Benefits Available if you go off Ontario Works Assistance

There are benefits available if you stop getting Ontario Works assistance.  The following are some of the options available depending on the reason why you are going off of assistance:

Extended Health Benefits (EHB)

 If you have high prescription drug or other related costs and you no longer qualify for Ontario Works assistance due to income from employment, business income, or other income sources, you may be eligible for this benefit.  Other health benefits in addition to assistance with prescription drug coverage may be offered as well.  

Extended Employment Health Benefit (EEHB)

  • If you do not qualify for the Extended Health Benefit, you may qualify for this benefit if you are going off of assistance due to income from work earnings. 
  • If you do not have benefits at work or must serve a waiting period to qualify for benefits, you may be eligible for this coverage until your work benefits begin or for up to a six month period, whichever is first.  
  • Under special circumstances, this may be extended for another six month period.  Other health benefits in addition to assistance with prescription drug coverage may be offered as well.  

Trillium Drug Benefit

  • You may be eligible for this benefit if you are ineligible for EHB or EEHB. 
  • This program is based on income and family size. 
  • Assistance with prescription drug costs may be provided after you have paid for medication up to a certain amount maximum, also called a deductible. When this amount is reached, you will only have to pay $2 per prescription for the year.
  • This benefit is administered by the Ministry of Health and not at the local Ontario Works office. 

Note: If you are under the age of 25, prescription drug costs are free at your pharmacy if you have a health card