If you’re under the low-income bracket and are looking for a job or struggling to meet the basic costs of living in Ontario, you should prepare for the Ontario Works payment dates.

Ontario Works is one of the main pillars of social assistance and welfare payments in the province of Ontario.  Ontario Works is a social assistance program designed to help Ontarians who don’t have enough money to cover their basic living expenses. If you have a financial need in the province and have no resources to support yourself, you may be able to get help through Ontario works.

The program also goes a step further in helping eligible individuals find jobs and providing them with training if required. If you need financial support to pay for basic needs, this benefit can help and is disbursed through the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.

Ontario Works is not the only welfare benefit available. Residents of Ontario who have a disability may be eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Below I discuss Ontario Works payment dates in 2022, how to apply for the benefit, Ontario Works amounts and the payment schedule for other benefits including Ontario Trillium and ODSP.

What Is Ontario Works?

Ontario Works is a form of financial assistance provided to residents of Ontario (Toronto, Windsor, London, Ottawa, Hamilton, etc.) who need help to pay for food and shelter.

This social assistance program also helps recipients find jobs.

In addition to providing a monthly income and job support, Ontario Works also offers health benefits.

So whether you’re looking for help in meeting the cost of food, clothing, housing, and health in Ontario, this program can help you.

Also, if you’re looking for job-related assistance such as job counseling, basic education, job training, resume writing, or a workshop, Ontario Works is there for you.

How Ontario Works Can Help You?

Ontario Works provides eligible Ontarians who are in financial difficulties with money to pay for food, housing, and clothing.

Here are the benefits you can receive on the Ontario Works payment dates based on your eligibility and situation:

1. Ontario Works Financial Assistance

This assistance aims at helping Ontarians struggling to meet the cost of basic needs such as food and housing costs.

As a result, of your asset, income, family size, and housing costs, you may receive low or high financial assistance.

Thus, for your basic needs, you may receive up to $343 if you’re single or up to $494 as a couple.

But for your shelter allowance, you may receive up to $390 if you’re single or up to $697 if you’re a couple with a child.

However, you may get both the basic needs amount and shelter allowance if you’re living under a board and lodging condition plus a $71 special allowance per month.

2. Ontario Works Employment Assistance

This assistance is available to those looking for a job or job-related assistance such as resume writing, workshops, job counseling, basic education, job training, etc.

Furthermore, even after securing a job, you may still get help from Ontario Works for:

• Job-related costs
• Prescription drug coverage,
• Extended health coverage

However, to receive this assistance, a person is expected to participate in employment assistance activities.

Subsequently, we shall be looking at the major employment assistance activities.

Employment Assistance activities

• Here are the major employment activities you will be required to participate in to get employment assistance on Ontario Works payment dates:
• Education Programs: This involves activities that help you graduate from high school, improve your language, reading, writing, and job skills.
• Literacy Screening and Training: This involves activities that help you get rid of reading, writing, or mathematics difficulties.
• Learning, Earning, and Parenting (LEAP): These activities are for young parents aged 16 to 25 who need to graduate from high school, prepare for work and improve their parenting skills.
• Employment Placements: This involves preparing you for an interview, training you for a job, and connecting you with hiring managers.
• Community Placements: This involves placing you with a community agency to improve your experience, confidence, and job skills.

3. Ontario Works Health Benefits

• You and your family may also be qualified for health-related assistance under this program which includes:
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision care
• Eye examinations
• Diabetic or surgical supplies and dressings
• Travel and transportation for medical purposes
• Extended health benefit
• Assistive devices

4. Ontario Works Transition Child Benefit

You may also qualify for the Transition Child Benefit under the Ontario Works.

However, for a person to qualify for the Transition Child Benefit, they must meet the following requirements:

• Have children below the age of 18
• Are not a beneficiary of the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
• Be entitled to less than the Ontario Child Benefit amount per child
• Are anticipating the Ontario Child Benefit monthly payment.

Furthermore, the amount of OCB you get plus your National Child Benefit Supplement amount determines how much Transition Child Benefit you get on the Ontario Works payment dates.

5. Ontario Works Guide Dog Benefit

If you possess a certified guide dog and are struggling with a disability, you could be eligible for financial assistance toward the cost of the dog’s care.

Thus, you may receive up to $84 monthly to offset the cost of taking care of your dog.

However, your dog must be certified and trained as a guide before you qualify for this benefit.

6. Ontario Works Emergency Assistance

You may also get assistance on the Ontario Works payment dates if you’re struggling financially to survive an emergency as a result of:

• COVID-19
• Personal insecurity
• Home eviction
• Being a women’s shelter
• Abusive relationship
• A natural disaster such as fire or flood
• A pending refugee status

Eligibility Requirements For Ontario Works

Ontario Works payments are made to those that meet the following requirements:

• Reach 16 years or older
• Are Ontario resident
• Need financial assistance for food and shelter costs.
• Willing to participate in job search activities

Thus, once you meet the above requirements, you can go ahead and apply for the program and anticipate the Ontario Works payment dates.

How To Apply For Ontario Works?

Within 20 to 30 minutes, you can apply for the Ontario Works online and start anticipating the Ontario Works payment dates.

That said, you need is to visit the Ontario Works application page to initiate the application.

But before starting, you will be required to provide your home postal code.

Furthermore, you can find your home postal code using Canada Post’s postal code finder.

However, if you’re homeless, you can use the postal code of your nearest social assistance office. Use the office locator to find it easily.

After you provide a postal code, you will be required to fill out a questionnaire related to the Ontario Works program.

Thus, upon answering the questions, you can now start the application process through the following steps:

Step One

Here you will be required to provide your basic information such as your:

• Name
• Email address (including the email addresses of your family members aged 18 and above)
• Date of birth
• Housing costs
• Assets
• Income
• Expenses
• Bank account details

Step Two

This step involves reviewing your application by a caseworker.

Thus, you will be assigned a caseworker within four working days of your application. The caseworker will schedule a meeting with you.

Step Three

Here you will meet with your caseworker for the verification of your information and documents.

Consequently, you may be required to provide additional information and documents to verify your information.

Subsequently, you will be required to sign a consent form and your application package to determine your eligibility.

Step Four

After accessing all the necessary information, your caseworker will notify you within four working days about your eligibility and your entitled amount.

Thus, your local Ontario Works office will notify you about your first payment and payment method if you’re accepted.

Step Five

At this step, your caseworker will arrange a meeting with you about your participation in employment-related activities.

However, this may not be necessary if you suffer from a particular sickness or engage in caregiving.

How Much Does Ontario Works Pay?

Ontario Works amounts vary depending on the size of your family, your housing costs, and your income.

Financial assistance is provided to cover:

Basic Needs: This includes expenses like food, clothing, etc.

For each additional dependent adult 18 or older, you get an extra $175.

For additional children aged 17 and under, there are no extra benefits.

Shelter Benefits: This covers expenses related to rent, mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, heating costs, etc.

The maximum Ontario Works amounts for shelter are:

If you are living in a room and board situation, the rates are as follows:

A special border allowance of $71 is also paid.

Older recipients who are 65 years or older are paid an Advanced Age Item benefit ($44).

And, if you have a guide dog, you may qualify for an extra $84.

Ontario Works Payment Dates 2022

While receiving Ontario Works, payments are normally sent directly to your bank account. If you are receiving your payments by cheque, you can sign up for Direct Bank Deposit.

If you do NOT receive your payment, or if you receive an Employment & Social Services letter telling you that your payment is going to be delayed or stopped, contact your caseworker.

Is Ontario Works Taxable?

Ontario Works benefit payments are not included in your income when you are being assessed for welfare benefits.

You also do not pay taxes on these amounts when you file your tax return.

That said, ensure you file your annual income and benefits tax return as this is used to determine whether you are eligible for other benefits such as GST/HST credits and the Canada Child Benefit.

Ontario Works Payment Dates: Cheque vs. Direct Bank Deposit vs. Reloadable Card Payment

You can receive your payment through cheque, direct bank deposit, or a reloadable payment card on the Ontario Works payment dates.

So if you opt for a cheque, you will receive mail a few dates earlier. However, how soon you receive your payment lies on your area Canada Post delivery.

Consequently, the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services suggests you opt for a direct bank deposit.

This is because a direct bank deposit is an easiest and safest method of receiving the Ontario Works payment.

However, if you don’t have a bank account to receive a direct bank deposit, you should opt for a reloadable payment card.

Earning Money while on Ontario Works

You can work and earn some income while receiving Ontario Works benefits.

Each month, you’re expected to report your gross pay and net pay using the Statement of Income Report form. Partner’s and adult dependents' income should also be reported.

Your total income for a month will be used to calculate how much you can receive for the following month.

The first $200 received in a month will not count towards your OW financial assistance. In other words, it will not reduce your payments. After this, each additional dollar will reduce your support payments by 50 percent.

Ontario Works Rates Increase In 2022

The government has not announced any proposed increases to the Ontario Works payment for 2021 and 2022.

The last increases to Ontario Works rates were in 2018. There have been plans to reform the various social assistance programs by the government, but there is no mention of increasing the rates for now.

Ontario Works Changes 2021 & 2022

In February 2021, the Ontario Government announced it has started working with its municipal partners to better connect people with the support they need.

This is the next step in the province’s vision for a renewed social assistance program that was announced in fall 2020.

Over the coming years, the plan is to “create an efficient, effective and streamlined social services system” that helps more people move towards employment and independence.

As part of the changes, a new digital system that aims to make the application process easier and ease the burden of caseworkers is being tested.

The province will also oversee the application and payment of social assistance, with the municipal partners focusing on helping people get back to work and access support for health and housing.

However, critics believe the changes are ill-timed and would cause chaos and uncertainty, especially for ODSP recipients.

Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates

The Ontario Trillium Benefit comprises three payments including:

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, and
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit

Ontario Trillium Benefit is paid out on these dates in 2022:

• January 10, 2022
• February 10, 2022
• March 10, 2022
• April 8, 2022
• May 10, 2022
• June 10, 2022
• July 8, 2022
• August 10, 2022
• September 9, 2022
• October 7, 2022
• November 10, 2022
• December 9, 2022

Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is another social assistance program from the provincial government of Ontario. As a beneficiary of Ontario Works, you may also qualify for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Both programs are administered by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.

While Ontario Works is for anyone that needs their living expenses, ODSP caters to people living with disabilities.

ODSP assistance provides income support (basic needs allowance, shelter allowance, or board and lodging allowance), health benefits, and employment support to help beneficiaries find and keep jobs.

A single person with no dependents can receive up to $1,341 per month for basic needs and shelter under ODSP.

If you have a disability, you may qualify for the ODSP on these dates in 2022:

Ontario Works Payment FAQs

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Final Thoughts on OW Payment Dates

Now you are informed about the Ontario payment dates and what it takes to be eligible for payment.

But remember, a direct bank deposit is easier and safer to receive your OW payments than a cheque.

Furthermore, you now understand why it’s necessary to apply for the ODSP even as a beneficiary of OW payment.

Ultimately, you should identify and claim any benefit you may qualify for, such as Ontario Trillium Benefit and Canada Workers Benefit.

Thus, the more of these benefits you claim, the more money you will have to supplement your income and improve your finances.

In conclusion, if you have more concerns about the Ontario Work Benefits don’t hesitate to contact the Filing Taxes team of professional accountants today at 416-479-8532. Schedule an NTR engagement appointment with us and take the first step towards proper management of your finances.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended to provide general information. The information does not consider your personal situation and is not intended to be used without consultation from accounting and financial professionals. Salman Rundhawa and Filing Taxes will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.