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
Furniture delivery fees due to a move
Replacement of household items in emergency situations such as fire or flood
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
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