How Can Ontario Works Help You?

Financial Assistance

Ontario Works provides money for food, shelter and other costs to people in financial need who meet the eligibility criteria. Financial Assistance may include money for food, shelter, clothing and other household costs.

Monthly Ontario Works Amounts

The monthly amount of assistance someone can receive from Ontario Works depends on family size, housing costs and income. The Ontario Works Act and Regulations set the social assistance rates.

 

 Basic Needs

The maximum monthly basic needs amounts are based on family size. This amount is issued whether or not you have an address.

Basic Needs

Number of Children/Dependent Adults*

 Amount (Single) Amount (Couple)

No children

 $343 $494
1 child 17 years or under $360 $494
1 dependent adult 18 or older $623 $652
2 children 17 years or under $360 $494
1 child 17 years or under, and 1 dependent adult 18 or older $623 $652
2 dependent adult 18 or older $781 $826
3 children 17 years or under $360 $494
2 children 17 years or under, and 1 dependent adult 18 older      $623 $652
1 child 17 years or under, and 2 dependent adults 18 or older $781 $826
3 dependent adults 18 or older $956 $1001

 *Dependent adults are children 18 and older.
Shelter 

Shelter allowance is based on your family size and your housing costs, up to the legislated maximum in the table below. Housing costs can include:

  • rent
  • mortgage payments (principal and interest)
  • property taxes
  • premiums for house and content insurance
  • utilities (hydro)
  • heating costs
 Monthly Maximum Shelter Allowance Amounts 
Family Composition     Maximum Monthly Allowance
1 $390
2 $642
3 $697
4 $756
5 $815
6+ $844

 
Board and Lodge

Some people may qualify for Board and Lodging allowance instead of the Basic Needs and Shelter allowances, based on their living situation. You will receive the Board and Lodging allowance if your rent money also includes your meals (also known as room and board). 

For each additional dependant 18+ years of age add $120 for a single, $100 for a couple. For each additional dependent 0-17 years of age add $69 for a single, $61 for a couple. A Special Boarder Allowance of $71 may be added if applicant is living with parents. 

Maximum Amount for Board and Lodge   
Number of children/Dependent Adults* Amount (Single)  Amount (Couple)
No children  $533 $688
1 child 17 years or under $644 $752
1 dependent adult 18 or older $752 $790
2 children 17 years or under $737 $813
1 child 17 years or under, and 1 dependent adult 18 or older    $825 $851
2 dependent adult 18 or older $873 $887
3 children 17 years or under $806 $874
2 children 17 years or under, and 1 dependent adult 18 older      $894 $912
1 child 17 years or under, and 2 dependent adults 18 or older $942 $948
3 dependent adults 18 or older $980 $984

 *Dependent adults are children 18 and older.

Please Note:

Everyone's situation is different. The information here is intended as general guidance only. It is not meant to provide a full description of the Ontario Works program or to tell you if you qualify for the program. To get a   better understanding of how the Ontario Works program may be able to help you, please contact us directly.

 

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