r/OntarioWorks

I am a single unemployed person between jobs because my health has said otherwise to me working. I reported my income on the 15th, even got clarification from my case worker that they received it and thought everything was fine. Until last night.

I got a letter out of nowhere saying that on the same day I reported my income that I still needed to report it, and then a couple hours later on the same day an overpayment letter? The next day on the 16th I got another income request...I'm very confused.

I looked on Google and it says it could either be exceeded asset limit, not reporting a change in living situation or delayed/non-existant income report...but I haven't done any of this from my knowledge? It's telling me I have an overpayment of the amount I got from gifts...it's never done this before...

I didn't move, I reported my income and I didn't go over $500 in gift payments from family or friends...The only other option I saw was an internal error, but I've never had this happen before and it sent me into a spiraling panic last night when I got the notice...

Yes, I have severe anxiety, so call me childish all you want. I already know...

Hi,I was wondering when you signup to ontario works in kingston,ontario,do they do your 1st appointment over the phone or at their place of business?also if you physically can't go to the appointments will they do home visits?

Hi,I'm in kingston,omtario.i have a couple questions I hope you can help me with.How much do you get as a single person 60 years old a month.Is there a way to add other things to get more?like medication coverage,reading glasses,traveling expenses etc.

What will OW do for a young woman who is mentally unwell from being human trafficked but no diagnosis? Shes struggling and not stable enough to work.

Do I have to make under 733 dollars to start OW? Everyone says no but when I had a rough month in december said yes. Basically i am waiting for ODSP. I have managed to scrape by since I got laid off due to tarrifs 1.5 years ago by running an online store for my hobby of making Unity assets. The last few months have been slower and I've reached a bit of market saturation. I am basically in a situation where I can't afford my meds and rent. I haven't done final deposit and calculations yet but I am likely to make like 800 smth dollars this month. I've been trapped in this cycle of not being able to afford meds which makes me in worse condition. I've been hoping i could get onto OW so I can start getting medication coverage. There is no way to afford both meds and rent this month.

How can I get OW? I am making way below the allowed amount after 3 months. Is it not possible to start with a zero dollar cheque? Every source except the person I talked to in December has said that I would still be able to get on it and just be clawed back. I am an orphan btw so I just don't have any other options for housing. I've just been going into debt to pay rent and meds. Funny enough I just got a letter saying I was being kicked off trillium 💀

And yes I am doing my best to pull myself out of things on my own. I spend 10-15 hours a day working on projects etc.

Also editing for clarity: I know people are suffering on 733 a month with nothing else, I don't want to sound entitled. Just that if i subtract my medication cost I am making under that

​

Good afternoon,

Does anyone know how long it'll take to get a payment (non monthly) after speaking to a worker?

I spoke to a worker today via phone and she's issuing me a $100 credit now, then $143 in Sept.

This is not the monthly payment.

Thanks for any help and gave a good day

Cheers

I forgot I applied over last year to the class action loblaws bread lawsuit and I got paid the money like 5 minutes ago. Do I report this as income? I’m a little confused, would love to know

My 61 year old sibling has just started receiving OW, and is dealing with mental health issues - he is in treatment. He wants to work.

He has disclosed to OW that he's currently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety (severe), and a possible mood disorder.

Will OW:

-Adjust his employment expectations to a slower or more gradual pace?

-Refer him to Employment Ontario providers who focus on supported employment? *THIS IS MY HOPE*

-Encourage low-stress or incremental job readiness steps (not immediate full-time work)?

-Allow modified participation requirements if his condition limits capacity?

-does OW provide caseworker job support for a person in this situation?

My hope is he will be helped by OW to find a low stress job with an employer who knows of and accepts his current mental health challenges, and a job where he is supported by his boss/the company

During the ‘confirm your identity’ portion, there were questions about credit cards and such, and you had to choose from a couple of banks or none of the above.

One of my questions said

‘Your credit file indicates you may have a mortgage loan which was opened approximately August 2018. Please choose the provider for this account.’

I have definitely never opened a mortgage loan, I wish I could afford a house but I have been renting since 2016. I chose none of the above for my answer, but I’m curious - does this truly mean there’s a mortgage out there under my name? Or is it just a test of theirs to see my response?

TIA.

huge disclaimer: I do not think im entitled to a new phone nor do I even want one, I just want to make sure im taking all steps necessary since the device was paid for by the government.

last month my social worker gave me $250 to get a phone and phone plan set up since she wanted me to have some more independence from my family unit. Things were go well, until the phone fell in water today and now doesnt turn on. it was my own fault and im not looking for a replacement, obviously cant afford a repair. HOWEVER.

the phone and the plan were paid for by Ontario works in hopes of me getting a job. im currently writing this from a laptop. I already emailed my social worker letting her know that I will no longer be reachable by phone and explained the reasoning. I also let her know to make sure to cancel my phone plan payment for June since I will no longer need a number with the phone not working. I am just wondering if this will get me in trouble in any way? I truly didnt mean to break it- it was an accident. and im definitely not asking for another or even asking money for repairs. im just terrified of the money to cover it being broken somehow gets taken out of our cheque since my stepdad will get mad at me if that happens. Outside of letting my social worker know and checking my bank account frequently to reverse any payment possibly made towards the mobile plan is there anything else I can do to cover my ass?

Update : a lot of you guys are very dumb and ignorant - I should have posted from the start that I’m single, Canadian resident who was born here , NO KIDS , I have none ! I stay active consistently if I can’t do the gym I take a walk for a good hour. The amount of ignorance is crazy really disgusting how people assume shit it’s quite pathetic . I apply for jobs constantly .. To the helpful ppl thanks
———————————-

I have only ever received one payment from Ontario works by the way.

have been unemployed since September 2025. I have been actively trying to find work, but this has significantly worsened my depression and overall mental health.

I have multiple diagnosed conditions from my doctor and I am currently taking prescribed antidepressants and stimulants medication. I am also in the process of starting an ODSP application, but the process feels long and overwhelming.

I was previously denied EI after being terminated for attendance-related issues, and I am currently going through the reconsideration process. I am unsure how long this will take.

At this time, I am in urgent financial hardship. My utilities are at risk of being shut off, and I am struggling to manage basic needs. With the upcoming holiday weekend (Victoria Day), I am also concerned about delays in accessing support services.

I need guidance on any programs that may be able to help with immediate financial support, housing stability, and basic necessities.

***Btw I’m not trying to be a whiny asshole … just looking for some guidance I don’t have any family and I know it’s hard for everyone right now 💜

Hi everyone, I recently opened a Simplii No Fee Chequing Account to get the welcome bonus. My Ontario Works direct deposit just hit my account, and on my transaction history, it shows up under the automated label "PAYROLL DEPOSIT LONDON CMSM" for $671.

I called Simplii Client Care to make sure it was tracking correctly, but the representative told me that Ontario Works doesn't qualify for the promotional bonus.

However, looking at Simplii’s official terms online, Section 2 explicitly states that "social assistance" direct deposits of $100+ for 3 consecutive months count.

Has anyone here successfully received the Simplii sign-up bonus using their Ontario Works direct deposit? Did it pay out automatically for you, or did you have to fight customer service to get it?

Thanks in advance!

The completion bonus was reported but what I want to know is will it be exempt from what I received at the end of the month? My caseworker said she thinks it's an exempt. just curious if anyone might have a better answer

ok so i have been on ow and my kid (physically disabled to the extent of needing care though totally cognitively functional) turns 18 next week. we will be meeting with my ow caseworker for him to sign paperwork and do a financial review or whatever they do, no worries there.

that said my kid once 18 will be eligible to switch to odsp and im not sure how thats gonna work being that we live together and i am his caretaker... anyone have any advice about this. my mom was on odsp so i know the application process and what thats gonna look like and how long it can take. but im concerned about the logistics, like given he is cognitively functional will we have seperate incomes in which case how does that work? will he still be considered a dependent cuz like ill be so for real he is in fact dependent at least physically. its just a lotta change and id like a clearer picture of what that may look like

I just got a letter about filling out the Jury Eligibility form for the very first time. Never had it before so I’m not entirely sure on the details. What I mean is I’m generally aware of how jury duty works and the process but since never having been through it personally, I’m guessing there are details that I don’t know.

Specifically, how does it work while on OW? I’ve reached out to my worker for details on filling out the form. Anyone been through it while on OW? What should I know?

Hey! I’m trying to figure out what happened to the Ontario works free training programs?