What is Ontario Works?
Ontario Works focuses on people, providing them with a range of services and supports to respond to their unique needs and to address barriers to success so that they can move towards employment and independence. Supports can include:
- Developing an action plan towards achieving life stability through helping you build life skills and bringing resiliency into your life;
- Helping you become employment ready or connecting you to a local employment service provider to help you get a job;
- Helping you navigate systems and connecting you to community partners and organizations; and
- Connecting you to addictions and mental health support programs.
Ontario Works also provides support to those in financial need. If you are eligible for Ontario Works, you'll receive a monthly payment for your basic needs (like food) and shelter costs (like rent). The amount of money you will get from Ontario Works will depend on a few things including:
- Family size;
- Other income you may be receiving;
- Your assets (property, investments, other money available to you); and
- The cost of your housing, heat, and hydro.
You will also receive drug and dental benefits and may be eligible for other benefits such as eyeglasses, medical transportation, special diets and diabetic supplies. You can read more about Ontario Works benefits below.
To learn more about Ontario works, including how to apply please read below:
| Am I Eligible? | ||||||||
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To be eligible for Ontario Works you must:
Even if you think you might not be eligible, you are encouraged to call and talk to us. We are here to help you and answer all the questions you may have. |
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| How to Apply to Ontario Works | ||||||||
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NEW: Effective February 16, 2021, there are two ways to apply to Ontario Works:
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| Benefits Available Through Ontario Works | ||||||||
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Participation Benefits: to support individual’s unique needs and address barriers Mandatory benefits include:
Discretionary benefits include:
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| Addictions and Mental Health Support | ||||||||
"Never, never, never, give up"- Winston Churchill In addition to financial benefits available through Ontario Works, the District's Community Services department offers a number addictions and mental health support programs. Learn more about these programs below:
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| Transitional Support Program | ||||||||
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Through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Transitional Support Program you will be connected with a Case Manager who will work closely with you to develop a supportive plan that will both meet your needs and help you move forward along your life path. The program is designed to connect you to a variety of activities that will help you achieve your life goals. Examples of these activities may include, but are not limited to:
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| Contact Us: | ||||||||
| You can contact the District of Muskoka Ontario Works Team at 705-645-2412 or via email |
Other Financial Help:
| Emergency Assistance - One Time Financial Help |
The District of Muskoka can help eligible individuals with a one-time payment for the following items:
You can learn more about emergency assistance available through the Community Homeless Prevention Initiative (CHPI) and how to apply at the following link: |
| The McConnell Foundation - Financial Assistance |
| The McConnell Foundation of Muskoka is a not-for-profit charity, managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The McConnell Foundation helps people who require financial assistance to pay for eyeglasses, assistive devices, dentures and dental work.
Funding must not be available elsewhere and procedures must not be done before the request is approved. Applications are reviewed 4 times per year by a Board of Directors. Applicants are notified following a fulsome discussion and review of eligibility criteria. Who is Eligible? To be eligible, funding must not be available elsewhere and procedures must not be done before the request is approved. Applications are reviewed 4 times per year by a Board of Directors. Applicants are notified following a fulsome discussion and review of eligibility criteria. How to Apply?
The McConnell Foundation of Muskoka PO Box 786 Bracebridge, ON P1L 1V1 Where Can I Pick up an Application? Applications can be picked up at any of the District Municipality of Muskoka Community Services Offices. For questions, please leave a message for the Foundation at 705-645-2100 extension 4190.
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