Ontario Works

Employment Services of Bruce Grey Huron Perth

Employment Services of Bruce Grey Huron Perth is an organization that provides a wide range of employment and training services to individuals and businesses in the region.

Employment Services of Bruce Grey Huron Perth offers a variety of programs and services to help job seekers and employers achieve their goals, including:

• Career coaching and counselling
• Resume and cover letter development
• Job search workshops
• Job matching and placement services.
• Apprenticeship support and training
• On-the-job training and subsidies
• Funding opportunities for training and education
• Networking events and job fairs

One of the unique features of Employment Services of Bruce Grey Huron Perth is the extensive network of service providers. The organization works with a wide range of community providers, educational institutions, and government agencies to ensure that clients have access to the best possible services and resources.

Service providers include:

• Conestoga College
• Leads Employment Services
• The Centre for Employment and Learning

By partnering with the above organizations, Employment Services of Bruce Grey Huron Perth can offer clients a holistic approach to employment and training. Whether you need help with job search skills, upgrading your education, or accessing specialized training in a particular industry, they will connect you with the right service provider for your needs.

To learn more about Employment Services of Bruce Grey Huron Perth and the network of service providers, visit the Providers page of the website at employmentbghs.ca/providers.

For feedback and questions, e-mail: IntegratedEmploymentServices@brucecounty.on.ca

Learning, Earning and Parenting (L.E.A.P.)

Learning, Earning and Parenting is a program for young parents, ages 16 to 24. Through this program, you can work to complete your high school education, prepare for employment and improve your parenting skills. Additional supports are available to help you attend the program. Upon successful completion of LEAP, you become eligible to receive an educational bursary.

Earnings Exemptions

If you have been in receipt of Ontario Works for three months or more, finding employment greatly increases your monthly income. A 50% exemption rate will apply to all earnings from employment. This means that if you earn $500, only 50% of the net income, will be deducted from your Ontario Works entitlement.

Extended Employment Health Benefits

If your income exceeds the Ontario Works rate and you no longer qualify for assistance, you may be entitled to Extended Employment Health Benefits. Anyone who exits OW due to employment may be provided health benefits for a transitional period of up to six months or until the employer offers health benefits, whichever comes first.

Child Care Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to help cover the cost of Home Child Care, Child Care Subsidy or municipal recreational program while eligible parents/guardians are involved in employment, job searching, education or training.

Drug Coverage

Drug coverage is provided each month while you are receiving income support.

Dental and Vision Care for Children

All children of parents who are in receipt of social assistance are eligible for basic dental and vision care.

Diabetic and Surgical Supplies

The cost of diabetic supplies such as blood glucose monitors, lancet, syringes and test strips, as well as various surgical supplies and dressings can be covered.

Medical Transportation

Costs associated with travelling to attend medical appointments can also be covered.

Special Diet

Where there is a special need, costs related to a special diet (as prescribed by an approved health professional) can be covered.

Pregnancy Nutritional Item

A monthly allowance is issued for the term of pregnancy to meet nutritional needs and assist in the healthy prenatal development of the baby.

To find out if you are eligible or if you wish to request any of these additional benefits, please speak to your case manager. In most instances, items only need to be requested over the phone, however, on occasion you may need to provide written confirmation of the need.

Forms

Mandatory Special Necessities (MSN) Benefit Request. (PDF) County of Huron: Ontario Works, 2011. For Ontario Works recipients in need of medical transportation or medical supplies.

Medical Travel Mileage Form. (PDF) County of Huron: Ontario Works, 2012. For Ontario Works recipients incurring travel costs to attend medical appointments.

Pathways to Self-Sufficiency

Pathways to Self-Sufficiency is a program for low-income families and individuals in Huron County to prevent homelessness and provide access to financial supports.

Assistance may include, but not limited to:

• Hydro, Gas, Water and Sewer Arrears
• Rental Arrears
• Emergency dental
• Emergency transportation
• Eyeglasses
• Hearing Aids
• Layettes and baby supplies
• Limited assistance with prosthetic item
• Other health care items

Do you qualify?

Depending on your income, you may be eligible for Pathways when you are faced with a sudden change in your finances.

How do I get help from Pathways?

You can fill out the Pathways application form FOUND HERE.

Feel free to reach out to Pathways by contacting Huron County Social Services and asking to speak to the Pathways Case Manager. People receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) assistance should also call Huron County Social Services and speak directly to staff.

What should I expect when I call?

We are here to help! A Pathways staff person will take your information to see if the program can help you. They may also put you in touch with other community and government resources.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Pathways to Self-Sufficiency please call Huron County Social Services at 519.482.8505 ext. 4509 or Toll Free 1.888.371.5718 ext. 4509.

Emergency Assistance is also available to people who are in a crisis or in an emergency situation (e.g. people who have lost their homes, are leaving an abusive relationship, and/or, are worried about their safety).

MyBenefits is an online service available 24/7 to Ontario residents who receive Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP):

https://mybenefits.mcss.gov.on.ca/auth/login

With MyBenefits, you can:

• Report income, address/shelter costs, or phone number changes
• See past payments
• See the overpayment balance
• See your letters and receive email notifications when new letters are available for viewing
• View your profile information (e.g. phone number, email, household members)

If you have an email address on file and have your member ID you can create an account for MyBenefits.

Creating Your Account for MyBenefits is Easy

• Creating your account for MyBenefits is a quick and easy, two-step process.
• Confirm your identity when you visit Ontario.ca/MyBenefits for the first time:
• Enter your 9-digit member ID
• Enter the email address that you have on your file and press ‘Next’
• A message will be sent to your email with an activation link. Click the link within 30 minutes to confirm your identity.
• This will take you back to Ontario.ca/MyBenefits, where you will be prompted to enter your date of birth to finish the process.
• You do not need to do this step again in the future!
• Set up your username and password to access your information. You have two choices to sign-in to your account:
• login with an email address and password of your choice using the ‘My Ontario Login’ or,
• you can log in with the same username and password as your online banking using ‘Securekey Concierge’
• Follow the prompts to create your account. This is the way you will sign-in to MyBenefits for all future visits.

Create your account now! Ontario.ca/MyBenefits

Having trouble signing in? You can call toll free for technical help at 1.888.999.6130.

For more information, speak with your caseworker.

If you are a recipient of Social Assistance, you must report any changes in your circumstances. This includes moving to a different residence, or starting a new job. Call your local Ontario Works office at 519.482.8505 or 1.888.371.5718 ext. 4501. Staff are available to take this information from you and answer any questions you may have.

The amount of money you receive from Ontario Works will vary depending upon your circumstances, such as family size, income, assets and shelter costs, such as rent. Visit the Ontario Works office or call 519.482.8505 ext. 4501 or 1.888.371.5718 ext. 4501; the staff will be happy to explain the calculation of your assistance.

The Welfare Fraud Hot Line number is available for the public to report suspected cases of Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program fraud. Callers will be asked for the name and address and, if possible, the phone number of the person who may be cheating. Suspected cases may be reported by telephoning 1.800.394.7867.

Additional FAQs about Ontario Works are available from the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Information about the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), including FAQs about ODSP, are available from the Ministry of Community and Social Services.