Ontario Works (OW)

About Ontario Works

Ontario Works (“OW”) used to be called “General Welfare Assistance”. It is one of two social assistance programs in Ontario for those with little or no income. OW assistance helps people in financial need pay for living expenses like food and housing, and give them support in finding a job.

If you live in the Windsor or Essex County, you should call the local office to make an application for OW assistance.

Windsor office: 519-255-5200

Leamington office: 519 946-9988

You may also apply online at www.ontario.ca/socialassistance

We can help

Our clinic offers information, advice and representation if you have been denied OW assistance, if your benefits have been suspended or terminated or if OW has placed an overpayment on your file. We can talk to OW to challenge decisions, help you appeal decisions and sometimes represent you at the Social Benefits Tribunal. We can also help you to get particular benefits like the Housing Stability Bank assistance and Employment benefits.

The Steps to Justice website offers step-by-step information about Ontario Works and other common legal problems.