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Supports Available
Employment Services
Assists and guides participants to develop a detailed, action orientated employment plan,
Identifies obstacles to accepting employment,
Enhances employability and related life skills,
Connects to literacy and basic education programs,
Provides resume development, short certificate courses and volunteer opportunities,
Provides employment coaching and job retention supports,
Provides direct links to employers who are hiring.
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Income Services
Basic financial assistance is provided to eligible residents through our Eligibility Division. This normally consists of a basic monthly allowance as well as a shelter allowance. The amount of assistance issued is dependent on a number of factors, including family size, special diet needs as a result of a medical condition, the type of accommodations you have and your shelter costs. Eligibility for financial assistance is based primarily on your income, assets and living arrangements.
There are a number of supplementary mandatory and discretionary benefits that may be available to you as well.
Mandatory benefits include prescription drug benefits, dental and vision care for dependent children, diabetic supplies, surgical supplies, medical transportation costs, and the Community Start-Up Benefit to assist with moving costs or in establishing a new residence.
Discretionary Benefits include items such as dental and vision care for adults, hearing aids, health related necessities, and other necessary items.
<back to top>Application Process To apply for assistance call 705-645-2412 extension 275 or 1-800-461-4215 to complete an intake. An in-person interview is required to determine eligibility and will normally be scheduled for within 4-6 days.
The following information is needed from all members of the benefit unit for the first stage telephone interview:
Date of Birth - Legal Registered Name
Social Insurance Numbers
Health Card Numbers
Immigration documents; if you were not born in Canada
Sources of Income such as; earnings (present & for past 12 months), Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, WSIB, support payments, etc.
Bank Account Information
Asset details, including RRSP's, vehicles, property, life insurance
Accommodation costs, including: mortgage, taxes, rent, heat, hydro, insurance, water, water tank rental as well as your landlord's name and phone number.
Address history for the past 12 months (street name and number, date you moved in and date you moved out).
Employment history for the past 12 months (Employer Name, start date, end date, gross and net monthly earnings).
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Support Services
Appeals: If a decision is made by the department to deny assistance or a mandatory benefit, the participant or applicant will be notified in writing of the reason and will be given an opportunity to have the decision reviewed. This review, called an Internal Review, is conducted by a different staff person than the one who made the decision. A written decision from the review will be issued. If the result of the Internal Review is not satisfactory to the participant, there is then a formal appeal process to the Social Benefits Tribunal. The local Community Legal Clinic can provide advice or assistance with the appeal process. Call 705-645-6607.
Consolidated Verification Program: This program, also known as CVP, conducts regular reviews of financial assistance files. Every file is normally reviewed at least once every 12 months. This normally involves an in-person interview to ensure that all information and documentation on file is up-to-date and accurate.
Eligibility Review Program: This program has an accountability function and is responsible for reviewing allegations of inappropriate claims. A review could result in no change to the amount of assistance being issued, a change in the amount of assistance or a referral for a police investigation.
Family Support Program: Family Support Workers work with participants to pursue child support from absent parents who are not paying child support. Where existing support agreements are in place, a regular review of the amount is required to ensure that it is appropriate.
Ontario Disability Support Program: ODSP is a provincially administered program that provides funding to individuals who are disabled. Applicants requiring assistance under ODSP normally apply through Social Services first as it can take many months to determine eligibility for ODSP.
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