Common Questions
I contacted my local Ontario Works (OW) office about getting social assistance but they told me I would not qualify. Is there anything I can do?
You can appeal a decision to refuse you assistance, but first you must complete an application. The OW office cannot refuse to take your application. If you get a negative decision, you can appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT), but first you must make a written request to OW for an internal review.
For information about applying for Ontario Works assistance, the deadlines for requesting internal review, and appealing to the SBT, see: Need welfare? How to apply to Ontario Works for assistance.