Emergency Assistance

Emergency assistance provides financial help for people facing a severe, sudden and unusual situation that endangers the health and well-being of someone in the family. 

It is important to consider that: 

• • It is not available to those who are already getting social assistance
  • It is limited to 48 days
  • It can only be used after trying other sources for help
  • You do not need a full Ontario Works application, but you must have a face-to-face meeting, including a financial assessment
  • You do not need an Ontario Works participation agreement
  • If your application is denied, you cannot appeal it

Eligibility

To receive emergency assistance, you must meet the following criteria: 

• • You have tried to find help from other sources but were not successful
  • You do not have enough money or assets, and you cannot borrow money to meet your basics needs
  • Without the emergency assistance, someone in your family might be in danger, or at least one dependent will not be able to stay with you

You can also receive emergency assistance if you still need some documents to complete your application for regular social assistance. 

There might be other benefits available to help you with your emergency, like a drug card for medication.