We are strengthening the rules for Ontario’s social assistance programs to ensure that only people who are living in Canada legally can receive financial assistance from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
These changes take effect immediately to stop people who are not authorized to remain in Canada from receiving these financial supports.
The province has amended regulations under the Ontario Works Act, 1997 and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, to provide clarity on who is eligible for social assistance. Under the updated rules, the following individuals are not eligible for social assistance:
- Individuals who are in Canada illegally; and
- Individuals authorized to remain in Canada on a temporary basis, for example, those here with student visas, work permits or as visitors and tourists.
Since September 2022, the province has increased ODSP rates by nearly 23 per cent and has tied annual increases to the rate of inflation.