What if your client requires immediate financial assistance?

If your client requires immediate financial assistance and they’re debating between applying for Ontario Works or ODSP, you should recommend they apply for Ontario Works. Ontario Works takes less time and can provide help sooner. Ontario Works also pays at the beginning of the month which can be more helpful for someone who needs immediate financial assistance. This might be useful for clients recently released from custody and looking to secure housing or basic necessities. If your client applies for Ontario Works, they can still apply for ODSP after and they can talk to their Ontario Works caseworker about this. 

Your client might also be able to apply for Ontario Works’ Emergency Assistance. This program provides short-term financial assistance to people facing a crisis or emergency situation. For more information, see: “How can someone apply for emergency assistance?”

How You Can Help:

• Step 1: Help your client find and contact their local social assistance office.
• Step 2: Help your client gather and organize the required documentation for an application to Ontario Works, either for income assistance or emergency assistance.

For more information, see: “How do you start an application for Ontario Works?”