Financial Assistance
Financial assistance programs can help individuals and families manage essential expenses such as food, housing, utilities, transportation, and other basic needs. Support may be available through government programs, community organizations, emergency assistance programs, and local agencies. Eligibility and available services vary depending on your circumstances, so connecting with the appropriate organization can help you understand what support may be available and how to apply.
Child Care Fee Subsidy
Information about childcare subsidies through your local municipality.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Monthly tax-free payments to help eligible families with the cost of raising children.
Ontario Child Benefit
The Ontario Child Benefit provides monthly financial support to eligible low- and moderate-income families with children under 18 to help with the costs of raising children. Families are automatically assessed when they apply for the Canada Child Benefit through the CRA.
Ontario Works
Ontario Works provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and families experiencing financial need, including support for basic living expenses, food, shelter, health benefits, and employment-related services.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a provincial benefit administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that helps eligible low- and moderate-income Ontario residents with certain living costs. It combines three credits:
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) — helps with eligible energy costs and property taxes, including qualifying rent.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) — helps eligible residents of Northern Ontario with higher energy costs.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) — helps eligible low- and moderate-income individuals and families with sales taxes.
How to apply: Eligibility is generally determined through your income tax return. The OEPTC and NOEC require the applicable sections of Form ON-BEN, while the CRA automatically determines eligibility for the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.
Payments: OTB payments are generally issued monthly. For the 2026 benefit year, payments based on your 2025 tax return are issued from July 2026 through June 2027.
Official Website: Ontario Trillium Benefit — Government of Canada
Application form: 2026 ON-BEN Application Form
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)
Provides tax-free quarterly payments to eligible individuals and families with low or modest incomes to help with groceries and other everyday essentials. The CGEB replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
A refundable tax credit that provides financial support to eligible individuals and families who are working and earning a low income. It includes a basic benefit and an additional disability supplement for people who qualify.
London Discretionary Benefits Program
Provides financial assistance to eligible low-income London residents for certain essential health, safety, and well-being needs. Assistance may include emergency dental care, vision care, health and safety items, beds and appliances, moving expenses, and funeral expenses.
Income-Related Transit Pass Program
Offers eligible low-income London residents a subsidized monthly London Transit pass. The current cost is $72 per month, and eligibility is based on residency, age, and household income.