Social assistance third-party payees

Overview

This page is for third-party payees who receive payments from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) or municipalities on behalf of social assistance recipients.

Social assistance recipients can request to have ongoing monthly payment amounts sent directly to a third party on their behalf because in some cases it can help prevent late or missed payments toward expenses. A recipient and their caseworker may discuss whether this payment arrangement is right for their case, based on their preference.

You may be a third-party payee if you provide goods and services to Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works recipients.

Common third-party payees are landlords, utility companies, transportation companies and pharmacies.

If you are a trustee for one or more recipients of social assistance, please contact the recipient’s local office.

You also may receive payments for servicing a contract, which means you are a vendor of record, otherwise known as a supplier, which is different than a third-party payee discussed in this page. If you are a supplier, you can find out how to sell your goods and services to the Ontario government.

Types of payments

You may receive more than one payment for the same client for different goods and services you provide.

Shelter Payments are payments related to shelter costs such as rent, utility (hydro, fuel, hot water tank rental) or insurance costs. These can also include last month’s rent and rental arrears payments.

Additional Benefits are payments related to other approved items for recipients such as medical supplies and medical transportation costs. These payments are usually for pharmacies and transportation companies.

When you get paid

Payments are issued by direct bank deposit. When you get paid depends on the type of payment you receive.

Payments from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Shelter-related payments such as those for rent or utilities, are issued together as 1 monthly payment to each third-party payee on the last business day of the month.

Additional benefit payments for goods and services, such as medical supplies and transportation, are issued together as 1 payment mid-month.

Additional benefit payment schedule

It may take up to 3 business days for payment to be deposited in your bank account.

Ontario Works

For Ontario works payment dates, please contact the local office that issues the payments.

Changes to your information

Update to your business name, address, email, or bank account online using the DBD Enrolment/Change of information form.

Your form will be processed within 30 business days. Bank account changes are processed by the end of the next business day.

Suppliers and vendors of record

If you also receive payments as a supplier or vendor of record, you must follow a separate process to update your contact and payment information with the Ontario government. Find out more about the process of changing your information for direct deposits if you are a supplier.

Direct bank deposit

Direct bank deposit is a convenient and safe way to receive payments.

You can set up or change your direct bank deposit securely online at ontario.ca/VendorDirectDeposit.

Bank account changes are processed by the end of the next business day.

With direct bank deposit you:

• get consistent, timely and secure online payments
• avoid waiting for the mail
• don’t have to make trips to the bank
• get quick access to electronic statements with more detailed payment information and no paper to file

Contact us

Invoices, payment issues or location specific questions

Questions about payments on behalf of social assistance recipients can be directed to the local office in your area.

You will be transferred to a local office voicemail if you call outside of business hours.

eStatement inquiries

For assistance with a missing eStatement or troubleshooting access to the secure portal, contact the Centralized Record Management Unit at SA-DBD.MCCSS@Ontario.ca or Toll-free: 1-888-444-1116.