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Emergency Assistance

Short-term financial support in urgent situations

Offered by
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
Official source: cityofkingston.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
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.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Emergency Assistance content updated

Emergency Assistance now shows a much fuller application and eligibility guide, including new online application instructions, CUAET guidance, and updated contact details.

See more

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.

Official source: cityofkingston.ca
July 8, 2026

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.
Open application portal

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

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

1-888-789-4199

Official sources

Emergency Assistance

Application portal

Apply for emergency assistanceBefore you apply
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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.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

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

What expenses are eligible under Emergency Assistance?

Food and housing costs Prescription drug costs, through a drug card

Who can I contact for more information about the Emergency Assistance?

You can contact Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) 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