3. Answer questions about your relationship
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 live with another adult?Ontario Works (OW) asks the questions that are in Part 1 of the Questionnaire (for Applicants or Recipients who are living with another adult) if:
- you've been living with someone who is not a close family member for at least 3 months, and
- you say that the person is not your spouse.
Questions in Part 1 of the Questionnaire
In Part 1, OW asks you to choose the option that best describes your relationship with this person. You can choose:
- legally married
- marriage-like, such as common-law
- roommate
- roomer or boarder
- friend
- caregiver, if you're not married or living common-law
Or, if you choose, “other”, you have to explain what that means.
There are also questions about:
- whether there's a court order or agreement that says that the person you live with must support you or your child
- whether or not you have children together
Based on your answers to Part 1, OW can decide either that:
- you're spouses, or
- they need to ask you more questions before they can decide. Steps 4 and 5 talk about these other questions.
If you disagree with the 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.
