NEW REPORT: In Their Own Words: The State of Social Assistance in Ontario
Nearly one million Ontarians rely on social assistance program like OW and ODSP for survival. These are programs of last resort, a lifeline for those with nowhere else to turn. So how well are they actually working? Read our new report to find out what the people who use these programs daily think about them, and what fixes they recommend.
We advance the systemic interests and rights of low-income and equity-seeking communities and meaningfully support Indigenous Peoples and communities, with a focus on improving income security programs and ending low-wage precarious employment.
Updates
Looking for help with your Disability Tax Credit (DTC) or Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) application? You may be able to get individualized help from a non-profit organization that has been trained and funded to help.…
Ontario’s 2026 Budget arrives with a familiar promise of protection, but for whom? The province faces compounding pressures, including a deficit that has nearly doubled to $13.8 billion, ongoing U.S. tariff threats, and the ripple…
There are many reasons why someone may stop receiving social assistance. For example, a senior may turn 65 and begin receiving seniors benefits that are greater than their Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income. A…
Turning 65 is often seen as a milestone, but for low-income seniors in Ontario, it can bring financial and health-related uncertainty. Many seniors turning 65 no longer financially qualify for Ontario Works (OW) or the…
The Standing Committee on Finance is inviting submissions to its Pre-Budget Consultation in advance of the 2026 Budget. This means it’s time to share your thoughts on what the federal government’s budget priorities for the…
Nearly one million Ontarians rely on social assistance programs like Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for survival. These are programs of last resort, a lifeline for those with nowhere else…
Updates
Looking for help with your Disability Tax Credit (DTC) or Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) application? You may be able to get individualized help from a non-profit organization that has been trained and funded to help.…
Ontario’s 2026 Budget arrives with a familiar promise of protection, but for whom? The province faces compounding pressures, including a deficit that has nearly doubled to $13.8 billion, ongoing U.S. tariff threats, and the ripple…
There are many reasons why someone may stop receiving social assistance. For example, a senior may turn 65 and begin receiving seniors benefits that are greater than their Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income. A…
Turning 65 is often seen as a milestone, but for low-income seniors in Ontario, it can bring financial and health-related uncertainty. Many seniors turning 65 no longer financially qualify for Ontario Works (OW) or the…
The Standing Committee on Finance is inviting submissions to its Pre-Budget Consultation in advance of the 2026 Budget. This means it’s time to share your thoughts on what the federal government’s budget priorities for the…
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