More Information

2025 Changes to Ontario Works 

Employment Services Transformation (EST)

A Change is Coming March 1, 2025!

Transition to Employment Ontario (EO)

Enhancements in services are coming to create a system that is responsive to the needs of job seekers and employers!

Starting March 1, 2025, Ontario Works will refer all employment-related activities to a local community Employment Ontario (EO) service provider.  This transition ensures you receive comprehensive support tailored through your employment journey.

What does this mean for you?

Ontario Works is an employment-focused program requiring you to participate in employment activities to maintain financial assistance.

Ontario Works will continue to support you in areas such as community connections, personal safety, health, and life skills to help you enter the workforce. While preparing you for employment, Ontario Works will guide you through the programs and resources to ensure you are ready for referral to Employment Ontario.

Once you are referred to an Employment Ontario service provider, both your Ontario Works and Employment Ontario caseworkers will collaborate to support you throughout your action plan and journey to employment. 

Employment Ontario will provide employment related benefits as well as employment-related services such as skills upgrading, job interview preparation, job matching, and support to helps you retain employment.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months your Ontario Works caseworker will contact you to complete an assessment.  This assessment will help identify your needs and create a personalized plan for your progress toward employment.  Together we’ll create goals and determine the right supports and referrals to meet your needs.  Your responses will also help inform and guide your smooth transition to Employment Ontario services.

For any questions about this transition or how it impacts your benefits and responsibilities, please contact your Ontario Works caseworker.

Together we’ll ensure you have the resources and support needed to succeed in you your journey to employment.

To learn more about the Employment Ontario System Service Manager and to find an Employment Service location near you, utilize the following link: https://collegeboreal.ca/en/service/service-system-manager/

Centralized Intake

As of January 27th, 2025, the province will be taking on increased responsibilities related to Ontario Works applications and initial eligibility decisions.

This means that the vast majority of OW applications will be processed through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) centralized intake team. The Ministry will be responsible for making initial eligibility decisions for persons completing the Social Assistance Digital Application (SADA), issuing decision letters on these applications, authorizing initial Ontario Works payments, and taking responsibility for reviewing and defending these decisions through the appeals processes with applicants.

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administrative Board (DTSSAB) staff will continue to be responsible for processing and making decisions on applications for emergency assistance, temporary care assistance, and applicants under 18 years of age. DTSSAB staff will also continue to be responsible for ongoing eligibility determination, benefits administration, and case management support to clients. On approved applications, local OW staff will also continue to be required to verify some information provided through the application process following the initial eligibility decision made by the province.

The province is implementing additional supports and mechanisms to assist vulnerable individuals who may have difficulty completing the Ontario Works (OW) application through digital or phone channels. These measures include providing interpreters or scheduling in-person appointments, with support of Service Ontario.

To support individuals who may face challenges with the MCCSS digital/automated application, we are preparing our team with the information they require to guide and connect applicants to the appropriate MMCSS online and phone supports.

The online and telephone application starting points for applicants remain unchanged. Individuals can apply for Ontario Works assistance through the following channels: - Online Application: https://www.sada.mcss.gov.on.ca/intake/home-page

- Phone Application: 1-888-999-1142

- Residents who are applying for Emergency Assistance, Temporary Care assistance, or those under 18 years of age can also apply using the online provincial application https://www.sada.mcss.gov.on.ca/intake/home-page and the application will be directed electronically to our local office for completion. These individuals can also contact the DTSSAB office directly at (705)-647-7447 or toll free at (888)-544-5555.

We are hopeful that the Province’s increased role in handling applications and initial eligibility determinations will allow us to allocate more local resources to ongoing case management and person-centred services. We are hopeful that the Province’s increased role in handling applications and initial eligibility determinations will allow us to allocate more local resources to ongoing case management and person-centred services. As a result, case management resources will be better aligned to delivering person-centred supports to OW participants.

Your Ontario Works Team

MyBenefits

If you are receiving Ontario Works financial help, register today at ontario.ca/MyBenefits
It’s Fast. Easy. Secure

You can:

• send and receive documents electronically

• check payment history and overpayment information

• report earned income and track status

• view profile information

• report phone number and address changes

• view and download letters

• anytime, anywhere, and on any device

For more information, call 1-888-999-6130

Did you know?

Direct bank deposit is the easiest and fastest way for you to receive your Ontario Works payments. Instead of receiving a cheque, the money you are eligible to receive would be deposited directly into your bank account each month.

To receive your payment securely and quickly, speak to your Caseworker about enrolling in direct bank deposit.

Update your information

You must make sure that we always have the most up-to-date information about you and your circumstances, to maintain your Ontario Works support.

Contact us right away, if there are changes to:

• your phone number or current address,

• your income,

• your family members' information, or

• your medical needs.

When you call us to update your information, we may ask you to show us documents (like a pay stub or a doctor's note). These documents will show us how your information has changed.

Employment Support and Other Information

We offer support and resources to help you with your employment goals.

Help for People with Disabilities
Social Assistance in Ontario: Links to helpful resources