Ontario Works COVID19 Update

IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELEASE

March 18, 2020

Attention: All Ontario Works & Ontario Disability Support Program Clients

Lac Seul Ontario Works has been working closely with Lac Seul Leadership and monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Please be assured that we are working with our leadership and funding partners to address all impacts this may have on our community.

The following measures have been put into place effective immediately:

⦁ Social Assistance benefits will be issued early on March 26th starting at 9:00 a.m. If you are experiencing any symptoms such as coughing, fever, sore throat, please contact our office to have another person pick up your cheque. Signatures will not be required. No cheques will be held or delayed. All community hours and requirements will be suspended until further notice.

⦁ The Hydro Rebate Cheques will also be available on the same day. If you have not brought in your hydro bill, please bring it with you and arrangements will be made to process as soon as possible.

⦁ On Thursday, March 19, 2020 Lac Seul Ontario Works will be distributing Freshmarket Foods and Red Pine Store Gift Certificates to all Ontario Works and ODSP Clients. The amount of these cards will be based on the size of your benefit unit to help offset the pressures of grocery costs. They will be available at 9:30 am. until 1p.m. on March 19, 2020 at the Frenchman’s Head and Kejick Bay Ontario Works offices.

Our offices will be closed to the public effective March 23, 2020 (open March 27, 2020) but services will continue. We will continue to provide regular financial assistance by taking applications, updates and conducting business over telephone, email and fax only for the time being.

On behalf of all staff, I thank you for your patience and understanding.

Donna Ningewance
Director of Ontario Works