Additional Benefits and Supports

If you are a parent aged 16-25 who has not completed secondary school and are receiving Ontario Works, you may be eligible for the LEAP program.  

LEAP provides supports to help young parents complete their high school diploma or equivalent, learn about parenting and child development and participants also have full access to employment supports. 

LEAP participants are provided with supports to cover expenses associated with participation in the LEAP program such as childcare and school supplies.

Child support payments do not count as income under the Ontario Works program. Spousal support is considered income. To be eligible for Ontario Works, you must be willing to pursue spousal support if you are eligible. Staff can assist and support individuals in their efforts to seek child and spousal support.​

The Transition Child Benefit may be provided to Ontario Works recipients with dependent children under the age of 18 who are not currently receiving the Ontario Child Benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement. ​

Please contact your Ontario Works Caseworker for additional information about accessing any of these benefits and supports.​

Ontario Works caseworkers will work with you to understand your unique needs and challenges and connect you to services that support your overall stability and well-being. Caseworkers act as navigators to help you access the right services at the right time, making it easier to address barriers and improve your quality of life. ​ ​

Examples of Person-Centered Supports include:

• Housing programs and services
• Food security support like Food Banks, Community Meals, Good Food Box
• Crisis supports including Family Violence and Human Trafficking
• Mental health services and programs
• Addictions services, programs and harm reduction supports
• Childcare and caregiving supports
• Life skills programming
• Literacy and basic skills development programs
• Education
• Health care services
• Cultural, community, or peer support programs
• Legal supports
• Language and Settlement services for Newcomers
• Volunteer Income Tax Clinics to access credits and benefits
• Other income support programs such as ODSP, CPP, and Employment Insurance

Additional supports may be available to help you take part in person-centered activities based on your unique situation and the goals in your Action Plan. These Participation Benefits are intended to reduce barriers and support your progress. ​

Examples include:

• Transportation costs
• Help obtaining identification like a birth certificate or photo ID
• Childcare expenses while attending appointments or programs
• Caregiving supports such as respite or relief services
• Registration or program fees including anger management and driver’s licensing
• Access to internet or phone services
• Life skills workshops and activities
• Hygiene supports
• Clothing for specific activities

These examples are not exhaustive and vary based on needs and available resources. Speak with your caseworker to learn what may be available for you.

Our C.A.R.E. (Community Access to Resources and Essentials) Cupboards are built on the belief that everyone deserves access to life’s essentials.

Individuals and families who are accessing services through the Human Services Department are welcome to pick up a variety of personal care items—such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and more—completely free of charge.

Our C.A.R.E Cupboards are available at all four of our Human Services locations on a walk-in basis.