Office phone: General Inquiry 416-392-8623
TTY phone: 416-392-2594
Fax: 416-392-4214
Web site: www.toronto.ca/socialservices
Address: 55 John St, 12th Fl, Toronto, ON, M5V 3C6

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Mail Address: 55 John St, Stn 1123, 12th Fl, Toronto, ON, M5V 3C6
Location (Intersection): Toronto Central (University Ave and King St W)
Hours: Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)
Area served: City of Toronto * Area Offices serve specific districts
Languages of service: English ; French ; Multilingual Lines -- Chinese (416-397-7383), French (416-397-7385), Polish (416-392-4225), Portuguese (416-397-7381), Russian (416-397-0123), Somali (416-397-7384), Spanish (416-397-7382)
Eligibility:

• Toronto residents 18 years and over in financial need
• youth 16-17 years may be eligible under special circumstances
• financial need is determined by a review of income, liquid assets and living expenses
• people not receiving social assistance benefits may qualify for help with medical or funeral costs through the Hardship Fund
• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- parents 16-25 years
• Employment Resource Centre -- open to all Toronto residents

How to apply:

• Ontario Works -- call the Intake line serving specific postal code, see branch records
• maps showing service area boundaries are available from 416-392-8623 or online www.toronto.ca/socialservices/offices_chart.htm
• toll free from pay phone 1-888-465-4478
• application also available online -- Web Access to Your Services (WAYS), see website for details
• online anonymous eligibility estimator

Physical access:

• Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms
• braille and voice elevator, lowered buttons
• entrance close to parking

Service description:

• Employment Assistance
  • Clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children
• Employment Resource Centre
  • walk-in job search centre
  • access to computers, Internet, fax, telephone
  • job search workshops
  • resource materials, job banks, labour market information
  • assistance with resumes and interview skills
  • referrals to job counselling and training
  • supports for people who are working
• Community Participation
  • volunteer placements
  • job search programs
  • employment placement -- job matching service
  • basic education -- adult upgrading
  • high school upgrading
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
  • literacy and basic skills
  • job skills training for specific jobs
  • on-the-job training
  • referrals to self-employment programs
• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)
  • helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627)
  • for employers to post jobs
• Financial Assistance
  • monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income
  • monthly drug benefit card
  • health benefits including medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation
• Discretionary Benefits
  • may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• Community Start-Up Benefit
  • help with housing or moving costs
  • Employment Start-Up Benefit -- covers costs related to starting a job or work placement
  • Families with Children -- newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs, basic dental care for children
• Social Supports
  • referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities
  • help in pursuing child or spousal support
• Client Services and Information Unit (416-392-2956)
  • general information for persons in receipt of Ontario Works assistance
  • information on legislation and procedures related to Ontario Works
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR) (1-800-808-2268)
  • automated information and payment details, payment history, file status
  • information and announcements about Ontario Works
  • service not available to TTY users
• Welfare Fraud Hotline (416-392-8980)
  • to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

Organization type: Regional Government

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Last complete update: 2010-10-21
Last modified date: 2011-08-08