Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Emergency Assistance
Short-term financial support in urgent situations
Latest source updateLast Update: July 8, 2026Latest change: Emergency Assistance now shows a much fuller application and eligibility guide, including new online application instructions, CUAET guidance, and updated contact details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 8, 2026
Latest change: Emergency Assistance now shows a much fuller application and eligibility guide, including new online application instructions, CUAET guidance, and updated contact details.
Emergency Assistance content updated
Emergency Assistance now shows expanded eligibility and application guidance. The page adds online application steps, new support endpoints, and detailed instructions for applicants, including guidance for people in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), first nations communities, people under 18, and applicants without a Social Insurance Number. The content also adds funding details that were not previously visible in the same form, including approximately $733 per month for a single person needing food and shelter support, up to 48 days of support in some cases, and up to six months of support for eligible CUAET applicants. The page now also lists direct-deposit and cheque timing, with payments within two business days by direct deposit or seven business days by cheque, and the contact block with email, phone, fax, and mailing address is no longer shown on the emergency assistance page.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
People living in Ontario who are in a crisis or emergency and do not have enough money for food and housing
See full eligibility
Overview
Emergency Assistance provides temporary financial support of about $733 a month to people in Ontario facing a crisis or emergency, including some applicants under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. It can help with food, housing, and prescription drug costs when basic needs are at risk.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Kingston
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Personal information for you and your family
- Housing cost details
- Income and asset information
- Bank account information, if available
- Proof of Canadian status, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- People living in Ontario who are in a crisis or emergency and do not have enough money for food and housing
- People in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel
- People who live in a First Nations community, are under 18, or do not have a Social Insurance Number and contact their local Ontario Works office to apply
Who is not eligible
- People getting assistance from Ontario Works
- People getting assistance from the Ontario Disability Support Program
- Visitors or tourists in Ontario
Eligible expenses
- Food and housing costs
- Prescription drug costs, through a drug card
How to apply
- Gather the necessary information and submit your application online if you have a Canadian Social Insurance Number, email address and phone number; otherwise contact your local Ontario Works office.
- Submit only one application for you and your immediate family.
- If you are applying online under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, select Emergency Authorization (e.g., CUAET) for What best describes your situation?
- Ontario Works reviews your application and may ask you to provide more information to verify it.
- A worker from your local Ontario Works office will contact you within four business days; if approved, payment is issued by direct deposit or cheque.
Processing and Agreement
- Ontario Works reviews your application.
- A worker from your local Ontario Works office will contact you within four business days after you submit your application, excluding weekends and holidays.
- They may ask you to provide more information to verify your application, such as copies of bills or other documents.
- If no additional information is required, they may tell you whether your application has been approved and how much you can expect to receive.
- If approved, your local Ontario Works office will issue a payment right away; if you provided bank information, the payment will arrive in your bank account within two business days, otherwise a cheque will arrive in seven business days.
Additional information
- You do not need a full Ontario Works application.
- You must have a face-to-face meeting, including a financial assessment.
- You do not need an Ontario Works participation agreement.
- If your application is denied, you cannot appeal it.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Assistance Program
What is the Emergency Assistance?
Emergency Assistance provides temporary financial support of about $733 a month to people in Ontario facing a crisis or emergency, including some applicants under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. It can help with food, housing, and prescription drug costs when basic needs are at risk.
Who is eligible for the Emergency Assistance program?
To be eligible for the Emergency Assistance program, you must:
Live in Ontario and be facing a crisis or emergency
Have tried other sources of help first
Not have enough money or assets to meet basic needs
Who can I contact for more information about the Emergency Assistance?
You can contact Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) by email at none or by phone at 1-888-789-4199.
Where is the Emergency Assistance available?
The Emergency Assistance program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Emergency Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Emergency Assistance is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Emergency Assistance?
Emergency Assistance is funded by Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), City of Kingston