New online tool lets people apply for financial assistance 24/7

Waterloo Region – Residents of Waterloo Region can now apply for financial assistance through Ontario Works using an online application any time, day or night.

This online application offers a way for people to apply for financial assistance beyond the Region’s regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. People can also apply for Temporary Care Assistance, assistance for children with severe disabilities, and the Ontario Disability Support Program.

The goal of Ontario Works is to provide employment and financial assistance to individuals and families who are in need. The Ontario Works program provides temporary financial assistance and ongoing support to help people find and maintain sustainable employment.

In order to find out if you may be eligible for financial support, you will need:

• dates of birth of all family members

• immigration status for all family members

• income for all family members

• assets for all family members

• your address

• your housing costs

• cost of expenses (such as child care and disability related work expenses)

The online application, which is operated and maintained by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, can be found here: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/apply_online.aspx

A list of information and documents that you need in order to apply can be found here: http://socialservices.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/employmentFinancialAssistance/Online-Application.asp?_mid_=32822

Join the conversation on social media:

• Follow us on Twitter: @RegionWaterloo, #OntarioWorksWR

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For more information, please contact:

David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support, 519-883-2179