Financial assistance is the actual funds and other financial benefits you will receive while meeting all other criteria. Financial assistance may include funds for food, shelter, clothing, drug card for prescribed medication, winter clothing allowance, transportation for medical reasons . . .

You no longer need to wait for your cheque to come in the mail! You can have your money deposited into your bank account on the regular cheque day with direct bank deposit (DBD). 

Would you like to know what your cheque amount is going to be, well you can have the information at your fingertips with Interactive Voice Response (“IVR”).  This is a toll-free telephone system that provides you with general program information as well as selected information from your personal case file including most recent cheque details and lots more.

Other Benefits

As well as your monthly income assistance and a monthly drug card you may be able to get help with other benefits. Ask your Case Manager about them first.

They are:

Employment Start-up Benefits – you may receive extra money when you start a new job to help with expenses. This can assist you to purchase the necessary work clothing, work boots, uniforms, etc.

Volunteer Expenses - Mileage for your transportation to your volunteer position will be covered. Cost of child care while you are volunteering is available. If a criminal reference check is required by the agency for which you are volunteering, there will be no cost to you. Clothing and equipment needed for your volunteer position may be covered.

Participation Expenses – you may receive extra money to cover expenses to participate in job search, basic education, job specific skills training, community participation, employment placement or self-employment, as well as the cost of child care.

Dental Care For Children – all children of parents who are receiving social assistance (as well as children in receipt of temporary care assistance) are eligible for basic dental care. For additional information please contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623 Ext. 3249.

Dental Care For Adults – adults who are active in employment related activities are eligible for basic dental care. Adults who are not participating in employment related activities and are in receipt of social assistance for three consecutive months are eligible for emergency dental care for relief of pain.

Vision Care For Children And Adults – all children of parents who are receiving social assistance (as well as children who are receiving temporary care assistance) are eligible for basic vision care. Adults who are in receipt of social assistance for three consecutive months are eligible for basic vision care.

Back To School Allowance – you may receive extra money to help buy clothing or supplies for your school age children. This yearly benefit is paid based on eligibility in the month of August.

Winter Clothing For Children – you may receive extra money to help buy winter clothing for your dependent children. This yearly benefit is paid based on eligibility in the month of November.

Community Start-up – there may be money available to help you re-establish yourself in the community when moving due to an emergency or when you are leaving an institution such as a women’s shelter or prison.

Funerals – funerals may also be covered through the Ontario Works offices.

Special Diet Allowance – if you or a family member are following a special diet, you may be able to receive extra monies. For example, you may receive extra money if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are following a diabetic, high fibre or high protein diet, or if you have a food allergy or intolerance.  Talk with your Case Manager about how to complete the required forms.

Mandatory Special Necessities – you may get diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and dressings and transportation for medical purposes if you are in need.

Direct Bank Deposit (DBD)

Your money will be deposited into your bank account on the regular cheque day. You will receive your drug benefit card and statement of income card in the mail as usual. To ensure that you continue to receive your money on time, you must return your statement of income card on the 16th of each month.

In order to participate in direct bank deposit you must complete a written authorization form.

Be sure to let your Case Manager know of any changes so we can make sure your money is put in the right account. Please let us know before you change or close your bank account.

Information At Your Fingertips – IVR

Interactive Voice Response (“IVR”) is a toll-free telephone system that provides you with general program information as well as selected information from your personal case file including:

• Most recent cheque details

• Previous cheque history (payments within the last 45 days)

• Overpayment balance and deduction (if applicable)

• Case status such as “ongoing”, “suspended” (hold) or “closed” (terminated)

You will be mailed your identification number and security personal identification number in two separate packages after you are approved for participation in Ontario Works. To find out the above noted information simply call the toll-free number, enter your 9-digit identification number and your 4-digit security personal identification number. If you need help using the interactive voice response system or if you forget your security numbers, simply press zero (0) to speak with the Help Desk.

Please contact Ontario Works and Social Services Division’s receptionist to receive an informational brochure.

1-800-808-2268 . . . Interactive Voice Response . . . 
It’s toll free, convenient and easy to use.

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Ontario Works & Social Services

Last updated 27-05-05