Ontario ends social assistance eligibility for people without legal immigration status
The province amended regulations for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program, effective immediately, to exclude undocumented residents and those on temporary visas.
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Ontario has amended social assistance regulations to exclude people living in Canada illegally and those authorized to remain only on a temporary basis, such as international students and temporary workers.
The changes, effective immediately, apply to Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program. Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa said the amended rules will ensure taxpayer dollars are focused on people facing financial hardship who are legally authorized to live in Canada.
Under the updated eligibility criteria, individuals are not eligible for social assistance if they are in Canada illegally or authorized to remain on a temporary basis — including those with student visas, work permits, or visitor status.
Premier Doug Ford first announced the plan in July following media reports about a tribunal ruling that awarded Ontario Works payments to a man who arrived in Canada decades ago on an expired temporary work permit. Ford said in a social media post at the time that his government would support people facing hardship, but "that doesn't include people living in Canada illegally."
The province has amended regulations under the Ontario Works Act, 1997 and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997 to provide clarity on eligibility. The changes take effect immediately to stop people not authorized to remain in Canada from receiving these financial supports.
How many current Ontario Works and ODSP recipients will lose eligibility under these new rules?
What is the regulation number for the amendments?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Which social assistance programs changed their eligibility rules?
Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program changed their eligibility rules, effective immediately, to exclude people without legal immigration status.
Who is now ineligible for Ontario social assistance?
People living in Canada illegally and those authorized to remain only on a temporary basis — including international students, temporary workers, and those on visitor status — are now ineligible for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program.
When did Premier Doug Ford first announce this plan?
Premier Doug Ford first announced the plan in July 2026 following media reports about a tribunal ruling that awarded Ontario Works payments to a man who arrived in Canada decades ago on an expired temporary work permit.
