Applying for Financial Assistance

Overview of Provincial Social Assistance

Social Assistance in Ontario consists of two programs;

If you are in an emergency and you live in York Region, you might be eligible for emergency assistance, which will provide you with temporary financial support.

You can apply for Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Emergency Assistance online through the Social Assistance Digital Application or Emergency Assistance Application 24/7. You can also call Service Ontario at 1-888-999-1142. More information on eligibility is below.

Ontario Works Eligibility

To qualify for Ontario Works financial assistance, you must:

  • be at least 16 years of age
  • be an Ontario resident
  • have assets no greater than the limits set out in the program
  • be in financial need
  • participate in employment activities

More information is available from the province on eligibility for Ontario Works.

Ontario Disability Support Program Eligibility

To qualify for ODSP income support, you must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be an Ontario resident
  • have assets no greater than the limits set out in the program
  • be in financial need
  • meet the program’s definition of a person with a disability or be a member of a prescribed class

More information is available from the province on eligibility for ODSP.

Emergency Assistance Eligibility

You may qualify if you live in Ontario (not a visitor or tourist), are in a crisis or emergency, and do not have enough money for things like food and housing. For example, a crisis or emergency includes situations where you:

  • have been affected by COVID-19
  • are being evicted from your home
  • are in or are leaving an abusive relationship
  • are worried about your safety
  • have emergency authorization to be in Canada for humanitarian reasons
    • this includes Ukrainian migrants arriving or remaining in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel pathway (CUAET).

You are not eligible if you are getting assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

If you are eligible for emergency assistance, the amount you get will depend on your specific situation. In most cases you will not get more than what you would get on Ontario Works.

More information is available from the province on eligibility for emergency assistance.

How to Apply for Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program and Emergency Assistance

York Region residents can apply for Ontario Works or Emergency Assistance:

When you apply, be sure to have the following information ready:

  • Birth certificate
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) card
  • Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card
  • Immigration/sponsorship information if applicable
  • Full address including postal code
  • Cost of rent or mortgage
  • Cost of utilities (gas, hydro, water)
  • Current landlord’s name and address
  • Address history for the past 12 months
  • Employment history for the past 24 months
  • Most recent monthly bank statement
  • Any sources of income
  • Assets (vehicle, RRSP's, etc.)

Access York

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 1-877-464-9675
TTY: 1-866-512-6228 or 905-895-4293
(for deaf and hard of hearing)
@email

Access York can provide you with information about York Region Ontario Works. Access York can also support ongoing Ontario Works customers with referrals to other programs and services.

Interpretation services are available for those who need an interpreter.

Related Resources

External Resources