Ontario Works Payment Dates 2024

Many Canadians have a difficult time covering the cost of the necessities of life, including food and shelter. Fortunately, several government programs provide financial assistance to families who need it.

In Ontario, families in financial need may qualify for the Ontario Works program, which is designed to help struggling families cover the cost of food, shelter, and other costs of living.

Let’s go into more detail about the OW program, what you need to qualify, and what the Ontario Works payment dates are for 2024.

Key Points You Should Know About Ontario Works

What Is Ontario Works (OW)? 

Ontario Works is a social assistance program that provides emergency financial help to those who are unable to cover the cost of shelter, food, healthcare, and other costs needed to survive. More specifically, the program is designed to help those who are unable to work or cannot find work.

If you qualify for Ontario Works, you’ll receive a monthly payment for basic necessities.

Who’s Eligible For Ontario Works Social Assistance?

To qualify for Ontario Works benefits, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be an Ontario resident
• Be in financial need
• Have no assets over the limits set out in the program
• Partake in employment activities (such as job training and education)

If you have a disability and require additional support, check out the ODSP.

Ontario Works Payment Dates 2024

Payments for Ontario Works benefits are paid monthly and are typically deposited directly into your bank account. For 2024, the Ontario Works payment dates are as follows:

What Can You Get Under the Ontario Works Program? 

The Ontario Works program offers assistance in covering the cost of living, finding a job, and some health benefits.

Financial Assistance 

Eligible participants of the Ontario Works program can receive financial assistance. A monthly income is provided temporarily to cover the cost of bill payments. The amount you receive depends on a few factors, including income, number of family members, and the current cost of necessities.

Employment Assistance

The Ontario Works program helps recipients find employment by providing training, guidance, workshops, and recruitment services. Those who wish to receive these benefits must participate in the program’s employment assistance activities that are designed to find a job.

Those who find employment may require assistance with childcare and specific employment-related expenses, which the program will also help cover.

Have trouble finding work? Check out these job boards 

Health Benefits

Ontario Works participants may also be eligible to receive financial coverage for health benefits, including the following:

• Prescription medication
• Dental care
• Eye exams 
• Diabetic supplies
• Medical transportation services
• Extended health benefits
• Service dogs
• Special diets

How Much Can You Get Under The Ontario Works Program?

The amount you can receive under the Ontario Works program can be broken down as follows:

Basic Needs 

Basic needs include things such as food, clothing, and personal items. As a single individual with no children, the maximum you can receive for this category and shelter is $733. If you have a child under 18, you can get additional support. 

The following chart outlines the maximum amounts you can receive for basic needs only, based on your family size:

Another $175 is added for each additional dependent child or adult.

Shelter

Shelter includes housing costs such as mortgage payments, rent, utilities, property taxes, and so forth. The following chart outlines the maximum amounts you can receive for shelter expenses, based on your family size and housing costs:

How To Apply For Ontario Works 

Follow these steps to apply for the Ontario Works program:

Step 1 – Provide Your Personal Information 

You’ll need to fill in all personal information of all family members, such as the following: 

• Full names 
• Dates of birth 
• Address
• Email addresses (for those 18 years and over)
• Bank account information
• Status in Canada
• Total monthly income 
• Housing expenses
• Other relevant expenses (such as childcare)

Step 2 – Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed the application form, submit it. Ontario Works will then review your application and contact you within four business days after submission to schedule an appointment. 

Step 3 – Meet With Ontario Works 

At your appointment, you’ll be asked to verify and sign your application, which also includes a consent form that allows Ontario Works to access other information about you to make sure you’re eligible for financial assistance. If you do not qualify, you’ll have 30 days to request another review of your application from Ontario Works.

Step 4 – Receive Payment

You’ll be notified of approval and the amount you’re eligible to receive within four business days. You can then expect your first payment on the date provided to you by Ontario Works. 

Step 5 – Establish A Plan To Partake In Employment Activities

Ontario Works will get in touch with you to schedule an appointment to come up with a plan for you to get involved in employment activities.

What Documents Are Required When Applying For Ontario Works?

You will need to provide information about yourself and other people in your household. Information required may include:

• Date of birth
• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Health card number
• Address
• Immigration status

To prove this information, you may need to supply various documents, such as:

• Birth certificates 
• Passports
• Immigration documents

You will also need to provide information about your financial situation, such as:

• Income sources, including:
  • Earnings from work
  • Support payments
  • Government benefits 
• Assets, including:
  • Money in bank accounts
  • Vehicles
  • Real estate properties
  • Registered accounts
  • Insurance policies
• Debts, including:
  • Loans
  • Credit card debt
  • Money owed to others

To prove this information, you may need to provide various types of documents, such as:

• Bank statements 
• Pay stubs
• Proof of income 
• Income tax notices
• Lease agreements
• Bills related to housing costs

Is Ontario Works The Same As Employment Insurance (EI)?

Although Ontario Works and EI both provide financial assistance, they’re not the same. For starters, Ontario Works is run by the provincial government of Ontario, while EI is federally run. Further, Ontario Works comes with fewer eligibility criteria and is meant to provide emergency financial assistance. 

EI, on the other hand, has more stringent requirements, such as the requirement to work a minimum number of insurable employment hours over the last 52 weeks. Plus, EI may provide higher payments than Ontario Works since payments for EI are based on a percentage of income.

Are Ontario Works Payments Taxable?

Ontario Works payments are not taxable. However, you will still need to include the amounts received for the taxation year when you file your income taxes. 

If you’re receiving Ontario Works social assistance, you’ll receive a T5007 statement of benefits, or a T5 tax slip by the end of February for benefits received the previous year. These benefits are reported in Box 11 of this statement.  

When filing your income tax return, you’ll claim the amount from Box 11 of the T5 on line 14500 of your Income Tax and Benefit Return. This amount will be added to your net income amount, which helps determine your eligibility for certain credits and benefits, like the GST/HST tax credit, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and so forth. However, since you don’t have to pay taxes on your Ontario Works benefit payments, you’ll deduct them so that they’re not included in your taxable income.

What Happens If I Receive An Overpayment?

If you received an amount that’s more than what you’re eligible for, you’ll need to repay the overpayment. Generally, the overpayment amount will be deducted from your monthly payments until the full overpayment has been recovered. Even if you leave the program, you’ll still be responsible for repayment. 

Further, the overpayment must be accurately calculated, and the reason for the overpayment must be documented. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs In Ontario  

In addition to Ontario Works, other programs are available in the province for eligible residents to help financially:

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) 

The Ontario Disability Support Program provides financial assistance and other benefits to residents of Ontario living with a disability. Payments are made on a monthly basis and can be used to cover basic necessities, including food, shelter, and clothing. 

Additional amounts may also be paid to cover health-related expenses. Eligible Ontarians may also get access to employment support services.

If you qualify for ODSP, you may receive anywhere from $752 to $1,948 per month. The amount you’re eligible for is based on household size, the age of each family member, and whether your spouse or common-law partner has a disability. 

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) 

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a refundable tax credit paid out monthly to low-to-moderate-income households in Ontario. The credit is designed to help cover the cost of energy bills and various taxes, and combines the following credits:

• Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): a tax-free payment that helps residents of Northern Ontario cover high energy costs associated with living in the north. The maximum payment amount for the NOEC for 2024 is $277.
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): a tax-free payment that helps Ontario residents pay their property taxes and the sales tax on energy bills. The maximum payment amount for the OEPTC for 2024 is $1,421.
• Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): a tax-free payment to help Ontarians offset a portion of the sales tax paid on goods and services. The maximum payment amount for the OSTC for 2024 is $345.

Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)

The Guaranteed Annual Income System provides financial assistance to low-income seniors in Ontario to cover basic living expenses. This monthly payment is made in addition to Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments.

Payments range from $2.50 to $83. The amount you receive is based on your income and marital status. 

Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)

The Ontario Child Benefit is a financial assistance program for low-to-moderate-income families to help cover the costs associated with raising children under the age of 18. Payments are made monthly and are tax-free. The maximum payment amount for the OCB is $1,680 per year.

Additional Reading

Are You Eligible For The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)?

How To Qualify For Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

Ontario Minimum Wage 2024

Final Thoughts

Governments of all levels in Canada provide various support programs to help families who need financial assistance. In Ontario, the Ontario Works program is one of a few options families may consider to help them financially cover the basic costs of living.

Ontario Works FAQs