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Teamwork
How do I qualify for Ontario Works? How much money can I receive if I am on Ontario Works? Do I have to pay back the money I receive from Ontario Works? Am I required to take a literacy screening test? What is a Participation Agreement? What happens if I don't follow through on an activity outlined in my Participation Agreement? When should I change my Participation Agreement? What if I disagree with a decisions that has been made about my social assistance? What if I disagree with the internal review? I don't have a lot of formal education. Can you help me?
If you have further questions please call us at 519-426-6170 / 905-318-6623 / 519-582-3579 or email us.
How do I qualify for Ontario Works? If you are in financial need, please apply for financial assistance by calling 519-426-6170 / 905-318-6623 / 519-582-3579. An intake worker will ask you a number of questions to determine if you will qualify for assistance. If you seem eligible for assistance, you will be scheduled for an intake verification interview at our Simcoe or Dunnville locations. Your eligibility will be confirmed and required forms will be completed. Your Ontario Works Case Manager will then develop a Participation Agreement that meets and supports your employability needs. How much money can I receive if I am on Ontario Works? The amount of money a person receives from Ontario Works depends on a number of things, such as, the number of people in the family, the age of the children, any earnings a person might be receiving. You will receive financial assistance for your basic needs and shelter and also be given a drug card for prescribed medication. There are also additional benefits you may be able to receive. Do I have to pay back the money I receive from Ontario Works? Generally no. However, if you are collecting Ontario Works while waiting for some other source of income such as Canada Pension Plan or Employment Insurance you will be expected to pay us back for any overlap in payment. As well, homeowners who have been in receipt of Ontario Works for a total of twelve months are expected to agree to a lien on their property to reimburse the amount of social assistance when the property is sold. Overpayments can be created through unreported changes in rent, heat, hydro, spousal and child support acquired, or earnings. If you have a valid overpayment this is considered a debt to the Crown, which is interest free. Be aware this overpayment will follow you if you apply for assistance at any other Ontario Works or Ontario Disabilities Support Program offices and will not be forgiven at any future time. Am I required to take a literacy screening test? All Ontario Works applicants without Grade 12 (high school diploma) or equivalent or those Ontario Works participants whose reading, writing, and/or math skills appear to be a barrier to employment may be required to take a literacy screening test. Some people haven't been able to obtain or keep a job because they do not have basic reading, writing and math skills. Literacy screening and training connects people on assistance with the help they need. What is a Participation Agreement? You must "participate" in Ontario Works in order to receive your financial assistance. You may job search independently, take part in basic education or specific skills training, volunteer, or other avenues that will lead you to gaining employment. You will meet with your Employment Case Manager to update, change or add to your level of participation and to sign your Participation Agreement. What happens if I don't follow through on an activity outlined in my Participation Agreement? Taking part in Ontario Works is mandatory, which means in order to receive financial assistance, you are required to accept offers of employment, volunteer in community placements, to make use of the various employment supports, and to look for work - depending on what activities you have agreed to in your Participation Agreement. When should I change my Participation Agreement? All participation agreements will be reviewed and updated every three months. Also, the following changes in a participants circumstances may require an amendment to the participation agreement:
What if I refuse to participate in any part of Ontario Works, or I am not making a reasonable effort in an activity? You will be asked to take part in a review of your situation with your Case Manager. Whether or not you decide to participate in that review, if your Case Manager believes you are not meeting your Ontario Works requirements, you will no longer be allowed to receive financial assistance. The first time you refuse, or are found not making a reasonable effort, you will not receive a cheque for three months. For each time after that, you will not receive a financial assistance cheque for six months. If you are a member of a family, your share will reduce the amount of financial assistance received by the family. In order to re-qualify for assistance you will need to reapply and meet the requirements under Ontario Works. What if I disagree with a decisions that has been made about my social assistance? If you disagree with a decision made about your social assistance you may request an internal review that is an informal review of the decision to make sure that it is consistent with the legislation, regulations and policy directives. Your request for an internal review must be a written request within 10 days to have this decision reviewed by our office. Someone other than the person who made the decision to change, suspend, cancel or deny your assistance will review the facts of your case and will either agree or change the decision. We must complete this internal review within 10 days. You will be told of the result. What if I disagree with the internal review? If you disagree with the review decision, you can appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal within 30 days of the date of the internal review decision. The Tribunal is an independent group, appointed by the Provincial Government. Not all decisions can be appealed to the Social Benefits Tribunal. You cannot file an appeal with the Social Benefits Tribunal unless you have asked for an internal review. Appeal forms are available at all Ontario Works offices or directly from the Tribunal. The completed form should be mailed to: The Social Benefits Tribunal, 7th Floor, 1075 Bay Street, Toronto ON, M5S 2B1. Toll free number is 1-800-753-3895. Your Case Manager can give you further information about the Social Benefits Tribunal. I don't have a lot of formal education. Can you help me? Meet with your Employment Case Manager to determine if your shortest route to employment requires some basic education. Examples of basic education may include Grade 12 equivalency/upgrading, basic education / literacy, or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. You may be issued funds to help cover the costs of textbooks, minor fees including tuition, transportation, etc. I want to finish my high school education, but I don't have anyone to care for my child. What should I do? You may be eligible for assistance with child care costs if finishing your high school education is part of your Participation Agreement. Call your Employment Case Manager and ask about extra funds to help you with child care. I help out children at my son's school with their reading. Is this considered Community Participation? Yes. If you are already volunteering in your community, you may be able to have this recognized as a Community Placement under Ontario Works. You can develop your own idea for a community placement and have it recognized as a community placement activity or volunteer with a community group or non-profit agency with placements that are “near and dear to your heart”. Employers tell me they are not willing to hire me because I don't have enough experience and it would be too expensive for them to train me. What should I do? Employment Placement with Incentive (“EPI”) can offer an employer financial incentive for training, human resources support and/or Workplace Safety Insurance Benefits for the first six months of your employment. This is a great reason for an employer to hire you. Ask your Employment Case Manager for an EPI letter to tell possible new employers about these extra bonuses that may be available if they hire you. I have an interview next week, and I do not have appropriate clothing. Can you help me purchase things I need for a job? Yes. There is a fund that may be available to help you purchase items you need to search for or start a job. Call your Case Manager for details. |
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© 2004 Last updated 27-05-05
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