Apply for Social Assistance
Call 905-641-9230 or 1-866-627-1110 (from West Niagara) or you may apply online to apply for assistance through the Ontario Works program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Ontario Works, you must:
- be a resident of Ontario
- be in immediate financial need
- be willing to participate in activities that will help you find a job
Use the Ministry of Community and Social Services' eligibility estimator to see if you might be eligible and if you are, an estimate of how much money you may receive. If your results indicate that you may qualify, you should begin the application process.
Children and Youth in Need of Income Support
If you are a 16 or 17-year-old youth, you may apply for social assistance under special circumstances.
Temporary Care Assistance for Children
If you are looking after a child in need of financial help and you are not the child's birth or adoptive parent, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance.
What to Expect when you Call
Your call could take up to 40 minutes to complete. You must have the following information (for each family member who will be included in the application) available when you call:
- Date of birth
- Social insurance number
- Health card number
- Full address including postal code
You will be asked a series of questions over the telephone to determine your potential eligibility.
If it appears that you are eligible, you will be scheduled to attend a verification interview with a casemanager.
What to Expect at the Verification Interview
All adults in your family (including any of your children over the age of 18 who reside with you) must attend the verification interview with you.
Your personal information will be collected and verified by the documents you bring with you. The application for assistance could take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Checklist for documents you need
If you are Found to be Eligible for Social Assistance
In most cases, eligibility can be determined the same day as your application. We will mail your first assistance cheque, which should arrive a few days after your appointment.
As an Ontario Works Participant
Read full details about being an Ontario Works Participant and watch this helpful video.
How much Money will I Receive?
The amount of money you may receive on a monthly basis will depend on your:
- family size
- income
- assets (what you own)
- shelter costs
The Ministry of Community and Social Services' eligibility estimator will give you an estimate of how much money you may receive if you are eligible.
If you are Found Not Eligible for Social Assistance
You may request an internal review of the decision. A review of a decision is to ensure that it is consistent with the legislation, regulations and policy directives of the Ontario Works program.