City of Kawartha Lakes

Ontario Works


Description

Stability Supports

The focus of the Ontario Works Program through Human Services is to focus on Stability Supports to help individuals move towards self-sufficiency.

Some examples of these kind of Stability Supports include benefits to help cover rent or shelter expenses, supports and resources to help with training and education, enhance social inclusion and promote community belonging or address concerns of food security.

For Stability Supports please call 705-324-9870 and press 2.

Employment Supports

If you need financial supports to help with your job search or to start a new job, Employment Ontario may be able to help you.

Your Client Services Worker will refer you to the correct Employment Ontario Office where you will get help with your job search or training plan.

  • Residents of Kawartha Lakes will be referred to VCCS.
  • Residents of the County of Haliburton will be referred to Fleming CREW located in the village of Haliburton.

Pre-Employment Services

If you aren't able to look for work or start a new job, your Client Services Worker will work with you to help develop a plan and connect to supports and services in your community that can help you;

  • Access health related services
  • Access substance recovery and harm reduction supports
  • Access housing and homelessness prevention supports
  • Apply for longer term supports like ODSP or CPP-D

Financial Assistances

Financial assistance from Ontario Works can include:

  • Basic Financial Assistance: Basic financial assistance helps cover the cost of basic needs like food and shelter. The amount you are eligible to receive will vary depending on your family size, the age of your dependents, income and shelter costs.
  • Prescription Medication Coverage: You will also be able to use your health card to pay for most prescription medication at a pharmacy.
  • Special Diet Allowance: Additional assistance may be provided help cover the costs of a special diet required due to an approved medical condition.
  • Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance: Pregnant or breast-feeding women may be eligible for an allowance to cover the costs of nutritional needs associated with pregnancy and breast-feeding.
  • Other Benefits: You may also be eligible for benefits to help pay for:
    • Glasses for dependent children
    • Travel and transportation to and from medical appointments
    • Diabetic supplies
    • Surgical supplies
    • Guide dog costs
    • Dental care or dentures for adults
    • Glasses for adults
    • Prosthetic devices
Eligibility
To qualify for Ontario Works financial assistance, you must:
  • be at least 16 years of age
  • be an Ontario resident
  • have assets no greater than the limits set out in the program
  • be in financial need
  • participate in employment activities
Application Process
Individuals under 18 years, call 705-324-9870 press 2 or toll free 1-877-324-9870 press 2 to request a social assistance intake.
Individuals 18 years and older, contact Ontario Works at 1-888-999-1142 or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-works.
Documents Required
Documents required may vary, contact for information
Toll Free
1-877-324-9870
Office
705-324-9870
Fax
705-328-2875
Web Site
https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/community-emergency-services/employment-and-financial-assistance
Email
[email protected]
Mailing Address
68 Lindsay St N
PO Box 2600
Kawartha Lakes, ON, K9V 4S7
Canada
Languages
English
Contact
Alyson Truax, Manager, Human Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: ext 3229
Director, Human Services
Cheryl Faber
Email: [email protected]
Phone: ext 3206
Fees
None
Social Media
Agency Information
View Agency Profile
Copyright
Community Connection, 211 Central East Region Contact Centre
Last Updated On
February 23, 2026
Last Verified On
February 23, 2026
Address
68 Lindsay St N
Kawartha Lakes, ON, K9V 4S7
Intersection: Queen St and Lindsay St N
Open in Google Maps
Accessibility
Fully Accessible
Hours of Operation
Mon
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tue
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Wed
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Thu
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Fri
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Service Area(s)
Kawartha Lakes