Applying for Ontario Works

A young woman with glasses smiles while standing in a line with other people.

How Do I Apply for Ontario Works?

There is a new process of applying for Ontario Works. You will now apply directly to the Ontario government.

The City of Windsor has been selected as a partner in Ontario's new centralized and automated intake process starting June 21, 2021. Partnering with the Ontario government will provide an easier more streamlined application process for applicants. This new intake process will reduce paperwork and administration and allow staff more time to support clients out of crisis and toward life stabilization.

There are two ways to apply for Ontario Works - online and by phone.

Online

You can apply for Ontario Works online here.
The link above includes complete instructions on how to apply for Ontario Works.
You will be contacted by a caseworker form your local Ontario Works office within 4 business days of submitting your application.

By Phone

Call the Ontario government, toll free 1-888-999-1142, if you are:

Over the age of 18
Do not require a trustee
An interpreter assisting someone to apply

Call the local office, (519) 255-5200 or toll free at 1-866-925-2022, if you are:

In an emergency situation with no address or facing homelessness
Facing eviction or hydro/gas disconnect scheduled within 7 days
Experiencing a medical emergency
Receiving assistance from Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) in another municipality/have received funds from OW or ODSP in the past month
Under 18 years
Requiring a trustee
Calling for Temporary Care Assistance
Applying for a discretionary benefit

Local office hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. (holidays excepted)

When you call, a brief application will be taken, and a time will be set for you to meet with a caseworker to finalize your application (verification interview).

Direct Deposit for Ontario Works Assistance

To ensure fast and secure Ontario Works payments, please provide direct deposit banking information to your caseworker.
Direct deposit is the easiest way to receive your payments.
To learn more, please discuss this with your caseworker.

How Can I Learn More About Applying?

You can find an overview of the entire Ontario Works application process and learn more about how to apply using our step-by-step online Ontario Works Application Process Guide

What Do I Need to Bring to My Appointment?

Please bring the following with you to your verification interview:

Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, passport, immigration papers, etc.)
Social Insurance Number
Ontario health card number
Relevant immigration papers (if applicable)
Rental or mortgage information
Income information (earnings, pensions and support)
All banking (three months of bank records) and investment information (including account balances and branch details)
A list of assets including house, car and any investments
Employment history (past and current employer information and details)
A list of addresses where you have lived during the past 12 months and the dates you lived in each location
List of outstanding debts (current bills, loans, etc.)
If you are divorced or separated: Separation Agreement, a copy of your Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute or your Divorce Judgment and your Certificate of Divorce
If you are a widow or widower: Letters of probate, proof of death, copy of Will(s), proof of amount of insurance received, proof of disbursements or monies received
If you are in school: Verification of school attendance (timetables, attendance reports, report cards)
Your resume (if you have one)

Document Drop-Offs

You can drop off any required documents or letters as follows:

By emailing your caseworker - see Caseworker List if you are unsure of your caseworkers email
Via MyBenefits
At the outside drop box at 400 City Hall Square East
At City of Windsor customer care centres located around the city. Please visit our Customer Care Centres page for a listing of participating locations and their hours of operation.

Privacy

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act dictates that employees of the City of Windsor Department of Social Support Services cannot divulge any information on an applicant or recipient without the signed consent of the person in question.

More Information

In Windsor:
Call 311 for general information. For detailed inquiries, call (519) 255-5200 or toll free at 1-866-925-2022.
Fax: (519) 255-1011 or (519) 255-1503
Email: socserv@citywindsor.ca

In Leamington:
Call (519) 946-9988 or toll free at 1-866-925-2022.
Fax: (519) 322-3529 or toll free at 1-866-763-1222
Email: socserv@citywindsor.ca