Employment and Financial Assistance
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.
On This Page:
Applying for Ontario Works
You can apply for Financial Assistance through the Ontario Works Program online or by phone. All information provided will be kept private and confidential.
Before you apply, visit Ontario's Social assistance page to make sure you have all the information you need.
Apply Online
Once you are ready, visit the Social assistance page to work on your application. Depending on your circumstances, it may take an hour or more to complete your application.
Apply by Phone
When you have all the information you need, and you are ready, call 1-888-999-1142 to begin your application. It may take an hour or more to complete this part of your application.
What comes next?
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:
- Complete additional forms and assessments
- Inform you of your right and responsibility as a participant in this program
- Discuss additional services or supports that you might qualify for
- Connect you to your local Employment Ontario Agency for help with your job search or employment plan
Getting your Payments
Stability Supports to Help You
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.
Examples 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.
Employment Supports to Help Get or Start a Job
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. Visit the VCCS website to learn more about their programs and the supports they offer.
Residents of the County of Haliburton will be referred to Fleming CREW located in the village of Haliburton. Visit the Fleming CREW website to learn more about their programs and the supports they offer.
What if you aren't able to work right now?
If you aren't able to look for work or start a new job, your Client Services Worker will work with you to make a plan and connect you with helpful supports and services in your community.
They will help you to:
- Access health related services
- Access substance recovery and harm reduction supports
- Access housing and homelessness prevention supports
- Apply for longer term supports like Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Canadian Pension Plan disabilility benefits (CPP-D)
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance from Ontario Works can include:
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Basic Financial Assistance: This helps cover the cost of basic needs like food and shelter. The amount you are eligible to receive will vary depending on your family size, the age of your dependents, income, and shelter costs.
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Prescription Medication Coverage: You may be able to use your health card to pay for most prescription medication at a pharmacy.
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Special Diet Allowance: Additional assistance may be provided help cover the costs of a special diet required due to an approved medical condition.
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Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance: If you're pregnant or breast-feeding, you may be eligible for an allowance to cover the costs of nutritional needs associated with pregnancy and breast-feeding.
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Other Benefits: You may also be eligible for benefits to help pay for:
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Glasses for dependent children
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Travel and transportation to and from medical appointments
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Diabetic supplies
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Surgical supplies
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Guide dog costs
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Dental care or dentures for adults
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Glasses for adults
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Prosthetic devices
Contact Us
Have any questions? Email us: cklhumanservices@kawarthalakes.ca
City of Kawartha Lakes
Lindsay Office
68 Lindsay Street North
(705) 324-9870
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm
County of Haliburton
Haliburton Office
49 Maple Ave, Unit 8, Haliburton
(705) 457-4571
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed 12-1pm daily)
Social Services Plan
Learn more about the City of Kawartha Lake's plan for social services and community supports in the Social Services Service Plan 2024-2028.
Download and Read the Plan