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Online Benefits Information
Ontario Works
GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
If you have no immediate source of income or assets, you may be eligible for Ontario Works. Ontario Works is what people often call "welfare" (it used to be known as General Welfare Assistance). Administered by your Municipal Social Services division under the authority of the provincial Ontario Works program, it offers basic monthly financial assistance to those people in immediate financial need who can show that their budgetary requirements exceeds their income. It can also cover the cost of prescription medications.
While many people with HIV are intimidated by speaking about their problem, it is important to remember that in order to get answers, you have to ask questions. If you have questions that aren't answered below, it would be a good idea to call Ontario Works directly, using the information we give at the end of this chapter.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
If you are able to work and have no barriers to obtaining employment, you would be required to participate in employment-search related activities (also known as "Workfare") as a condition of receiving Ontario Works. However, if you have barriers (i.e. temporary ill health, caring for an ill family member) to securing employment or participating in mandatory Ontario Works/Workfare, a "restriction to participate in" (deferral from) mandatory Ontario Works/Workfare programs may be granted. Ontario Works is an "asset-tested" Government Income Program. That is, you must demonstrate you have immediate financial need and no available financial resources. Assistance is given to those who have very limited liquid assets (savings, stocks, bonds, RRSPs, etc.) or other sources of income (employment income, Employment Insurance), or their income from all sources is less than their needs according to the budget limits set by Ontario Works.
Your monthly entitlement is determined on two calculations: a basic allowance to cover primary needs such as food, clothing and all other spending needs; and a shelter allowance amount, including rent, utilities, mortgage, taxes, condo fees, to a maximum. Some examples based on Toronto figures are:
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for a single adult, $195.00 basic allowance + maximum $325.00 for shelter allowance = $520.00/month;
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for a couple, $390. basic allowance + maximum $511. for shelter allowance= $901./month;
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for a couple with two children, $576.00 basic allowance + maximum $602.00 for shelter allowance = $1178.00 per month.
Other potential benefits may include: an Ontario Drug Benefits Card that covers medications listed in the Ontario Drug Benefits formulary, limited dental benefits for dependent children, discretionary costs such as dentures, vision coverage, funeral and burial costs, transportation allowance, special diet allowance, employment start up costs, and child care costs, and some necessary health benefits. You will need to confirm what your local Ontario Works program is able to offer.
Your eligibility for financial assistance depends on the amount of assets you have at the time that you apply, and the size of your family. For example, the asset limit for a single employable adult is $520.00, an employable couple must have less than $901.00, and a couple with 2 dependant children must have less than $1030.00 plus $500 for each child.
If you have a permanent barrier to employment due to ill health, but are in need of immediate financial assistance, a potential deferral may be granted from having to participate in mandatory Ontario Works (although voluntary participation is permitted if so chosen). Many people who are very ill will apply for Ontario Works to have some income while they wait for their ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) application to be processed (which can take several months). The eligible asset level increases on a 'once in a lifetime' (first time only) basis for those applying for the ODSP. This equals $5000.00 for a single adult, a couple equals $7,500.00 plus $500.00 for each dependent child.
APPLICATION PROCESS & DOCUMENTATION
To apply, you must be over 18 years of age but under the age of 65 (16 and 17 year olds can apply in special circumstances), have legal status in Canada, be a resident of Ontario, and be able to provide all vital applicant information to verify your immediate and on-going eligibility. Your application will be taken and assessed over the phone. Further eligibility will be determined through a meeting with a worker at your local office, and you will be required to provide documentation to support your situation and need for financial assistance. Ontario Works will monitor your on-going eligibility and entitlement. You are required to report any changes in your income or assets, living situation, family composition or other significant life changes. Failure to do so could result in suspension or termination of your benefits.
A personal or telephone intake is the first step. To contact your local office or Regional Call Centre, look in the Blue Pages of your local phone book in the Municipal section, or contact your local City Councillor. You will be asked questions about:
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your last sources of income (when and how much);
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eligibility for other income programs (ie employment insurance, CPP);
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all information about liquid (savings, RSPs, stocks, bonds) and acquired assets (property, vehicles, life insurance policies);
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marital status and family composition;
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rental or housing charges/mortgage/utilities/Condo fees/property taxes;
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general health questions;
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status in Canada.
If you are denied over the telephone, you must indicate that you object to the denial in order to preserve a right to appeal this decision.
DEFINITION OF ILLNESS/DISABILITY
For those applicants with health barriers to securing employment or participating in mandatory Ontario Works/Workfare, a restriction to participate in mandatory Ontario Works/Workfare programs may be granted. You must be able to document that you have a health condition that limits your ability to participate in Ontario Works/Workfare.
WAITING TIMES
Once Ontario Works has assessed you as eligible, the first payment is usually received within 72 hours. You must satisfy Ontario Works that you have, or will be able to, document any claims you make in regards to your application.
DOCUMENTATION TO BE COMPLETED
In order for Ontario Works to fully assess your application, you will be required to provide proof and documentation. This will include:
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Identification (ie passport, drivers license, Birth Certificate, SIN card);
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proof and value of all liquid and acquired assets (ie updated bankbook, RRSP's, etc)
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all housing related expenses (copy of your lease or letter from your landlord stating what rent you pay, mortgage papers, condo fee's, utilities, etc.)
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all documentation related to employment and income (ie pay stubs, receipts for contract work, Record of Employment etc.), plus additional documents that are unique to your situation and application for eligibility
PROCESS FOR LEAVING THE PROGRAM
There are several reasons why you might leave Ontario Works. One is that you start getting income from another source, such as ODSP, EI or CPP. Another might be that you are given or inherit a substantial asset or move out of the municipality. Another might be that your health improves and you decide to return to employment.
If you leave Ontario Works, it is essential to let them know right away so that you don't jeopardize any future application for benefits. If you are on Ontario Works for three months or less, any earnings you receive are deducted dollar for dollar from your entitlement. After 3 months on Ontario Works, you can qualify for the STEP program. In your first 12 months on the STEP program, you can keep $143 (for a single person) of your earnings each month, and 75% of the rest of your earnings are deducted dollar for dollar off your entitlement. For the next 12 months, you can keep $143 (single person), and 85% of the rest of your earnings are deducted dollar for dollar from your entitlement. After 24 months, you can only keep the $143, and 100% is deducted off your entitlement.
PAYMENT & RESPONSIBILITIES
Monthly cheques are mailed, made available for pick-up, or directly deposited to your bank account. Your monthly Drug Card will be mailed or made available for pick-up. Benefits are paid prior to the next calendar month (ie April's cheque comes at the end of March). Once you are assessed as eligible, the first payment is usually received within 72 hours. If you want to get direct-deposit of your benefit, you will need to supply a void cheque on your bank account.
Your on-going eligibility and entitlement will be monitored by Ontario Works. You are required to report any changes in your income or assets, living situation, family composition or other significant life changes. Failure to do so could result in suspension or termination of your benefits. If you disagree with a decision regarding your case, you can appeal the decision to your caseworker by requesting an internal review within 10 days of getting the decision, and appealing to the Social Benefits Tribunal if necessary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What if I don't know how long I'll be sick?
If you have a medical problem and are unsure of how long you will be unable to work, it is a good idea to apply for ODSP at the same time that you apply for Ontario Works. ODSP benefits are potentially larger than Ontario Works, but can take several months to start. You could also apply for Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits. They also can take several months.
Q: Will I have to sell my furniture or TV?
Generally, you would not be expected to part with your household goods, such as televisions, stereos, VCRs, computers, etc.
Q: What if I have debts?
If you have debts, such as credit cards or bank loans, you should declare them when you apply for OW. If you were to receive money, perhaps from a family member, to repay a debt, OW would need to have known about that debt. Otherwise, the money you'd received would be deducted from your benefits cheque.
Q: Can I work part-time?
Yes. However, you must declare any earnings to Ontario Works. They will withhold an equivalent amount from your next benefit cheque. After being on Ontario Works for more than 3 months, you can qualify for the STEP program. With the STEP program calculations, a certain percentage of your earnings will be deducted dollar for dollar while you are allowed to keep $143 (a single person). The longer you are on Ontario Works, the greater the percentage that is deducted from your entitlement. Also, any employment could result in your being re-evaluated for eligibility for Ontario Works benefits.
Q: How long does it take to usually get a cheque?
Usually 72 hours.
LINKS
To learn about Ontario Works,
http://www.gov.on.ca/CSS/page/services/ontworks.html
To find your Regional Office for Ontario Works,
http://www.gov.on.ca/CSS/page/offices/offices.html
To call your local Ontario Works office, look up Social Services in the blue pages section of your telephone directory.
Also, you should visit our sections on:
We hope this information provided by the Ontario AIDS Network answers all your questions. If the section does not answer all your questions, and you have HIV/AIDS or are an individual or organization supporting someone living with HIV/AIDS, let our Benefits Expert answer your question. All responses are confidential. Click HERE to send your question.
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