If you're receiving financial assistance through Ontario Works (OW), you may qualify for additional benefits beyond basic living expenses. OW offers support programs that help with health-related costs, employment expenses, housing assistance, and more. This guide outlines the extra benefits available and how they can support individuals and families on social assistance.
I wanted to mention that all the information in this article is based on information from the Government of Ontario’s website in February 2025.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.
Health and Medical Benefits
Ontario Works provides both mandatory and discretionary health benefits to eligible recipients and their family members. Mandatory benefits include drug coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, dental care for children in First Nations communities, vision care for children, and diabetic and surgical supplies. Medical transportation costs exceeding $15 per month are also covered, along with the consumer contribution for assistive devices and repairs for mobility devices.
Discretionary health benefits, which are provided at the Administrator’s discretion, may include emergency dental care for adults, vision care, prosthetic appliances, and hearing aids. Additionally, child care costs may be covered when necessary for medical appointments. Medical travel expenses, including accommodations and meals, may also be approved if treatment is not available locally.
Ontario Works also provides assistance with funeral and burial expenses. Costs may be recovered from the deceased’s estate, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), or Old Age Security (OAS) benefits. In cases where a person dies in a hospital or remains unclaimed, municipalities are responsible for covering funeral expenses.
Extended Health Benefits
Extended Health Benefits (EHB) under Ontario Works provide health-related coverage for individuals who no longer qualify for income assistance due to earnings but have high prescription drug or other medical costs. Eligible recipients continue to receive benefits such as drug coverage, vision care for dependent children, dental care for children in First Nations communities, diabetic and surgical supplies, and medical transportation costs over $15 per month. The benefit remains available as long as health costs exceed the difference between earned income and previous income assistance.
The Extended Employment Health Benefit (EEHB) supports individuals transitioning from Ontario Works to employment. It covers essential health benefits for up to six months if employer benefits are not available, with a possible extension for another six months in certain cases. During the second six-month period, drug coverage is limited to assistance with Trillium Drug Program deductibles. EEHB also includes vision care, dental care for children, diabetic and surgical supplies, and mobility device repairs.
Employment and Participation Benefits
Ontario Works provides both mandatory and discretionary employment benefits to support participants in securing and maintaining employment. The Full-Time Employment Benefit offers up to $500 in a 12-month period to assist recipients, spouses, or dependent adults with employment-related expenses when starting full-time work. The Other Employment and Employment Assistance Activities Benefit provides up to $253 annually for job-related costs such as workwear, tools, and transportation.
Ontario Works also offers advance child care payments to cover necessary upfront child care costs, with actual costs covered for licensed care and up to $600 for unlicensed care. Discretionary benefits include vocational training for job-specific skills, employment-related expenses for items like safety equipment, certification fees, and minor training costs, as well as child care assistance for parents participating in employment activities. Employment-related expenses can be covered up to $250 per month, with a maximum advance of $500, and additional costs may be approved if necessary for sustainable employment.
Support for persons with disabilities are also available, with ODSP covering employment-related needs, while Ontario Works may provide technical aids or devices for ODSP recipients voluntarily participating in employment activities. Child care assistance can be reimbursed for licensed care or alternative programs, with informal care covered up to $600 per month per child. Child care costs can also be deducted from earned income, and an advance payment may be issued when necessary to support employment or training.
Housing-Related Benefits
Ontario Works provides discretionary housing-related benefits on a case-by-case basis to support recipients with essential housing costs. Moving expenses may be covered for relocating household furniture and personal belongings, while storage costs before application are generally not approved unless the stored furniture is essential for a future residence. Additionally, recipients may receive payments for low-cost energy and water conservation measures, such as caulking, weatherstripping, insulation, and flow restrictors, provided they are responsible for the utility costs and these expenses are not included in rent.
Recipients are expected to seek funding from other sources before applying for home repair assistance. Available programs include the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for home safety upgrades, the Ontario Renovates program for home repairs and modifications, and First Nations loan programs for renovations. Disaster-related repairs may be covered under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) when a natural disaster has caused damage to essential property. Insurance payments and forgivable loans from these programs are exempt as income when used for their intended purpose.
In some cases, recipients may be required to obtain a loan for home repairs if their shelter allowance is below the maximum. Monthly loan or mortgage payments can be included as part of shelter costs, ensuring continued housing stability for low-income individuals and families.
Transition Child Benefit (TCB)
The Transition Child Benefit (TCB) is a mandatory benefit that provides financial assistance to Ontario Works recipients with dependent children under 18 who are not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) and National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) or are receiving less than the maximum amounts. The TCB amount is up to $230 per child per month and is designed to support families while they await eligibility for child benefits.
Families are expected to pursue the OCB and NCBS by filing income tax returns and updating their information with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The TCB is typically provided for up to four months to allow time for recipients to apply for these benefits, but it may be extended at the discretion of Ontario Works administrators if reasonable efforts have been made. In cases where a retroactive OCB or NCBS payment is received, the TCB may be recovered by reducing the recipient’s budgetary requirements over a maximum of three months.
Additional Supports and Benefits
Ontario Works provides both mandatory and discretionary benefits to eligible recipients. The Guide Dog Benefit, a mandatory benefit, provides $84 per month to individuals with a certified guide, hearing, or service dog to assist with routine care costs. Verification of certification from an accredited training facility is required.
Discretionary benefits are approved on a case-by-case basis and cover one-time exceptional costs rather than ongoing expenses. These may include travel and transportation for non-health-related purposes, such as relocation due to employment or domestic violence, attending court for spousal support, or visiting a hospitalized next of kin. Other special services, items, and payments may be provided at the Administrator’s discretion, including chiropractic services, wheelchair and hearing aid repairs, medical form completion costs, and replacement of essential household items in emergencies.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provides funding to individuals with long-term physical disabilities to obtain personalized assistive devices that support their functional abilities. Covered categories include communication devices, hearing aids, orthotic and prosthetic devices, respiratory equipment, mobility aids, diabetic and ostomy supplies, and visual aids. In most cases, ADP covers 75% of the device cost, with social assistance recipients having their remaining 25% paid by the Ministry, except for hearing aids and personal FM systems, where the recipient is responsible for the contribution.
Why These Benefits Matter
These additional Ontario Works benefits help low-income individuals and families manage essential expenses beyond basic financial assistance. By providing health, employment, and housing-related support, OW ensures that recipients can transition into stable employment and transition off the program.
If you would like more financial resources, you can check out my Ebooks on programs both on the provincial and federal level on Ontario Without Barriers.