Assistance through Ontario Works
Updated August 7, 2020
During the COVID-19 crisis, current Ontario Works clients will continue to receive their scheduled payments. Clients can access Ontario Works COVID-19 key information from the Ontario government.
Individuals may continue to apply for income assistance and emergency assistance through the Online Application for Social Assistance (OASA) or by calling the City of Hamilton Ontario Works office at 905-546-4800 or toll free at 1-855-999-8729.
To access information about your OW case, report income and change your address online, visit ontario.ca/MyBenefits.
These additional funding and supports are also available during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Emergency benefit (for Ontario Works clients)
Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients who have been directly impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible to receive the new Discretionary Emergency Benefit effective August 1 , 2020. This is a one time payment to assist with additional costs related to COVID-19. Recipients must not currently be in receipt of Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) income (with some exceptions). Medical verification that a member of the benefit unit has been directly impacted is required. You may be eligible for up to $100 for a single person and $200 for a family. For new requests, contact your Case Manager or the City’s Ontario Works Special Supports Program Office at 905-546-2590.
Examples of these expenses include:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for hospital or clinic visits (e.g. for dialysis, doctors’ appointments for an ongoing health related issue)
- Cleaning supplies for those who have a family member diagnosed with COVID-19
- Delivery costs for food, medical or other essential supplies for recipients or families who are self-isolated or quarantined
- Travel costs (e.g. taxi) to pick up food staples, medical or other essential supplies for recipients who are avoiding public transit
The benefit will be provided based on specified needs identified by the client.
Emergency assistance (for individuals who do not receive Ontario Works or ODSP)
Emergency assistance is available to individuals who have lost their job and/or are in urgent need of financial help because of COVID-19. Individuals who do not already receive support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program can apply for emergency assistance online or call the City’s Ontario Works office at 905-546-4800 to request an application.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Individuals who have lost their job due to the COVID-19 outbreak may be eligible for the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). Please do not contact Ontario Works to apply for the CERB. For information on eligibility or to apply, visit Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
Financial Support for Individuals
There are many types of financial support available to help individuals and families experiencing challenges due to COVID-19. A COVID-19 Virtual Assistant is available online to help you find more information on what financial supports are there for you from the Government of Canada.
Learn more about Financial Supports for Individuals
Helpful Links:
- Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- Hamilton Community Legal Clinic (social assistance supports summary)