How do I apply for Ontario Works (formerly welfare) for financial assistance?
Social assistance is available for people who need money because they cannot find work or are temporarily unable to work. You must phone your regional call centre. The official name for the call centre is “Intake Screening Unit,” (ISU). Your local OW office will give you the number for the call centre in your area. It is also available at the Ministry of Community and Social Services web site at www.cfcs.gov.on.ca. . The government will be changing this procedure in the near future. If you have problems applying through the call centre, contact your local OW office or contact our office for help. Be prepared to spend at least half an hour on the phone giving details of your financial, family, housing and employment situation. If the worker who is conducting the phone interview thinks that you are not eligible, you might be asked if you still want to continue your application. Please continue with the application. You do have the right to make the application and the worker could be wro
