Ontario Works Discretionary Health Benefits
If you're a Niagara resident receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability benefits, financial help is available for essential health and housing stability items and services.
Low-income families who are not on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program may apply for help with last month's rent and rental or mortgage arrears. Eligibility for benefits is based on income and family size.
The program includes Discretionary Health Benefits and Housing Stability Benefits.
Discretionary Health Benefits
Discretionary Health Benefits support necessary health and safety needs and must:
- Be approved before purchasing an item or service
- Include one estimate outlining the cost for each item or service requested
- Include medical verification (letter) to support requests for medical necessities
Health-related services and items include:
- Air conditioners
- Appliances (fridge and stove only)
- Beds and cribs
- Breast pumps
- Cleaning costs to prevent eviction due to hoarding
- Electric hospital beds for persons confined to a bed to prevent bedsores
- Replacement of household items in emergency situations such as fire or flood
- Orthotics
- Utility disconnections (must access Niagara Emergency Energy Fund first). See agencies that provide the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund.
- Emergency dental services and dentures
Assistive Devices Program
The Assistive Devices Program must be used first for all eligible items. If you're receiving Ontario Works, you may qualify to receive the remaining balance.
For more information, contact the Assistive Devices Program at 1-800-268-6021.
Apply Online for Benefits
The Discretionary Benefits Portal is a fast, easy and secure way to apply online for discretionary and housing stability benefits. You can apply anytime, anywhere and on any device.
To register, you must have a valid email address. Once registered, you can:
- Track the status of all your current and past applications
- Upload documents needed for your application, such as estimates or medical verification
- Get automatic email updates on your application status
- See details about missing information or eligibility decisions
- Apply for multiple items in one application
If you can't apply online, there's other ways you can apply.
If you're receiving Ontario Works benefits, contact your casemanager directly to request Housing Stability Benefits.
Video: Benefits Portal
Learn how the portal works.
Housing Stability Benefits
Housing Stability Benefits help to cover overdue rent payments, moving or storage costs, or last month's rent.
Individuals or couples are eligible for a maximum of $900 per calendar year. Families with children are eligible for a maximum of $1600 per calendar year.
Requests for Housing Stability Benefits must be:
- Approved before you pay to secure or maintain housing
- Received no later than 30 days after your moving date
This benefit may be considered if you're homeless, in an emergency shelter, or moving due to:
- Family violence
- Incapacity or death of a supporting caregiver or family member
- Overcrowding
- Employment or training opportunities
- A move to more affordable accommodations
- Eviction
- Uninhabitable premises where there is risk to health and safety
- Significant personal health issues
- Discharge from institutions, such as correctional facilities, hospitals, long-term care homes, interval and transition homes
How to apply
- Apply online for discretionary health benefits
- Call 905-641-9960 ext. 6072
- Fax your application to 905-984-8760
- Mail your application to the Ontario Works Discretionary Benefit Team at 234 Bunting Rd., St. Catharines, L2R 6Z4
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
