Ministry of Community and Social Services (Ontario)
Encyclopedia
The Ministry of Community and Social Services in the Canadian
province of Ontario
is responsible for social services such as welfare, and disability insurance
and community service programs around issues such as homelessness
, domestic violence
, spousal support
, adoption
, and assisted housing for people with disabilities.
The current Minister of Community and Social Services in the Executive Council of Ontario
(or provincial cabinet
) is the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur
.
Ontario Works is a program that provides income and employment assistance for people who are in financial need by developing an Action Plan in certain agencies. In other agencies participants are referred to other resources. This Plan identifies and addresses an individual's barriers to employment. It is a benefit for persons 18 years and older and by exception for peoples 16 to 18 and also single parents regardless of age. In order to qualify for Ontario Works, an applicant must be a resident of the province of Ontario, in immediate need of financial help, not have excessive assets and be a willing participant in employment assistance programs and activities. There are exceptions to participating in employment related activities if you are unable to work due to medical reasons or if you are the primary caregiver for a relative. The amount of money you may receive from Ontario Works will depend on your; family size, income, assets, and housing costs. If you are eligible for Ontario Works then you may be able to receive other benefits from them such as; medical and dental coverage, eyeglasses, moving or eviction costs and employment-related costs.
Ontario Works also assists applicants for the Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP) by providing immediate financial assistance, application for ODSP and advocacy in the appeal process. Applications for Social Assistance in Ontario can now be completed online at; https://saapply.mcss.gov.on.ca/CitizenPortal/cw/PlayerPage.do. Eligibility can also be determined at the same link without directly applying.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
province of Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
is responsible for social services such as welfare, and disability insurance
Disability insurance
Disability Insurance, often called DI or disability income insurance, is a form of insurance that insures the beneficiary's earned income against the risk that a disability will make working uncomfortable , painful , or impossible...
and community service programs around issues such as homelessness
Homelessness in Canada
Homelessness in Canada has grown in size and complexity in recent years. While historically known as a crisis only of urban centres such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, the increasing incidence of homelessness in the suburbs is necessitating new services and resources.The demographic...
, domestic violence
Domestic violence
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence , is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation...
, spousal support
Alimony
Alimony is a U.S. term denoting a legal obligation to provide financial support to one's spouse from the other spouse after marital separation or from the ex-spouse upon divorce...
, adoption
Adoption
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting for another and, in so doing, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the original parent or parents...
, and assisted housing for people with disabilities.
The current Minister of Community and Social Services in the Executive Council of Ontario
Executive Council of Ontario
The Executive Council of Ontario plays an important role in theGovernment of Ontario, in accordance with the Westminster system....
(or provincial cabinet
Cabinet (government)
A Cabinet is a body of high ranking government officials, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers, an Executive Council, or an Executive Committee.- Overview :...
) is the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur
Madeleine Meilleur
Madeleine Meilleur is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and is a cabinet minister in the government of Premier Dalton McGuinty.-Background:...
.
Ontario Works
Previously known as "General Welfare," were there were recipients is now called Ontario Works were there are participants. Ontario Works program better respects peoples dignity, builds self-esteem and promotes independence. This program was created by the Ontario Works Act, 1997. Each of its participants is encouraged to be involved more in the community and find suitable employment.Ontario Works is a program that provides income and employment assistance for people who are in financial need by developing an Action Plan in certain agencies. In other agencies participants are referred to other resources. This Plan identifies and addresses an individual's barriers to employment. It is a benefit for persons 18 years and older and by exception for peoples 16 to 18 and also single parents regardless of age. In order to qualify for Ontario Works, an applicant must be a resident of the province of Ontario, in immediate need of financial help, not have excessive assets and be a willing participant in employment assistance programs and activities. There are exceptions to participating in employment related activities if you are unable to work due to medical reasons or if you are the primary caregiver for a relative. The amount of money you may receive from Ontario Works will depend on your; family size, income, assets, and housing costs. If you are eligible for Ontario Works then you may be able to receive other benefits from them such as; medical and dental coverage, eyeglasses, moving or eviction costs and employment-related costs.
Ontario Works also assists applicants for the Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP) by providing immediate financial assistance, application for ODSP and advocacy in the appeal process. Applications for Social Assistance in Ontario can now be completed online at; https://saapply.mcss.gov.on.ca/CitizenPortal/cw/PlayerPage.do. Eligibility can also be determined at the same link without directly applying.