If you do not have enough money for food and housing and are in financial need, you can apply for Ontario Works assistance online or by calling 1-888-999-1142.
People who are eligible for Ontario Works Assistance may qualify for additional amounts or programs including the benefits listed below. People leaving Ontario Works for employment may continue to receive help with drug coverage and other health benefits.
As of March 1, 2025, all employment services for people receiving Ontario Works in Toronto are offered through Employment Ontario instead of through Toronto Employment & Social Services. As a result of this change, this benefit is no longer available. Learn more about the change.
People on Ontario Works may receive money to help with the cost of transportation while participating in activities that support their transition to Employment Ontario.
People on Ontario Works who have developed an Action Plan with their caseworker may be eligible for this benefit.
To apply for this benefit, speak to your caseworker.
$86 per month is available for a limited time.
People leaving Ontario Works because they are starting work or getting other income may continue to receive help with health costs for a period of time after they stop receiving monthly Ontario Works payments.
This can include:
If you leave Ontario Works because of employment earnings, you may be eligible for the Extended Employment Health Benefit.
This benefit is for people who are leaving Ontario Works due to employment income. Your eligibility will depend on whether your employer covers your health benefits.
Speak to your caseworker if your file will be closing due to employment.
This is an ongoing benefit for up to 12 months.
For the first six months following the end of your Ontario Works payments, your medication costs will be covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program using your Ontario health card. If you continue to have medication costs, you should apply for coverage through the Trillium Drug Program. Ask your caseworker if you need help paying the Trillium Drug Program deductible.
For 12 months following the end of your Ontario Works payments, the cost of other medical benefits may be covered. Provide your caseworker with proof of what is required and how much it costs.
Read related policies and procedures about the Extended Employment Health Benefit.
If you leave Ontario Works because of other income, you may be eligible for the Extended Health Benefit.
This benefit is for people who are leaving Ontario Works due to income. Your eligibility will depend on the cost of the medically-based items you need and the amount of your income and assets.
Speak to your caseworker if your file will be closing due to income.
If you require a medical item within the first month of leaving Ontario Works, provide your caseworker with proof of the item you need. Your caseworker will let you know if you are eligible for coverage. If your file has been closed for longer than one month, you can apply for coverage through Toronto’s Hardship Fund.
Read related policies and procedures about the Extended Health Benefit.
Job Incentive Program
As of March 1, 2025, all employment services for people receiving Ontario Works in Toronto are offered through Employment Ontario instead of through Toronto Employment & Social Services.
As a result of this change, we are assessing next steps, and this program has been paused. Please check back for program updates or contact TESSpartnerships@toronto.ca if you have questions.
People on Ontario Works may receive money to pay one month of child care in advance if this is required to start work or begin an employment assistance activity such as training.
If your child care provider is asking you to pay fees in advance, the Child Care Start-Up Benefit can help you with one month’s child care costs. The maximum benefit amount for informal care (unlicensed) is $600 per child. There is no maximum benefit amount for licensed day care. This benefit is available once in a 12-month period.
People on Ontario Works can apply for this benefit.
Apply now for Ontario Works and speak to your caseworker. You will be asked to provide proof of the advance child care cost.
Read related policies and procedures about child care start-up costs.
The Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) program helps young parents on Ontario Works through its three elements:
Learning – to encourage young parents to attend an educational program leading to a high school diploma or equivalent
Earning – to promote the development of employment skills leading to job readiness
Parenting – to support young parents in improving parenting skills
Parents 16 or 17 years-old receiving Ontario Works will automatically be started in LEAP. Parents 18 to 25 years-old who have not completed high school can choose to participate in the program.
If you are a 16 or 17 year-old parent receiving Ontario Works, your caseworker will automatically start you in LEAP. If you are an 18 to 25 year-old parent and have not completed high school, speak to your caseworker.
LEAP participants have access to childcare in order to take part in program activities such as:
Each parent participating in LEAP receives $233 per month in addition to your monthly Ontario Works benefits. Upon successfully completing the program, each parent will receive $500 to pay for further education for yourself or your child(ren).
Additional funds may be available to help pay for school supplies and other related costs.
Read related policies and procedures about 16 & 17 year olds.
People on Ontario Works in Toronto may qualify to take a skill training or employment program to learn new skills, explore careers, prepare for employment or learn about self-employment.