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Ontario Works Program - Ontario - Canada
Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026

Ontario Works Program

Financial assistance and supports for people in need
Latest source update
Last Update: July 19, 2026
Latest change: The visible Ontario Works content now centers on an Assisted Funerals Policy for St. Thomas–Elgin, including local eligibility, service limits, and application steps.
View change
Ontario Works content shifted to assisted funerals policy
The visible Ontario Works content now presents an Assisted Funerals Policy for St. Thomas–Elgin Ontario Works instead of the earlier Ontario Works forms and rights-and-responsibilities material. The new content adds local funeral, burial, and cremation assistance rules for St. Thomas and Elgin County, including a stated effective date of June 16, 2014 and a local application process. The policy now identifies eligible groups as Ontario Works recipients, ODSP recipients, and qualifying low-income individuals, and it describes service caps of $3,500 plus HST for funeral services, $1,300 for cemetery services, and $500 for cremation services. It also lays out revised submission and documentation steps for applicants, funeral homes, cemetery operators, and crematorium operators.
Funding available
$ 733
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply

People who need support with money for food and housing.

See full eligibility

Overview

Ontario Works provides $733 a month in financial assistance and related supports for people in financial need in Ontario. Monthly assistance may include basic needs, shelter allowance, health-related benefits, and support for employment activities, with the amount adjusted to each household’s situation.
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At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 733 $
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)
  • Women

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Employment assistance activities and supports.
  • Training, literacy screening, assessment and training.
  • Home visits and case management-related activities.

Documents Needed

  • Supporting documents requested as part of the application process.
  • Information required to assess eligibility and financial need.

Official resources

Official page

Ontario Works Program

Program guide

1.1 Overview of Ontario Works

10.1 Notice and internal review process

11.1 Delivery standards

Application form

Application for Assistance under the Ontario Works Act Income Support under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act

Application form

Rights and Responsibilities Ontario Works - English - 006-1107e - Central Forms Repository (CFR)

Rights and Responsibilities Ontario Works - Forms - Central Forms Repository (CFR)

Application portal

Apply for Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program

Supporting document

City of St. Thomas

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • People who need support with money for food and housing.
  • People with a disability who are in financial need.

Who is not eligible

  • People already receiving social assistance, in some emergency assistance cases.
  • Tourists and visitors.
  • People serving a period of ineligibility.

Eligible expenses

  • Basic needs and shelter costs.
  • Health-related benefits and coverage.
  • Employment-related benefits and supports.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Costs not covered by the program's approved business expense rules.
  • Expenses already covered by another child care funding source.
  • Discretionary benefits that are not approved.

How to apply

  • Apply online through the provincial application portal.
  • If you recently received Ontario Works, you may be able to re-apply using a simpler process.
  • Complete the steps on the following pages after starting a new application.

Processing and Agreement

  • You have the right to receive decisions in writing and to ask for an internal review if you disagree with a decision.
  • You can also appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal after an internal review.

Additional information

  • You can bring someone with you when you meet with your worker.
  • If coming to the local Ontario Works office puts your personal safety at risk, an appointment at an alternate location may be arranged.
  • You have the right to receive decisions in writing and request an internal review if you disagree with a decision.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Works Program Program

What is the Ontario Works Program?

Ontario Works provides $733 a month in financial assistance and related supports for people in financial need in Ontario. Monthly assistance may include basic needs, shelter allowance, health-related benefits, and support for employment activities, with the amount adjusted to each household’s situation.

How much funding can be received?

Ontario Works Program Funds up to $733 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Ontario Works Program program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Works Program program, you must: Applicants must be in financial need. Applicants must participate in employment services and activities. Eligibility is based on financial information.

What expenses are eligible under Ontario Works Program?

Employment assistance activities and supports. Training, literacy screening, assessment and training. Home visits and case management-related activities.

Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Works Program?

You can contact Government of Ontario or by phone at 1-888-999-1142.

Where is the Ontario Works Program available?

The Ontario Works Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Ontario Works Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Works Program is a Grant and Funding