COVID-19

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Financial support

Learn what financial support is available in addition to Employment Insurance and other relief from the federal government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan during COVID-19.

In this section:

Financial help for basic needs

If you are not currently getting social assistance

If you need help paying for food and housing and are not already on Ontario Works or ODSP, you can apply for COVID-19 emergency assistance.

Current Ontario Works and ODSP recipients

If you currently receive income support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program , you will continue to receive your benefits based on previous levels of income support.

The government has made additional funding available to help you pay for things like cleaning supplies, transportation and clothing.

You will not have to visit your local office to provide written documentation during this time. Offices will have reduced hours, and you should apply online or call your local office if you need more assistance.

Get information about your Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program

Changes to renting

The government has made temporary changes to residential rental processes.

Learn about the changes and where tenants and landlords can get help. 

Help for electricity bills

From March 24 to May 8, 2020, residential, farm and small business time-of-use customers will pay the lowest rate — also known as the off-peak price — 24 hours a day. That means you will pay 10.1 ¢/kWh no matter what time of day you use electricity. This rate will be automatically applied to your bill.

Through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), low-income customers can get direct support to pay bills  and ensure electricity and natural gas services are not disconnected during the COVID-19 outbreak.

If you are behind on your bill and may have your service disconnected, you could qualify for:

  • $500 for electricity bills ($600 if your home is heated electrically)
  • $500 for natural gas bills

Doubled GAINS payments for seniors

  • If you are a senior receiving monthly Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payments, we will be doubling your payment, making it up to $166 per month for individuals and up to $332 per month for couples. If you are a GAINSrecipient, you will receive this extra support automatically for six months, with the first payment on April 24, 2020.

Supports for children and youth

  • Children’s aid societies continue to operate and provide services to children, youth and families. Societies are being encouraged to use technology where possible and appropriate, while also observing local public health recommendations. Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, youth in care who turn 18 and former youth in care who turn 21 will not age out of the supports and services they are currently receiving through children’s aid societies. Get information about children’s aid societies. 

Children with special needs

Emergency shelters and other support services

Health cards

You do not need to renew your health card until further notice. Recently expired health cards will be accepted.

OSAP payments

From March 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020:

  • you do not need to make any loan payments
  • interest will not be added to your student loans

If your loans are in good standing, visit the National Student Loans Service. (NSLSC) or the Canada student aid page for more information.

If your OSAP debt is in collections, contact the Ministry of Finance at 1-877-535-0554or the private collection agency assigned to your account to discuss your options.

Learn more about the temporary deferral of OSAP payments. 

Mental health and addictions supports

If you’re feeling anxious, experiencing other mental health or addiction challenges or you can’t access your regular in-person counselling support, there are services you can access online or by phone:

  • ConnexOntario: Adults and frontline workers who are dealing with the realities of COVID-19 can call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for mental health, addictions and problem gambling support.
  • 211 Ontario  For information and referrals for community, government, social and health services, including mental health resources across Ontario, call 211 or 1-877-330-3213. Live web chat is also available.
  • BounceBack : A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15+ using workbooks, online videos and phone coaching. Call 1-866-345-0224.
  • Kids Help Phone : Children and youth 18 and younger who need to talk to someone about their mental health can call 1-800-668-6868, for 24/7 phone and text support.
  • Good2Talk : A phone and texting service that offers confidential support to post-secondary students. Call 1-866-925-5454.
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline: Indigenous peoples can call 1-855-242-3310 for immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention across Canada (available in some Indigenous languages). Live web chat is also available.
  • Talk 4 Healing: Indigenous women can get help, support and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with services in 14 languages by calling or texting 1-855-554-4325. Live web chat is also available.

Women in Abusive Relationships

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) Crisis line remains open, providing emotional support as a result of experiencing gender-based domestic violence and/or uncertainty during these difficult times

604-687-1867 or 1-855-687-1868 – intake@bwss.org

Assaulter Women’s Helpline

TEL 416.364.4144
Toll-free 1.888.364.1210
Toll-free TTY 1.833.286.9865

Victim Services Toronto- referral services for seniors, women in abusive relationships, youth, persons with disability.

Phone Number: 416-808-7066