Ontario Works Payment Dates & Benefit Application (2024)

The Ontario Works (OW) payment dates usually fall on the last business day of each month, covering expenses for the upcoming month. The next OW payment date for 2024 is April 30, 2024.

If you’re a resident of Ontario struggling to afford essentials like food and shelter, you may find relief through the OW program. OW offers monthly financial assistance designed to support low-income Ontario residents who are facing difficulties meeting their basic needs.

In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the Ontario Works program, including the OW payment dates for 2024, who is eligible, how to apply, the benefit amounts and payment options in Ontario.

Key Takeaways

• The next Ontario Works payment date for 2024 is April 30, 2024.
• OW payments are designed to cover expenses for the next month. For example, when you receive your payment for January, it will cover your expenses for February.
• The primary goal of the Ontario Works program is to aid individuals facing temporary financial hardship in securing sustainable employment and attaining self-reliance.
• The OW provides financial, health, and employment benefits to residents of Ontario.
• To be eligible for the OW benefits, you must be 16 years or older, a resident of Ontario, and must not exceed the OW program income limits.

Ontario Works Payment Dates 2024

Ontario Works payment schedule often falls on the last business day of each month. Each payment is designed to cover expenses for the next month. For example, the payment for February 2024 was paid in January 2024.

Check out the OW payment dates for 2024:

You can receive your payment through cheque, direct bank deposit, or a reloadable payment card on the scheduled payment dates.

If you opt for payment by cheque, you expect to receive your cheque in the mail a few days after the scheduled dates.

However, the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services suggests you opt for the direct bank deposit option since it is the easiest and safest method of receiving the Ontario Works payment.

But if you don’t have a bank account to receive a direct bank deposit, you should opt for a reloadable payment card.

What is Ontario Works?

Ontario Works (OW) is a welfare program in Ontario that supports eligible individuals in covering essential living costs and finding employment opportunities within the province.

OW aims to assist eligible Ontarians with food, clothing, housing, and health expenses. Additionally, the program offers job-related aid, such as job counselling, training, basic education, and resume writing workshops.

The primary goal of the Ontario Works program is to aid individuals facing temporary financial hardship in securing sustainable employment and attaining self-reliance. This is achieved through the effective integration of employment services and financial assistance.

1. Ontario Works Financial Assistance

The Ontario Works Financial Assistance is for Ontarians struggling to pay for their basic needs, like food and housing. How much you receive from this assistance program depends on your living situation.

If you rent or own a home, your monthly Ontario Works payments will include Basic needs and Shelter allowance. 

The Basic needs portion covers the cost of food, clothing, and other necessary items, based on the number of people in your family and their ages.

The Shelter allowance covers your rent or mortgage payment, heat, property taxes, condominium fees, utilities, etc. It is based on your actual shelter costs, up to a maximum, depending on the number of people in your family.

The amount you can receive for your basic needs and the shelter allowance under the Ontario Works financial assistance is $733 monthly and may be adjusted based on your living situation.

You will receive the Ontario Works Board and Lodging payment if you get your food and shelter from the same source.

2. Ontario Works Health Benefits

Ontario Works provides benefits to help eligible Ontarians cover health and other costs, depending on their circumstances.

If you are receiving the Ontario Works Financial Assistance, you will get coverage for the following:

• Prescription drugs
• Dental 
• Vision care
• Eye examinations
• Eyeglasses
• Travel and transportation for medical purposes
• Assistive devices
• Diabetic or surgical supplies and dressings
• Extended health benefits 
• Guide dog Benefit

3. Ontario Works Employment Assistance

To receive Ontario Works payments, you must partake in approved activities to help you find and keep a job. You will develop a plan with your Ontario Works caseworker to improve your skills in finding and keeping a job.

You must update your plan when you complete activities or begin new ones and must report your earnings when you start working.

Here are the major employment activities you will be required to participate in to get employment assistance from Ontario Works:

• Help finding and preparing for a job
• Education Programs
• Job-specific skills training
• Literacy Screening and Training
• Learning, Earning, and Parenting (LEAP)
• Better Jobs Ontario
• Employment Placements
• Community Placements

Ontario Works Eligibility Requirements

To receive the Ontario Works payments, you must:

• Be 16 years or older
• Be a resident of Ontario
• Have assets that do not exceed the program limits
• Need financial assistance for food and shelter costs.
• Willing to participate in job search activities

If you meet the above requirements, you can go ahead and apply for the program and anticipate the OW payment dates.

How To Apply For Ontario Works

You can apply for the Ontario Works online. The application is very straightforward and will only take 20-30 minutes to complete.

To complete the application, you must provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking information, birth certificate, Ontario health insurance plan details, pay stubs, tax returns, and immigration papers.

A caseworker will contact you if you need to review your information if needed.

Also, you can apply by calling the Ontario WOrks office at 416-338-8888 or 1-888-465-4478 (toll-free) or 416-392-2823 (TTY). The phone lines will open from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

If your application is denied, ensure you request an internal review within 30 business days of receiving the decision for reconsideration. You can also appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal if you are not satisfied with the decisions of the internal review.

Ontario Works Benefit Amount

The amount you can receive for your financial assistance is $733 a month and may be adjusted based on your situation. However, your Ontario Works amount depends on your assets, income, shelter costs, and family size.

The following are the maximum basic, shelter, board, and lodging amounts you can get under during the OW payment dates.

The amounts payable for Basic Needs are:

Furthermore, there’s a $175 addition for each dependent adult aged 18 or older.

The maximum monthly amounts payable for Shelter are:

The amounts payable for Board and Lodging are:

Source: Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

What is the Maximum Amount for Ontario Works?

Ontario Works provides financial assistance to eligible individuals, with the maximum amount set at $733 per month. It’s important to note that this maximum amount may be subject to adjustments based on individual circumstances.

The benefit amount calculation depends on factors such as family size, housing costs, and other specific needs.

Final Thoughts on Ontario Works Payment Dates

Now, you are informed about the Ontario Works payment dates and what it takes to be eligible for payment. Remember to set up your direct bank deposit, as it is an easier and safer way to receive your OW payments.

You can also apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) even as a beneficiary of OW payment.

Ultimately, you should identify and claim any benefit you may qualify for, such as Ontario Trillium Benefit and Canada Workers Benefit.

Because the more of these benefits you claim, the more money you will have to supplement your income and improve your finances.

If you have more concerns about Ontario Works, contact the Ontario Works Office nearest you.

FAQs on Ontario Works Payment Dates

When is the Next Ontario Works Payment

Expectedly, each OW payment is scheduled on the last business day of the previous month.

Is Ontario Works Increasing in 2024?

There have yet to be any official statements from the Ontario government about increasing the Ontario Works rate in 2024. However, the government is currently improving the accessibility and application process of the program.