Ontario Government Programs — Plain Language

A monthly payment available to most Canadians 65 and older, regardless of work history. You do not need to have worked to receive OAS — residency in Canada is the key requirement.

A monthly retirement pension based on your contributions during your working years. You can start as early as age 60 (reduced) or delay to 70 (increased). CPP also covers disability and survivor benefits.

An additional monthly payment for low-income OAS recipients. Many seniors miss out on GIS because they don't know they qualify — it can add hundreds of dollars per month.

An Ontario top-up payment for low-income seniors who already receive OAS and GIS. Automatically assessed once you file your taxes — but many seniors don't know it exists.

Monthly income and health benefits for people with disabilities in Ontario who are in financial need. The application is complex and often denied on the first attempt — Lumio Solutions can help.

A non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax you or a supporting family member pays. Being approved for DTC also opens access to the RDSP and other disability supports.

Ontario program that funds up to 75% of the cost of assistive devices — including wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication devices, and more — for people with long-term physical disabilities.

A long-term savings plan to help people with disabilities and their families save for the future. The federal government adds grants and bonds — you may receive money even if you can't contribute yourself.

A federal non-refundable tax credit for people who support a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent with a physical or mental impairment. Often missed by family caregivers who don't know it exists.

Employment Insurance benefits for people who must stop working to care for a critically ill or injured family member, or to provide end-of-life care. Includes Family Caregiver and Compassionate Care benefits.

Respite care gives family caregivers a temporary break by arranging professional support for the person they care for. Ontario also has Home and Community Care Support Services to help navigate long-term care placement.

An online account where you can view and manage your EI, CPP, and OAS benefits. Many seniors find the registration process confusing — Lumio Solutions can walk you through it step by step.

Canada Revenue Agency's online portal for managing your tax information, viewing benefit payments (GST/HST, CCB), checking your RRSP room, and filing returns. Essential for accessing many federal benefits.

Need help with your phone, tablet, email, or video calling a doctor or family member? Lumio Solutions offers one-on-one digital technology sessions — patient, plain-language, no judgment. We go at your pace.

If you receive Ontario Works (OW), you may be entitled to a housing allowance as part of your monthly benefit. Shelter costs are built into OW payments — speak with your caseworker if you are struggling with rent.

Ontario Rent Bank provides interest-free loans to low-income tenants facing eviction due to rent arrears or utility disconnection. Available in most Ontario municipalities including Waterloo Region.

Ontario offers rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing where rent is set at approximately 30% of your income. Waitlists can be long — applying early is essential. Lumio Solutions can help you apply.

If you or someone you know is at risk of homelessness, Ontario municipalities offer emergency shelter and homelessness prevention funding. In Waterloo Region, contact the House of Friendship or Region of Waterloo housing services.

Food banks provide free groceries and meals to individuals and families in need. No income proof is typically required. In Waterloo Region, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region serves all of KW, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.

Ontario Works provides financial assistance to people in financial need who are looking for work or facing barriers to employment. It includes a monthly allowance for basic needs and housing, plus health benefits.

A quarterly federal payment to help low and modest income Canadians offset the GST/HST they pay. You automatically qualify when you file your annual tax return — no separate application needed.

Quarterly payments to help Canadians offset the cost of the federal carbon pricing system. Ontario residents receive this automatically when they file their taxes. Many people don't realize they are entitled to it.

A monthly provincial payment combining three credits: Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and Ontario Sales Tax Credit. Many low-income Ontarians miss this benefit by not filing their taxes.

The Ontario Drug Benefit program helps eligible Ontarians pay for prescription drugs. If you receive ODSP, Ontario Works, or are 65+, you are automatically eligible. Others may qualify based on income.

Provides publicly-funded home care services including nursing, personal support workers (PSWs), physiotherapy, and occupational therapy for people who need help living independently at home.

A federal program providing dental coverage for Canadians without employer dental benefits and with a family income under $90,000/year. Covers seniors, adults, and children. Many eligible Canadians have not yet enrolled.

Free, confidential health advice from a registered nurse — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages. Call when you are not sure whether to go to the emergency room or need general health guidance.

Canada's national suicide and mental health crisis line. Call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night. Free, confidential, available in English and French. You do not have to be suicidal to call — any mental health crisis is welcome.

CMHA provides mental health and addictions services across Ontario, including crisis support, counselling, housing, and peer support programs. Waterloo Wellington CMHA serves Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

A free, confidential helpline providing information and referrals for substance use concerns. Available 24/7. Also provides information on treatment programs, detox services, and community supports across Ontario.

Here 24/7 is Waterloo Region's dedicated mental health and addictions crisis service, available around the clock by phone, walk-in, or mobile outreach. Serves adults, children, and families in Waterloo Region.

Legal Aid Ontario provides free legal help to low-income Ontarians for issues including ODSP appeals, landlord-tenant disputes, family law, criminal matters, and refugee claims.

The Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in Ontario, including evictions, rent increases, maintenance issues, and harassment. Tenants have legal rights — the LTB is where they are enforced.

Free legal clinics across Ontario help low-income residents with ODSP appeals, OW issues, tenant rights, employment issues, and human rights complaints. In Waterloo Region, contact Waterloo Region Community Legal Services.

Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a specialist who can help you find local community and social services — food banks, shelters, housing, counselling, employment, transportation, and more. Available 24/7 across Ontario.

Waterloo Region's ION and GRT bus service is fully accessible with low-floor buses and stops. For those unable to use conventional transit, the Region offers specialized transit (ParaTranspo) for people with physical disabilities.

Community Support Connections provides meal delivery (Meals on Wheels), friendly visiting, transportation, security checks, and adult day programs for seniors and adults with disabilities in Waterloo Region.

The federal Connecting Families program offers low-cost high-speed internet ($20–$35/month) to families receiving the Canada Child Benefit. Rogers and other ISPs also offer low-income plans for OW and ODSP recipients.

The single most important number in Ontario — dial 211 to find any community service in any city: food banks, shelters, mental health, legal aid, transportation, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in 150+ languages.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program offers free tax preparation help for modest-income Canadians. Available at community centres, libraries, and seniors centres across Ontario. Filing taxes unlocks GST credit, OTB, CCR, and more.

ServiceOntario handles OHIP health cards, driver's licences, vehicle registration, birth certificates, and other key documents. Many services available online. In-person locations in all Ontario cities.

Service Canada offices help you apply for and manage EI, CPP, OAS, SIN cards, passports, and My Service Canada Account. Locations in all major Ontario cities — walk-ins available.

Ontario's 24/7 crisis line for people experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or abuse. Shelters, safety planning, and counselling available in all Ontario communities. Your safety comes first — all calls are confidential.

Free employment services across Ontario including resume help, job search support, skills training, and apprenticeship programs. Available in all cities through Employment Service providers funded by the province.

If you have been discriminated against based on disability, age, race, gender, or other protected grounds in housing, employment, or services, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

Ontario has a network of Indigenous-led health, mental health, housing, and social service organizations serving First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. The 2-Spirit & LGBTQ+ helpline also serves Indigenous communities.

Toronto's 24/7 Central Intake line connects people experiencing homelessness with available shelter beds across the city. Also provides referrals to housing help centres, drop-ins, and Out of the Cold programs.

Daily Bread Food Bank supports over 200 food programs in Toronto including food banks, meal programs, and community kitchens. Find your nearest member agency by using their online locator.

Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. Offers emergency psychiatric services, outpatient care, crisis support, and community programs. Open to all Ontarians.

Toronto has numerous community legal clinics including Parkdale Community Legal Services, Downtown Legal Services, CLASP, and Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) — all providing free legal help to low-income residents.

The City of Toronto offers seniors programs including Wheel-Trans accessible transit, Seniors Active Living Centres, property tax deferrals, and senior-specific housing through Toronto Community Housing.

Toronto has multiple Ontario Works and ODSP offices across the city. Apply online, by phone, or visit in person. The Disability Income Support unit handles ODSP applications specifically.

The Ottawa Food Bank serves over 40,000 people monthly through a network of 113 member agencies including food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. No ID required at most agencies.

Ottawa shelters include the Ottawa Mission, Salvation Army Booth Centre, and the Cornerstone Housing for Women. The City of Ottawa also has a Housing First program and coordinated access system for shelter beds.

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre is Eastern Ontario's largest psychiatric hospital. Offers a 24/7 crisis line, walk-in mental health services, and outpatient programs. Serves Ottawa and surrounding Eastern Ontario.

Ottawa Community Legal Services and Gloucester Legal Services provide free legal help to low-income Ottawa residents for ODSP/OW issues, housing, family law, and employment matters. Bilingual (English/French) services available.

Ottawa offers Para Transpo accessible transit, senior centre programs, property tax deferrals, and home support services. Carefor Health & Community Services provides home care and day programs for seniors in Ottawa.

Hamilton Food Share is the city's central food bank, providing food to over 50 partner agencies across Hamilton and Burlington. Find your nearest food bank or meal program through their website.

COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) provides 24/7 telephone crisis support and mobile outreach for people in Hamilton experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis. Works alongside police for mental health calls.

Free legal assistance for low-income Hamilton residents with ODSP/OW appeals, tenant rights, employment insurance, and human rights issues.

The City of Hamilton offers seniors services including Rides for Seniors, senior centre programs, assisted living supports, and access to Hamilton Community Services. Seniors Helpline connects to all available programs.

One of Canada's largest food banks, serving over 7,000 households monthly in London and surrounding area. Multiple distribution sites across London — no appointment required.

The Middlesex-London Mental Health Crisis Service provides 24/7 telephone crisis support for people in London and Middlesex County experiencing a mental health emergency.

Windsor's Downtown Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, food bank, and social services for people in need. The Windsor Essex Food Bank also operates 35+ member agencies across Windsor-Essex County.

The Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare provide mental health and crisis services for Windsor-Essex residents, including mobile crisis and walk-in supports.

The Kingston Food Bank provides emergency food assistance to Kingston and Frontenac County residents. Same-day service available. No income test or ID required for first visit.

Frontenac Community Mental Health & Addiction Services provides crisis support, outpatient counselling, and addictions programs for Kingston and surrounding Frontenac-Addington area.

The Greater Sudbury Food Bank and its network of member agencies provide emergency food to thousands of households monthly. Also offers hot meal programs and community kitchens across Greater Sudbury.

CMHA Sudbury-Manitoulin provides 24/7 crisis support, mental health services, and addiction recovery programs for Greater Sudbury and Manitoulin Island.

Thunder Bay's food banks include the Shelter House Food Bank and multiple community pantries. Northwestern Ontario has unique access challenges — DSSAB (District Social Services) coordinates food and social supports.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit and St. Joseph's Care Group provide crisis services and mental health supports for Northwestern Ontario, including remote and Indigenous communities.

Residents of Northern Ontario receive extra provincial support for energy costs. The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) reduces electricity bills for low-income households province-wide, with higher support in the north.

Peel Region's food banks include Brampton Food Bank, Mississauga Food Bank, and Caledon Community Services. Peel Region also provides Ontario Works, housing support, and homelessness prevention programs.

CMHA Peel Dufferin and the Peel Crisis Line provide mental health and addictions support across Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon — including mobile crisis and walk-in services.

York Region has food banks in every major city including Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, and Newmarket. York Region Community & Health Services coordinates Ontario Works, housing, and children's services.

Durham Region includes Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Clarington. The Durham Region Food Coalition connects all local food banks. Durham Region also provides Ontario Works, ODSP navigation, and housing programs.

Niagara Region includes St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, and Fort Erie. The Niagara Region provides Ontario Works, housing help, and social services. Food4Kids and Community Care fill local food gaps.

The Guelph Food Bank and Wellington County Food Bank serve households across Guelph and Wellington County. The Food Bank of Waterloo Region also serves southern Wellington County.

CMHA Wellington provides mental health and addictions support across Guelph and Wellington County, including 24/7 crisis response, outpatient programs, and residential services.

The Barrie Food Bank and County of Simcoe social services provide food assistance, Ontario Works, and housing supports for Barrie and surrounding Simcoe County communities.

CMHA Simcoe County and the Barrie & District Counselling services provide mental health support across Barrie and Simcoe County, including 24/7 crisis access through ConnexOntario.

Kawartha Food Source provides emergency food assistance across Peterborough and the Kawarthas through a network of food banks and meal programs. Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge provides crisis support.