Changes coming to Ontario Works program delivery

Waterloo Region – In November 2014, Region of Waterloo offices will start using a new computer system that will help us improve the service we provide to Ontario Works participants. The new technology is called the Social Assistance Management System, or simply, SAMS. We are working hard to make this change as smooth as possible and we appreciate your patience.

We are installing the new system between November 6 and November 10, 2014. You will continue to receive income support and benefits on time. However, you may experience some slight delays in other services such as returning your phone calls.

Important messages for Ontario Works participants:

• The Online Application for Social Assistance (OASA) will be unavailable from  October 27, 2014 until November 11, 2014. You can still apply for social assistance over the phone or in person.
• You may notice changes to the bottom portion of your cheque or Statement of Assistance. You may be impacted by changes to overpayment recovery calculations and the appearance of “Temporarily Uncollectible Overpayment Balance” on Statements of Assistance.
• You will receive an updated income reporting card in your December mailing called the Ontario Works Income and Change Reporting Card.

This new computer system will provide greater flexibility to respond to policy and program priorities, and will better support customer service excellence.  A key new feature of the technology will be a secure online self-service portal for social assistance recipients called Social Assistance (SA) Online, scheduled to roll out early 2015. 

Please visit http://bit.ly/10nJVZI for more details. For the latest SAMS updates follow us @RegionWaterloo #OntarioWorksWR.

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For more information, please contact your Ontario Works Caseworker.