Postal service has resumed. January social assistance cheques will be mailed in time to arrive by the end of December.
Ontario Works recipients who regularly receive social assistance payments by direct deposit will continue to have their funds deposited into their bank account.
For more information, call Ontario Works at 905-546-4800.
You can now use your Ontario Health Card to access drug coverage under the Ontario Works Program. Beginning December 1, 2016, paper drug cards will no longer be available.
If you do not have a Ontario Health Card, call your Ontario Works Case Manager at 905-546-4800.
Learn more about the drug card changes English version (PDF, 353 KB) French version (PDF, 321 KB)
The Ontario Works program strives to balance client needs with individual responsibility. Visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services website to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as an Ontario Works client.
The following information is for those who are receiving Ontario Works benefits.
Social assistance in Ontario: Links to helpful resources
You will receive a 9-digit member ID and a 4-digit PIN number in two separate mailings. Both of these numbers are required to access your case file. This service is available:
Monday to Friday from 8 am to 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm
To Reset PIN: Press 1 – English instructions, Enter your 9 digit Member ID, Press 0 for the Help Desk and they will reset your PIN.
You can receive information about:
All Ontario Works monthly cheques and direct deposits will be dated and cashable for the last business day every month effective immediately. If any questions, please speak with your case manager.
| Benefit Month | Payment Date (The date you receive your payment is dependent upon Canada Post and the banks) |
|---|---|
| January | December 31, 2018 |
| February | January 31, 2019 |
| March | February 28, 2019 |
| April | March 29, 2019 |
| May | April 30, 2019 |
| June | May 31, 2019 |
| July | June 28, 2019 |
| August | July 31, 2019 |
| September | August 30, 2019 |
| October | September 30, 2019 |
| November | October 31, 2019 |
| December | November 29, 2019 |
The SOI can be dropped off at the closest OW office or mailed to the office location indicated on the SOI.
If you have more than two members of your family that are working, either request an additional SOI form from reception or copy the one you receive in order to record all earnings of all family members.
If your Statement of Income is not received by the 16th of each month, or if it is not complete or correct, there may be a delay in your Ontario Works Financial Assistance.
Important: If you are not sure how to report your income, contact your Case Manager.
1. You are not required to submit a Statement of Income (SOI) if you have been advised by your Case Manager. This may occur if:
2. You must continue, or start, to submit a Statement of Income (SOI) on the 16th of each month, if:
Review the instructions on how to complete a Statement of Income (SOI) (PDF, 384 KB)
There are benefits available to help you pay for job start-up costs like new clothes, work boots, a haircut, tools and day care. If you have been receiving assistance for 3 months or longer, you can earn up to $200 each month without it affecting your assistance. Every dollar you earn over $200 will reduce your income support by $.50. For example - your monthly earnings is $350. You keep the first $200 without affecting your assistance. From the remaining $150, only $75 would be deducted from your income support. Speak to your Case Manager about this and other benefits that may be available to you.
Employment Counsellors can give you assistance and direction to help you be successful in your job search. Employment programs are available to help you upgrade your skills and education, choose a career, develop your resume, prepare for interviews and assist with job placement. Speak to your Case Manager about this and other benefits that may be available to you.
Providing excellent service is important to us. If you would like to provide comments or feedback on any of the services you have received, please send an email to OntarioWorks@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2424 ext. 4156.
