1. Learn about your options
You do not have to get a MyBenefits account. The Government of Ontario is encouraging people on Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to use online tools and services. But you can still choose how you want to apply for, report to, or communicate with OW or ODSP.
You can use regular mail, email, or the phone. You can also speak to someone in person at your local OW or ODSP office.
These may be better options if you:
- have limited access to the internet or to a device that can access the internet, like a smart phone, computer, or tablet
- are not comfortable using technology
- speak a language other than English or French
If you get a MyBenefits account, you can still report your and any changes over the phone, by mail, or in person. But you will have to check your email regularly to see if you have any new messages or documents.
And you need to make a declaration on MyBenefits about your time in Ontario every month. Read more in Step 2.
If you feel pressured
You decide if you want to use MyBenefits or not. If you said that you do not want to use it and your caseworker is pressuring you, you can:
- ask to speak to their manager
- contact a community legal clinic
- make a complaint to Ombudsman Ontario
Stop using MyBenefits
If you try using MyBenefits and decide it's not for you, you can stop. This means that you'll get paper copies of your documents. And you'll report information to OW or ODSP by phone, by mail, or in person.
Contact your caseworker if you want to stop using MyBenefits.
Use MyBenefits and get paper copies
You can also use MyBenefits and get paper copies of your documents. If you want to do this, you have to change a setting in your MyBenefits account.
