Toronto 
Ontario is changing who can receive provincial social assistance, with new rules immediately excluding people who are living in Canada illegally and some temporary residents.
Credit: Ontario
The province has amended regulations under the Ontario Works Act, 1997 and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997. Under the updated rules, people in Canada illegally will not qualify for Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, commonly known as ODSP.
The restrictions also apply to people who are authorized to stay in Canada temporarily, including those on student visas, work permits, as well as visitors and tourists.
The government says the changes are intended to make eligibility requirements clearer and ensure financial assistance goes to people legally authorized to live in Canada who are facing financial hardship.
“Taxpayer-funded social assistance should not go to people living in Canada illegally,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, in a news release. He said the changes are meant to protect public funds and keep the programs focused on those they were designed to support.
Applicants for Ontario Works and ODSP are already required to provide information about their citizenship or immigration status.
The province also pointed to recent changes to ODSP. Since September 2022, benefit rates have increased by nearly 23 percent, with annual increases now tied to inflation.
People receiving ODSP who have a disability can earn up to $1,000 a month from employment without affecting their income support and benefits.
Ontario Works recipients, meanwhile, work with caseworkers who help them prepare for employment services, find work and move toward financial independence.
Suspected social assistance fraud can also be reported through the ministry’s fraud hotline at 1-800-394-7867.
