Not on board

An Ontario Works recipient sought our help when he received a letter saying he would have to repay $1,835 to Ontario Works, and that his monthly income would be reduced by $202. He was baffled and upset by this, and officials had not responded to his request for a review. When we looked into the case, we learned that the man had mistakenly told his caseworker that he paid “room and board” at his residence. Ontario Works took this to mean that his payments to his landlord also covered meals, and reduced his payments accordingly. Once it was confirmed that his rental agreement covered only accommodation, Ontario Works quickly waived the repayment request and restored his monthly payments.