"Although negotiations at Canada Post are continuing, we need to eliminate the risk of a delay in payments caused by a labour disruption" ~ AnnMarie Fitzgerald, Manager, Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities
Niagara Region, June 30, 2016 - Effective today, Niagara Region Community Services will not be mailing social assistance payments to individuals and families to avoid the possibility of payments being delayed by a possible postal strike.
"Although negotiations at Canada Post are continuing, we need to eliminate the risk of a delay in payments caused by a labour disruption" ~ AnnMarie Fitzgerald, Manager, Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities
Instead, recipients will be able to pick up their Ontario Works (OW) payments at their local Community Services offices.
The monthly OW payment for July was distributed via Canada Post earlier this week. Payments no longer being mailed are for additional benefits for items such as dental and vision care, medical devices and other items that support health and safety.
For recipients who receive their Ontario Works payments through direct deposit, payments will continue to be deposited into their bank accounts as usual. However, no statements will be mailed. Statements can be picked up at local Community Services offices.
Drug cards and dental cards will be issued for July. However, if individuals are unable to pick them up, drug cards that were valid for the month of June will be valid until the end of labour dispute.
Cheques and bank deposit statements - will be available for pick-up at five Community Services locations:
- St. Catharines - 234 Bunting Rd.
- Niagara Falls - 5853 Peer St.
- Welland - 250 Thorold Rd.
- Port Colborne - 92 Charlotte St.
- Fort Erie - 469 Central Ave.
Ontario Works recipients are still required to report income and changes to their circumstances. They can pick up and drop off the necessary reporting forms at their local Community Services office.
Niagara Region Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities delivers the provincial social assistance program, Ontario Works, which has two components: Income programs provide money and benefits to meet basic needs; Employment programs help Ontario Works clients prepare for and find sustainable employment.
For more information about the Region's postal strike contingency plans visit www.niagararegion.ca/news/postal-strike.aspx
