Ontario Works

How to Apply for Financial Assistance

The Application Process for Ontario Works has Changed.

 1.  Apply through the Province 

To apply for Ontario Works; please visit the Social Assistance Digital Application (SADA) located at https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance

If you are unable to complete your application online, please call the Provincial Intake and Benefits Administration Unit at 1-888-999-1142.

2.  Apply through the local office

If you are experiencing one of the following situations listed below, please contact the local office at 519-271-3773 x. 200 to begin your application. You will have to meet with a caseworker, either in-person or over the telephone, to finalize your application.

• Are you currently experiencing homelessness, including couch surfing or facing eviction or utility disconnection within 7 days?
• Do you have a medical emergency?
• Have you received funds from OW or ODSP, in any municipality, in the past month?
• Are you under 18 years of age?
• Do you require a trustee?
• Do you require an interpreter?
• Are you calling to apply for Temporary Care Assistance?
• Are you calling for a one-time request only because you are expecting another source of income to come into pay soon?

 If none of these situations apply, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance to apply for Ontario Works.

Before you start your application:

You will need information from a number of documents to complete an application. It's a good idea to get these documents together before you start. Here is a list of documents and information that will be required for your application:

• Date of Birth
• Social Insurance Number
• Ontario Health Card Number
• Address and Phone Number
• Bank account information
• Employment history
• Housing information such as rent or mortgage information.
• Assets (i.e. vehicles, retirement savings plans, life insurance or any investments).
• Income from earnings and other sources (i.e. Canada Pension, Employment Insurance or other Federal benefits such as CRB, etc.)

Discretionary Benefits Program

Eligibility

What do we do?

The Discretionary Benefits Program offers eligible City of Stratford/Perth County residents financial assistance to purchase essential health related and emergency items when all other resources are exhausted. All items require pre-approval by the Discretionary Benefits staff. You must be in receipt of Ontario Works Assistance or the Ontario Disability Support Program Assistance to qualify for the discretionary benefits program.

Please note: Not all health, basic items or need or services are covered by the Discretionary Benefits Program, even if it is supported with medical documentation. Financial assistance may also be subject to funding and frequency limits and may be based on the number of people in your family unit.

Available Benefits

Discretionary Benefits applicants can request financial assistance with:

• One-time health related items such as eye glasses, emergency dental treatment, prosthetics and health related supplies.
• Non-health related items such as essential appliances, utility arrears (in order to avoid disconnection).
• Costs associated with funerals, burials and cremations.

How to Apply

To apply for Discretionary Benefits

Phone: 519-271-3773 ext. 200

Fax: 519-271-5038

Write to: Discretionary Benefits Program

City of Stratford Ontario Works Program

82 Erie Street, Stratford ON, N5A 2M4

In Person: First Floor 82 Erie Street, Stratford, ON 

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Assistance in Ontario

For Homelessness Support Service

For homelessness support service in Stratford, St. Marys or Perth County please call Social Services at: 519-271-3773  ext. 200

For after-hours homelessness support, please call Shelterlink at: 519-272-2294