Ontario Works (Social Assistance)
To apply for Ontario Works, you can start the application online.
If you are in receipt of Ontario Works, you can get assistance to file your income taxes at any OW office in Durham Region. Please reach out to your caseworker for information or see this list of local free tax clinics.
Looking for help with last months rent, rental or utility arrears? Please see the Housing Stability Program for more information on how we can help.
Please see our Client Guide: Using Microsoft Teams for Virtual Meetings for more information on how to use Microsoft Teams.
Types of Social Assistance
Ontario Works
Ontario Works assists individuals who are in financial need. There are two types of assistance—financial assistance and employment assistance. Financial assistance provides support for expenses, such as basic needs and shelter. Employment assistance provides support for items, such as job-specific training, access to basic education, and employment workshops.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance is available for people who are in a crisis or who experienced an emergency, such as a flood or a fire, or who are concerned for their safety.
Temporary Care Assistance
Temporary Care Assistance is available for temporary caregivers of children who are under the age of 18 and are not residing with their parents.
Assistance for applicants 16 and 17 years of age
Youth 16 or 17 years of age, not living with their parent(s) whom require financial assistance, may qualify to receive Ontario Works.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for Ontario Works, you must:
- Live in Ontario.
- Be in financial need.
- Be willing to make reasonable efforts to find, prepare for and keep a job.
Apply for Ontario Works
To apply for Ontario Works, you can start the application online.
The provincial Ontario Works Intake Unit is available to complete your application Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The telephone application will take approximately one hour to complete. Following the telephone application, you will submit your documentation, as requested to determine your eligibility. After your eligibility has been determined, you will receive a follow up phone call from a Durham caseworker to discuss the completion of required forms.
- Toll Free: 1-888-999-1142
If you are currently in an emergency or crisis situation, such as fire, a flood or loss of home, or you are concerned for your safety, you may qualify for a temporary, two-week period of financial assistance. Contact the Ontario Works Intake Unit to discuss your situation and to review your eligibility.
To begin your telephone application, please call:
- Toll-free: 1-888-999-1142
- Apply online at https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance
If you are currently caring for a child under the age of 18 who is not your biological child and you are not legally obligated to support, you may qualify to receive Temporary Care Assistance. Contact the Application Centre to discuss your situation and schedule an in-office appointment to review your eligibility.
To begin your telephone application, please call:
- Local calls: 905-666-6239
- Toll-free: 1-877-678-6333
- Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
Assistance for 16 and 17 years old
If you are currently 16 or 17 years of age and are not living with your parent(s), and you require financial assistance, you may qualify to receive Ontario Works. Contact the Application Centre to discuss your situation and schedule an in-office appointment to review your eligibility.
To begin your telephone application, please call:
- Local calls: 905-666-6239
- Toll-free: 1-877-678-6333
- Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
Ontario Works client rights and responsibilities
Learn more about client rights and responsibilities while receiving Ontario Works benefits.
Ontario Works client rights and responsibilities
Other government benefits and supports
- Benefits for family and people with disabilities
- Canada Pension Plan
- Child Care and Early Years Division (CCEYD)
- Durham Access to Social Housing (DASH)
- Employment Insurance
- Federal education and training benefits
- Financial benefits for children (Canada Child Benefit and Child Disability Benefit)
- Funeral and burial
- Healthy Smiles Ontario (provides free dental care for children 17 years old and under for lower-income families)
- Housing benefits
- How to replace your Birth, Marriage or Death Certificate
- How to replace your Social Insurance Number card
- Provincial Education and Training supports
If you are receiving Ontario Works benefits, you can also ask your Caseworker about opening a bank account and signing up for direct deposit.
If you are on Ontario Works benefits, you can contact your Caseworker about applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Office Locations
If you are in receipt of Ontario Works and need to contact your office or send information to your Caseworker, below are the Ontario Works contact information and office specific information and locations.
Telephone: 905-666-6239
Toll-free: 1-888-721-0622
Bell Relay Line: 905-660-6223
Interpreter Language Line: 1-800-523-1786
140 Commercial Avenue
Ajax, Ontario
L1S 2H5
Fax: 905-428-7401
Email: AjaxOW@durham.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
200 John Street West, Unit C1A
Oshawa, Ontario
L1J 2B4
Fax: 905-436-7361
Email: OshawaOW@durham.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2 Campbell Drive, Unit 301/305
Uxbridge, Ontario
L9P 1H6
Fax: 905-852-4573
Email: UxbridgeOW@durham.ca
Hours: Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
605 Rossland Road East
Whitby, Ontario
L1N 6A3
Fax: 905-666-6218
Email: WhitbyOW@durham.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
200 John Street West, 2nd Floor
Oshawa, Ontario
L1J 2B4
Fax: 905-432-7602
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
605 Rossland Road East
Whitby, Ontario
L1N 6A3
Telephone: 905-666-6239 extension. 2805
If you do not agree with a decision that has been made on your file, you can request an Internal Review.
When a decision is made on your file, a letter is sent to you. It will tell you information about an eligibility decision, an overpayment or a suspension. The letter will tell you how to appeal the decision. If you disagree with our decision, you can request an internal review. You do this by submitting a letter of appeal to your local Ontario Works office within 30 days. When a decision is made on your internal review, we will tell you in writing whether we are upholding or denying the original decision. If you still disagree with this decision, you can appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal. The Social Benefits Tribunal is a neutral third-party agency of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
If you would like information about your Social Assistance, you can contact the Interactive Voice Response system (IVR) or review your MyBenefits account.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Call toll-free at 1-800-808-2268 to access Interactive Voice Response (IVR), where you can get information about your social assistance. The line is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. On weekends, the line is open from noon to 5 p.m.
To get this information you will need:
- Your nine-digit member identification number, which you can find on your monthly Ontario Works statement.
- Your four-digit personal identification number, which you will receive when you start receiving social assistance.
200 John Street Community Art Project: Collaboration, community and storytelling in Oshawa
About the community art project
The new artwork at 200 John Street, Oshawa (in the C1A lobby) is a celebration of the Region of Durham’s belief that good innovation begins with inclusion and collaboration.
The Region of Durham’s Innovation team, in collaboration with the Income, Employment and Homelessness Supports Division (IEHSD), brought together the artist Amir Akbari with clients whose stories and experiences served as the inspiration for this artwork.
This artwork captures the essence of co-creation, bringing people together to turn ideas into something that reflects the community and the people in it. It celebrates inclusion and shows what’s possible when we collaborate. It’s a lasting symbol of how we innovate in Durham Region.
The artwork at 200 John Street was shaped through a creative and collaborative process. Local artist Amir Akbari worked with staff and clients, gathering their ideas and stories through workshops and engagement sessions. Together, they helped design a mural that reflects the local community and the natural environment across Durham Region.
This project embodies the Regional Municipality of Durham’s values of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion. The result is a welcoming, vibrant space that celebrates community and connection.
Amir’s artwork, titled “Crossing Paths,” draws inspiration from Oshawa’s Indigenous name, “the crossing place”, and the many stories that we heard from clients and staff who contributed their ideas to this artwork. The name Oshawa originates from the Ojibwa term “aazhawe”, which means “the crossing place” or “where we must leave the canoes”. This reflects the historical significance of Oshawa a natural trade route and point of crossing for Indigenous peoples.
The art reflects themes that community members shared were important to them, such as belonging, unity, collaboration and creation, celebrating the strong bonds between people and the natural environment. The mural uses a vibrant palette to foster an atmosphere of optimism and inclusion.
Oshawa’s land and waterways: The centerpiece features the lake at sunrise, surrounded by green space and a crossing path over a river. It captures Oshawa’s origins, our collective connection to the land and water, and our ability to overcome obstacles, as described by community members. The sunrise represents the hope and new beginnings that people shared, while the gathering of people illustrates the strength and unity found in coming together as a community.
Building together: Inspired by client stories, this canvas shows diverse hands building together, representing unity across ages and backgrounds. The toy car, plane, and house are symbolic of local Oshawa industries and livelihoods that carry deep meaning to communities, while the table signifies a shared place of gathering and collaboration.
Creating a waterfall: The flowing water symbolizes life, renewal, and interconnectedness—core themes shared by many community members. The continuous and cleansing flow of the waterfall symbolizes healing as a process, not a moment in time. The hands can be seen as the self, the community, or a higher power, inspired by views on stewardship, responsibility and care.
The canoe on a river: This scene honours the historic waterways that shaped Oshawa. Paddling towards the future reflects community stories about strength, resilience, and moving forward together. It’s a reminder of our shared journeys, alongside the land, water, and local wildlife.
Nourishing local environment: Many residents expressed their deep appreciation for the surrounding natural environment and the importance of caring for it. In this scene, a squirrel, black-capped chickadee and hummingbird gather around a flowering currant bush. The image represents ecological nourishment, resilience, and collective well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Hands holding flowers: Split across two canvases, this piece shows many hands holding a bouquet of flowers, inspired by community aspirations for artwork that is bright and joyful. It symbolizes unity, collaboration and the beauty of working together. Monarch butterflies and dragonflies add a sense of calm and connect the art to local insect life and ecological diversity.
Portraits: On either side of the installation, are two vivid portraits inspired by community members. Their open, welcoming expressions reflect the warmth and diversity of people using this space and remind us that everyone carries their own unique story and voice as part of the community.
Ontario Works rates
To apply, please contact one agency of your choice in your area as soon as possible.
Oshawa Residents - Online registration only.
Please visit: Holiday Programs Registration or www.simcoehall.com