Receiving Ontario Works

Potential Postal Disruption

In the event of a postal disruption at Canada Post that may begin on or after October 22, 2018, contingency plans are being put in place to ensure delivery of November 1 social assistance cheques to Ontario Works participants. These plans will be published on October 24.  

Payments to landlords and vendors will be available for pickup on Thursdays and Fridays at 120 King Street, 9th floor between 1 and 3 pm, starting Thursday October 25.  Cheques will not be available outside of these hours.

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

Important Notice

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) 


Rights and Responsibilities as an Ontario Works client

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.

Forms and Information for Ontario Works Clients

The following information is for those who are receiving Ontario Works benefits.

Information for Ontario Works Clients

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:

  • Most recent cheque date and amount
  • Previous cheque history (payments within the last 45 days)
  • Current overpayment balance (if applicable)
  • Case status (ongoing, suspended or terminated)

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 January 31, 2018
February February 28, 2018
March March 30, 2018
April April 30, 2018
May May 31, 2018
June June 29, 2018
July July 31, 2018
August August 31, 2018
September September 28, 2018
October October 31, 2018
November November 30, 2018
December December 31, 2018

Do not complete and sign the SOI before the 16th of each month as all income must be declared from the 16th of the previous month to the 15th of the current month. 

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:

  • You do not have any income or earnings to report
  • Your income does not change on a monthly basis (Canada Pension Plan, Support payments that are the same each month, roomer or boarder income etc.)

2. You must continue, or start, to submit a Statement of Income (SOI) on the 16th of each month, if:

  • You have a new source of income (attach your income stubs to your SOI)
  • You have ongoing earnings and/or training allowances (attach your pay stubs to your SOI)
  • You have casual earnings from employment (attach your pay stubs to your SOI)
  • You have income that changes amounts on a monthly basis

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.

  • Jobs at the City of Hamilton
    View and apply for career opportunities, or learn more about working at the City of Hamilton.
     
  • Jobs Hamilton
    Browse listings of jobs available to Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program participants. Speak to your Employment Consultant on how to apply for these positions.
     
  • WinHamilton - The Workforce Information Network
    Find information on services that assist job seekers and the Hamilton community to discover local employment, training, and upgrading programs.

Comments or Feedback on our Service

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.

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