Community Dashboard: Beneficiaries for Ontario Works
Rationale and analysis
Why this measurement is important
This indicator outlines the number of individuals in Niagara who are receiving income from this program.
How we measure this data
Report provided by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services with oversight from Niagara Region's Community Services Department. The reported figure is the annual average, which is calculated using monthly actual figures.
Progress and advancements
The average number of beneficiaries for Ontario Works decreased between 2020 and 2021, going from 16,572 average beneficiaries to 14,199 and then increased as of February 2023 to 18,016.
About this indicator
Number of individuals in receipt of Ontario Works Program benefits
The number of beneficiaries refers to the total number of single individuals and heads of family units on social assistance plus all their dependents (such as spouses, dependent children and dependent adults).
Ontario Works provides financial assistance to people who are in temporary financial need. Financial assistance includes income support to help with the costs of basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter and health benefits for clients and their families.