1. Know what OW does not count as assets
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
Can I get OW if I own property or other things?Ontario Works (OW) has rules about how much you're allowed to have in and to qualify financially for .
But there are some types of assets that OW does not count. These are called “exempt” assets.
Below are some examples of property and belongings that OW does not count. Step 2 talks about money and payments that are exempt assets.
You may want to get legal advice to find out whether something you own might be an exempt asset.
Examples of real estate that OW does not count
OWP does not count your home.
OW also does not count another property if a child who lives in your household:
- owns the property, for example, they got it as an
- is making what OW calls “reasonable efforts” to sell it
Examples of belongings that OW does not count
OW does not count:
- one car
- most items like furniture and appliances
And OW will not count certain things if you need them for work. For example, they do not count:
- a second car, if it's worth no more than $15,000
- tools or other things you need to do your job, such as farm machinery or a computer
- assets that you need for your business if you're self-employed, that are worth up to $10,000, or more than that if OW agrees
