Financial Assistance and Benefits
Housing Services
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Households and landlords will get housing allowances and rent supplements one week early to assist with cash flow.
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There will be no evictions from social housing during this time.
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City staff have reached out to hotels and motels that provide temporary emergency accommodation to provide Ottawa Public Health resources for hotel management, staff and clients. Staff are providing ongoing communications to clients at the hotels.
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Ottawa Inner City Health is taking an active role in the shelter system and has a mobile assessment van in operation to visit the shelters on rotation, in addition to having a nurse on call for evenings and weekends.
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If you are at risk of housing loss due to shelter arrears, call your Ontario Works/ ODSP Caseworker OR call 311 and press 4 for social services and follow the instructions.
Applying for CERB & EI
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Information on the new Emergency Response Benefit Program
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Frequently asked questions about Canada's Emergency Response Benefit
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Document on how to apply for benefits step by step, in plain language
Support for Individuals, Families, & Students
Bills & Payment Supports
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How to get assistance with Hydro Ottawa payments
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Info on Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). If you are a customer of an electricity utility and in a lower-income home, you may qualify for a reduction on your electricity bill.
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The Ontario Works Emergency Assistance program supports residents in financial crisis with no access to other supports, including residents waiting for support from the federal government. To apply: Visit ontario.ca/socialassistance(link is external). Call 3-1-1 and select 4 for Social Services, then 3.Call your caseworker if you receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program benefits. If you receive Ontario Works benefits, you can also call 3-1-1, select 4, then 2.
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Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment: The government is providing a one-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples. There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.
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Supports for paying for medical aids and prescriptions in Ottawa through the City
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Public Transportation in Ottawa: OC Transpo services are currently free. Transit riders with a Presto Card can change their auto-renew settings at www.prestocard.ca.
Indigenous Services
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Non-insured health benefits: some temporary changes to make it easier to renew prescription and get respiratory equipment
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Child and family services: First Nations youth who reach age of majority during the outbreak, continue to receive supports
