Eligibility for Ontario Works Assistance
Staff follow Ontario Works directives when making decisions about eligibility and benefits. Policy directives explain how the program works, supports available and roles and responsibilities of staff and clients.
You do not have to exhaust all of your savings to qualify for assistance. The following table outlines your allowable asset level depending on family size and composition.
| Family size and composition | Maximum Asset Limit (while on assistance) |
|---|---|
| Single applicant (no spouse and no dependents) | $10,000 |
| Applicant with a spouse (no other dependents) | $15,000 |
| Applicant with a spouse and one other dependent | $15,500 |
| Applicant with a spouse and one dependent plus other additional dependents | $15,500 + $500 for each additional dependent |
| Applicant with one dependent (no spouse) | $10,500 |
| Applicant with one dependent, plus additional dependents (no spouse) | $10,500 + $500 for each additional dependent |
| Child in temporary care or a dependent of a dependent | $500 |
Eligibility Documents
To see if you are eligible for Ontario Works assistance we will need to review the following documentation. If you do not have all this information you can still apply for assistance and provide the documentation later:
- Birth certificate, social Insurance number and health card
- Proof of all income (EI, CPP, WSIB, support orders), bank statements (within 30 days), most recent income tax assessment
- Paystubs for last four weeks and employer details: name, address and phone number
- Investments (statements not more than 30 days old)
- Rent/room and board/mortgage documents and landlord’s name, address and phone number if applicable
- Legal documents (for example, divorce or custody documents)
- Utility bills (hydro, gas, water, taxes, insurance)