Open
Source verified August 19, 2026
Ontario Works
Financial help for basic needs and shelter
Latest source updateLast Update: August 21, 2026Latest change: Simcoe County updated Ontario Works phone application instructions, removed the CUAET Ukrainian immigrant staff-assisted category, and shortened telephone application hours to 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 21, 2026
Latest change: Simcoe County updated Ontario Works phone application instructions, removed the CUAET Ukrainian immigrant staff-assisted category, and shortened telephone application hours to 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Ontario Works application process updated
Simcoe County revised the How to Apply for Ontario Works page so staff now complete Ontario Works applications only, and the staff-assisted category for Ukrainian immigrants under CUAET was removed. The telephone application window also changed from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The unit names and contact descriptions were updated while the listed phone numbers stayed the same.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario Works is a province-wide program for Ontario residents in temporary financial need. It provides financial assistance and employment supports to help people meet basic needs and shelter costs while working toward self-sufficiency; benefits can include food, housing, dental care and job search support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- 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
Activities funded
- Employment assistance activities that help people find and maintain employment
Documents Needed
- All required forms completed and signed, and if required, witnessed and/or commissioned
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Residents of Ontario.
Eligible expenses
- Basic needs and shelter expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Travel for purposes other than approved medical travel on the medical mileage reimbursement form
How to apply
- Apply for Ontario Works online or by phone.
- Gather information from a number of documents before you start, including your family’s identification and tax documents.
Processing and Agreement
- An applicant or recipient can request an internal review of any decision.
- The request must be made in writing within 30 calendar days after receipt of the decision.
- The office will complete the internal review within 10 days of the request and notify the result.
- If you disagree with the internal review, you can appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal within 30 days of the internal review decision.
- You cannot file the appeal unless you have asked for an internal review.
Additional information
- Ontario Works is a province-wide program delivered at the local level.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Works Program
What is the Ontario Works?
Ontario Works is a province-wide program for Ontario residents in temporary financial need. It provides financial assistance and employment supports to help people meet basic needs and shelter costs while working toward self-sufficiency; benefits can include food, housing, dental care and job search support.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Works program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Works program, you must:
Applicants must be residents of Ontario, 18 years of age or older, and have status in Canada
Applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age may be eligible under special circumstances only
Participants must participate in employment assistance activities as a condition of eligibility
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Works?
Employment assistance activities that help people find and maintain employment
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Works?
You can contact United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) by email at ontarioworks@hamilton.ca or by phone at 1-855-999-8729.
Where is the Ontario Works available?
The Ontario Works program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Works?
Ontario Works is funded by United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG)