Open
Source verified August 21, 2026
Ontario Works or emergency assistance
Financial assistance for people in temporary need
Latest source updateLast Update: June 14, 2026Latest change: The Ontario Works page now shows a more detailed application flow, updated program overview, and current support information, including the $733 monthly example for a single person.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 14, 2026
Latest change: The Ontario Works page now shows a more detailed application flow, updated program overview, and current support information, including the $733 monthly example for a single person.
Ontario Works page updated with new application details
The page now presents a fuller Ontario Works overview with clearer scope and funding details, including that a single person may receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter, and that the Canada Disability Benefit does not affect Ontario Works eligibility or payment amount. The application section was expanded from a simple apply/contact flow to step-by-step instructions: online applications take 20 to 30 minutes, applicants may be asked for supporting documents, and decisions are expected within four business days once all information is received. The page also now shows a 30-day request period for a financial eligibility review and updated support options through MyBenefits and the Social Assistance Support Line at 1-888-999-1142 / TTY 1-800-387-5559.
Funding available
$ 733
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario Works and emergency assistance provide financial help for people in financial need in Ontario, including short-term support in a crisis or emergency. Ontario Works can help with food, rent, health benefits, medical transportation, and employment-related activities for eligible recipients and their families.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
- 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
- Job search support services
- Employment information sessions
- Community participation activities
- Literacy, English language training and academic upgrading
- Volunteer opportunities and other employment-related activities that help participants find and keep a job
Documents Needed
- Full address, including postal code
- Date of birth
- Social insurance numbers and health card numbers
- Income or earning details, such as pay stubs
- Banking information, accommodation information, and asset details
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- People who need support with money for food and housing.
Who is not eligible
- People who are currently receiving social assistance.
- People who are currently ineligible for assistance.
- Tourists or visitors.
Eligible expenses
- Basic needs, including food, clothing and other necessary personal items
- Shelter costs, including rent, mortgage payments, heat, utilities, property taxes, home insurance and condominium fees
- Prescription drugs listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary
- Medical transportation and parking expenses
- Diabetic or surgical supplies and dressings
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Any travel for purposes other than medical purposes.
- Medical transportation costs totalling $14.99 or less in any given month.
How to apply
- Start a new application.
Processing and Agreement
- Your funds are deposited at 12:01 a.m. on the payment due date.
- A monthly Statement of Direct Deposit will be mailed to you.
- If your account number changes or if you change banks notify your worker immediately.
Additional information
- The ministry may use AI tools, with your consent, to organize and assess the information you provide and flag documents that need closer review.
- AI does not decide eligibility; trained caseworkers review your information, consider your full situation, and make decisions on your case.
- Your information is not used to train AI systems or shared with third-party organizations.
- MyBenefits lets Ontario Works clients report changes or get information about their case, and the IVR system provides payment and case information by phone.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Works or emergency assistance Program
What is the Ontario Works or emergency assistance?
Ontario Works and emergency assistance provide financial help for people in financial need in Ontario, including short-term support in a crisis or emergency. Ontario Works can help with food, rent, health benefits, medical transportation, and employment-related activities for eligible recipients and their families.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Works or emergency assistance Funds up to $733 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Works or emergency assistance program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Works or emergency assistance program, you must:
Applicants need support with money for food and housing.
Applicants must participate in employment services with Employment Ontario.
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Works or emergency assistance?
Job search support services
Employment information sessions
Community participation activities
Literacy, English language training and academic upgrading
Volunteer opportunities and other employment-related activities that help participants find and keep a job
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Works or emergency assistance?
You can contact Region of Peel by email at accessyork@york.ca or by phone at 1-888-999-1142.
Where is the Ontario Works or emergency assistance available?
The Ontario Works or emergency assistance program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Works or emergency assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Works or emergency assistance is a Grant and Funding