Ontario Works (OW) provides assistance to people who have immediate financial need. OW is usually for short-term assistance with the goal of helping people get back to work or participate in retraining. Some people access Ontario Works while applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

To be eligible for OW, an applicant must have:

• Liquid assets below a specific amount ($10,000 for a single person, $15,000 for a couple + $500 for each dependent child)

AND

• You must be employable, have a temporary restriction from working (such as an illness) or be disabled and likely applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program.

The amount you receive from Ontario Works will depend on the size of your family and the amount of rent or housing expenses you have. For example:

• A single person receives $733/month
• A couple receives $1136/month
• A couple with one child receives $1191/month

Ontario Works also offers additional benefits such as medication coverage for all members of the family unit, and some vision and dental benefits.

Many people wonder what the allowable liquid assets are in order to be eligible for Ontario Works. Can I own a car and a home? Wellspring Money Matters Case Managers can help you learn more and apply for Ontario Works, all at no charge.

To set up your meeting, either in person, via telephone, or online, with a Wellspring Money Matters Case Manager, please click here.