ONTARIO WORKS
Eligibility
Here, you'll find a list of everything you'll need to qualify for Ontario Works and other support programs.
Not sure what to do next?
Niigaaniin Services has been mandated by the North Shore Tribal Council and the Chiefs of the member First Nations to serve pro-actively. We assist community members to improve their employability and provide an effective “hand-up” rather than just a financial “hand-out” to clients. Ultimately, we work to reduce the dependency rate.We also provide financial assistance of various types to community members lacking income as they work towards increased employability and independence from the need for financial assistance.Please use the buttons below for Niigaaniin's other financial support programs
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Your first step in the application process is to contact the Niigaaniin office in your community. One of our case workers will get in touch with you to complete your application.
documents you'll need to get started
BIRTH CERTIFICATE
STATUS CARD
HEALTH CARD
SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER
BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION
so we can help you as quickly as possible
ADDRESS AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
from the past 12 months
RECORD OF EMPLOYMENT
INCOME TAX ASSESSMENTS
ASSET DETAILS
such as vehicle insurance, registration etc.
SHELTER COSTS
can include utility bills, or a rental agreement
CONFIRMATION OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
if applicable
RECORDS OF SPOUSAL OR CHILD SUPPORT
THE INTAKE APPOINTMENT
What you can expect
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The next step of the application process is called the Intake Appointment.
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You will be asked a series of questions to evaluate your level of assistance.
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If necessary, your spouse or same sex partner and dependent adults over 18 years of age will be asked to attend this appointment, too.
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This appointment also ensures that all information given such as residence, and if applicable school enrollment, is up to date and correct.
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An application is not complete until the application and all accompanying forms are completed.
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If you have a complete application, you will receive a notice of decision regarding your eligibility for assistance within four working days.
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If your application is incomplete, you will have ten working days to obtain and submit the outstanding information needed to process your application. This notice can be in writing, in person or mailed.
YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
This is our promise to you, and what we need from you.
YOUR RIGHTS
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You have a right to an interview
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any time you meet with your caseworker you can bring someone with you.
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this person can be anyone you would like to have there.
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2. You have a right to a decision
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you will be informed in writing of any decision that we make regarding your eligibility or amount of assistance, including suspending, canceling, or reducing your assistance.
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this decision will be provided to you in writing along with our reason for making the decision.
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3. You have a right to appeal a decision
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if you don’t agree with a decision that we make, you have the right to ask for an internal review.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Honest reporting of all circumstances and changes that affect eligibility.
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2. Periodic interviews:
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you will be required to meet with your caseworker at least every 3 months to review participation in employment assistance activities and every 12 months to review your financial information.
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3. You must respond promptly:
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if you receive a message that your worker needs to speak with you.
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if there are any changes in your circumstances.
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if you are planning to leave the province for any period.
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if you begin to receive income or your income changes.
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if you receive a request for information or a form to complete.
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Our Goal is to Help You Reach Yours
Niigaaniin’s Employment Assistance Program is to help you become job ready, find employment and stay employed.
WORKSHOPS
job searching, writing resume, and how to prepare for an interview.
REFERRALS
job counseling, other Niigaaniin services or other training programs.
EDUCATION
access to education programs to obtain your grade 12 or GED.
TECH RESOURCES
use of telephones and fax machines, as well as access to job boards and computers to search for and research employment.
OUR COMMUNITIES
choose your community to get in touch with us
