Income Support
Working Together in Grey County
Ontario Works consists of two main components: Basic Financial Assistance; income support and employment support to those on financial assistance. The first component, basic financial assistance, pertains to basic needs and shelter support based upon family size, financial situation, and terms of eligibility. The second component, employment support, pertains to programs and training available to help persons receiving financial assistance find the quickest route to regain employment.
Basic Financial Assistance
Eligible applicants receive financial assistance for basic needs and shelter costs. The amount of Financial Assistance issued depends on family size, family composition, shelter costs, other sources of income, and other such factors. Advanced Age will “top up” assistance of $31/month for persons over the age of 65 in receipt of Ontario Works.
Benefits and Services
Discretionary benefits for emergency dental care and basic vision care may be available to those who qualify for coverage. An Indigent Burial will be provided if the deceased meets eligibility criteria. Eligibility is determined based on completion of a needs test, income, assets from estate/life insurance, and subject to terms of the current Provincial Legislation. Homemakers provides financial assistance with homemaking when no other programs are available to assist.
Income Reporting Statement (IRS Cards)
Completion and submission of an IRS card reporting income is the responsibility of a participant of Ontario Works. Statements of reported income are required on the 16th day of each month before a participant can be eligible to receive the next month's assistance.
Consolidated Verification Process (CVP)
Participants in receipt of financial assistance must attend an annual CVP interview to review all participant information, to keep data up-to-date and verify that clients are receiving the amount of assistance rightfully owed to them.
Family Support Program
The Social Services Department works on behalf of Ontario Works recipients to negotiate private agreements, complete court documents, and attend the Ontario Court of Justice in order to assist clients through the court process to obtain financial support from persons with a legal obligation to provide support.
Temporary Care
Temporary Care assists some families who have temporary care of a child, not receiving benefits from other sources.
Earnings Exemptions
50% of employment income is retained once eligibility has been established. The actual cost of formal child care or up to $600 per month per child informal child care is reimbursed.
Eligibility Review
Efficient and effective investigations and assessments of Ontario Works entitlement are conducted on a routine basis as a result of internal or external concerns.
Appeals
Ontario Works applicants have the right to file an appeal if they feel an incorrect decision has been made against their case. A written appeal needs to be submitted to the local office explaining why an applicant disagrees with the decision. The appeal is then brought before a department official other than the official originally involved with the decision. If this is unsuccessful the client can submit an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal. Forms are available online or at the Ontario Works local office.
If you would like to file a complaint or require more information, please phone:
The Welfare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-394-7867
Grey County Ontario Works: (519) 376-7324