Key Takeaways
- Ontario changed its eligibility rules for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program.
- The amendments took effect on August 13, 2026.
- People without authorization to remain in Canada are generally ineligible for either program.
- Work permit holders, study permit holders, visitors and other temporary residents are also generally excluded.
- Exceptions may apply to refugee claimants, permanent residence applicants and certain people facing removal.
- Applicants may be required to provide documents confirming their citizenship or immigration status.
Ontario has amended the regulations governing its two main social assistance programs, making Canadian immigration status an important part of the eligibility assessment.
The changes apply to Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Although the province described the measure as ending assistance for people living in Canada without legal authorization, the amended regulations may also affect people who are legally authorized to remain in the country temporarily.
The rules contain exceptions, which means eligibility may depend on an individual’s exact immigration circumstances rather than simply whether the person is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
What Changed Under the New Ontario Rules?
The Ontario government amended Section 6 of the Ontario Works regulation and Section 8 of the ODSP regulation. The changes took effect immediately on August 13, 2026.
Under the amended rules, people who are not authorized to remain in Canada are generally ineligible for Ontario Works or ODSP. People who are authorized to stay only temporarily are also generally excluded.
This second category may include:
- Work permit holders
- Study permit holders
- Visitors and tourists
- Some Temporary Resident Permit holders
- Other people with temporary immigration authorization
Which Social Assistance Programs Are Affected?
The amendments apply to both Ontario Works and ODSP, although the programs serve different purposes.
Ontario Works provides financial assistance and employment support to eligible Ontario residents who are in financial need. It is generally intended to help recipients meet basic expenses while working toward employment and greater financial independence.
ODSP provides income and employment support to qualifying people with disabilities who are also in financial need. Applicants must meet financial requirements and, in most cases, satisfy the program’s definition of a person with a disability.
The immigration-status rules now affect initial eligibility for both programs. Applicants must still meet all other financial, residency and program-specific requirements, even when their immigration status does not prevent them from qualifying.
Need Help Understanding Your Immigration Status?
The new Ontario social assistance rules demonstrate how immigration status can affect access to provincial programs. Eligibility may be especially difficult to understand for people with pending applications, refugee claims, temporary permits or removal proceedings.
Pilkington Immigration can review your current status, explain the immigration documents associated with your case and help you explore options for remaining in Canada. Our team can also assist with work permits, study permits, permanent residence applications, refugee matters and humanitarian and compassionate applications where appropriate.
Contact Pilkington Immigration to discuss your options and pathways.
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