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Ontario Works Eligibility Requirements 2026

Up to $756+/month/year
Official Government Page

What is Ontario Works Eligibility Requirements 2026?

Ontario Works is a last-resort income-support program. It is designed for people in Ontario who have little income, limited assets, and a need for basic financial support while seeking work.

Do I Qualify?

  • You must live in Ontario
  • You must be in financial need based on income and assets
  • You must usually be willing to participate in employment-related activities
  • Household size, family structure, and assets all affect eligibility

How Much Can I Get?

If approved, your amount is based on the Ontario Works rate schedule for your household plus any reductions required because of income or other circumstances.

How to Apply

Apply through Ontario’s social-assistance intake process and be ready with identity, housing, financial, and family documents.

Visit Official Application Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the asset limit for a single person?

Ontario Works has asset limits for singles and families, and the exact treatment depends on the type of asset and who lives in the household.

Can you own a car and still qualify?

Possibly. Some assets are treated differently than simple cash savings, so a vehicle does not always mean automatic disqualification.

Do savings count as assets?

Yes. Cash savings are one of the main asset categories reviewed in Ontario Works eligibility decisions.

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