Ontario Works

Middlesex County provides financial and employment assistance to people in need through the Ontario Works program. How much you receive depends on the size of your family, your verifiable shelter costs, your income and your willingness to participate in agreed to and approved employment activities. There also may be eligibility for other benefits such as dental care, vision care and prescription coverage.

To qualify for financial assistance from Middlesex County, you must be a resident of Middlesex County. Your income and assets must also meet the eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for Ontario Works 

Applying for Financial assistance is a two-step process.  First, there is a telephone interview, then an in-person interview at our office. Before calling to apply for financial assistance, please gather the following information for each member of your family:

  • Dates of birth
  • Health card and social insurance numbers
  • Address, postal code and telephone number
  • Banking information such as account balances and branch details
  • Housing information such as landlord name, rental or boarding amounts, utility costs, mortgage details
  • Assets such as your house, car or investments
  • All sources of income such as Canada Pension, or child support

Apply for Ontario Works online anytime, anywhere on your device. Visit Ontario.ca/socialassistance to get started.

Once the pre-screening has been completed you will be booked for an in-person interview at one of our offices in Strathroy, London, Parkhill or Glencoe

A caseworker will review and verify all of the qualifying information that you provided in the phone interview; Eligibility will be determined and it will be explained how the Ontario Works program can help you; your rights and responsibilities will be explained.  If you are employable, your caseworker will work with you to determine which supports we can offer in order for you to reach your future goals. The caseworker will assist you in determining what other benefits you might be eligible for.

If you are eligible, and have provided all of the documentation necessary to determine eligibility, a cheque will be produced. If you are not eligible, you will receive a letter explaining why and given the option to request an internal review of that decision.

If you need support, call 1-888-999-1142 (Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm).