Here are the 2024 Ontario Works payment dates:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | December 29, 2023 |
| February 2024 | January 31, 2024 |
| March 2024 | February 29, 2024 |
| April 2024 | March 28, 2024 |
| May 2024 | April 30, 2024 |
| June 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
| July 2024 | June 28, 2024 |
| August 2024 | July 31, 2024 |
| September 2024 | August 30, 2024 |
| October 2024 | September 27, 2024 |
| November 2024 | October 31, 2024 |
| December 2024 | November 29, 2024 |
Source: gov.on.ca
If you live in Toronto, you could have a different payment date for December.
Check with your local office.
What Is Ontario Works?
Ontario Works is a benefit offered to Ontarians that are struggling to make ends meet.
The monthly payments are meant to cover miscellaneous expenses related to food, clothing, shelter, prescription medication, household expenses and other health costs.
They also offer assistance programs in the form of workshops, counseling and training with the goal of helping you find and keep a job.
How Much Will I Get?
The amount of Ontario Works benefit that you get will depend on three things: your income, your family size, and the cost of your accommodations.
If you meet the eligibility requirements for Ontario Works, you could get $733 a month for housing and basic needs, and more if you have other family members that live in the same household or if you require additional benefits.
To get the best estimate based on your circumstances, click here to review the basic needs and shelter tables.
Did You Know?
The Ontario Works Employment Assistance Program helps you prepare for and look for jobs. A caseworker may be available to help with your resume, your job search and in arranging free interview preparation workshops to help you put your best foot forward.
Ontario Works Eligibility
Wondering if you’re eligible for the Ontario Works benefit? To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Permanently reside in Ontario
- Not have enough money to cover you and your family’s basic living expenses (the family members must be a part of your immediate family and live with you in the same household)
Here are the Ontario Works asset limits:
| Family Size | Ontario Works Asset Limits |
|---|---|
| Single | $10,000 |
| Couple | $15,000 |
| Couple / One Dependent | $15,500 plus $500 for each additional dependent |
| One Parent / One Dependent | $10,500 plus $500 for each additional dependent |
| Temporary Care Assistance and Dependent(s) of Dependent | $500 for each dependent |
Source: Toronto.ca
How To Apply For Ontario Works
You can apply for Ontario Works online, and it takes less than 30 minutes.
The best part is that you only need to submit one application for your entire family.
Before starting, make sure you have the latest version of whichever internet browser you are using downloaded – you can use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Safari.
Your family must consent to you filling out the form, and it’s best that they are with you while you do to ensure all information is accurate.
You’ll likely need a few identification and tax documents for each family member as well.
First off, you’ll be asked to fill in some basic personal information, including full names, residency status in Canada, dates of birth, home addresses and email addresses.
You’ll also be asked about your costs of living, including housing costs, child care costs and more.
You’ll have to disclose the entire family’s income and any assets you may hold.
You’ll have the option to provide complete bank account information to receive your payment through direct deposit instead of a mailed cheque.
Within 4 business days of submitting your application, you’ll hear from a caseworker from your local Ontario Works office to schedule an appointment.
The purpose of the appointment is for them to review your application, and ask you for more information to back up the claims you made in your application.
This could include anything from utility bills to childcare invoices and beyond.
At the appointment, you’ll need to sign off on the entire application package and sign a consent form so that Ontario Works can do a background check on you through other assistance programs to see if you qualify.
Once you’ve met with the caseworker and they have all the information they need from you, it will take another 4 business days to find out if you’ve been approved for Ontario Works.
They’ll contact you to let you know how much money you are eligible to receive and when you’ll start getting your payments.
Your caseworker will also schedule another appointment to help get you involved in job-related activities, unless you have extenuating circumstances, such as if you’re suffering from an illness or are taking care of someone full-time.
