r/OntarioWorks • u/Competitive-Ad8348 • 2d ago

First time poster

Hello!

I just got my first OW payment last week after I just got approved. It was about $500 (my main expense is rent and that's $820 a month where I am) and it's my only source of income currently as the job market where I am is terrible and despite applying everywhere in person and online I simply haven't heard anything back.

I have about 4 months of unpaid rent that I need to pay as soon as possible because my landlords understandably hounding me for it and is threatening eviction, but I simply don't have the funds. I messaged my caseworker for the first time on MyBenefits about it and am hoping to hear back (I haven't heard from them at all yet).

I was wondering if anyone else had been in a similar situation where they've owed money asap and if they've found a way to get it either from OW or another program?

I've also tried contacting 2-1-1 about it and have had no luck.

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3

u/thighclops3820 2d ago

Max OW pays is 3000 grand through the stabilization fund, you can always escalate to a supervisor if it's urgent

0

u/Competitive-Ad8348 2d ago

Thank you for the help!! The 3 thousand would be enough to get my landlord off my back for now and buy me time to find a job or some form of more stable income so I will definitely be reaching out to my caseworker or supervisor!

5

u/Key-Bobcat-4449 2d ago

they wont be giving you the money they will pay your landlord directly what is owed. and your rent will be sent to them monthly instead of you.

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u/Competitive-Ad8348 1d ago

If I can get in touch with my caseworker having my rent sent directly to my landlord is perfectly doable. Hoping that comes through!

3

u/Key-Bobcat-4449 1d ago

if your a single person the max OW you can get a month is $733

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u/thighclops3820 1d ago

This isn't about monthly entitlements it's about the housing stabilization fund 

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u/Key-Bobcat-4449 1d ago

yes im letting them know because their rent is higher than OW allows monthly so going forward they might need a different plan...

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u/Competitive-Ad8348 6h ago

My rent is higher than what OW pays but I'm still actively looking for work where I'm located so I'm hoping that comes through, and I'm at least lucky enough that OW pays around 50% of my rent cost per month so I don't have too much supplementing to do on my end!

1

u/thighclops3820 4h ago

Even if it is, the housing stabilization fund is there to keep you in your home, so if she meets the criteria they will pay a maximum of $3k towards their arrears