2. Learn about the questions OW asks
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
Someone is moving in with me. Can this affect my OW?You must let Ontario Works (OW) know as soon as someone moves in with you. OW may contact you 3 months after someone has moved in with you to set up a meeting and ask you questions.
OW asks the questions to decide whether the person you live with is your spouse. These questions are in the Questionnaire (for Applicants or Recipients who are living with another adult). Some people call it the Co-Resident Questionnaire.
The Questionnaire has 3 parts. Steps 3 to 5 talk about each of these parts.
You won't get if you don't:
- answer the questions that OW asks
- give them the information they ask for
If you need help dealing with OW, contact a community legal clinic.
Once OW makes a decision
If OW decides that the person you're living with is your spouse, they'll say that you have to apply for assistance as a couple.
If you disagree with their decision, you may be able to appeal.
If OW decides that the person you're living with is not your spouse, they may follow up in the future to see if your relationship has changed.
And they will likely ask you for information about your relationship at least once a year.
