The Ontario government is dedicating additional funding ($17 billion) to support the health system, communities and the economy. Information on Ontario’s COVID-19 action plan can be found here.
Below are some items in the Ontario plan:
- Doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) (for low-income seniors) maximum payment for six months
- Supporting families through a one-time $200 payment per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those with special needs
- Allowing six months of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loan and interest accrual relief
- Funding to support Indigenous communities
- Implementing electricity cost relief
Ontario is also providing social services relief funding ($200 million). See here for more information, which includes:
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- Expanding access to emergency assistance for those not in receipt of Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Modifying certain OW/ODSP program requirements, including no longer suspending clients who do not report income and suspending Eligibility Verification Process reviews
- Allowing for extension of Special Diet Allowance, Mandatory Special Necessities benefits and medical transportation/supplies without endorsement from a health professional
- Increasing funding for discretionary OW/ODSP benefits
- Increasing funding for organizations that provide social services
See here for more information about Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19.
See here for more information about Ontario’s Emergency Assistance Program in response to COVID-19.