My spouse and I separated. Will this affect OW?
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.
Long delays for appeal hearings
If you're appealing a decision made by OW or ODSP in 2020, your appeal hearing may not happen for a long time. People report that they're getting hearing dates from the that are between 9 and 16 months in the future. We'll update this information as things change.
You may be able to get from Ontario Works (OW) as a single person or a if you and your spouse:
- have separated, and
- don't plan to get back together.
But OW must believe that you've separated and don't plan to get back together or they'll see you as a couple.
OW rules say that couples have to apply together for assistance.
How much you get from OW depends on a number of things.
Getting help
You should get legal advice if OW says you must apply as a couple.
