Ontario Works (OW) is Ontario's social assistance program for people who are in financial need and are able to work, or who are taking steps toward employment. If you are struggling financially and need immediate help, Ontario Works may be able to provide monthly income support, help with employment, and access to other services.
This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can receive, how to apply, and what support is available to you in 2025.
Ontario Works is a provincial government program administered by local Ontario Works offices (usually run by your municipality or district). It provides two main types of help:
Ontario Works is a temporary form of help. It is meant to support you while you work toward finding employment or becoming more self-sufficient. However, there is no time limit on OW — you can receive it as long as you remain eligible.
To qualify for Ontario Works, you must:
Ontario Works is available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugee claimants, and certain other immigration statuses. Temporary foreign workers and visitors generally do not qualify.
To qualify, your assets must be within certain limits:
Amounts include basic needs and shelter components. Additional benefits may apply.
The total amount is made up of two components:
If you have children and do not receive the Ontario Child Benefit or Canada Child Benefit (for example, if you haven't filed taxes), you may receive the Transitional Child Benefit through Ontario Works. This is a temporary supplement to help cover costs for your children while you get your benefits sorted out.
Ontario Works recipients may also be eligible for:
You can apply for Ontario Works in several ways:
You will need to provide information about your identity, residence, income, assets, and housing costs. If you are approved, you typically receive your first payment within a few weeks.
After applying, a caseworker will schedule an interview with you (in person or by phone). They will review your situation, discuss your needs, and determine your eligibility and payment amount. You will also discuss employment assistance activities that are appropriate for your circumstances.
As part of receiving Ontario Works, most people are expected to take part in employment assistance activities. These are not meant to be punitive — they are designed to help you move toward financial independence. Activities can include:
If you have a health condition, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances that limit your ability to participate, your caseworker can make accommodations or exempt you from certain activities.
You are allowed to work while receiving Ontario Works. There is an earnings exemption: you can keep some of your employment income without it affecting your benefits. In 2025, the exemption is:
After the exemption, 50% of additional earnings are deducted from your Ontario Works payments. This means you always benefit financially from working, even part-time.
Ontario Works is for people who are expected to look for work. If you have a disability that substantially limits your ability to work, you may qualify for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) instead, which provides higher monthly payments (~$1,228/month for a single person). Talk to your caseworker about whether ODSP might be more appropriate for your situation.
To continue receiving Ontario Works, you must:
Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, which you will be required to repay. If you disagree with a decision made about your case, you have the right to request an internal review and to appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal.
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Open KOHO Free — No Fees — Code 45ET55JSYAIf you need additional support while on Ontario Works, there are many other programs available:
Ontario Works caseworkers can also connect you with community services, housing assistance, and other programs available in your area.