Ontario Works is one of the province's key pillars of social assistance and welfare payments.
If you require financial assistance to meet basic requirements, this benefit, which the Ministry of Children administers, Community, and Social Services, may be of help.
Social aid may be offered through the Ontario Disability Support Program, depending on your circumstances (ODSP).
The payment dates for Ontario Works in 2022, how to apply, and how much you may anticipate in OW payments are all covered in this article.
Ontario Works Payment Dates 2022
Ontario Works payments are made monthly on the last business day of the preceding month.
For 2022, the payment dates are:
Benefit Month | Payment Date |
January | December 20, 2021 |
February | January 31, 2022 |
March | February 29, 2022 |
April | March 28, 2022 |
May | April 30, 2022 |
June | May 31, 2022 |
July | June 28, 2022 |
August | July 31, 2022 |
September | August 30, 2022 |
October | September 27, 2022 |
November | October 31, 2022 |
December | November 29, 2022 |
Direct deposit is used to send your monthly payments to your bank account.
If you don't have a bank account, you may have your Ontario Works benefit placed onto an RBC Right Pay card and use it to make purchases or withdraw money from an ATM.
What Is Ontario Works?
Residents of Ontario (Toronto, Windsor, London, Ottawa, Hamilton, and other cities) who want financial assistance to pay for food and housing can apply for Ontario Works.
This social aid programme also assists clients in locating employment.
Ontario Works, in addition to giving a monthly income and career help, also provides health benefits, such as:
- Dental coverage for children
- Prescription drug coverage
- Eye examinations
- Assistive devices
- Extended health benefits and more
Ontario Works Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old and a resident of Ontario to be eligible for Ontario Works.
You'll also have to demonstrate that you don't have enough money to meet your necessities.
Finally, beneficiaries must participate in activities related to obtaining and retaining a job as a condition of receiving this benefit.
What Is The Process For Applying For Ontario Works?
To get started, fill out an Ontario Works application online.
You will be required to supply information about your family members, such as social security numbers, OHIP cards, financial information, and tax records.
An Ontario Works caseworker will contact you to set up an appointment after reviewing your file (usually within four business days).
If you're applying in Toronto, call 1-888-465-4478 (toll-free) or 416-338-8888 and pick option three from the drop-down menu.
Following the approval of your application, you will be given a caseworker to whom you will report.
What is the pay scale for Ontario Works?
The amount you get from Ontario Works is determined by the size of your family, your housing costs, and your income.
The following expenses are covered through financial assistance:
Basic Needs: This category covers costs such as food, clothes, and other necessities.
Number of Children/Dependent Adults | Single | Couple |
0 children | $343 | $494 |
1 child aged 17 or under | $360 | $494 |
1 dependent adult 18 or older | $623 | $652 |
2 children under 17 | $360 | $494 |
1 child under 17 + 1 dependent adult 18 or older | $623 | $652 |
2 dependent adults 18 or older | $781 | $826 |
You will get an additional $175 for each extra dependant adult who is 18 or older.
There are no further advantages for additional children aged 17 and under.
Shelter Benefits: This covers rent, mortgage payments, property taxes, electricity, and heating bills, among other things.
The following are the maximum Ontario Works shelter amounts:
Family Size | Maximum Monthly OW Shelter Allowance |
1 | $390 |
2 | $642 |
3 | $697 |
4 | $756 |
5 | $815 |
6+ | $844 |
If you live in a room and board arrangement, the charges are as follows:
A $71 special boarder allowance is also provided.
An Advanced Age Item benefit ($44) is provided to beneficiaries who are 65 or older.
You may also be eligible for an additional $84 if you have a guiding dog.
What is covered under Ontario Works?
Ontario Works, as previously stated, offers cash assistance every month.
In addition, participants get job assistance, which includes:
- Workshops, training, job banks, and other resources are available.
- Primary education is available to everyone.
- Writing services for resumes
- Job counseling referrals
Some Ontario Works Training programmes in Toronto can be found here.
Prescription medicines, vision care, hearing aids, diabetic supplies, surgical supplies, and various other health-related benefits are also offered.
Is Work in Ontario Taxable?
Your Ontario Works payments are not counted as part of your income when applying for welfare assistance.
You also don't have to pay taxes on these sums when you file your tax return.
However, make sure you complete your yearly income and benefits tax return since this is used to determine if you're entitled to other benefits like GST/HST credits and the Canada Child Benefit.
Dates for Trillium Benefit Payments in Ontario
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is made up of three payments:
Credit for Sales Tax in Ontario
The Northern Ontario Energy Credit, as well as the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
In 2022, the Ontario Trillium Benefit will be paid on the following dates:
- 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 Payment FAQs
When is Ontario Works going to be canceled?
You can continue to get Ontario Works benefits while working and earning money. Your advantages are unaffected by the first $200 you make. Every dollar gained more than $200 per month is deducted at the rate of 50 cents. If you refuse to work for no reason, your employment with Ontario Works may be terminated.
What is the maximum amount available through Ontario Works?
For a single person, the maximum benefit from Ontario Works is $733 per month for necessities and shelter.
When is the deposit of Ontario Works made?
Each month's Ontario Works payment is typically deposited on the last business day of the preceding month. Your January 2022 benefit, for example, was paid on December 31, 2021.
What types of courses and training programmes does Ontario Works provide?
Ontario Works finances training-related initiatives and services. Admin Assistant Diplomas, Office Professional Programs, Computer and Customer Service Training Programs, Accounting and Finance, and other training programs are offered in Toronto.