Applying for Social Assistance

• Social Insurance Number
• Health card number
• Identification and tax documents for family members
• Banking information
• Immigration papers, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Individuals living in Chatham-Kent
• People in temporary financial need
• Applicants seeking Ontario Works or related assistance

Eligible expenses

• Food costs
• Housing costs
• Rent and energy costs

Eligible geographic areas

• Chatham-Kent
• Ontario

• Financial need
• Willingness to work toward employment
• Participation in employment services, when required

• Step 1: Choose your application method
  • Apply online for Ontario Works using the centralized intake application.
  • Apply by telephone or in person through your local office for certain types of assistance.
• Step 2: Prepare your information
  • Gather personal and family information needed for the application.
  • Have identification, banking, income, housing, and utility details ready.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Complete the online application or call the support line to apply by phone.
  • For in-person support, contact the local office serving your address.
• Step 4: Attend the verification interview
  • Meet with a caseworker at an Ontario Works office.
  • All applicants in the household must attend when required.

• Initial eligibility is reviewed by the Ministry for most Ontario Works applications.
• Applicants complete a verification interview at an Ontario Works office.
• A caseworker verifies information and determines eligibility.
• Applicants are informed of their rights and responsibilities.
• Applicants may appeal if they are found ineligible or disagree with the amount received.

• The Ministry assumes initial eligibility decisions for most Ontario Works applications.
• Applications can be completed online or by phone.
• You can check the status of an online application after submission.
• An appeal is available if you disagree with a decision or benefit amount.