Ontario Works Benefits
As an Ontario Works participant, you are eligible for some health, employment and other benefits in addition to the monthly cash benefit you receive. Your Ontario Works casemanager can discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.
Health Benefits
You and your family may be eligible for certain health-related benefits including:
Prescription Drug Coverage
- For most drugs prescribed by an approved healthcare professional
- To fill a prescription, take your current month's drug card to the pharmacy
Dental Coverage for Adults
- Basic dental coverage for relief of pain and suffering only
- For dental service, take your current month's drug card to the dentist
Dental Coverage for Children
- Ontario Works children aged 17 and under whose parents are Ontario Works participants are eligible to receive Mandatory Basic Dental Care under the Ministry of Community and Social Services Schedule of Dental Services and Fees
Vision Care
- Prescription eyeglasses and eyeglass repairs
- Eye exams for participants not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Program (includes those between the ages of 20 and 64)
Diabetic or Surgical Supplies and Dressings
- Prescribed supplies that are not covered under other coverage
Medical Travel
- To appointments including medical, rehabilitation, or counselling
Assistive Devices
- The balance of the cost of the device not covered by The Assistive Devices Program of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care including:
- Mobility devices
- Visual aids
- Hearing aids
- Orthotics/prosthetics
- Speech devices
- Medical supplies
- Respiratory devices
- The cost of an assessment for an assistive device
Extended Health Benefits
If you have high health costs and no longer qualify for financial help from Ontario Works, Extended Health Benefits may be available to help to cover the cost of items such as:
- Prescription drugs
- Dental care for dependent children
- Vision care for dependent children
- Hearing aids
- Batteries and necessary repairs for mobility devices
- Diabetic supplies
- Surgical supplies and dressings
- Transportation for medical appointments should they cost exceed more than $15 per month
Employment Benefits
Benefits may be available to help you with the costs of taking part in an employment activity, getting a job or leaving Ontario Works for employment such as:
Employment Related Expenses
- Help to cover costs when you are taking part in Employment Assistance Activities such as transportation or program fees
Child Care Costs
- Help to cover the costs of child care if you get a job, or are involved in an employment activity
Full-Time Employment Benefit
- If you are starting a full-time job, you may get help to cover the cost of items such as:
- Clothing or uniforms
- Safety shoes or work boots
- Tools and special equipment
- Transportation
- Licensing or professional fees
Extended Employment Health Benefit
The Extended Employment Health Benefit may be available to you if:
- You no longer qualify for financial help under Ontario Works because you got a job
- You do not have a health benefits plan with your employer
Other Benefits
If you are receiving Ontario Works, you may be able to receive other benefits.
Transition Child Benefit
If you have children under the age of 18, you may be eligible to receive the Transition Child Benefit if:
- You are not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit
- You are receiving less than the maximum amount of the Ontario Child Benefit for any of your children
- You are waiting for your monthly Ontario Child Benefit payment to start.
The amount of Transition Child Benefit you receive depends on how much you receive from the Ontario Child Benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement. The benefit is temporary and repayable.
Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefit
You may receive money to help you if:
- You are moving to a permanent residence
- You are leaving an institution
- You are behind with your rent payment and are being evicted or have been evicted
- You are behind with your utility or heating payment and it has been or will be disconnected
The amount of help you receive depends on the size of your family.
Guide Dog Benefit
If you own a certified guide dog, you may receive money to help you pay for the dog's care.
Other Employment and Employment Assistance Activities Benefit
It is provided to assist with the costs associated with beginning or changing employment or an employment assistance activity. Some examples may include appropriate work wear, grooming costs, tools and equipment and transportation costs.