Ontario Works

Ontario Works provides financial assistance to people who are in financial need. If you are eligible, you may receive support for basic needs, shelter, and other costs, as well as access to health benefits and employment and community services.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for Ontario Works in St. Thomas and Elgin County, you must:

• Live in St. Thomas or Elgin County
• Be in financial need and not have enough money to meet your basic living expenses
• Be willing to participate in employment-related activities, unless you have medical, caregiving, or other circumstances that prevent you from doing so

Your eligibility and the amount of assistance you may receive will depend on your individual and family circumstances.

What support is available?

If you are eligible for Ontario Works, you may receive a monthly payment to help with:

• Basic needs, such as food and clothing
• Shelter costs, such as rent or housing expenses
• Other eligible costs

The amount of assistance you receive depends on factors such as:

• Family size
• Housing costs
• Income and assets
• Other circumstances that may affect your eligibility

Health and other benefits

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as drug and dental coverage.

Your caseworker can explain which benefits you may qualify for and connect you with other community services and supports. These services may help you:

• Prepare for or find employment
• Maintain employment
• Access community resources
• Find or maintain stable housing

How to apply for Ontario Works

You can apply for Ontario Works at any time through the Province of Ontario's online application:

Apply for Ontario Works

Other ways to apply

You can also apply by phone:

1-800-265-4362

If you do not have access to a phone, you can visit:

St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services
230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON

Important: When to apply by phone

Do not use the online application if:

• You are experiencing an emergency situation
• You are caring for a child for whom you do not have legal responsibility

In these situations, call 1-800-265-4362 for assistance.

What you need to apply

Before you apply, make sure all family members who are 18 or older are available to provide consent and confirm their information.

Have the following information and documents available, if applicable:

• Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
• OHIP cards
• Birth certificates
• Immigration documents
• Banking information
• Information about your housing costs
• Information about your income and assets
• Information about other expenses, such as child care

You will also be asked to provide information about you and your family, including:

• Full names and dates of birth
• Status in Canada
• Address
• Email addresses and phone numbers
• Housing costs
• Monthly income and assets
• Other eligible expenses
• Bank account information, if you would like to receive payments by direct deposit

What happens after you apply?

After you submit your application, a caseworker will contact you to arrange an appointment.

Your caseworker may:

• Review your application and confirm the information you provided
• Request additional documents or information
• Explain the benefits and supports available to you
• Work with you to develop a plan for employment or access to community services

Employment-related activities may not be required if you have circumstances that prevent you from participating, such as illness or caregiving responsibilities.

How long does an application take?

If you apply online, allow approximately four days for your application to be processed. A caseworker will contact you after your application is received.

More information

For more information about Ontario Works and social assistance programs, visit the Province of Ontario's website:

Ontario Social Assistance

You can also contact St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services:

1-800-265-4362
230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON