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Financial Support - Ontario Works

HomeCommunity Services and SupportFinancial Support - Ontario Works
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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?

To be eligible for Ontario Works you must:

  • Live in Ontario
  • Need money right away for food and housing costs
  • Be 16 or older
  • Have assets and income under a certain level

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.

How to Apply to Ontario Works 

NEW: Effective February 16, 2021, there are two ways to apply to Ontario Works:

  1. Complete an online application at the following link: Ontario Works Application

    IMPORTANT: The application will not work in Internet Explorer.

    You must use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge web browsers to complete an application.

  2. Call the Provincial Intake Line (toll free) at 1-888-999-1142 to complete an application Mon-Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Calls after hours will be able to leave a voicemail for a return call the next business day.
Benefits Available Through Ontario Works

Participation Benefits: to support individual’s unique needs and address barriers

Mandatory benefits include:

  • Drug coverage
  • Dental coverage for children
  • Vision care for children
  • Eye examinations
  • Diabetic supplies and surgical supplies and dressings
  • Travel and transportation for medical purposes
  • The Assistive Devices program
  • Batteries and repairs for mobility devices

Discretionary benefits include:

  • Dental care for adults
  • Vision care for adults
  • Prosthetic appliances
  • Child care costs
  • Funerals and burials
  • Recovery of funeral, burial or cremation costs
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:

Addictions Support/Living in Balance Program 

Moving From a Life of Addiction to a Life of Recovery and Balance.

If addiction is keeping you from work, we need to talk. 

The Ontario Works Living in Balance Program provides intensive case management for those who are experiencing addiction as a barrier to employment.

If your quality of life is being impacted by addiction the Living in Balance Program is for you! Take the first step - you are no longer alone. Ask for a referral from your Employment Case Manager or contact the Living in Balance Program Coordinator .

All contact is confidential. Services may include:

  • Intensive case management
  • Relapse prevention group
  • Life coaching programs
  • Life skills program
  • Fit club
  • Social outings
  • Volunteer program
  • Mentor program
  • Women’s trauma group
  • Bootcamp
  • Individual Counselling
  • Referral to treatment programs
  • Other addiction services
Adult Mental Health Support/Enhanced Employment Supports 
Enhanced Employment Services (EES) is an Ontario Works program that aims to improve quality of life and provide intensive one-on-one support for those experiencing stressful periods in their lives.

Supports may include:

  • Creation of a life plan
  • Life skills coaching
  • Art Therapy
  • Supportive group activities
  • Community Outreach
  • Crisis intervention support and counselling
  • Referrals for physical and mental health assessments
  • Assistance with applications to other government programs

Ask for a referral from your Employment Case Manager or contact the Enhanced Supports Coordinator.

Youth Employment Support Services

Youth Employment Support Services (YESS) is an Ontario Works program offering intensive, enhanced supports to young adults between the ages of 16-25 who are facing barriers to employment. YESS supports clients by engaging in individual, solution-focused mentorship and life coaching.

Why Would I Choose to Participate in YESS?

You may decide that the YESS program is right for you if you’re between the ages of 16 and 25 and facing any of the following issues:

  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health 
  • Family breakdown
  • Abuse
  • Trauma
  • Homelessness

Ask for a referral from your Employment Case Manager or contact the YESS Case Manager.

What Does YESS Offer?

  • Individual counselling
  • Skill building and life skill development
  • Ongoing support for you and your family
  • Links to community resources
  • Creating goals that are manageable and realistic
  • A more positive self-assessment
  • Increased awareness about impacts of substance use and mental health challenges
  • Improvement in general life coping strategies
  • Improvements in your quality of life
Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka Parry Sound

The Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka Parry-Sound branch offers a number of programs and services. Visit their website below to learn more: 

CMHA Muskoka Parry Sound Website

Transitional Support Program

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:

  • Personal Growth and Exploration
  • Engagement with Your Community
  • Access to Mental Health and Addictions Support
  • Creative Employment Supports
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Educational and Upgrading Opportunities
  • Participation in Ontario Works Workshops
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:
  • rent (owing);
  • moving costs;
  • utility bills (owing);
  • fuel or wood;
  • food security; and
  • other necessities.

You can learn more about emergency assistance available through the Community Homeless Prevention Initiative (CHPI) and how to apply at the following link:

I Need Help - Emergency Assistance

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?

  1. Complete an application: McConnell Foundation Application
  2. Include an estimate of the funds needed
  3. Include proof of income and expenses
  4. Mail the application, including the estimate, and proof of income and expenses to:

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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The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

Phone: 705-645-2100
Fax: 705-645-5319

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