Open
Source verified September 27, 2026
Ontario Works or emergency assistance
Financial assistance for people in temporary need
Latest source updateLast Update: October 2, 2026Latest change: The internal review page now gives clearer destination instructions for Ontario Works and ODSP review and withdrawal requests, including separate contacts for the Social Assistance Intake Unit, Disability Adjudication Unit, and Program Oversight Management Unit.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 2, 2026
Latest change: The internal review page now gives clearer destination instructions for Ontario Works and ODSP review and withdrawal requests, including separate contacts for the Social Assistance Intake Unit, Disability Adjudication Unit, and Program Oversight Management Unit.
Ontario Works review request instructions updated
The internal reviews page for social assistance now routes requests to the office or unit named in the decision letter, instead of relying on one general set of instructions. It also adds separate submission options for the Social Assistance Intake Unit, the Disability Adjudication Unit, the Program Oversight Management Unit, and local Ontario Works or ODSP offices. The withdrawal instructions were also clarified so a request to cancel an internal review should be sent back to the same office or unit that received the original request.
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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
- Social insurance number (SIN)
- OHIP card (Ontario Health card)
- Immigration papers
- Banking information
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.
- Complete the steps on the following pages.
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
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 ContactUs@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.