What is Ontario Works?
Ontario Works (OW) helps people who are in financial need. It offers two types of assistance: financial assistance and employment assistance.
Financial assistance is provided in two ways:
- Income Support (which is divided into two types of payment):
- Basic needs’ support, for things like food and clothing
- Shelter support for accommodations (e.g., rent, mortgage payments, utilities, etc.)
- Health & Other Benefits
- These benefits are provided to recipients in addition to the income support they receive. This includes prescription coverage, vision/dental care for dependent children, etc.
Employment assistance is provided to help recipients get a job, keep a job, and advance in their job. The supports provided include workshops (resume writing, interviews, etc.), job counselling, job-specific training, access to basic education (finishing high school, improving language skills, etc.)
