There are rules about how much money a person living on Ontario Works can receive in gifts or “voluntary payments”. Generally, a person living on Ontario Works can receive gifts up to a maximum of $10,000 in a 12-month period. However, there are rules around reporting gifts, and decisions on how to spend, save, or invest gifts may impact Ontario Works assistance.
Are you receiving Ontario Works and have questions and concerns about accepting cash gifts or honoraria? Wondering if there are limits on the usage of cash gifts, and how to report them? Not sure what “liquid assets” are or how to account for them when receiving OW? Our new info sheet on Ontario Works and Gifts may be able to help answer some of these questions.
Click here to read and download our new info sheet (PDF) about Ontario Works and Gifts. La version française est ici.
Please note that the information provided is designed to answer common questions and is not legal advice. Each person living on Ontario Works may have different circumstances. If you receive a gift, donation, or voluntary payment and you have questions, seek legal advice from your local community legal clinic.