Apply for Ontario Works
If you are a resident of Grey County, there are three ways to apply for Ontario Works assistance.
Click here to Apply for Ontario Works
- If you have been on Ontario Works in the last 4 years you may complete an update online at grey.ca (Click the Link Below) and will be contacted within 24 hours with details of an appointment.
- If you have not been on Social Assistance in the last 4 years you are encouraged to apply online at www.ontario.ca/socialassistance.
- To speak to someone over the phone to complete 15-30 minute screening and follow up appointment, call 519-376-7112 ext 1117. Please note: this method may take longer to receive financial assistance.
What information you need to provide
Whether you are applying online or by phone, be sure to have the following information available for you, your spouse and dependents ready before you get started:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Insurance Number(s)
- Health Card Number(s)
- Immigration Number and Date of Landing (if applicable)
- Cost of Accommodation (including mortgage, rent, heat and hydro)
- Address Information (for the last 12 months)
- Employment Information (for the last 3 months)
- Bank Account and Asset Information (such as RRSP, GIC, CSB)
- Information on all earnings and income (such as Canada Pension or Workplace Safety Insurance Board)
- Notice of Assessment and Child Tax Assessment from Revenue Canada
Please note that you must also bring this information with you to the verification interview.
Attending your interview
Grey County has a location in Owen Sound, Markdale, Durham and Hanover that you may meet with a worker to complete your application for assistance. During this in-person interview, your eligibility will be confirmed and required forms will be completed.
If you are not eligible for assistance you may be referred to other services such as Children's Services, Housing Services, Community Outreach or other services in our local community. People who are in crisis or unable to go through the screening process online or over the telephone will be able to access services at our local office.
Financial and Employment Assistance
Learn about Social Assistance and Apply Online
Ontario Works
Ontario Works is an employment program which provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and families. The intent of the Ontario Works program is to help people in temporary financial need find sustainable employment and achieve self-reliance through the provision of effective, integrated employment services and financial assistance.
Every person has the right to an application. Eligibility is determined by the person or family's individual financial (ie: assets and income) and employment (ie: training, lay off, etc.) circumstances.
When an application has been approved, Ontario Works clients continue to receive financial assistance as they work toward their employment goals. The amount of assistance depends on the family size, composition and income.
If an applicant is found ineligible for assistance or if a client disagrees with the amount of assistance provided, they have a right to appeal the decision. The applicant or client is advised of the decision and the reason for ineligibility in writing.
211 (Local Services)
211 helps people find services in their community. In Canada, 211 offers live answer service 24/7. The number is free to call and interpreters are available in more than 170 languages.
Satellite Offices
Durham - Satellite Office
Durham Resource Centre
575 Saddler Street East
Durham ON N0G 1R0
Hanover - Satellite Office
286 - 10th Street
Hanover ON N4N 1P2
This office will be closed on Fridays throughout July and August 2019.
Markdale - Satellite Office
South East Grey Community Health Centre
55 Victoria Ave,
Markdale
Open Monday to Friday.
Owen Sound - Satellite Office
Unit 3 - 888 Alpha Street, Owen Sound
Park in the parking lot beside the old Medical Centre; walk towards the back of the property towards the park. Unit 888 is located in the units facing north and south.
Meaford - Satellite Office
Unit 3, 80 Victoria Street, Meaford
Vision Mission and Values
Our Vision
“A client centered organization building brighter futures”
Our Mission
“We will deliver effective employment, financial and children’s services so that individuals and families are encouraged and empowered to overcome challenges and move toward greater self sufficiency”
Our Values
- Operate as a client-centered organization.
- Develop and promote community partnerships to broaden client opportunities.
- Communicate and problem solve in an open, constructive and timely manner.
- Promote dignity and independence through respect and mutual responsibility.
- Involve staff, clients and community effectively in the decision making process.
- Strive for consistency and fairness within our working relationships in a manner which is considerate of individual needs.
- Acknowledge and value innovation and contributions of all.
- Foster an environment of learning and development.
- Respect the need for work and life balance.
- Model excellence in public service.
- Advocate on behalf of clients who are least able to obtain supports on their own.