What is emergency financial assistance?
If you are already receiving Ontario Works basic support, you may qualify for an emergency withdrawal for urgent needs. This program covers emergency shelter costs, food, and emergency medical or dental care when your regular monthly benefit is not enough or has not arrived yet. The City of Wrenford processes these requests quickly so you can get the help you need.
Who can apply?
- Current Ontario Works recipients living in Wrenford
- People facing an immediate threat to their health or safety
- Households that have exhausted their regular monthly allowance before the end of the benefit period
How to apply
Emergency assistance is handled at the Service Wrenford counter in Wrenford City Hall. You will need to bring your Ontario Works identification card and a photo ID. A case worker will review your situation and approve the withdrawal on the spot if you meet the criteria.
If you need help outside of regular business hours, please call our after-hours utilities line at 519-555-0111. An on-call case worker will assist with shelter emergencies between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. Non-shelter emergencies are processed the next business day.
Rules and limits
To keep the program fair and sustainable, the City follows these guidelines:
- Monthly limit: A maximum of $200.00 per household per month for non-shelter emergencies.
- Shelter priority: Emergency shelter withdrawals are not subject to the monthly limit if you can show a valid notice of eviction or a landlord's request for immediate payment.
- Frequency: Emergency withdrawals are intended for true emergencies. Frequent requests may trigger a mandatory case review.
- Repayment: Emergency withdrawals are treated as an advance on your next regular Ontario Works payment. You do not need to repay them separately.
What to expect
Most emergency applications are processed within 24 hours. For shelter emergencies, approval happens the same day. You will receive a notification through your online Ontario Works account or by phone once the funds are added to your account. If you do not have a computer, the case worker can print a confirmation slip for you.
Need more help?
If you are struggling to manage your monthly budget or need help finding long-term housing solutions, ask your case worker about our Ontario Works housing support and Ontario Works employment support programs. You can also visit our Ontario Works contact information page to find your assigned case worker's details.
Contact the emergency desk
Call 519-555-0140 to reach the Emergency Assistance Desk directly during business hours. For urgent shelter needs after hours, dial 519-555-0111 and ask for the on-call case worker.