Calculation for Social Assistance Recipients

Where an applicant is receiving Ontario Works or ODSP, the WEHB will be calculated at the lesser of:

– Actual Monthly Shelter Costs Maximum Social Assistance Shelter Allowance

or

– AMR X 90% (AFNI x 30% ÷ 12)

In the above calculation:

• AMR means Average Market Rent

• AFNI means Adjusted Family Net Income.

Actual monthly shelter costs

Actual monthly shelter costs include:

• Rent

• Electricity costs

• Fuel for heating and hot water

• Water

• Tenant insurance

• Other mandatory housing costs (e.g. sector support, cable where connected to a security system).

These costs are verified as declared to Ontario Works or ODSP. The shelter costs declared to Ontario Works or ODSP are the same costs that are used in the WEHB calculation.

If the recipient moves or changes their declared shelter costs they must notify OW or ODSP.As a result, there may be a required adjustment to the WEHB amount.

Maximum social assistance shelter allowance

Shelter amounts for social assistance are based on actual monthly shelter costs to a maximum amount. Maximum amounts are set according to the size of the benefit unit up to 6+ people.