4. Tell the SBT if you’re also claiming discrimination
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
How do I prepare for an OW hearing at the Social Benefits Tribunal?Ontario's human rights laws say that Ontario Works (OW) rules and decisions should not discriminate against you for a reason that goes against your human rights.
Discrimination happens if you're treated differently because of:
- your race, colour, ancestry, ethnic origin, citizenship, or where you were born
- your religious beliefs
- a physical or mental disability, including an addiction
- having children, planning to have children, or being pregnant
- your marital status, for example, married, divorced, single, or living common-law
- your sex or gender
- your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
- your age, if you're 18 or older
What you need to do
Fill out a Notice of Human Rights Code Claim (Form 4) and send it to the (SBT), if you:
- think that the OW decision or rules discriminate against you
- want the SBT to consider a human rights issue as part of your appeal
You have to do this at least 60 days before your hearing.
The SBT will give a copy of your form to the OW office.
