Big changes are coming to intake of Ontario Works applications in Stratford, which has some staff and city council members concerned.
Kim McElroy, Director of Social Services, said there are 10 municipalities selected by the province to pilot a Provincial Centralized Intake Initiative, starting Dec. 16.
Stratford is one of those communities.
Applicants will no longer have the ability to apply in the local office or meet with a local office caseworker until their application is granted by a new provincial Intake and Benefit Administration Unit (IBAU).
The wait is about to expand significantly, according to Coun. Taylor Briscoe, adding that “unfortunately the most vulnerable in our community are the ones bearing that cost.”
“When we go from a four-day turnaround to 16-plus day turnaround, that’s a life or death timeline for the women I work with. It means returning to an abuser, it means returning to homelessness,” said Briscoe.
Applicants can apply online or via telephone through provincial intake.
Once an applicant is granted assistance, the local office would be responsible for ongoing eligibility verification, case management and creating a suitable action plan, which helps move the client toward self-sufficiency, McElroy’s report stated.
With these changes, the ministry would now be responsible for all initial eligibility decisions and the local Ontario Works office can now only process applications for Temporary Care Assistance (TCA), Emergency Assistance (EA) and under-18 applications.
“A great many people applying for assistance are in an emergent condition” said Coun. Mark Hunter, who then asked what the definition of “emergency” is for applications.
“One of the issues at this point is there is no definition of emergency.” McElroy said, adding that she is hoping to see a universal definition.
McElroy explained that they are “rapidly moving” to put computers in the front of the office and to train current staff to help individuals who may need assistance applying. The technology costs for the computers will come from the city’s budget.
Coun. Bonnie Henderson apologized for getting emotional, and explained she was upset about the development stating that “once again its the people that need us the most” who suffer the consequences.
