Gather information & documentation
You will need information from a number of documents to complete an application. It's a good idea to get this information together before you start such as your family’s identification and tax documents.
Ontario Works program is to help people in temporary financial need find sustainable employment and achieve self-reliance through the provision of effective, integrated employment services and financial assistance.
Types of assistance
Employment assistance
Employment services play a critical role in helping individuals prepare for, connect with, and remain in the labour market. Ontario Works employment assistance helps people to become and stay employed, and includes employment activities such as:
- job search support services
- employment information session
- community participation (i.e., activities that allow people to contribute to the community and improve their employability)
- employment placement and job retention services
- supports for self-employment development
- referral to basic education
- Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) program
- literacy and job-specific skills training
- screening for substance abuse and referral to assessment and treatment if necessary (sites participating in this activity must be approved by the Director of Ontario Works)
Basic financial assistance
Basic financial assistance includes:
- income assistance provided for the purposes of basic needs and shelter
- benefits as prescribed in the regulations
- emergency assistance provided to help with basic needs and shelter on an emergency basis
Apply Online
Service available 24 hours, 7 days a week, in English or French.
If you have an email and telephone number you can apply online using the new Social Assistance Digital Application (SADA).
Apply online at Ontario.ca/SocialAssistance
Apply by Phone
To apply for assistance you can call the provincial centralized intake at 1-888-999-1142 Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays.
In some cases, your call may be transferred to staff at the City of Hamilton who will complete your application over the phone.
For example, City of Hamilton staff will complete the application if you are:
- unable to complete and sign the application forms with eSignature
- under the age of 18
- an adult providing temporary care for a child who’s in financial need and is not your dependent
- in an emergency situation in immediate need and not currently receiving social assistance (homeless or pending eviction in less than 7 days, victim of abuse or disaster, etc.), or
- in need of an interpreter
Staff from the Province of Ontario and the City of Hamilton work together to make sure all applications are processed as quickly as possible.
Application Follow Up Appointment
You will be contacted by the City of Hamilton Ontario Works case manager to follow up on your application. You will be required to provide documents within 30 days of your application to determine if you qualify for ongoing financial assistance and to identify any additional supports you may need. You will need to bring your spouse and any dependents over the age of 18 with you to the in-person appointment.
Apply online
Service available 24 hours, 7 days a week, in English or French.
Apply by Phone
Provincial centralized intake: 1-888-999-1142
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm., excluding holidays