The City of Kawartha Lakes works with provincial programs and local agencies to connect residents to financial assistance, employment services, and stability supports. Whether you're facing a temporary setback or longer-term challenges, Ontario Works and community partners can help with basic needs, job search support, and access to health and housing services.
Before you apply online, please follow this link to see what information you may need to have on hand.
Once you are ready, click here to begin your online application.
Depending on your circumstances, it may take an hour or more to complete your application.
After your application is completed, if you are eligible you will be contacted by your local office within a couple of weeks to complete additional forms and discuss your plan.
Before you apply by phone, please follow this link to see what information you may need to have on hand.
Once you are ready, call 1-888-999-1142 to begin your application.
Depending on your circumstances, it may take an hour or more to complete this part of your application.
After your application is completed, if you are determined to be eligible, you will be contacted by your local office within a couple of weeks to complete additional forms and discuss your next steps. You are required to complete this appointment. If you have a spouse or partner, they must also attend this appointment.
During the appointment, which will likely last one to two hours, your Client Services Worker will:
Ontario Works also provides other services to help folks move towards self-sufficiency.
The focus of the Ontario Works Program through Human Services is to focus on Stability Supports to help the people we work with move towards self-sufficiency.
Some examples of these kind of Stability Supports include benefits to help cover rent or shelter expenses, supports and resources to help with training and education, enhance social inclusion and promote community belonging or address concerns of food security.
If you need supports like this, please ask any of our staff for more details and how we can help.
If you need financial supports to help with your job search or to start a new job, Employment Ontario may be able to help you.
Your Client Services Worker will refer you to the correct Employment Ontario Office where you will get help with your job search or training plan.
Residents of Kawartha Lakes will be referred to VCCS. Click here to learn more about their programs and the supports they can offer.
Residents of the County of Haliburton will be referred to Fleming CREW located in the village of Haliburton. Click here to learn more about their programs and the supports they can offer.
If you aren't able to look for work or start a new job, your Client Services Worker will work with you to help develop a plan and connect to supports and services in your community that can help you;
Financial assistance from Ontario Works can include:
Lindsay Office
68 Lindsay Street North
(705) 324-9870
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Haliburton Office
49 Maple Ave, Unit 8, Haliburton
(705) 457-4571
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed 12-1pm daily)
Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
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Social Services Plan
Learn more about the City of Kawartha Lake's plan for social services and supporting our community in the Social Services Service Plan 2024-2028.
Read the Plan