1. Learn what OW can say you have to give them

Ontario Works (OW) can say that you must give them information that relates to:

• whether you qualify for financial assistance
• the amount of assistance that you should get

For example, they can ask you about any income that you have and any assets that you own. 

OW must be clear and specific about the information and documents they want from you.

It’s important to:

• try to get what OW asks for
• keep a record of what you do to try to get it

Documents OW may ask for

Examples of documents OW may ask you for include:

• identity documents, like a birth certificate or passport, to prove name and date of birth
• your last income tax return or Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency
• pay stubs to prove income from work
• rent receipts from your landlord or other proof of rent payments
• proof that you’re doing the activities you agreed to do
• proof of your immigration status in Canada, for example, a permanent resident card

OW can also ask for information about changes in your life, for example, if someone moves in with you or you and your spouse separate.

If you have a problem with OW

You may want to get help from a community legal clinic if:

• you don’t understand what OW wants
• you think OW is being unfair
• you think OW is asking for information they can’t require you to give them