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Provincial Program · Ontario

Ontario Works

OW

Ontario Works (OW) provides short-term financial assistance to people in urgent financial need, helping pay for food, housing, and other basic needs. It also offers employment assistance to help you find, prepare for, and keep a job. OW is Ontario's general social assistance program for people who do not qualify for ODSP.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

If you have a disability, ask your caseworker about being referred for an ODSP assessment, which can provide a higher, longer-term rate. Keep receipts for disability-related expenses, as some may be covered. You can receive health benefits (such as drug coverage) through OW while you work toward employment.

Who May Qualify

You may qualify if you live in Ontario, are 16 or older, are in financial need (your income and assets are below program limits), and are willing to make reasonable efforts to find, prepare for, and keep a job. People with a long-term disability may be referred to ODSP instead.

Required Documents

Government-issued ID, Social Insurance Number, proof of Ontario residency, proof of income and assets (bank statements, pay stubs), and housing cost information (rent receipt or mortgage statement).

How to Apply

Apply online or by phone through your local Ontario Works office. You will have an intake appointment where a caseworker assesses your income, assets, and housing costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is not applying because you are employed — you may still qualify if your income is very low. Another is not reporting all income and assets, which can lead to overpayments you must repay. People also confuse OW with ODSP; if you have a long-term disability, ask to be assessed for ODSP instead, which has a higher rate.

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Need help from a real person?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Plan Institute — Disability Planning Helpline

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Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.

Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request

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Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

Read the Appeals Guide

Resources in this area

Disability AdvocacyLondon

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ClearPath helps individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers across Ontario understand, access and maximize the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits and funding they may be entitled to receive.

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Disability AdvocacyOntario

Ontario Brain Injury Association

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Disability AdvocacyToronto / GTA

Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)

Provides independent living skills, peer support, direct funding information and disability resources.

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Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

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