Your Rights

Ontario Works is a program that provides financial and employment assistance to people in financial need. Every person has the right to apply for assistance and to have an application taken. Eligibility will depend on your situation. If your application is approved, you will receive assistance as long as you qualify. The scheduled amount depends on the size of your family (your spouse/same-sex partner and dependants), your basic needs, your income and your willingness to participate in approved activities.

An Interview – you may bring someone with you when you meet with your Case Manager or when you visit the Ontario Works office. This person can be anyone you choose.

A Decision – we will inform you of any decision we make; to grant, to refuse, to suspend, or to cancel your financial assistance; as well as our reasons for making them.

A Chance To Have Decisions Reviewed – if you disagree with the decision we make, you may make a written request within 10 days to have this decision reviewed by our office. We have to complete this internal review within 10 days. You will be told of the result. 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. 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. Your Case Manager can give you further information about the Social Benefits Tribunal.

Your Responsibilities

While receiving social assistance and employment services you are responsible for:

Attending Periodic Interviews – with your Case Manager.  You will also be required to attend periodic consolidated verification process interviews which will ensure you are receiving the right amount of financial assistance.

Responding Promptly – contact your Case Manager right away if you receive a message or notice that your Case Manager needs to speak to you to review your situation. Complete and return forms and paperwork as soon as possible.

Reporting Any Absences From Ontario – tell your Case Manager in advance of any absences from Ontario in excess of seven (7) days. Before travelling, approval must be requested and received from your Case Manager. Proof of any absences must be kept. These include gas receipts, invitations, ticket stubs, passport or visas.

Working And Participating – you must actively look for work or better paying work or participate in an approved activity that will improve your chances to obtain and keep employment, unless you request and have approval to not participate for a temporary period of time.

Reporting Your Participation – you must record what activities have been done for all adults in your family.

Keeping Receipts And Statements – your Case Manager needs to see proof of your income, assets and expenses.

Obtaining All Available Income And Reporting It – you must make an effort to obtain income available from all sources and tell your Case Manager about any income you or any member of your family receives immediately.  In addition, you will also need to report this income on the income reporting statement you receive each month and return this statement with photocopies of pay stubs or other verification such as babysitting receipts to our office by the due date.

Reporting Your Living Arrangements And Other Changes – tell your Case Manager of any changes in your present living arrangements and any other changes that happen such as: - your address or phone number changing - your rent or any other home cost changing - the name of your dependants who leave school, return to school, or start work; or leave or return home - the number of people in your household changing - you, your spouse/same-sex partner or any of your dependants being admitted to a hospital or any other institution - you, your spouse/same-sex partner or any of your dependants planning to leave the County. You must report any changes in your situation to your Case Manager immediately.

Reporting All Assets – an asset is anything that can be converted into cash. Examples are, money in bank accounts, a second property or real estate you own, investments (RRSP's, GIC's, stocks, bonds), additional vehicles, cash surrender value of life insurance, collections or valuable items you own. The total value of your assets affects your eligibility for financial help. Remember: Tell your Financial Case Manager immediately if you or anyone in your family, opens or closes a bank account, sells or transfers any of your old assets, obtains any new assets, borrows money, etc. Your asset level limit is determined by your individual situation.

Repaying Overpayments – you and your spouse/same-sex partner are responsible for repaying all overpayments you may have, even after you leave Ontario Works.  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. This overpayment will be deducted off your future entitlement.  Be aware this overpayment will follow you if you apply for assistance at any other Ontario Works or Ontario Disabilities Support Program offices. 

Following The Rules – you are responsible for following the rules of the Ontario Works Program, including honest reporting of all changes of circumstances that affect eligibility. Any individual not following the rules may be investigated by our Eligibility Review Officer.

Ontario Works Policy Directives

Please refer to the Ontario Works Policy Directives for further information.

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Copyright © 2004 
Ontario Works & Social Services

Last updated 27-05-05