Housing Help
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Municipal / LocalSocial assistance St. ThomasVerified June 2026

St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works

Ontario Works is the local social assistance program run by St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services. It gives you monthly money for basic needs (food, clothing) and shelter (rent), plus help finding work, if you are short on money. This is the local office you actually call to apply, not the general provincial website.

What you get

Monthly money for rent and basics

Who it's for

People living in St.

Start your application

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:

  • People living in St
  • Your income and assets are checked

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

The monthly amount depends on your household size and situation (money for basic needs plus a shelter allowance). Rates are set by the province.

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 St. Thomas or Elgin County who are short on money, with savings and income below the program limits, and who are willing to take part in work-related activities. Your income and assets are checked.

Good to know

Phone 519-631-9350, toll-free 1-800-265-4362, TTY 519-631-3836, and address 230 Talbot St., St. Thomas N5P 1B2 confirmed via the Southwest Healthline service listing; office is wheelchair accessible, Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. St. Thomas is the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for the city and Elgin County. Removed an earlier 'select Option 3' phone-menu instruction and named Aylmer/West Lorne satellite addresses that could not be confirmed on an official source.

Official sources we checked
Official program page
This is a summary to get you started — the official page always has the final say. Spot something wrong? Tell us.
This guide is published by Mithulan Perinpanayagam, CPA, CA, who also co-founds Foundation Capital, a private real-estate firm that operates rental housing. Foundation Capital does not set its rents based on anything on this site. This guide is information only — not financial, legal, tax, or benefits advice, and using it does not create a professional relationship. Always confirm current details with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on them.

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