Financial Assistance

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

Before you apply online, please have the following information about yourself and any family members ready:

birth dates
Social Insurance Numbers
health card numbers
full address with postal code and phone number
monthly shelter costs including rent, utilities, etc...
summary of all income and assets of all family members

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.

By phone

Before you call, please have the following information about yourself and any family members ready:

birth dates
Social Insurance Numbers
health card numbers
full address with postal code and phone number
monthly shelter costs including rent and utilities
summary of all income and assets of all family members

Phone the appropriate office, based on your place of residence.

Kawartha Lakes

Call 705-324-9870 or 1-877-324-9870;
Press the number "2" once you hear the voicemail message.

Haliburton

Call 705-286-4085 or 1-877-324-9870;
Press the number "4".

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.

In office

Social Services Lindsay Office

Street: 68 Lindsay Street North Mail: PO Box 2600, Lindsay, Ontario K9V 4S7
Telephone: 705-324-9870
Toll Free: 1-877-324-9870
Fax: 705-328-2875
Email Human Services
Map this location

Social Services Haliburton Office

49 Maple Avenue, Unit 8 Haliburton ON K0M 1S0
Telephone: 705-457-4571
Toll Free: 1-877-324-9870
Fax: 705-457-8023
Email Human Services
Map this location

Follow-up appointment

Scheduling an appointment

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 68 Lindsay Street North, 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?

You must bring the following information for all family members:

birth certificate
Social Insurance Numbers
health cards
verification of shelter costs (rent receipt, mortgage statement, utility bills)
updated bank books or statements for all accounts
verification of any other assets
life insurance details
verification of all income and earnings (pay stubs, income statements, support orders or agreements)

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?

During the appointment, which will likely last one to two hours, your caseworker will:

complete the full application for financial assistance by asking a number of questions
let you know about other ways they can help
inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a participant in the program
provide you with information about employment services requirements

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

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

You may also be eligible for benefits to help pay for:

glasses for dependent children
travel and transportation to and from medical appointments
diabetic supplies
surgical supplies
guide dog costs
dental care or dentures for adults
glasses for adults
prosthetic devices

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
Map this location

Financial Assistance - Ontario Works