If you are a single parent and struggling to cover rent, food, and other basic expenses for your children, you may be eligible for Ontario Works, or OW Payment for single parents. But how much will you actually get? It depends on the number of children you care, house rent, and income. For a single parent with one child, the maximum monthly payment is $1,002. With two children, the maximum rises to $1,116. But those are maximums. Your actual OW payment for single parents may be different based on your rent and earnings. This guide explains exactly how single parents can calculate their full payment in 2026.
Table of Contents
How much OW Payment for Single Parents?
OW Payment for single parents has two main components: 1. Basic Needs and 2. Shelter Allowance.
| Family Type | Basic Needs (Fixed) | Maximum Shelter | Total Maximum Monthly |
| Single parent + 1 child | $360 | $642 | $1,002 |
| Single parent + 2 children | $360 | $756 | $1,116 |
| Single parent + 3 or more children | $360 | $844 (6+ persons) | $1,204+ |
The shelter allowance is not automatic. You receive the lesser of your actual monthly housing costs or the maximum for your family size. If your rent is lower than the maximum, you receive exactly what you pay. If your rent is higher, you receive only the maximum.
OW Payment for Single Parents with 1 Child: Examples
Example: Rent $500 per month
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Needs | $360 |
| Actual Rent | $500 |
| Shelter Allowance | $500 |
| Total Monthly OW | $860 |
Example: Rent $800 per month
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Needs | $360 |
| Actual Rent | $800 |
| Shelter Allowance | $642 |
| Total Monthly OW | $1,002 |
Example: Rent $642 per month (exactly at maximum)
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Needs | $360 |
| Actual Rent | $642 |
| Shelter Allowance | $642 |
| Total Monthly OW | $1,002 |
OW Payment for Single Parents with 2 Children: Examples
Example: Rent $600 per month
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Needs | $360 |
| Actual Rent | $600 |
| Shelter Allowance | $600 |
| Total Monthly OW | $960 |
Example: Rent $900 per month
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Needs | $360 |
| Actual Rent | $900 |
| Shelter Allowance | $756 |
| Total Monthly OW | $1,116 |
Example: Rent $756 per month (exactly at maximum)
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Needs | $360 |
| Actual Rent | $756 |
| Shelter Allowance | $756 |
| Total Monthly OW | $1,116 |
How Additional Children Affect Your OW Payment
Adding a second child under 18 does not increase your Basic Needs amount ($360 remains the same for one or two children). However, it does increase your maximum shelter allowance significantly.
| Number of Children (Under 18) | Family Size | Basic Needs | Max Shelter |
| 1 child | 2 persons | $360 | $642 |
| 2 children | 3 persons | $360 | $697 |
| 3 children | 4 persons | $360 | $756 |
| 4 children | 5 persons | $360 | $815 |
| 5+ children | 6+ persons | $360 | $844 |
Each additional child increases your shelter maximum by approximately $55–$60 per month, but your Basic Needs stays the same.
Additional Benefits for Single Parents on OW
Beyond the base monthly payment, single parents may qualify for several child-specific benefits.
Child Care Start-Up Benefit
If you are starting a job or employment training, OW can pay one month of child care in advance.
| Type of Care | Maximum Amount |
| Licensed child care | Full actual cost |
| Unlicensed/informal care | $600 per child |
Available: Once in a 12-month period.
Newborn Child Allowance
If you have a new baby, you can receive a one-time payment for essential items.
| Item | Amount |
| Crib | $260 |
| Clothing, bedding, etc. | $100 |
| Total | $360 |
When to apply: Up to 4 months before the due date, or up to 1 year after birth or adoption.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you can receive extra monthly funds.
| Situation | Monthly Amount |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding (standard) | $40 |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding with lactose intolerance | $50 |
Duration: From pregnancy confirmation until the child is 12 months old.
Transition Child Benefit (TCB)
While you wait for the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) to start, OW provides TCB.
| Benefit | Amount |
| Transition Child Benefit | Up to $230 per child per month |
Important: You must file your income taxes to qualify for OCB. Your caseworker will ask you to file.
Special Diet Allowance
If you or your child has a documented medical condition requiring a special diet, you may receive extra monthly funds. Speak to your caseworker for details.
How Working Affects OW Payment for Single Parents in 2026
Single parents can work while receiving OW. After you have been on OW for three consecutive months, the earnings exemption applies. The rule is applied as follows:
- First $200 of net monthly earnings: fully exempt (no deduction)
- Any amount above $200: 50% deducted from your OW payment
Example: Single parent with one child, base OW $1,002, earning $500 net per month (after 3 months on OW)
| Step | Calculation |
| Net earnings | $500 |
| First $200 exempt | Keep $200 |
| Remaining ($500 – $200) | $300 |
| 50% deduction on $300 | $150 deducted from OW |
| Base OW amount | $1,002 |
| New OW payment | $1,002 – $150 = $852 |
| Total monthly income (OW + job) | $852 + $500 = $1,352 |
Without working: $1,002 per month. With working: $1,352 per month. You are $350 better off by working.
Example with child care deduction
If you pay for child care to work, you can deduct those costs first. Single parent with one child, base OW $1,002, net earnings $800, paying $300 for licensed child care.
| Step | Calculation |
| Net earnings | $800 |
| Subtract child care | –$300 |
| Adjusted earnings | $500 |
| Subtract $200 exemption | $500 – $200 = $300 |
| 50% deduction on $300 | $150 |
| New OW payment | $1,002 – $150 = $852 |
| Total income | $852 (OW) + $800 (job) = $1,652 |
What Housing Costs Count for Single Parents?
You can include the following in your shelter costs:
- Monthly rent
- Utilities (electricity, heat, water) if not included in rent
- Mortgage interest (if you own your home)
- Property taxes
- Home insurance
- Condominium or co-operative fees
- Parking fees (if required)
What Housing Cost does NOT count for Single Parents:
- Mortgage principal payments
- Major home renovations
- Furniture or appliances
- Internet or cable TV
- Telephone
Asset Limits for Single Parents to be Elgible for OW
To qualify for OW, your non-exempt assets must be below certain limits.
| Family Situation | Maximum Non-Exempt Assets |
| Single parent (any number of children) | $15,000 |
Exempt assets (do not count for OW):
- The home you live in (any value)
- One primary vehicle
- RDSP accounts
- Pre-paid funeral arrangements (up to $15,000)
- Basic furniture and personal belongings
- RESP accounts
If your countable assets exceed $15,000, you will not qualify for OW until you reduce them below the limit.
How to Apply for OW if you are a Single Parent
You can apply in three ways:
- Online: Through the SADA portal at sada.mcss.gov.on.ca
- By phone: Call 1-888-999-1142 (toll-free)
- In person: Visit your local Ontario Works office
Documents need to Apply for OW
- ID issued by the government for you
- For children (birth certificates)
- Social Insurance Numbers
- Proof of address (lease, utility bill)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Pay stubs or proof of income (if applicable)
- Child care receipts (if applicable)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Proof of child’s age (birth certificate)
Most applicants receive an eligibility decision within 4 business days.
Other Eligble Benefits with Single Parent OW
While on OW for Single Parents, you may also be eligible for the following other benefits:
| 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 |
| Ontario Drug Benefit | Prescription medication coverage ($2 co-pay) |
| Basic dental coverage | Through OW |
| Ontario Electricity Support Program | $35–$75 monthly credit on your hydro bill |
These benefits are in addition to your OW payment.
Single parent with two children on OW could receive:
| Benefit / Support | Approximate Monthly Amount |
| Ontario Works (OW) | $1,116 per month |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Approximately $1,200 per month (for two children under 6) |
| OTB + GST/HST credits | Approximately $200 per month |
| Total Monthly Support | Over $2,500 |
Key Takeaway
Use the OW Payment for Single Parents Calculator at CanadaCalculators.ca to estimate your exact monthly benefit as a single parent in 2026. Simply enter the number of children and your monthly rent, the calculator does the math instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OW pay for school supplies for my children?
OW does not have a specific school supply benefit. However, the Transition Child Benefit or Ontario Child Benefit can help cover these costs. Some local municipalities also have discretionary benefits.
What if my child has special needs?
You may qualify for a Special Diet Allowance or other discretionary benefits. Talk to your caseworker about your child’s specific needs.
Can I get OW if I am a single parent living with my parents?
Yes. Special “living with parents” rules apply. Your parents’ income may be partially considered depending on your age. Speak to a caseworker.
What if I share custody of my child?
OW has specific rules for shared custody situations. Generally, the parent who has the child more than 50% of the time claims the child as a dependent. Documentation of the custody arrangement is required.
Does my child’s income affect my OW payment?
No. If your child is under 18, their earnings are fully exempt and do not affect your OW payment at all.
