW?

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Income and assets

Can I get child support and money from OW?
Can I get spousal support and money from OW?
Can I get OW if I own property or other things?

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Following OW rules

OW wants proof of something I cannot give them. What can I do?
Can OW show up at my house without telling me?
What can Ontario Works say that I have to do to find a job?

See all (8)