Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Ontario Works – Financial Assistance
Income support for people in financial need
Funding available
$ 733
Deadline
Closed
Location
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario Works is an Ontario social assistance program for people in financial need, with monthly assistance of up to $733 for basic needs and shelter if single. It can include basic needs and shelter supports, health benefits, prescription drug coverage, dental and vision care, and employment-related supports such as job search, training, and placement.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 733 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- St. Thomas
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Income Support and Maintenance
Target groups
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Job search support services and employment information sessions
- Community participation activities and employment placements
- Employment placement and job retention services
- Supports for self-employment development
- Referral to basic education, Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP), literacy and job-specific skills training, and screening for substance abuse with referral to assessment and treatment if necessary
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals who are at least 16 years of age
- Ontario residents
- Individuals in financial need
- Applicants with assets within the program limits
- Applicants willing to participate in employment activities
Eligible expenses
- Basic needs, including food, clothing, and other necessary personal items
- Shelter costs, including rent or mortgage payments, heat, utilities, property taxes, home insurance, condominium fees, approved home repairs, and security deposits for reconnection or connection of an energy source or heating
- Prescription drugs listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary
- Health-related expenses, including vision care, dental care, diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and dressings, travel and transportation for medical purposes, assistive devices, batteries and necessary repairs for mobility devices, and routine eye examinations
- Employment-related expenses, including costs associated with beginning full-time employment and other employment-related expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Prescription drug co-payment amount
How to apply
- Use the Apply for Ontario Works online application to start a new application.
- Continue an application through MyBenefits.
- If you want to apply in person, use the office locator to find a local office.
Processing and Agreement
- The Administrator reviews the application and makes a decision about eligibility for assistance.
- Application information may be verified by third parties and supporting documentation before or after an eligibility decision is made.
- A Notice of Decision is issued in writing or electronic format and delivered in person, by pre-paid regular mail, or electronically through SAMS.
- The Notice of Decision must include the decision, reasons, effective date, appeal rights, and internal review information.
- A written and signed internal review request must be submitted within 30 calendar days after receipt or deemed receipt of the Notice of Decision before appealing to the Social Benefits Tribunal.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Works – Financial Assistance Program
What is the Ontario Works – Financial Assistance?
Ontario Works is an Ontario social assistance program for people in financial need, with monthly assistance of up to $733 for basic needs and shelter if single. It can include basic needs and shelter supports, health benefits, prescription drug coverage, dental and vision care, and employment-related supports such as job search, training, and placement.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Works – Financial Assistance Funds up to $733 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Works – Financial Assistance program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Works – Financial Assistance program, you must:
Be at least 16 years old
Be an Ontario resident
Be in financial need, have assets within program limits, and participate in employment activities
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Works – Financial Assistance?
Job search support services and employment information sessions
Community participation activities and employment placements
Employment placement and job retention services
Supports for self-employment development
Referral to basic education, Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP), literacy and job-specific skills training, and screening for substance abuse with referral to assessment and treatment if necessary
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Works – Financial Assistance?
You can contact City of St. Thomas or by phone at 1-888-999-1142.
Where is the Ontario Works – Financial Assistance available?
The Ontario Works – Financial Assistance program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Works – Financial Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Works – Financial Assistance is a Grant and Funding