In Ontario, if you have a low income or no income, you may qualify for help from one of these social assistance programs:

1. Ontario Works (OW), which some people call welfare. This program is delivered by municipal governments. In other words, it is run by the local government of the town, city, county, district, or region you live in.
    
2. The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which some people call disability benefits. This program is for people with serious health problems. It is run by the Ontario government's Ministry of Community and Social Services.

OW and ODSP both provide income support and employment support. Income support is also called income assistance.

When you get income support, you get money to help with living expenses, such as food and housing. You also get help to pay for prescription drugs and some dental services.

When you get employment support, you get help to find a job or upgrade your skills.

To get income support from OW or ODSP, you must qualify financially. This means that you must be in financial need and meet other rules about income and assets.