Applying for Ontario Works
You can apply for Ontario Works online, by phone or by visiting the local office. All information provided will be kept private and confidential.
Online |
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Before you apply online, please have the following information about yourself and any family members ready:
You can apply online anytime. The application process can take 60 minutes to complete. You can suggest up to three dates and times when you might be available to meet a caseworker and complete the full application. |
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By phone |
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Before you call, please have the following information about yourself and any family members ready:
Phone the appropriate office, based on your place of residence.
A staff person will ask questions to determine your eligibility. This screening process will take 15 to 20 minutes. Please make sure you leave information about the best way to contact you as an Ontario Works caseworker will contact you within two business days of when you completed the application. |
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In office |
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Social Services Lindsay Office322 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON K9V 4S7 Social Services Haliburton Office49 Maple Avenue, Unit 8 Haliburton ON K0M 1S0 |
Follow-up appointment
Scheduling an appointment |
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Within two business days, a caseworker will connect with you to confirm or schedule an in-person appointment at one of our offices. Kawartha Lakes residents will be asked to attend 322 Kent Street West, Lindsay. County of Haliburton residents will be asked to attend 48 Maple Avenue, Unit 8, Haliburton. |
Who needs to go? |
| You must attend the appointment in person. If you have a spouse or partner, they must also attend the appointment. |
What do I need to bring with me? |
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You must bring the following information for all family members:
If you are younger than 18 and applying for Ontario Works, there are other requirements that the caseworker will discuss with you prior to your in-person appointment. |
What happens at the appointment? |
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During the appointment, which will likely last one to two hours, your caseworker will:
The caseworker will let you know if you are eligible for financial assistance through Ontario Works at the end of the application process. If additional information is needed, it may take a couple days to determine your eligibility. |
Employment supports
If you qualify for Ontario Works, you have access to a range of employment services designed to help you prepare for, find and maintain employment. Opportunities include:
- academic upgrading
- job-specific skills training
- English as a Second Language
- Learning, Earning and Parenting programming
- access to local employment centres
- referrals to various job readiness programs
- access to information about who is hiring
What if I am already involved in an activity or recently started a new job?
You may be eligible to receive additional help with employment-related expenses, including:
- clothing
- grooming
- safety equipment (work boots, hard hats, and similar items)
- supplies and equipment
- transportation
- criminal records checks
- medical examinations or certificates
- minor fees such as certification charges or short-term training costs
- child care costs
Financial assistance
Basic financial assistance |
| Basic financial assistance 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. |
Prescription medication coverage |
| You will also be able to use your health card to pay for most prescription medication at a pharmacy. |
Special diet allowance |
| Additional assistance may be provided help cover the costs of a special diet required due to an approved medical condition. |
Pregnancy/breast-feeding nutritional allowance |
| Pregnant or breast-feeding women may be eligible for an allowance to cover the costs of nutritional needs associated with pregnancy and breast-feeding. |
Other benefits |
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You may also be eligible for benefits to help pay for:
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Contact Us
Social Services Lindsay Office
322 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON K9V 4S7
Telephone: 705-324-9870
Toll Free: 1-877-324-9870
F. 705-328-2875
Email Social Services
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