W hat is Ontario Works all about?

1. What is Ontario Works all about?

2. Interesting Facts • We serve approximately 1700 individuals and families monthly in St.Thomas-Elgin. • There are a total of 3032 people that make up those families.

3. Interesting Facts • Our intake line 519-631-9350 option 3 will field calls for all 3 programs; Ontario Works, Housing and Childcare We recently removed the glass that surrounded the front desk area and it has made a big difference for staff and clients.

4. Interesting Facts • We send out a monthly newsletter with the OW cheques. It includes OW information, community resources and upcoming events as well as fun facts about our staff. • The province will be introducing a new computer system in late spring and the whole province is in training as we speak!

5. Our Staff • We have 16 regular caseworkers and 2 specialized caseworkers. • There are 2 childcare coordinators and 2 Housing Support Coordinators • We also have 8 clerical, 2 case aides, 5 manager, 1 director, 1 senior caseworker, 2 family support workers, 1 eligibility review officer, and 1 financial officer

6. DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS • Dental for an adult up to $500/yr of preventative or emergency dental. • Dentures up to a maximum of $475 upper and $475 lower.

7. DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS Eye Glasses every 2 years up to $150 or $175 for bifocals

8. DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS Some assistive devices in combination with ADP funding.

9. DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS Basic funeral services

10. MANDATORY BENEFITS • Dental and Vision care for children. • Drug benefits for all members of the benefit unit. • Diabetic supplies • Medical transportation

11. Employment Benefits • Full time employment benefit – up to $500 in a 12 month period. • Employment related expenses • This may include criminal check, safety equipment, and work wear • Other employment and employment assistance benefit - $253 in 12 month period. • This may include work wear, grooming, tools, licensing, transportation etc.

12. What is the difference between OW and ODSP? • At one time ODSP and OW were housed in the same building. • In 2012 the ODSP relocated to downtown London. • We do not share the same staff, clients, funds, rules, benefits.

13. What is the difference between OW and ODSP? • You must be financially eligible for both programs however ODSP has a secondary eligibility requirement relating to disability. • To apply for disability you must have a doctor to complete the necessary forms. • We will not be answering any questions about ODSP today because we do not deliver the program.

14. Exciting Changes to Ontario Works AS OF September 2013 • $200 Earnings Exemption + 50% earnings deduction. • Asset limit was increased to $2500 for a single person and $5000 for a couple.

15. Exciting Changes to Ontario Works Social Assistance rates increased by 1%. This means a single person could receive a maximum of $626 which includes $376 shelter and $250 for basic needs.

16. Exciting Changes to Ontario Works • Gifts or small payments are exempt up to $6000 in a 12 month period. • Earnings are exempt if you are in high school.

17. Child Care Subsidy Program • All new clients now require a Notice of Assessment as verification of income in order to complete an application for child care fee subsidy. • Effective January 1, 2007, the amount that you pay for child care is calculated using the information on Line 236 on your Notice of Assessment/Reassessment

18. Child Care Subsidy Program Family income less than $20,000.00 receive a full subsidy $20-40,000.00 pay 10% over 12 months For example: $20,000 of income means $2,000/12 months = client portion, $166/month, OW subsidy would pay remainder

19. Child Care Subsidy Program Participants on Employment Assistance activities under the Ontario Works Act may be eligible to receive fee subsidy funding for children up to 12 years of age or under 18 years of age for children with special needs.

20. How do I choose a quality child care centre? The Province of Ontario has launched a website to help parents make informed decisions about childcare. www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/finding.html To apply for Child Care subsidy call Ontario Works at 519-631-9350 option3.

21. Social Housing How do I apply? The application and wait list for subsidized housing are located at the Elgin and St. Thomas Housing Corporation on Princess Avenue.

22. Where do I get a housing application form? Our application form is available online or at the following locations: St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works office 423 Talbot Street, St. Thomas Elgin and St. Thomas Housing Corporation office 9 Princess Avenue, Unit 5 St. Thomas

23. Where do I get a housing application form? Most social service agencies in St. Thomas (CCAC, Elgin Association for Community Living, etc.) Special Priority Status is given to victims of family violence; these applications are given priority at the top of the waiting list.

24. HeLP(Housing Links for People) HeLP is a fund that provides financial assistance to low-income households to prevent homelessness

25. HeLP(Housing Links for People) What kind of costs are eligible? • Rent Arrears • Utility Arrears • Costs to establish a permanent residence • Other costs as approved by a Supervisor

26. How much assistance is available? The maximum amount of HeLP assistance payable in a 12-month period is: • $650 per households with no children • $1250 per household with children

27. Who is Eligible for HeLP Assistance? Applicants must: • Be homeless or in immediate danger of losing their housing and therefore at risk of homelessness • Must have a disconnect notice from the utility provider • Be residents of the City of St. Thomas or Elgin County

28. How do you apply? • If you are receiving OW contact your caseworker for HeLP assistance • People who are not in receipt of Ontario Works can contact the Intake Line at 519-631-9350 option 3.

29. Any questions