Chatham-Kent Ontario Works (Social Assistance)
Ontario Works is run locally by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. It gives monthly money for basic needs and rent to people in immediate financial need, plus help finding work.
What you get
Monthly money for rent and basics
Who it's for
People who live in Chatham-Kent, are in immediate financial need (cannot cover food and housing), and are willing to take part in job-search activities.
This takes you to the official website
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
If no one answers, leave your name and number slowly, then try 211 while you wait.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- You must verify your identity, income, assets, and housing costs at a follow-up meeting
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
Depends on your household size and situation. Set by the provincial Ontario Works rate schedule (money for basic needs plus a shelter allowance).
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
People who live in Chatham-Kent, are in immediate financial need (cannot cover food and housing), and are willing to take part in job-search activities. You must verify your identity, income, assets, and housing costs at a follow-up meeting.
Good to know
All numbers confirmed on the municipality's Applying for Social Assistance page: local office 519-351-8573 (emergency/special-circumstance), provincial intake 1-888-999-1142, online via the SADA portal. Local income-support office address per the page: 435 Grand Avenue West, Chatham, ON N7M 5L8. Dropped the 211 source URL and the ckess@ email (not confirmed on the municipal page).
Official sources we checked
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