Recently announced increases to Ontario Works rates will help thousands in Hastings County. The province has announced a two per cent Ontario Works rate increase is coming in October.
Hastings County Director of Community and Human Services Erin Rivers says this will give those receiving Ontario Works a little more of a financial cushion.
Rivers says the increase will also apply to other benefits for those receiving Ontario Works. As of this month, the Ontario Disability Support Program has also seen a two per cent rate increase.
The province has also announced an increase in asset limits for those receiving Ontario Works starting next year. Rivers says this means people will be able to put more money into savings, and still be eligible for social assistance.
Rivers says, as of June 30th, there were 2,909 people in Hastings County receiving Ontario Works benefits.