Ontario Works

Submit an initial application

If you live in Renfrew County, there are two ways to start an application for Ontario Works:

Ontario Works Application Online (available 24 hours/7 days/week)

Apply by phone: 1-888-999-1142 (available Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm) 

When you apply for Ontario Works, your application is reviewed by a member of the provincial Ontario Works Intake Unit. The Ontario Works Intake Unit will determine if you are eligible to receive ongoing Ontario Works financial assistance.

The purpose of the initial application is to collect information to determine if you might qualify for financial assistance. You will be asked questions about:

• Who is to be included within your application (examples: self, spouse, children)
• Assets (examples: bank accounts, vehicles, property, investments)
• Income (examples: earnings, Employment Insurance Benefits, insurance payments)
• Living Arrangements (your address and expenses such as rent, hydro, heat)

Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation number.  You will be contacted via MyBenefits if you have an active account, by email or by phone within 4 business days and may be asked to provide additional information and/or to send in documents. Please ensure to check your email (including junk mail) for communications regarding your Ontario Works application. For questions related to your application status, you can also call 1-888-999-1142.

If you are in an emergency situation that is temporary in nature (eg. fire, flood, safety concerns), you may be eligible for Emergency Assistance. You cannot receive Emergency Assistance and Ontario Works at the same time.

Apply for Emergency Assistance Online

Required documents

The following information may be requested for yourself and family members who are included in your application:

• Verification of Date of Birth (examples: Passport, Birth Certificate, Driver's License)
• Ontario Health Card Number
• Social Insurance Number

Additional information may be requested to verify your address, income, and assets. Examples include:

• A lease or letter from your landlord to verify your address and rent amount
• A mortgage statement if you own your home
• Most recent utility bills (water, heat, hydro)
• Tenant or homeowner's insurance
• Pay stubs for the current and previous month
• Record of Employment
• Employment Insurance Benefit Statement
• Bank Statement(s) for the last 30 days
• Vehicle ownership(s)

Please note that information is requested depending on your unique financial and housing circumstances.

Eligibility decision

Eligibility for Ontario Works Assistance is determined by the provincial Ontario Works Intake Unit. The amount of assistance issued is set by the Province of Ontario. It is based on how many people are included in your application and any other income that you (and your family) are receiving. If you do not qualify for Ontario Works, you may contact our office and we will try to provide you with information to help you with your circumstances.