September 2017

Legislative authority

Section 7(3) of the Act.
Sections 17(2) and 38 of Regulation 134/98.

Application of policy

No person is eligible for income assistance if his/her non-exempt assets, and the non-exempt assets of his/her spouse and any other dependents, exceed the allowable asset limits.

Asset limits are the same across the province and are based on the number and type of dependents in the benefit unit.

The following table outlines the allowable asset limits used to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for assistance, including temporary care assistance, under Ontario Works.

Benefit unit sizeMaximum asset limit
Single applicant or recipient (no spouse and no dependents)$10,000
Applicant or recipient with a spouse (no other dependents)$15,000
Applicant or recipient with a spouse and one other dependent$15,500
Applicant or recipient with a spouse and one dependent, plus additional dependents$15,500 + $500 for each additional dependent
Applicant or recipient with one dependent (no spouse)$10,500
Applicant or recipient with one dependent, plus additional dependents (no spouse)$10,500 + $500 for each additional dependent
Child in temporary care or a dependent of a dependent$500