The Ontario Works is a financial assistance program, which is run by the Government of Ontario, Canada. Under this program, individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship get the monthly payment for their basic need and shelter, the payout usually takes place on the last day of the preceding month.
The Ontario Works payments are sent earlier, if the last date of the month falls on the holiday. The main objective of financial assistance programs is to help the people who are struggling to survive. If you are struggling to arrange accommodation and/or shelter, you may avail the benefits of this scheme.
| Payment Schedule | Paid on the last day of the month or earlier if a holiday. |
| Eligibility | Must be 16+, a permanent resident, and have low income. |
| Asset Limits | $10,000 for individuals, $15,000 for couples, +$500 per dependent. |
| OW Payout (Single) | $343 for needs, $390 for shelter, total $733. |
| OW Payout (Couple) | $494 for needs, $642 for shelter, total $1,136. |
| OW Payout (Single Parent) | $494 for needs, $697 for shelter, total $1,191. |
| How to Apply | Apply on the official website, fill out the form, and submit documents. |
| Income Deduction | First $200 of income is exempt, then 50% is deducted. |
Payment Schedule
For the year 2025, the payments for January, February, March, April, and May 2025 are already sent by the due dates; the schedule for the upcoming payments can be found by going through the listed points.
- June 2025 – To be paid on May 30, 2025
- July 2025 – To be paid on June 30, 2025
- August 2025 – To be paid on July 31, 2025
- September 2025 – To be paid on August 29, 2025
- October 2025 – To be paid on September 29, 2025
- November 2025 – To be paid on October 31, 2025
- December 2025 – To be paid on November 28, 2025
The OW Payments are received via direct deposit, reloadable payment card and paper cheque; the direct deposit is received within 24-48 hours after its release, and incase of paper check it has to wait for 3 to 5 days.
Eligibility to get the OW Payment
To get the payment from the Ontario Works programme, the eligibility must be met by the individual. Go through the listed points to check that you can avail the benefits of OW financial assistance or not.
- You must be a permanent resident of Canada and living in Ontario.
- The age of the individual should be at least 16 years.
- One’s household monthly income shouldn’t be equal or above the basic living expenses like food, clothing, and shelter; it differs for single, married, married with child, and others.
- Additionally, the individual’s asset should be above $10,000; for the couple, it is $15,00; for each dependent the asset limit is increased by $500.
- The home, vehicle, only one, RESPs and RDSPs and basic household items aren’t counted as assets.
OW Payout Amount
The maximum monthly Ontario Works (OW) benefits differs based on the family type, you may check the payout amount for different types of family from the below.
- Single person (no children):
- Basic Needs: $343
- Shelter Allowance: $390
- Total Benefit: $733
- Couple (no children):
- Basic Needs: $494
- Shelter Allowance: $642
- Total Benefit: $1,136
- Single parent with 1 child:
- Basic Needs: $494
- Shelter Allowance: $697
- Total Benefit: $1,191
- Couple with 1 child:
- Basic Needs: $494
- Shelter Allowance: $756
- Total Benefit: $1,250
- Single parent with 2 children:
- Basic Needs: $494
- Shelter Allowance: $756
- Total Benefit: $1,250
- Couple with 2 children:
- Basic Needs: $494
- Shelter Allowance: $756
- Total Benefit: $1,250
To get the OW benefit, a family’s monthly income shouldn’t meet or exceed the benefit amount; if it meet or exceed one doesn’t get any monthly. You must know the first $200 of each income of each month is exempt, monthly earning above this income are deducted by 50% in the OW Benefits.
How to apply for the OW Payment?
The steps to apply for the OW benefits are available below, one can apply by going through the listed points.
- Go to OW official website at ontario.ca/page/ontario-works/.
- Fid and tap on the option of ‘Apply for Ontario Works.’
- Now, you will see an option that reads ‘Start a new application,’ click on it and go to next page.
- Here, you will have to fill the basic details and hit the Continue button.
- Now, you will be asked to enter the personal information, and then you have to upload the docs, if required.
- Lastly, you need to review the application and submit it.
After the final submission, your application will be reviewed by the concerned authorities; and if they find everything is okay with your application they will accept it.