It is now possible to apply online for Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Temporary Care Assistance, and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities.
I tried to find out if this online application was available to the entire province, or just certain areas, but I can't get a solid answer right at this moment. However, it appears to be available locally.
Email me if I've got that wrong. In any case, I'll be interested to hear about any experiences, positive or negative.
Here are the steps from the MCSS website:
Step 1. Is the online application right for you?
We will ask you a few basic questions to make sure this process is right for you. It will take you about 2-5 minutes to complete this step.
Step 2. Am I eligible?
We will ask you for some basic information about you and your family, for example:
- money you receive (e.g., from a job, child support)
- your assets (e.g., cash on hand, bank accounts, bonds, vehicles, jewellery).
This step will tell you if you may be eligible for any of the programs, based on the information you give. This is just a guideline. Only a representative from the local office (see Step 4) can tell you if you are actually eligible.
Note: This information will only be sent to the local office if you decide to submit it at the end of Step 3. If you choose not to submit this information, none of it will be saved.
Step 3. Online process
We will ask you to provide more detailed information about your situation and your family. It will take you about 20-30 minutes to complete this step.
At the end of this step, you can:
- review all the information you have given, and
- change it if you need to
A caseworker will call you within 3 business days to confirm that we have received your online information, to arrange the appointment and tell you what you need to bring with you. If you do not have a phone number, you will need to call your local office to arrange an appointment instead.
Step 4. Appointment with caseworker
After you submit your information, you will need to come into your local office for an appointment to continue the application.
You will also need to bring your spouse (if you have one) and any children who are 18 or older to the appointment.
In this appointment, we will verify the information you sent in online.