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Ontario Works Rates for New Refugees - Questions
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user Posts: 130
Posted On: 1/11/2016
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Dear Settlement.org
I am writing to you today to see if you would be able to help me with a problem. I am writing on behalf of my partner A***, who was just recently granted refugee protection in December. A*** Was staying with friends in Owen Sound before his refugee hearing, but now he lives with me in ****** Ontario. A*** has received his Ontario ID card, and has applied for a workers permit.
In the meantime as A*** waits for his work permit to be approved, he needs some sort of financial aid from the Canadian Government. I am currently on financial aid myself for starting my own small business through the Ontario Works program.
Last week I had a visit with my Ontario Works advisor, who added A*** onto my financial aid plan as my spouse. Strangely A*** was only granted $165 per month, but in our research we discovered that A*** should be receiving at least $400 on his own. Unless we are totally wrong?
Would you know if this $165 amount is correct for new refugees in Canada? I understand there are different factors involved with each case. For example A*** doesn’t and won’t be paying rent until he finds a job. Do you know of any other funds A*** may be entitled to as a new refugee?
If he does have access to more funding would you know who and where we should contact?
Any help would be most welcomed. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter.
Sincerely
CJ
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Moderator Moderator Posts: 4075
Posted On: 1/14/2016
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Hi CJ,
Thanks for sharing your question and situation with us. We can appreciate that this is a frustrating situation for you.
From my understanding, you want to know what the current rates are for someone on OW living with a spouse.
According to the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) the current rates for Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates have changed as of October 2015.
You may find our article How much can I get from Ontario Works (OW)? for information about funds available within the program. Here is an excerpt:
The amount depends on your living arrangements, the size of your family and if anyone else in your family has an income.
The Ontario government sets a maximum amount that you can get per month.
For more information about OW rates and to find out what is available to you and your spouse, please contact your local Ontario Works office.
Your spouse may also be eligible for specific services as a refugee to Canada, such as health care and you can read more about that in our What assistance can refugees get in Canada?
The information provided above is not legal advice. If you want legal advice please consult a community legal clinic or a lawyer about your particular situation.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Theresa
Information & Referral Specialist, CIRS
Your Settlement.Org Team
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