Learn about the OW rules for people under 18

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.

Ontario Works (OW) will want to know where you live and who you live with.

Your living arrangements must make it possible for you to follow OW rules.

Being supervised by an adult

OW can say that you have to stay in contact with an agency or a responsible adult who agrees to:

help you follow OW's rules
report you to OW if you do not follow the rules

OW might even want you to live with this person. But they cannot make you do this.

Getting your assistance

In most cases, OW will not pay any money directly to you.

OW pays your assistance to a “trustee” that they choose. But you can suggest someone if you know an adult who you trust and who is willing to do this.

If you do not know anyone, OW is supposed to find a trustee for you. Your trustee can be an adult or a community agency.

If OW cannot find a trustee for you, they may be able to pay you directly.

If you have a child

You have to take part in a program called Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) if all of the following apply:

you're 16 or 17
you have a child of your own
you have not finished high school

An OW worker will make a LEAP plan for you that includes:

going to school or another educational program
doing activities to help you get ready for work and find a job
taking a parenting program approved by OW

OW may also ask you to apply for child benefits.