Getting help with costs in your region

Programs in Ontario

Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

In Ontario, there are two types of social assistance (sometimes called welfare) that you can apply for if you need help paying for basic needs such as food, rent and medicine: Ontario Works – OW and the Ontario Disability Support Program – ODSP. 

Ontario Works: Financial Assistance and Employment Assistance

Ontario Works provides you with both financial and employment assistance. If your application is approved, you will receive a monthly allowance to pay for basic needs and get access to employment assistance so you can get job training to find work. To be eligible for OW, you’re expected to take part in activities that will help you find a job, such as getting more education or job training. However, if you are too sick to participate, you can talk with your case worker to see if you can be excused from doing these activities. 

The amount of money you can get every month from OW depends on things like how much money you make, what you own (assets), the size of your family and the cost of your housing. You may be able to get extra benefits such as prescription drug, dental and eye care coverage, money for medical transportation, moving or eviction prevention costs and employment-related costs. 

If you receive OW, you will be able to get help finding education and job training so that you can find employment. OW helps clients prepare for and find a job by providing services such as: access to basic education, workshops on looking for work, résumé writing, preparing for an interview, referrals to job training programs and information on who is hiring in your area. 

To apply for OW, you can call or visit your local OW office to make an appointment with a staff member. If you are First Nations, you can contact a First Nations OW office in your area to begin the application process.

If your application for OW is turned down or you think that the amount of your monthly cheque is wrong, you have the right to challenge the decision by requesting an internal review. You can either write a letter to OW or fill out the Request for Internal Review Form to start the review process.

Ontario Disability Support Program – ODSP 

If you are sick and can’t work for a long period of time, you can ask the OW office about the Ontario Disability Support Program – ODSP. This program is for people with disabilities who need help paying for living expenses, such as food and housing. The ODSP provides you with both Income Support and Employment Support. If you are eligible for ODSP, you may be able to get additional health benefits, including prescription drug coverage and medical transportation. You can also receive assistance with finding and keeping a job if you are able to work.

To apply for the ODSP, you can call or visit your local ODSP Income Support Office to set up an appointment with a staff member. If you already receive OW, a staff member can get you the application package to apply for ODSP. Your health care provider will have to fill out forms in the package and you will need to write a self-report about your need for ODSP. You will have 90 days to complete the package and to send it back to ODSP. Your application usually takes three to six months to process. If you would like more information about the ODSP Employment Support program, you can call or visit an ODSP Employment Support Office. 

If your application for ODSP is turned down or you think that the amount of your monthly cheque is wrong, you have the right to challenge the decision by requesting an internal review. You can visit the internal review information webpage to fill out the Request for Internal Review Form to start the review process.