Recipients to pick up payments at local offices
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.
Instead, recipients will be able to pick up their Ontario Works payments at their local Community Services offices starting August 30 between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Niagara Falls clients will be able to pick up their cheques at the Niagara Falls Employment Help Centre.
Although negotiations at Canada Post are continuing, the Region cannot take the risk of having social assistance payments delayed by a labour disruption.
For recipients who receive their Ontario Works payments through direct deposit, payments will continue to be deposited into their bank accounts as usual. However, statements will not be mailed and can be picked up at local offices.
Drug cards and dental cards for September will also be available for pick up at local Community Services offices. If individuals are unable to pick them up, previously issued drug cards and dental cards for the month of August will be honored until the end of the labour disruption. Starting September 1, clients can use their Ministry of Health Card to obtain prescriptions.
Cheques and bank deposit statements will be available for pick-up at four Community Services locations and the Niagara Falls Employment Help Centre as indicated below:
- St. Catharines 234 Bunting Rd
- Niagara Falls 6100 Thorold Stone Rd. Unit #7
- 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.
Please note the Niagara Falls SAEO office has been closed due to emergency building maintenance issues.
