Ontario Emergency Assistance (short-term money in a crisis)

Short-term money from the Ontario government if you are in a crisis and do not have enough money for food and housing. A single person can get about $733 a month for food and shelter, more if you have children, for up to 48 days at first. It also includes prescription drug card benefits.

Program in Ontario-wide. Government benefits Money, grants & charity Housing & rent Food & halal

How to reach them

1. Apply on their application form.
2. Questions? 1-888-789-4199
3. Come back here and tell us if it worked.

Where else they are

Their website is ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance.

Good to know

• For whomPeople living in Ontario (not visitors) who face a crisis, such as being evicted or leaving abuse, and do not have enough money for basic needs. Not for people already on Ontario Works or ODSP.
• CostFree
• Their stepsApply online (about 15 to 20 minutes). You need a SIN, an email and a phone number. No SIN, email or phone? Contact your local Ontario Works office. Your local office may contact you within 4 business days. If approved, money comes by direct deposit in about 2 business days.

We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.