Closed
Source verified July 23, 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
Closed
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.
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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
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Canadians
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?
- Ontario residents with status in Canada.
- People in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel with a valid CUAET visa and no more than 4 emergency assistance uses.
- People in Ontario who need short-term financial support for food and housing during a crisis or emergency.
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
- Prescription drug co-payment amounts
- Items not included in the MCSS Vision Care Fee Schedule
- Travel for purposes other than medical purposes
- Medical transportation costs totalling $14.99 or less in any given month
How to apply
- Apply online through the Social Assistance Digital Application or the Emergency Assistance Application, available 24/7.
- You can also apply by phone at 1-888-999-1142.
- If you live in a First Nations community, are under 18, or do not have a Social Insurance Number, contact your local Ontario Works office to apply for emergency assistance.
Processing and Agreement
- Your Ontario Works application is reviewed by a member of the provincial Ontario Works Intake Unit, which determines whether you are eligible to receive ongoing Ontario Works financial assistance.
- If you disagree with a decision, you can request an internal review within 30 days of receiving the decision letter.
- If you disagree with the internal review decision, you may file an appeal with the Social Benefits Tribunal.
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 must be at least 16 years of age.
Applicants must be Ontario residents with status in Canada.
Applicants must be in financial need, have assets within the program limits, and participate in employment activities.
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