Apply for Ontario Works

Ontario Works Social Assistance Cheques

The October 1 cheque will not be mailed even if a collective agreement is reached between Canada Post and its letter carriers. 

Ontario Works recipients

Ontario Works recipients can pick up their October 1 monthly cheque at Carisma Church, 16 West Avenue South, Hamilton on the following days:

  • Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 9 am to 4 pm
  • Friday, September 28, 2018 from 9 am to 4 pm
  • ​Monday, October 1, 2018 from 9 am to 4 pm

UPDATE: Ontario Works recipients who did not pick up their October 1 monthly cheque at Carisma Church are asked to speak with their case manager directly. 

Ontario Works recipients who regularly receive social assistance payments by direct deposit will continue to have their funds deposited into their bank account.

Monthly direct deposit statements and dental cards will continue to be mailed. 

Landlords

Ontario Works payments to landlords have not been mailed to avoid cheques being held in the postal system.  Landlords can pick up their cheques at the Ontario Works office located at 2255 Barton Street East, Hamilton weekdays from 12 noon to 4 pm, starting Monday, September 24.  Please bring photo ID and a letter from the landlord authorizing you to pick up the cheque on their behalf. 

UPDATE: Ontario Works payments to landlords that were not picked up by the end of the day on October 1, 2018, have been placed in the mail.

Ontario Works payments and City of Hamilton payments to vendors will be continue to be mailed until a 72 Hour Notice of Intent to Strike has been issued.  If that occurs, cheques can be picked up at 120 King Street, 9th floor, Thursdays and Fridays, between 1 and 3 pm.

UPDATE: Effective October 2, 2018:

  • All new payments, direct deposit statements and dental cards to OW recipients will be placed in the mail following regular business processes.
  • All new payments to landlords and vendors will be placed in the mail following regular business processes.

Regular business processes will continue until further information concerning a possible strike is received and assessed for impact to our recipients, landlords and vendors.

For more information, please call Ontario Works at 905-546-4800.

Ontario Works provides temporary financial and employment assistance, also known as social assistance, for people who are in financial need. 

How to apply

Step 1 - Documentation

You will need information from a number of documents to complete an application. It's a good idea to get these documents together before you start. Review list of documents you will need to complete the online application

Application options

Apply online

Service available 24 hours, 7 days a week, in English or French.
Eligibility may take 15 minutes and another 20 to 30 minutes for the application. You will receive a call within three business days to book an in-office appointment.

Please call our office within three days of completing the application If you do not:

  • receive a confirmation number once you have submitted your online application
  • provide a phone number with your application

You can reach us at 905-546-4800 and press option 3 when prompted.

Apply by phone

Please call our office at 905-546-4800 and press option 3. Service available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm, in English or French.

Step 2 - In-office appointment to verify application

An in-office appointment is necessary to complete the application process. During the appointment, you will be expected to provide required information, complete and sign the application and all accompanying forms. You will need to bring your spouse (if you have one) and any children who are 18 or older to the appointment and all supporting documents used to complete the application. If you are not physically able to come to the in-office appointment, please advise us and we will make other arrangements with you. 

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