Social Assistance in Halton

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In Halton, social assistance recipients represent one of the most vulnerable population groups. They rely on government income supports to be able to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, but often remain far below recognized poverty thresholds. This month's Community Data Watch examines recent trends in social assistance recipients in Halton, changes in the number of recipients and average benefit levels over time and the intersections with household food insecurity, employment, and housing.

In Ontario, social assistance is delivered primarily through Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). These programs provide financial support for individuals and families with little or no income. Additional federal supports, including the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, Canada Carbon Rebate, and Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), may also supplement household incomes depending on family type and eligibility.

Social Assistance by Family Types

Between 2018 and 2023, the number of recipients in Halton shifted across all family types. Non-family persons remained the largest group of recipients, increasing from 4,790 individuals in 2018 to a peak of 5,640 in 2022 before declining slightly to 5,440 in 2023. Couple-parent families experienced the largest increase overall, rising from 3,960 in 2018 to 4,780 in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 20.7%. Lone-parent families increased more modestly, rising from 2,160 to 2,350 over the same period.

Average Benefits by Family Type

Although there was a modest increase in benefit levels over time, incomes remained far below what is required to meet the cost of living in Halton. Lone-parent families consistently received the highest average annual benefits, while non-family persons received the lowest.

In 2023:

• Couple-parent families received an average of approximately $28,900 in total benefits

• Lone-parent families received approximately $31,300

• Non-family persons received approximately $12,900

Shortfall from Deep Poverty Threshold

The report highlights the growing gap between social assistance incomes and deep poverty thresholds. In 2023, couple-parent families receiving social assistance were approximately $30,122 below the deep poverty threshold, while lone-parent families were approximately $16,689 below. Non-family persons remained more than $12,115 below the deep poverty threshold despite receiving both provincial and federal supports.

Housing and Nutritious Food Cost Analysis

Housing affordability and food insecurity were identified as major challenges for recipients. According to the 2024 Ontario Nutritious Food Basket survey, households receiving Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program benefits, or earning minimum wage could not afford both rent and nutritious food while still covering other essential expenses.

For a one-person household receiving Ontario Works:

• Total monthly income was approximately $882

• Average monthly rent for a bachelor's apartment in Halton was approximately $1,243

• The monthly cost of a nutritious diet was approximately $438

• After rent and food costs, recipients would need an additional $799 per month to cover basic expenses.

Social Assistance and Homelessness

The report also highlights a sharp increase in homelessness among social assistance recipients in Halton. Between January 2019 and July 2025, the number of Ontario Works and ODSP recipients experiencing homelessness increased from 109 to 483 individuals, representing a 343% increase. These figures included individuals reporting no fixed address, temporary housing, or living in emergency shelters.

Provincial data also showed homelessness becoming increasingly prolonged. By 2025:

• 39% of Ontario Works recipients experiencing homelessness had been homeless for more than one year

• 19% had been homeless for more than two years

• Among ODSP recipients, 73% had been homeless for more than one year

• 58% had been homeless for more than two years

Inflation and OW Benefit Comparison

The report also examines the barriers many recipients face when attempting to transition into employment. Earnings exemptions and benefit clawbacks can reduce the financial gains associated with low-wage or part-time work, contributing to what is commonly referred to as the “welfare wall.”

These challenges are further compounded by social assistance rates that have not kept pace with inflation and rising living costs. As of 2026, a single adult receiving Ontario Works could receive a maximum of $733 per month. This rate has remained unchanged since 2018. Adjusted for inflation, the 2018 rate would equal approximately $917 in 2026, meaning there has been a loss of approximately 20% in purchasing power.

Alongside inadequate benefit levels, the report also identifies barriers related to precarious employment, transportation, childcare, disabilities, and health conditions. Many recipients reported difficulty securing stable employment that provides meaningful financial improvement.

Conclusion

This Community Data Watch concludes that the challenges experienced by social assistance recipients are not solely the result of individual circumstances but reflect broader structural pressures, including inadequate income supports, rising living costs, limited affordable housing, and program rules that can unintentionally reinforce poverty and instability.

The findings point to the continuing need for policy reform, stronger income supports, affordable housing investments, and employment supports that promote long-term financial stability and dignified living conditions for all residents.

To read the full report and learn more about social assistance in Halton, click HERE.