Niagara (Region of). Community Services Department
Social Assistance & Employment Opportunities
- Description
- Provides financial assistance and a range of employment supports and activities, in partnership with community agencies, to enable participants and their families to achieve independence through sustainable employment.
Emergency Assistance: Community Services also provides assistance to members of the community who are not recipients of Ontario Works benefits provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. These benefits include Emergency and discretionary benefits (i.e. basic needs and shelter) and may be accessed by the working poor, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients and homeless individuals.
Temporary Care Assistance for Children: Financial assistance may be available for individuals looking after a child where the individual needing assistance is not the child's birth or adoptive parent.
Staff provide life stabilization supports and services that support individuals (OW and ODSP non-disabled adults) in reaching a level of stability that allows them to be involved in their community and participate in employment services. - Eligibility
- Ages: 16 years and up
Eligible individuals receive financial assistance to support basic needs such as food, clothing and housing costs. In addition, many recipients are required to participate in employment related activities. Individualized action plans are developed which outline the requirement of participation in employment preparation activities, as appropriate. Participation and the related skill development is critical to effective and timely re-entry to the workforce. Employment preparation may include activities such as made-in-Niagara training programs, resume and job workshops and assessment of literacy and basic numeracy skills and access to relevant skill development programs. - Application Process
- Individuals in need of Social Assistance may apply online at www.sada.mcss.gov.on.ca or call the Intake and Benefits Administration Unit at 1-888-999-1142. General inquiries may be directed to the General Inquiries line. MyBenefits is an online service available to all residents of Ontario who are active Social Assistance recipients. MyBenefits is available on a 24/7 basis, allowing clients to see the status of all future payments and to report changes. Visit the website at www.ontario.ca/mybenefits to register or sign in.
- Office
- 905-354-3561
- Application/General Inquiry
- 905-641-9230
- Application/General Inquiry Toll Free
- 1-866-627-1110 - West Niagara
- Cheque Inquiry (IVR)
- 1-800-808-2268
- Fax
- 905-994-7262
- Web Site
- https://www.niagararegion.ca/social-services/default.aspx
- Mailing Address
- 469 Central Ave
Fort Erie, ON, L2A 3T8
Canada - Languages
- English, French, Interpretation services available
- Contact
- Anne Marie Fitzgerald, Manager
Phone: 905-354-3561 ext 6351 - Fees
- None
- Documents Required
- Before applying, applicants should ensure they have their family's identification and tax documents ready, such as:
- social insurance numbers (SIN)
- OHIP cards
- birth certificates
- immigration papers
- tax returns
- banking information
- full names, dates of birth and status in Canada
- address
- housing costs
- email addresses (for all family members 18 and older)
- total monthly income and assets
- other expenses, such as child care
- bank account information
- Accessibility
- Fully Accessible
- Agency Information
- View Agency Profile
- Copyright
- 211 Ontario North
- Last Updated On
- February 5, 2024
- Last Verified On
- March 3, 2023
- Address
- 469 Central Ave
Fort Erie, ON, L2A 3T8
Cross street: Central Ave, between Gilmore Rd and Wintemute St
Open in Google Maps - Hours of Operation
- Mon8:30 am to 4:30 pmTue8:30 am to 4:30 pmWed8:30 am to 4:30 pmThu8:30 am to 4:30 pmFri8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm - Service Area(s)
- Crystal Beach
- Fort Erie
- Ridgeway
- Stevensville
