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Financial Assistance

Income support is for people who need help providing for themselves or their families. It is provided by governments at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

How do I apply for Employment Insurance (EI)?
In order to be eligible for Employment Insurance, you must first have worked and paid into the Employment Insurance program for the required number of weeks in the area where you live.

What is a Record of Employment?
When you leave your job for whatever reason, your employer must give you a Record of Employment within five days after your last day of employment. It tells how long you worked and how much you earned with that employer.

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Where can I get detailed information on applying for Maternity, Paternal & Sickness benefits?
Who is eligible? Maternity benefits: Mothers and surrogate mothers; Parental benefits: Biological and adoptive parents; Sickness benefits: People whose illness, injury or quarantine prevents them from working.

What are Compassionate Care Benefits?
These benefits will be paid to workers who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a member of their family who is gravely ill (very sick) with a significant risk of death

Can I get Financial Assistance in an Emergency?
Financial assistance in emergency situations may be available by contacting the nearest regional Community Social Services or Welfare Office.

How do I apply for Social Assistance?
Social Assistance (Ontario Works) is run by your local (municipal) government. You need to contact the local Social Services department of your city government.

What is Ontario Works (OW)?
In Ontario, social assistance or welfare can be obtained through the Ontario Works (OW) program. OW benefits are for people who need money because they are unable to find work or are temporarily unable to work.

Can I have money saved in the bank or RRSPs and still be eligible for Social Assistance/Ontario Works?
You must cash in all assets available to you before accessing Ontario Works and can only have the equivalent of one month's assistance in liquid assets to qualify if you are employable.

What other forms of financial assistance are available?
Other forms of financial assistance available in Ontario include child tax benefits, employment insurance benefits, workers' compensation, the student loans program and Canada Pension Plan (CPP).