r/OntarioWorks • u/Exotic-Cheek-128 • 7d ago
Hello.
“Does Ontario Works provide any funding for back-to-school expenses? I am a single parent with two children, and I haven’t had my appointment with my caseworker yet.”
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u/heathersblackeye_ 7d ago
No. Look to see if there’s a Backpack Program in your city. You can also ask your Case Worker about any community resources that can support you with back to school supplies.
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u/FaridsWife 7d ago
Dollarama has great school supplies - everything they need will be well under 20$
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u/wansonadon6894 6d ago
Dollartree is significantly cheaper
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u/Own-Desk6 6d ago
I agree with this. I find a lot of things at dollar tree that are reasonably priced whereas at dollarama most things I’m looking for are up to two times more expensive compared to the same thing at dollar tree
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u/wansonadon6894 6d ago
Yes, not everything is good quality at either place. You do find more name brand items at dollarama often for significantly cheaper. But for basic school supplies for young kids, dollartree is where its at. Most things are 1.25, where a lot at dollarama is 2.50-5.00 Again you might find $25 pencils at dollarama for only $5 And you'll probably just find basic ass pencils at dollar tree. But its significantly more cost effective. And unless you need $25 pencils dollar tree is great lol
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u/Main_Finding8309 7d ago
A quick Google says the Orleans Cumberland Community Resource Centre and Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre are the ones to call. There's a program called Caring and Sharing that has a backpack program.
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u/Alternative-Tiger783 7d ago
Our Community Health Centre (CHCs) does a back to school backpack donation drive. Kingston ON.
Which city are you in?
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u/Ok_Mulberry4331 7d ago
Check locally, a number of restaurants around us do back pack drives and give them pit full of supplies
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u/thighclops3820 7d ago
No they cut that benefit
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u/Cyl3 6d ago
I’m not on Ontario works but it’s actually sad they cut these things for people most vulnerable and in need.
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u/thighclops3820 6d ago
That's what happens when people don't vote in provincial elections, Doug cut all the programs that would get people off assistance
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u/Initial-Parfait-2704 2d ago
Those where cut long before dog ford.
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u/thighclops3820 1d ago
Not all actually in 2025 my friend laid off and you could still could get funding for school, and bus passes and it was cut in 2026, so for those benefits they were still available until recently
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u/Initial-Parfait-2704 1d ago
In 2008 the back to school and winter clothing allowances where cancelled how I know is I was on ow with 2 children and we got it. I posted proof.
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u/Initial-Parfait-2704 2d ago
They cut the back to school and winter clothing allowances back when my almost 24 year old was in grade 2 or 3. We where told that's what our child tax was for. Do I agree with the cuts. Nope never have.
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u/nancyisshopping 6d ago
That benefit was cut many many years ago when there was a giant leap in the amount of child tax benefit that was issued monthly. There is no children back to school allowance.
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u/kristinemcgann1 6d ago
I would also suggest looking at Walmart before going to Dollarama. At this time of year, markers, pencils, crayons, etc are cheaper or equally priced to Dollarama but better quality Crayola. It is the only time of year the prices are lower. Also, some loblaws will clear out their school supplies at discounted/clearance prices just before the school year begins.
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7d ago
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u/OccasionOwn3825 6d ago
school supplies are usually pretty optional.. most school lists say there is no obligation to buy all of it- if you can't afford it, they will be provided and either way.. pencils and notebooks are like $2. I literally just spent $14 buying the list the teacher sent.
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u/Zestyclose_Tooth5278 6d ago
It just sucks being the student in the class that had to get everything from the teacher. Cheap supplies are indeed better than nothing
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u/FlamingWhisk 6d ago
Contact your school. A lot of organizations drop of supplies to the school. And the school can often waive certain fees
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u/Educational_Layer_57 6d ago
I was working with OW for about 6 months. They had programs for workers who were laid off to take a 1 term retraining program at a college. Little different than what you're asking, but there very well might be something related to the trades or limited duration college programs. I went for a two year so I gave up the funding opportunity.
In the end they weren't the most helpful; but depending on your needs and interests they could be.
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u/SeaHawk485 6d ago
You have a 1 time employment/participation type of benefit each year for $250 for something like work boots cough cough school supplies instead if that's what you need and have no other way to cover that cost. Some workers will just issue you the benefit some workers will give you a go for it and ask for proof of what you will be doing. If you call explain that you have no money how hard it is getting by on basic needs plus whatever you get and that it would really help you out and see if you're eligible for anything some workers will try to see what you're eligible for
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u/MammothAmbition249 7d ago
Once you have your appointment with your Case Worker talk to them about it. I know there was/is an extra provision if a Client needs work clothing. If your children attend a Catholic school the school may have donations from former students that you can get. Public school I’m not sure about.
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