Why have someone’s income support payments been reduced?

General Rule: Payments are typically reduced because of a change in circumstance or because of an overpayment, but sometimes the amount is changed because Ontario Works is not kept informed or provided up-to-date information. 

If the amount of money your client usually receives from Ontario Works is reduced, ask them: 

1. Have you recently been incarcerated? 
2. Have you (or a member of your family) recently moved?
3. Have you recently been admitted to a hospital, specialized care centre, or substance abuse program?
4. Have you (and the members of your family) been meeting your participation requirements? (e.g., looking for a job, participating in training, etc.)
5. Have you (or a member of your family) recently received spousal support?
6. Have you (or a member of your family) not received spousal support you were supposed to receive?
7. Have you (or a member of your family) recently received income from employment?
8. Have you (or a member of your family) recently received other benefits (e.g., EI, CPP, etc.)?
9. Have you (or a member of your family) recently received an inheritance?
10. Have you sold assets recently (e.g., car, house, etc.)?
11. Has your household recently changed? (e.g., new roommate, spouse, children, parents, etc.)
12. Has your family changed? (e.g., separated from spouse, new partner, new dependants, etc.)

If your client answers yes to any of these questions, they might experience a change or reduction in the amount of income support they receive. If they answer no to these questions but still had a change or reduction in their support payments, refer them to a legal clinic.

How You Can Help:

• Step 1: Help your client contact their caseworker to confirm the reason(s) for the changes/reductions in support amounts.
• Step 2: Help your client provide further information to their caseworker about the changes to make sure they have accurate and up-to-date information.
• Step 3: If your client wants to dispute a change or reduction in their support payments, refer them to a legal clinic and make sure they bring their Notice of Decision, if they have it.  
• Step 4: If your client can’t receive legal advice, help them complete a form letter for internal review or draft their own letter. Make sure they submit their request within 30 days from when they received the decision about the changes in their support payments.
• Step 5: If your client is no longer receiving their income support or is receiving less income support than they usually do, help them make a plan to avoid further civil legal issues, like being evicted for not paying rent, missing support payments or running into debt issues for not paying outstanding bills. If your client will be unable to make these kinds of payments without their income support, you can help them find other funding (e.g., rent bank programs, etc.) or refer them for legal advice before the issues escalate.
• Additional steps you can take
  • Point your client to appropriate resources as available
    • What if I am working and receiving Ontario Works? 
    • Can I still get Ontario Works if I live with another adult?
    • What if I am receiving child support while on Ontario Works?
    • What if I am receiving spousal support while on Ontario Works?
    • What happens to my Ontario Works payments when I earn money?
  • Help your client review their Participation Agreement to make sure they are meeting all of their requirements.