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You'd rather be working, but it can be hard getting started. It's tough finding a job without up-to-date skills, relevant job experience or references. And what about expenses, like transportation and work clothes?

You've got questions. Ontario Works has answers. It provides employment help and financial assistance while you take the steps required to get a job.

How does Ontario Works help?

Different people have different needs. That's why Ontario Works has a number of ways to help you.


1.  Practical help finding a job

  • Workshops on looking for work, resumé writing, and preparing for an interview.
  • Referrals to job counselling or training.
  • Access to telephones, faxes, computers and job banks.
  • Information on who's hiring now.
2.  Community placement

A community placement helps you contribute to your community and get current experience. It provides you with a chance to practice your skills and improve your confidence, and develop up-to-date job references and contacts.

3.  Basic education

Jobs and employers demand a higher education today. Ontario Works can help with support to complete high school, improve your language skills, and upgrade your reading, writing or math skills.

4.  Job skills training

Ontario Works can help open the door to the skills needed for today's job market - training for a specific job, on-the-job or co-op training, special skills programs for special certificate courses.

5.  Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

If you're a teen parent aged 16 to 21 and you haven't finished high school, LEAP can help you: complete your diploma, get tutoring help, learn parenting skills, cover child care costs, pay school expenses, and find work.

6.  Employment placement

If you're ready for a job, Ontario Works can help - with direct connections to employers who are hiring, information on how to prepare for an interview, and job training. There's also help if you have ideas for starting your own business.

7.  Earnings incentives

Part-time work is often the first step towards a full-time job. You are eligible for a number of exemptions that allow you to earn income and continue to receive social assistance, until you can earn enough to provide for yourself and your family. You may also be able to deduct some of your child care costs. There is more information available, just ask.

8.  Help with expenses

You are eligible for a start-up benefit to pay for expenses related to getting ready for work and taking part in Ontario Works employment activities. There's also ongoing help with expenses while you're in Ontario Works activities - with transportation, work clothing, equipment and child care costs. Ask for more details.