Ontario Works (City of London - London & Middlesex)
Ontario Works, delivered locally by the City of London for London and Middlesex County, gives monthly financial assistance for basic needs and rent (shelter), plus help finding work, to people in financial need. The rent (shelter) part helps cover your rent if you qualify, and being on OW can help you access other supports like the Housing Stability Bank.
What you get
Monthly money for rent and basics
Who it's for
People living in London or Middlesex who do not have enough money for food and housing and are in financial need, and who meet the Ontario Works income and asset rules.
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.
What to do next
Check off each step as you go — we'll remember where you are.
Checkmarks are saved only on this device. We collect nothing.
The fine print
More details about the money
Monthly financial assistance that includes a shelter (rent) allowance. The amount depends on your family size, housing costs, and income, set by provincial Ontario Works rates.
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 living in London or Middlesex who do not have enough money for food and housing and are in financial need, and who meet the Ontario Works income and asset rules.
Good to know
Confirmed via WebFetch on 2026-06-13: City of London page lists local line 519-661-4520, toll-free 1-833-932-2297, and provincial applications line 1-888-999-1142; five in-person front counters including the East London Office. The earlier 'press 3' menu instruction was DROPPED because it was not confirmed on the official page. Middlesex County page confirms Ontario Works there uses provincial intake 1-888-999-1142 with offices in Strathroy, London, Parkhill, and Glencoe. Application-support drop-in details were removed as unverified on the fetched pages.
People also look at
Up to $1,336/month
Depends on your household size and income
Basic Income Program (Programme de revenu de base)
This is a more generous last-resort benefit for people who have had a long-term, severe limit on their ability to work.
Up to $1,574
Depends on your household size and income
Social Assistance Program (Aide sociale) - including shelter needs
This is Quebec's last-resort help for adults with little or no income who do not have a severe limit on their ability to work.
Up to $250/month
Yukon Supplementary Allowance
This adds $250 a month on top of social assistance if you cannot work because of a severe or long-term disability, or if you get (or are old enough to get) Old Age Security.