1. Get the OW decision
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.
Question & Answer
I disagree with a decision from OW. What can I do?When Ontario Works (OW) makes a decision about your assistance, they're supposed to put it in writing. This is called a .
The local OW office sends you the Notice of Decision. The Notice of Decision is supposed to include the reasons for the decision.
If someone from OW tells you about a decision but you don't get a Notice of Decision, contact your local OW office right away and ask for one.
If you’re applying to OW
You can't get assistance from OW unless you meet with them to complete your application. And if OW does not want to give you assistance, you can't appeal unless you complete your application and they make a decision.
If you talk to an OW worker on the phone and they don't want to give you an appointment to complete your application, ask to speak to a supervisor. Tell the supervisor that you want to complete your application.
If there's still a problem, contact your community legal clinic right away.
If your assistance is being cut off or reduced
You may want to contact your OW worker if:
- you don't understand the decision
- you don't understand the reasons for the decision
- you can give OW information that might change the decision
Talking to your worker might help. But you don't have to do this.
