Closed
9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs
Support for work and child care start-up costs
Last Update: June 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 500
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Provides up to $500 in 12 months for employment and training start-up costs. Also helps with up-front child care costs needed to begin or maintain work or approved employment-related activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Train or support volunteers
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting, changing, or maintaining employment
- Starting, changing, or maintaining an employment assistance activity
- Training, job search, and job preparation activities
- Approved activities intended to help the person become and stay employed
Documents Needed
- Proof of employment or approved activity
- Pay stub or employer letter
- Verification from ODSP employment supports
- Any document confirming the activity
- Proof that child care must be paid in advance
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- ODSP recipients
- Spouses included in the benefit unit
- Dependent adults not attending secondary school full-time
- Dependent children who have completed secondary school or equivalent
Who is not eligible
- Dependent children who have not completed secondary school or an equivalent diploma
- Dependent adults attending secondary school full-time, unless they are starting work within 15 days and provide verification
Eligible expenses
- Transportation for job search, preparation, or starting work
- Clothing for interviews or work uniforms
- Licensing or association fees
- Exam, application, grooming, tools, and equipment costs
- Up-front child care costs
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are supported by written verification before payment is made
- The Director reviews whether the costs and activity are acceptable
- Payment amount is determined based on the verified need and program limits
- No separate approval timeline is stated
Additional information
- The benefit may be paid as a lump sum or in installments over a 12-month period.
- Written verification of employment or approved activity must be kept on file.
- The child care benefit is paid in addition to the employment and training start-up benefit.
- The benefit should not be confused with the Employment Transition Benefit.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Discretionary benefit for low-cost energy-conservation measuresSupport for low-cost home energy-saving measures
- Extended health benefitExtended health coverage for eligible Ontario recipients
Frequently Asked Questions about the 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs Program
What is the 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs?
Provides up to $500 in 12 months for employment and training start-up costs. Also helps with up-front child care costs needed to begin or maintain work or approved employment-related activities.
How much funding can be received?
9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs Funds up to $500 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs program?
To be eligible for the 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs program, you must:
Eligible member of the benefit unit
Costs linked to work or approved activity
Child care paid in advance, if applicable
What expenses are eligible under 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs?
Starting, changing, or maintaining employment
Starting, changing, or maintaining an employment assistance activity
Training, job search, and job preparation activities
Approved activities intended to help the person become and stay employed
Where is the 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs available?
The 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the 9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs?
9.1 — Employment and training start up benefit and up front child care costs is funded by Government of Ontario