If you are a parent and struggling to make ends meet, you may be wondering whether OW payment amount with children can help support your family. Yes, but the amount you receive changes significantly when you have children. A single person with no children gets $733/Month. A single parent with one child can receive up to $1,002/Month. A couple with two children can receive up to $1,250 monthly.
However, the total support for parents goes far beyond the base monthly payment. OW payment Amount with Children also offers several child-specific benefits that can help with child care, newborns, nutrition, education, and more. This article breaks down exactly what parents with children can expect from Ontario Works in 2026.
Base Monthly OW Payment Amount With Children
Your base monthly OW payment amount with children consists of two parts: Basic Needs and Shelter Allowance. The table below shows the maximum monthly amounts for families with children.
| Family Type | Basic Needs | Maximum Shelter | Total Maximum Monthly |
| Single parent + 1 child | $360 | $642 | $1,002 |
| Single parent + 2 children | $360 | $756 | $1,116 |
| Couple + 1 child | $494 | $697 | $1,191 |
| Couple + 2 children | $494 | $756 | $1,250 |
| Each additional child (per child) | +$0 (for under 18) | +$60 | +$60 |
The shelter portion is based on your actual rent or housing costs, up to the maximum shown. If your rent is lower than the maximum, you receive only what you actually pay.
Child-Specific Benefits Available to OW Recipients
Beyond the base monthly payment, parents on Ontario Works may qualify for several additional benefits. These can make a significant difference in your family’s quality of life.
1. Child Care Start-Up Benefit
If you are starting a job or an employment training activity, OW can help pay for one month of child care in advance.
| Type of Child Care | Maximum Benefit |
| Informal care (unlicensed, such as a family member or neighbor) | $600 per child |
| Licensed child care | No maximum (actual cost covered) |
People on Ontario Works who need to pay child care fees in advance to start work or training, will be eligible. They can get once in a 12-month period. To apply speak to your caseworker and provide proof of the advance child care cost.
2. Newborn Child Allowance
Parents on Ontario Works can receive money to help buy essential items for a new child, including a crib, clothing, and bedding.
| Item | Maximum Amount |
| Crib | $260 |
| Other items (clothing, bedding, etc.) | $100 |
| Total maximum | $360 |
Eligible candidates can apply up to 4 months before the expected arrival of the child and up to 1 year following the birth or adoption of a child. To apply, discuss with your caseworker and provide proof of the due date, birth date, or adoption date.
3. Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals on Ontario Works can receive extra money to help with nutritional needs.
| Situation | Monthly Amount |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding (standard) | $40 per month |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding with lactose intolerance | $50 per month |
It can be begun during pregnancy and can be continued until the child is 12 months old. To apply talk to your caseworker and tell that you are pregnant or breastfeeding. A health professional (doctor, nurse, dietitian, or midwife) must confirm the pregnancy or lactose intolerance.
4. Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) Program
LEAP is designed specifically for young parents who have not completed high school. It provides financial incentives to help you finish school, gain job skills, and improve parenting abilities.
| Benefit | Amount |
| Monthly participation amount (in addition to regular OW) | $233 per month |
| Completion bonus (upon successfully finishing the program) | $500 |
Parents aged 16 or 17 receiving OW who are automatically enrolled can take part. Parents aged 18 to 25 who have not completed high school can also be eligible.
Additional supports
- Child care support to allow participation in program activities
- Funds for school supplies, tutoring, and other program-related costs
Program activities
- Learning: High school, GED programs, adult upgrading
- Earning: Part-time work, job search programs, apprenticeships, volunteering
- Parenting: Parenting classes, Early Years Centres, life skills classes
5. Transition Child Benefit (TCB)
Most families on OW with children under 18 are also eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB), a separate monthly payment from the province. However, there can be a waiting period while your OCB application is processed. During that waiting period, OW provides the Transition Child Benefit to bridge the gap.
| Benefit | Amount |
| Maximum TCB per child | $230 per month |
Families on OW with children under 18, and not yet receiving OCB, or you are receiving less than the maximum OCB, you can become automatically eligible for the TCB Assistance. If you qualify, Transition Child Benefits is automatically added to your monthly OW payment amount with children.
Important Things to Consider
- You must file your income taxes to receive OCB.
- Your caseworker will ask you to file your taxes or apply for OCB.
- Once OCB starts, you may receive a lump sum payment covering the waiting period.
- If you received TCB for the same months, your OW payment amount with children may be reduced to repay the duplicate amount (up to three months).
6. Temporary Care Assistance
This benefit is for adults who are temporarily caring for a child that is not their own and for whom they have no legal obligation to support.
| Family Size | Monthly Amount |
| First child | $274 |
| Each additional child | $224 |
It is applied if the child is living with you temporarily or expected to return to his/her/their parent(s), or no parent or legal guardian can currently care for the child. e.g., A parent is hospitalized for an extended period, or a parent has died or cannot be located. You can apply for TCA on behalf of the child. The application is based on the child’s income and assets, not yours. The child may also qualify for other health-related benefits, including prescription medication coverage and Special Diet Allowance.
Total Monthly Support: Examples for Parents
Let’s understand this all with examples and know how all these benefits can add up for different family situations.
| Example | Family Situation | Base OW Amount | Additional Benefits | Total Monthly Support |
| Example 1 | Single parent with one child (age 5), paying $800 rent | $1,002 | Transition Child Benefit: $230 | $1,232 |
| Example 2 | Single pregnant parent with no other children, paying $600 rent | $960 | Pregnancy Nutritional Allowance: $40 | $1,000 |
| Example 3 | Young parent (age 17) in LEAP program, with one child, paying $500 rent | $1,002 | LEAP monthly participation amount: $233 | $1,235 |
| Example 4 | Couple with two children, paying $900 rent | $1,250 | Transition Child Benefit: $460 ($230 × 2) | $1,710 |
Other Benefits Parents on OW May Be Eligible For
In addition to the child-specific benefits above, parents on OW may also qualify for:
| Benefit | Description |
| Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) | Monthly tax-free payment for children under 18 (requires tax filing) |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Federal monthly payment for children under 18 |
| GST/HST Credit | Quarterly tax-free payment |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Monthly tax credit combining energy and sales tax credits |
| Prescription drug coverage | Through the Ontario Drug Benefit |
| Dental coverage | Basic dental services through OW |
| Special Diet Allowance | Extra monthly amount for documented medical dietary needs |
You can use the OW Payment Calculator to estimate your family’s total monthly Ontario Works payment, including child-related benefits, based on your family size, rent, and situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file taxes to receive child benefits?
Yes. To receive the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) and Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you must file your income taxes every year. If you do not file, you will not receive these benefits, and you will not qualify for the Transition Child Benefit.
Can I receive OW if I am pregnant but have no other children?
Yes. You are considered a single person until your child is born. Your Basic Needs amount will be $343, not $360. However, you can receive the Pregnancy Nutritional Allowance ($40–$50 per month).
What happens to my OW amount when my baby is born?
After the birth, you become a single parent with one child. Your Basic Needs amount increases from $343 to $360, and your shelter maximum increases from $390 to $642. You may also qualify for the Newborn Child Allowance ($360 one-time).
Can I receive child care assistance if I am not working or in training?
Generally, child care assistance through OW is specifically for starting work or employment training activities. For other situations, you may need to look at subsidized child care through your municipality.
What if I am caring for a grandchild?
If you are temporarily caring for a grandchild and have no legal obligation to support them, you may qualify for Temporary Care Assistance ($274 per month for the first child). This is separate from your own OW benefits.
