Open ProvincesSocial assistance in Ontario: how to apply for income support
How to apply for income support (welfare) in Ontario: where to start, what to bring and what to expect, from the official pages.
How to apply
Ontario Works: apply online (about 20 to 30 minutes, covering your household), by phone at the Social Assistance Support Line 1-888-999-1142, or at your local Ontario Works office. You must be in financial need and take part in Employment Ontario services. Have ID, tax and banking documents and proof of income and shelter costs ready. If you have a disability you can apply for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program together.
Benefit amounts and asset limits change and some pages disagree, so they are not listed: ask the program. Rules, fees and programs change and were read on 2026-11-14: confirm with the official source. General information, not legal advice. Quebec follows its own rules: see atlasquebec.ca.
Guides for this province
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- Moving to Ontario: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Ontario: prices, rent, wages and taxes
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