If you need money, or help finding a job, Ontario Works (also known as welfare, social assistance, or OW) can help you. OW is a program by the government of Ontario.
OW helps you by giving you two things:
- Financial Assistance - Giving you a certain amount of money every month. This should help you pay for housing, food, clothing, and other life expenses.
- Employment Assistance – OW helps you find work or update your skills. In exchange for the money you get from OW, you need to actively look for a job. You can do that by taking part in the employment activities and workshops OW provides.
I’m over 18 years old – Can I get OW?
To see if you can get OW, try using the Eligibility Estimator that is available online.
Your are eligible for OW if you:
- Are a resident of Ontario
- Are a permanent resident or convention refugee
- Have a low income and not many assetsThings you own that could be turned into cash. The best example is real estate like a house, that can be sold for money.
The only way to know for sure is to contact your local Ontario Works Office. They will schedule an interview with you. During the meeting, they will ask about your situation (money and job) and ask you for documents to prove it. Once they have all the information they need, they will make a decision about whether you can get OW.
I’m under 18 years old – Can I get OW?
You may NOT be eligible for OW if you are:
- Under 16 years old (and don’t have a child of your own)
- Living with your parents
- Getting a student loan
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may qualify for student welfare (OW for youth). You will have to be a resident of Ontario, and be a permanent resident or convention refugee.
You may have to show OW that you can’t live at home. You may be asked to prove that you are living with someone else who gives you a room and meals in their house. By law, you do not need to be living with someone else to qualify for OW. If you are refused OW for this reason, contact a community legal clinic for help.
You can also access OW through your shelter or by talking to your settlement counsellor.
This resource about getting OW/social assistance will help you. It outlines special OW rules for youth under 18 years old. It also tells you how to apply:
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Comments
Hello Iam 17 years old going
Hello
Iam 17 years old going to be 18 in 3 months, and currently live with my paretns and my sibling. I am not happy with my everyday life at home, as I do have problems with most of my family memebers. The more time I stay in this house the more I feel like killing myself. I really would like to move out, but I dont no where or how to get started. I curretnly have a part time job and make about $100 a week. If possible would you tell me any permanent shelters or a place that youth can live in if their having problems at home. Or can I move out on my own, and the government will support me with residents... am guessing this is where student welfare comes in place. I dont want to run away and live on the streets because I know how thats going to end up, but I do want to move out. I want to be doing something I love as a career and my family is agianst it 100%. I want to acheive my dreams and ambitions but everyday i fell like Iam going to end up homeless. Your help will be truly appreciated. In my case any help will be appreciated. Please and thank you.
Re: Hello Iam 17 years old going
Hi,
It sounds like you are going through a really difficult situation. But it is important for you to know what you are not alone, there are people and services that can help you.
First of all, if you are having problems at home and you want to talk to someone, you can talk to an adult at your school (like a teacher or guidance counselor). You can also call Kids Help Phone at 1-888-668-6868. They have experience dealing with similar issues and can provide you with advice.
If you do decide to move out, you can find information here about locating a youth shelter.
If you would like to apply for Student Welfare, you need to first get assessed to see if you qualify. You can do this at your nearest Ontario Work office. Simply provide them with your address, and they will find the closest office.
I hope your situation gets better soon. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
question...
Hi I just wanted to know how long the process takes to get OW?
And also, if I were to be accepted how long would it take to get the money?
Re: question...
Hi Christina,
That's a great question.
However, I would need to know more information to provide a detailed answer.
Everyone's experience with OW is different depending on their situation. If you want to know how OW works, you can look here.
But in your situation, it is best that you contact OW directly with your question.
To find a OW office, call ServiceOntario (1-800-267-8097) or visit their site. Provide them with your address and they will be able to find your nearest office.
Good luck!
I'm 20 years old currently in
I'm 20 years old currently in school, trying to further my education. I have received OSAP but the school I go to doesn't exactly have flexible hours and I can't work at certain times, only on weekends. The OSAP doesn't cover even close, the amount of my expenses, rent, insurance, gas to and from school, food, and car repairs such as oil changes etc. Is there any way I can get some type of grant or assistance from the government?? I don't even have enough money to eat sometimes.....I'm single and in school and there is no help at all....
Problem
I'm 20 and currently living at home. My parents have been gone for about a year and a half now and they do not help me whatsoever. Although they have let me stay in their house while they were paying for bills + etc. I've had to pay for Hydro, heat and cable ($900) and I also have to buy my own food. I lost my job a month ago and my parents are returning to Canada in August and they have asked me to start paying rent as of July 20th if I want to stay in their house.
I called Ontario Works and I was told that I am not eligible for it. But I am unemployed and as of July 20th, I will have nowhere to live. What can I do?
Question
I'm currently 21 years old and after complications at and during high school I was incapable of receiving a OSSD. I'm currently working towards my OSSD as we speak. I recently moved in with my mother and step-father. My problem is that they are forcing me to pay rent by next month and if I don't then I will be forced to leave. I live in a small town so work is extremely hard to find not to mention the lack of a OSSD doesn't help the problem, I don't own a vehicle and I have no source of income. I've actually never worked a paid day in my life. I have working experience just none that has garnered me any funds.
I was wondering if I am some how eligible for welfare or some sort of financial support for a person in my position? My step father is asking me for $300 for room and board but I have no way of affording that right now.
Re: Question
Hi Dan,
To apply for OW, you need to contact an Ontario Works office near you. Before you contact them, make sure you have your documents together. For example, you will need your social insurance number and any other ID you may have. Also provide documents verifying your status in Canada (if any). Tell them why you are calling, and they will schedule a meeting with you. At the meeting you can explain your situation, and they will tell you officially if you qualify for OW or not. You can look here if you need more information about Ontario Works.
To find the nearest OW office, call ServiceOntario (1-800-267-8097) or visit their site. Provide them with your address and they will be able to find your nearest office.
If you do get kicked out and don't have a place to stay, think about staying at a shelter (what is a shelter?). There are shelters for youth everywhere in Ontario (where can I find a shelter?).
Hope that addresses your concerns!
stressful
I'm 16 years old and I don't fit in at home, my whole family looks at me like I'm a black sheep, I'm sick of the fighting and having another person live here. I really want to move out and get on student welfare, but I don't know how it will work, my mother will try to make me come back home, so how can I leave and get on student welfare without having to deal with the problems my mother will cause?
Re: stressful
Hi Tamara,
You mention that if you move out and get student welfare, you don't know how it will work. First off, before you leave there are some questions you can ask yourself in order to plan ahead. Here is a list of questions youth leaving home should ask themselves before they go.
If you want to apply for student welfare, you need to have "special circumstances" like if:
You mention you are fighting a lot with your family, but does this include emotional, physical or sexual abuse? If not, then it is unlikely that you qualify. If yes, and you plan on leaving home, contact an Ontario Works office near you. They will schedule a meeting with you, you can explain your situation, and they will tell you officially if you qualify or not.