{"id":687,"date":"2026-05-10T16:14:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T16:14:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/?p=687"},"modified":"2026-05-10T16:14:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T16:14:10","slug":"ow-payment-for-single-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/ow-payment-for-single-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"OW Payment for Single Parents in 2026: Calculate Here Easily"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#how-much-ow-payment-for-single-parents\">How much OW Payment for Single Parents?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ow-payment-for-single-parents-with-1-child-examples\">OW Payment for Single Parents with 1 Child: Examples<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#example-rent-500-per-month\">Example: Rent $500 per month<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#example-rent-800-per-month\">Example: Rent $800 per month\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#example-rent-642-per-month-exactly-at-maximum\">Example: Rent $642 per month (exactly at maximum)\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#ow-payment-for-single-parents-with-2-children-examples\">OW Payment for Single Parents with 2 Children: Examples<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#example-rent-600-per-month\">Example: Rent $600 per month<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#example-rent-900-per-month\">Example: Rent $900 per month<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#example-rent-756-per-month-exactly-at-maximum\">Example: Rent $756 per month (exactly at maximum)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-additional-children-affect-your-ow-payment\">How Additional Children Affect Your OW Payment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#additional-benefits-for-single-parents-on-ow\">Additional Benefits for Single Parents on OW<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#child-care-start-up-benefit\">Child Care Start-Up Benefit<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#newborn-child-allowance\">Newborn Child Allowance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#pregnancy-breastfeeding-nutritional-allowance\">Pregnancy\/Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#transition-child-benefit-tcb\">Transition Child Benefit (TCB)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#special-diet-allowance\">Special Diet Allowance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-working-affects-ow-payment-for-single-parents-in-2026\">How Working Affects OW Payment for Single Parents in 2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#example-with-child-care-deduction\">Example with child care deduction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-housing-costs-count-for-single-parents\">What Housing Costs Count for Single Parents?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-housing-cost-does-not-count-for-single-parents\">What Housing Cost does NOT count for Single Parents:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#asset-limits-for-single-parents-to-be-elgible-for-ow\">Asset Limits for Single Parents to be Elgible for OW<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#exempt-assets-do-not-count-for-ow\">Exempt assets (do not count for OW):<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-apply-for-ow-if-you-are-a-single-parent\">How to Apply for OW if you are a Single Parent<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#documents-need-to-apply-for-ow\">Documents need to Apply for OW<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#other-eligble-benefits-with-single-parent-ow\">Other Eligble Benefits with Single Parent OW<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#single-parent-with-two-children-on-ow-could-receive\">Single parent with two children on OW could receive:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#key-takeaway\">Key Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1778429512156\">Does OW pay for school supplies for my children?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1778429524115\">What if my child has special needs?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1778429536490\">Can I get OW if I am a single parent living with my parents?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1778429550315\">What if I share custody of my child?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1778429566315\">Does my child&#8217;s income affect my OW payment?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-ow-payment-for-single-parents\">How much OW Payment for Single Parents?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>OW Payment for single parents has two main components: 1. Basic Needs and 2. Shelter Allowance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Family Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Basic Needs (Fixed)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Maximum Shelter<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Total Maximum Monthly<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Single parent + 1 child<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$642<\/td><td>$1,002<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Single parent + 2 children<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$756<\/td><td>$1,116<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Single parent + 3 or more children<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$844 (6+ persons)<\/td><td>$1,204+<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ow-payment-for-single-parents-canadacalculators.ca_-1024x512.webp\" alt=\"ow payment for single parents canadacalculators.ca\" class=\"wp-image-722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ow-payment-for-single-parents-canadacalculators.ca_-1024x512.webp 1024w, https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ow-payment-for-single-parents-canadacalculators.ca_-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ow-payment-for-single-parents-canadacalculators.ca_-768x384.webp 768w, https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ow-payment-for-single-parents-canadacalculators.ca_.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ow-payment-for-single-parents-with-1-child-examples\">OW Payment for Single Parents with 1 Child: Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-rent-500-per-month\">Example: Rent $500 per month<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Component<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basic Needs<\/td><td>$360<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Actual Rent<\/td><td>$500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shelter Allowance<\/td><td>$500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total Monthly OW<\/td><td>$860<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-rent-800-per-month\">Example: Rent $800 per month&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Component<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basic Needs<\/td><td>$360<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Actual Rent<\/td><td>$800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shelter Allowance<\/td><td>$642<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total Monthly OW<\/td><td>$1,002<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-rent-642-per-month-exactly-at-maximum\">Example: Rent $642 per month (exactly at maximum)&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Component<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basic Needs<\/td><td>$360<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Actual Rent<\/td><td>$642<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shelter Allowance<\/td><td>$642<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total Monthly OW<\/td><td>$1,002<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ow-payment-for-single-parents-with-2-children-examples\">OW Payment for Single Parents with 2 Children: Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-rent-600-per-month\">Example: Rent $600 per month<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Component<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basic Needs<\/td><td>$360<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Actual Rent<\/td><td>$600<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shelter Allowance<\/td><td>$600<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total Monthly OW<\/td><td>$960<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-rent-900-per-month\">Example: Rent $900 per month<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Component<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basic Needs<\/td><td>$360<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Actual Rent<\/td><td>$900<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shelter Allowance<\/td><td>$756<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total Monthly OW<\/td><td>$1,116<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-rent-756-per-month-exactly-at-maximum\">Example: Rent $756 per month (exactly at maximum)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Component<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basic Needs<\/td><td>$360<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Actual Rent<\/td><td>$756<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shelter Allowance<\/td><td>$756<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total Monthly OW<\/td><td>$1,116<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-additional-children-affect-your-ow-payment\">How Additional Children Affect Your OW Payment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Number of Children (Under 18)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Family Size<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Basic Needs<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Max Shelter<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1 child<\/td><td>2 persons<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$642<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2 children<\/td><td>3 persons<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$697<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3 children<\/td><td>4 persons<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$756<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4 children<\/td><td>5 persons<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$815<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5+ children<\/td><td>6+ persons<\/td><td>$360<\/td><td>$844<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Each additional child increases your shelter maximum by approximately $55\u2013$60 per month, but your Basic Needs stays the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"additional-benefits-for-single-parents-on-ow\">Additional Benefits for Single Parents on OW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the base monthly payment, single parents may qualify for several child-specific benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"child-care-start-up-benefit\">Child Care Start-Up Benefit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are starting a job or employment training, OW can pay one month of child care in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type of Care<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Maximum Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Licensed child care<\/td><td>Full actual cost<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unlicensed\/informal care<\/td><td>$600 per child<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available:<\/strong> Once in a 12-month period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"newborn-child-allowance\">Newborn Child Allowance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a new baby, you can receive a one-time payment for essential items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Item<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Crib<\/td><td>$260<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Clothing, bedding, etc.<\/td><td>$100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total<\/td><td>$360<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When to apply: Up to 4 months before the due date, or up to 1 year after birth or adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pregnancy-breastfeeding-nutritional-allowance\">Pregnancy\/Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you can receive extra monthly funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Situation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Monthly Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pregnant or breastfeeding (standard)<\/td><td>$40<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pregnant or breastfeeding with lactose intolerance<\/td><td>$50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:<\/strong> From pregnancy confirmation until the child is 12 months old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"transition-child-benefit-tcb\">Transition Child Benefit (TCB)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you wait for the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) to start, OW provides TCB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Benefit<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Transition Child Benefit<\/td><td>Up to $230 per child per month<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> You must file your income taxes to qualify for OCB. Your caseworker will ask you to file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"special-diet-allowance\">Special Diet Allowance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-working-affects-ow-payment-for-single-parents-in-2026\">How Working Affects OW Payment for Single Parents in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First $200 of net monthly earnings: fully exempt (no deduction)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any amount above $200: 50% deducted from your OW payment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Example: Single parent with one child, base OW $1,002, earning $500 net per month (after 3 months on OW)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Step<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Calculation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Net earnings<\/td><td>$500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>First $200 exempt<\/td><td>Keep $200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Remaining ($500 \u2013 $200)<\/td><td>$300<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>50% deduction on $300<\/td><td>$150 deducted from OW<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Base OW amount<\/td><td>$1,002<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New OW payment<\/td><td>$1,002 \u2013 $150 = $852<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total monthly income (OW + job)<\/td><td>$852 + $500 = $1,352<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Without working: $1,002 per month. With working: $1,352 per month. You are $350 better off by working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-with-child-care-deduction\">Example with child care deduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Step<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Calculation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Net earnings<\/td><td>$800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Subtract child care<\/td><td>\u2013$300<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Adjusted earnings<\/td><td>$500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Subtract $200 exemption<\/td><td>$500 \u2013 $200 = $300<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>50% deduction on $300<\/td><td>$150<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New OW payment<\/td><td>$1,002 \u2013 $150 = $852<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total income<\/td><td>$852 (OW) + $800 (job) = $1,652<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-housing-costs-count-for-single-parents\">What Housing Costs Count for Single Parents?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can include the following in your shelter costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monthly rent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utilities (electricity, heat, water) if not included in rent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mortgage interest (if you own your home)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Property taxes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Condominium or co-operative fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parking fees (if required)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-housing-cost-does-not-count-for-single-parents\">What Housing Cost does NOT count for Single Parents:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mortgage principal payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major home renovations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Furniture or appliances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internet or cable TV<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Telephone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"asset-limits-for-single-parents-to-be-elgible-for-ow\">Asset Limits for Single Parents to be Elgible for OW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To qualify for OW, your non-exempt assets must be below certain limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Family Situation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Maximum Non-Exempt Assets<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Single parent (any number of children)<\/td><td>$15,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exempt-assets-do-not-count-for-ow\">Exempt assets (do not count for OW):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The home you live in (any value)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One primary vehicle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RDSP accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-paid funeral arrangements (up to $15,000)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basic furniture and personal belongings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RESP accounts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your countable assets exceed $15,000, you will not qualify for OW until you reduce them below the limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-apply-for-ow-if-you-are-a-single-parent\">How to Apply for OW if you are a Single Parent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can apply in three ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Online: Through the SADA portal at <a href=\"http:\/\/sada.mcss.gov.on.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sada.mcss.gov.on.ca<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By phone: Call 1-888-999-1142 (toll-free)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In person: Visit your local Ontario Works office<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"documents-need-to-apply-for-ow\">Documents need to Apply for OW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ID issued by the government for you&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For children (birth certificates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social Insurance Numbers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of address (lease, utility bill)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank statements (last 3 months)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay stubs or proof of income (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Child care receipts (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immigration documents (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of child&#8217;s age (birth certificate)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most applicants receive an eligibility decision within 4 business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-eligble-benefits-with-single-parent-ow\">Other Eligble Benefits with Single Parent OW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While on OW for Single Parents, you may also be eligible for the following other benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Benefit<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)<\/td><td>Monthly tax-free payment for children under 18 (requires tax filing)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada Child Benefit (CCB)<\/td><td>Federal monthly payment for children under 18<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GST\/HST Credit<\/td><td>Quarterly tax-free payment<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)<\/td><td>Monthly tax credit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ontario Drug Benefit<\/td><td>Prescription medication coverage ($2 co-pay)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basic dental coverage<\/td><td>Through OW<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ontario Electricity Support Program<\/td><td>$35\u2013$75 monthly credit on your hydro bill<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These benefits are in addition to your OW payment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"single-parent-with-two-children-on-ow-could-receive\">Single parent with two children on OW could receive:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Benefit \/ Support<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Approximate Monthly Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ontario Works (OW)<\/td><td>$1,116 per month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada Child Benefit (CCB)<\/td><td>Approximately $1,200 per month (for two children under 6)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>OTB + GST\/HST credits<\/td><td>Approximately $200 per month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Monthly Support<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Over $2,500<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaway\">Key Takeaway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/disability-and-social-assistance\/ontario-works-ow-support-payment-calculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OW Payment for Single Parents Calculator<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778429512156\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does OW pay for school supplies for my children?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778429524115\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What if my child has special needs?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You may qualify for a Special Diet Allowance or other discretionary benefits. Talk to your caseworker about your child&#8217;s specific needs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778429536490\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I get OW if I am a single parent living with my parents?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Special &#8220;living with parents&#8221; rules apply. Your parents&#8217; income may be partially considered depending on your age. Speak to a caseworker.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778429550315\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What if I share custody of my child?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778429566315\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does my child&#8217;s income affect my OW payment?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. If your child is under 18, their earnings are fully exempt and do not affect your OW payment at all.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":722,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,33,37],"tags":[47,46,72],"class_list":["post-687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-housing-aid","category-tutorials","tag-ontario-works","tag-ow","tag-ow-for-single-parents"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=687"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":725,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/687\/revisions\/725"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=687"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}