The County of Renfrew Community Services Committee has received an update on Ontario Works services offered to local residents.
Manager of Ontario Works, Andrea Patrick, says they are working with 1,200 active cases representing 1,991 individuals. In 2022, Patrick says Ontario Works operated with a $16.7-million budget which includes benefit payments and the cost of administration. Patrick says 25 Ontario Works staff members work in four offices in Renfrew, Pembroke, Killaloe and Arnprior.
Patrick says Ontario Works provides financial assistance and person-centered supports for low-income residents. The Manager of Ontario Works provided committee members with a list of the financial assistance programs provided to assist vulnerable residents.
- Ontario Works Assistance – Caseworkers determine eligibility in accordance with the Ontario Works Directives containing over 800 rules. Social assistance rates are set by the province and the Ontario Works rates have not been increased since October 2018. The maximum entitlement for a single recipient is $733 per month.
- Temporary Care Assistance – This is a program which provides financial support for individuals who have a child placed into their temporary care/custody and require assistance to support the child. The maximum assistance for one child is $274 per month.
- Emergency Assistance – This program assists individuals who are experiencing an emergency (e.g., fire, flood) who have income/assets which exceed the Ontario Works program thresholds. In these circumstances Ontario Works assistance can be provided for up to 48 days.
- Funeral Benefits – Assistance is provided to social assistance recipients and other low-income residents to help with the costs of funeral expenses for a loved one. The maximum benefit payable is $4000.
- Discretionary Benefits – Financial assistance to help social assistance recipients cover the cost of medical devices and related items that are not covered by any other government program.
- Homelessness Prevention Program – Ontario Works and Community Housing staff work collaboratively to help prevent homelessness in Renfrew County. Eligible expenses which may be covered through this program include rental arrears, heat/hydro arrears, last month’s rent or rent deposit, and emergency shelter (temporary motel stay). The maximum entitlement is $1500 per year for single people/couples and $2000 per year for families with children.
Patrick encourages anyone who may need assistance to contact the County of Renfrew Ontario Works department.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)