Ontario Works at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly (single) | $733 |
| Basic needs | $390 |
| Shelter (max) | $343 |
| Asset limit (single) | $10,000 |
| Asset limit (couple) | $15,000 |
| Administered by | Municipal social services |
Monthly Payment Rates (2026)
| Family Size | Basic Needs | Max Shelter | Max Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $390 | $343 | $733 |
| Couple | $622 | $503 | $1,125 |
| Single + 1 child | $390 | $503 | $893 |
| Single + 2 children | $390 | $562 | $952 |
| Couple + 1 child | $622 | $663 | $1,285 |
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ (16-17 in special circumstances) |
| Residence | Living in Ontario |
| Financial need | Income and assets below limits |
| Employment readiness | Willing to look for work or participate in activities |
| Not on other assistance | Not receiving ODSP, EI, or other conflicting benefits |
Asset Limits
| Asset | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Cash and savings | Counts toward $10,000 limit |
| Primary residence | Exempt |
| One vehicle | Exempt (up to $20,000 value) |
| RRSP | Counts (consider withdrawal implications) |
| TFSA | Counts toward limit |
| RDSP | Exempt |
How to Apply
Step 1: Gather Documents
- ID (driver’s license, health card, passport)
- Proof of address (lease, utility bills)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return)
- Bank statements
- Rent receipts
Step 2: Apply
- Online: ontario.ca/socialassistance
- Phone: Call your local social services office
- In person: Visit local Ontario Works office
Step 3: Eligibility Interview
An OW worker will review your situation and verify your information.
Step 4: Participation Agreement
You’ll agree to participate in employment-related activities.
Benefits Included
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Basic needs | Food, clothing, personal items |
| Shelter | Rent or mortgage payments |
| Drug coverage | Emergency prescription coverage |
| Dental (emergency) | Limited emergency coverage |
| Vision | Basic coverage |
| Community start-up | Help with deposits, moving costs (one-time) |
Employment Participation
| Activity | Required? |
|---|---|
| Job search | ✅ Yes |
| Skills training | ✅ If assigned |
| Volunteering | May be assigned |
| Attending appointments | ✅ Yes |
Exemptions may apply if you have a medical condition, are caring for children, or have other barriers.
Working While on OW
| Earnings | Treatment |
|---|---|
| First $200/month | Exempt |
| Earnings above $200 | 50% clawed back |
Goal: OW is designed to help you transition to employment, not as long-term support.
OW vs ODSP
| Feature | Ontario Works | ODSP |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly (single) | $733 | $1,308 |
| Asset limit | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| For | Temporary financial need | People with disabilities |
| Work requirement | Yes | Employment supports optional |
| Duration | Short-term | Long-term |
If you have a disability, you may apply for ODSP while receiving OW.
Ontario Works and tax
Like ODSP, Ontario Works (OW) payments are not taxable income and do not appear on your T1. However:
- You should still file a tax return every year to access the GST/HST credit, Ontario Trillium Benefit, and the Canada Carbon Rebate
- Employment earnings while on OW are taxable — you will receive a T4 from your employer
- OW is not counted as income for federal benefit purposes, so receiving it does not reduce your GST credit or CCB
Filing taxes while on OW is generally straightforward through the free Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) — free tax clinics run by CRA-trained volunteers. Find clinics at canada.ca/cvitp.
Appealing an Ontario Works decision
If you are denied OW, cut off, or have your payments reduced, you have the right to appeal:
| Appeal stage | Timeline | How |
|---|---|---|
| Internal review | Request within 30 days of the decision | Ask your caseworker for a review; a different caseworker examines the decision |
| Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) | Within 30 days of internal review result | Independent tribunal; no cost to appeal |
| Divisional Court | Only for judicial review of SBT errors | Requires legal representation |
Free legal help: Community Legal Aid clinics provide free assistance with OW appeals in Ontario — contact legalaid.on.ca.
Moving from Ontario Works to ODSP
If your financial situation is due to a disability that will last more than a year, you may be eligible for ODSP, which provides significantly higher support ($1,308/month vs $733/month for a single person).
You can apply for ODSP while still receiving Ontario Works — your caseworker can help you initiate the process. During the transition period, OW payments continue. If your ODSP application is approved retroactively, there may be an adjustment for the months you were on OW.
See ODSP Ontario for full eligibility requirements and the application process.
The community start-up and maintenance benefit
Ontario Works provides a one-time Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit (CSUMB) to help with extraordinary shelter-related costs:
| Situation | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Moving to new housing | First and last month’s rent, moving costs |
| Preventing eviction | Arrears assistance |
| Essential repairs | Heat, plumbing, structural safety issues |
| Setting up new home | Beds, basic furniture for people exiting homelessness or shelter |
Maximum amount varies; your caseworker must approve the request before expenses are incurred. The benefit is not automatic — you must request it and demonstrate the need.