Social Assistance

Employment activities and your Action Plan

As part of Ontario Works, most people who can work must take part in employment activities. This includes:

• Single people

• Couples with or without children

• Sole support parents

• Dependent adults 18 or older

After you start getting benefits, your Case Manager will contact you for a Common Assessment. This helps create your Action Plan, which is a step-by-step guide with goals to help you work toward a job. Your Case Manager will refer you to an Employment Ontario site. Once you're working with them, they will take care of any employment-related costs that come up.

Spousal support and your file

If you apply for Ontario Works, you are required to pursue spousal support payments. You do not need to receive the payments to stay eligible, you just need to show you are making efforts to get them.

Access your information by phone

Once your application is approved, you will receive a 9-digit member ID and a 4-digit personal identification number (PIN). You will need both to access your case file by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-808-2268 where you can:

• Check issued payments and new overpayment information

• See what verification items are still needed

• Find out if you qualify for additional benefits

• Report your earnings

• Get contact details for your local office

MyBenefits

MyBenefits is an online service that’s available 24/7 if you receive Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). If you have an email address on file and have your member ID, you can create your MyBenefits account.

With MyBenefits, you can:

• Report changes to your income, address, shelter costs, or phone number

• See past payments

• Check your overpayment balance

• View your letters and get email alerts when new letters are ready

• See your profile information (such as phone number, email, and household members)

Reloadable Payment Card

The Reloadable Payment Card (RPC) is another way to receive social assistance if you cannot open or keep a bank account for direct deposit. The RPC works like a debit card but does not need a bank account. Social assistance payments are loaded onto the card electronically. You’ll be able to get money from ATMs, use the card at stores or shop online anywhere Visa is accepted. You must enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account.

The RPC is convenient, secure and reliable. It is better than a cheque for people who cannot open or keep a bank account because it:

• Improves service by reducing the need to replace lost, stolen or damaged cheques

• Provides better security with PIN and chip technology, so you can carry less cash

• Increases privacy because the card looks like any other bank card

• Saves money by reducing the need for expensive cheque cashing services

Eligibility review

We take fraud seriously. If we find evidence that someone has misrepresented their situation to receive Ontario Works benefits, we may refer the case to police for investigation. If you suspect fraud, you can report it online, email Community Support Services or call 613-933-6282 ext. 3305.

Appeals to decision

An internal review is an informal way to have a decision about your financial assistance looked at again.