Family Support Program
If you receive Ontario Works benefits, you must make all reasonable efforts to obtain a child or spousal support and give all information on the other parent. The role of the Family Support Worker is to help you to:
- locate the missing parent
- identify the biological father (paternity testing)
- negotiate an out-of-court agreement
- register the court order or the agreement with the Family Responsibility Office (FRO)
- obtain a support and/or custody order
- increase the actual amount of support
- recommend a waiver
- refer you to other agencies
- but does not give legal advice
Eligibility Review Program
The Eligibility Review Program reviews and investigates fraud or misrepresentation related to Ontario Works. If there is sufficient evidence to suspect that fraud or an offence under social assistance legislation has been committed, the case may be referred to the police for investigation.
The public is encouraged to report any fraudulent activity to the provincial "Welfare Fraud Hotline" at 1-800-394-7867 or at the local office at 1-800-667-9825 or 613-675-4642, extension 6116.
Eligibility Verfication Model
Periodic file reviews (usually once every 24 months or less) are conducted for all participants receiving Ontario Works benefits. You will be notified by phone and in writing of your CVP appointment and what documents to bring. At this meeting, your Case Manager will ensure that all the information on file is correct and that you are receiving the correct amount of financial assistance. These meetings are a requirement of receiving Ontario Works Assistance and your assistance may be suspended if you do not attend your appointment.
