5. Apply for benefits

You might be able to get Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. You can fill out an application online.

You might be able to get EI even though you left the job. You can find out more about the rules to qualify for EI in Employment Insurance.

If you don't qualify or you are waiting for EI, you might be able to get social assistance benefits from Ontario Works (OW). To get OW assistance, you must qualify financially. This means that you must need financial help so that you have enough money to live on.

You must also meet OW rules about:

• income, which is how much money you already get
• assets, which are things you own and any money or savings you have

You can apply for OW online.

If the online application says you're not eligible, contact your local office to find out if this is correct.

The information you enter online goes to your local OW office. Within 3 business days, a worker from that office is supposed to phone you to set up an appointment to complete the application.

If you don't have a phone number, call your local OW office to make the appointment.