Temporary Ontario Works COVID-19 Emergency Benefit

(For Social Assistance Recipients)

The Emergency Benefit is a one-time discretionary benefit that is intended to provide emergency financial support to social assistance recipients for special services, items or payments, at the discretion of the caseworker, to address health and safety issues related to COVID-19.

For example, additional costs for personal protective equipment, staple foods, non-medical transportation, hygiene and cleaning supplies.

The Emergency Benefit is being implemented to improve access to additional financial support for Ontario Works and ODSP recipients. ODSP recipients are to contact their ODSP worker.

Any Ontario Works recipient currently in receipt of financial assistance (including those in receipt of Personal Needs Allowance) who identifies a need for additional support can request the Emergency Benefit on behalf of the benefit unit.

Ontario Works recipients will need to contact their caseworker to request this assistance and to advise of their individual situation and their needs.

This Emergency Benefit is a one-time discretionary benefit:

• Singles are eligible for a maximum of $100
• Families are eligible for a maximum of $200

The Emergency Benefit is a one-time benefit only and has been made available for those who were on social assistance for March and/or April 2020.

If you are an OW client and need this financial support, please contact your case worker by calling or emailing to the following:

Edna Sutherland, Case Worker
, 705-658-4619 ext. 275

Hayley Cheechoo, Case Worker
, 705-658-4619 ext. 225

For program inquiries please contact:

Norma McComb, Director of Social Assistance
, 705-658-4619 ext. 223

As advised previously although our First Nation office is closed to the public, we are still in our offices to ensure continued essential Ontario Works services.

Thank you and be safe!