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 and 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 do not get a Notice of Decision, contact your local OW office right away and ask for one.
If you’re applying to OW
You cannot get assistance from OW unless you meet with them to complete your application. And if OW does not want to give you assistance, you cannot appeal unless you complete your application and they make a decision.
If you talk to an OW worker on the phone and they do not 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 do not understand the decision
- you do not understand the reasons for the decision
- you can give OW information that might change the decision
Talking to your worker might help. But you do not have to do this.