1. Learn what OW can say you have to give them
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
OW wants proof of something I can’t give them. What can I do?Ontario Works (OW) can say that you must give them information that relates to:
- whether you qualify for
- the amount of assistance that you should get
For example, they can ask you about any that you have and any that you own.
OW must be clear and specific about the information and documents they want from you.
It's important to:
- try to get what OW asks for
- keep a record of what you do to try to get it
Documents OW may ask for
Examples of documents OW may ask you for include:
- identity documents, like a birth certificate or passport, to prove name and date of birth
- your last income tax return or Notice of Assessment from the
- pay stubs to prove income from work
- rent receipts from your landlord or other proof of rent payments
- proof that you're doing the activities you agreed to do
- proof of your immigration status in Canada, for example, a permanent resident card
OW can also ask for information about changes in your life, for example, if someone moves in with you or you and your spouse separate.
If you have a problem with OW
You may want to get help from a community legal clinic if:
- you don't understand what OW wants
- you think OW is being unfair
- you think OW is asking for information they can't require you to give them
