Ontario to cut off social assistance for people living here 'illegally'

The Ontario government announced on Thursday that it's changing rules surrounding the province's social assistance programs, which effectively block those without legal immigration status in Canada from receiving the benefits. 

The changes come after the Conservative Party of Canada issued a statement following a recent Ontario Social Benefits Tribunal decision, which ruled that a man who came to Canada decades ago on a temporary work permit was eligible for Ontario Works social assistance. 

Following the ruling, Premier Doug Ford wrote on X, "Our government will always be there to support people on hard times—but that doesn’t include people living in Canada illegally. If provincial regulations need to be changed to make that crystal clear, we'll change them." 

Taxpayer-funded social assistance was never meant to support people living in Ontario illegally. As of today, it doesn’t.https://t.co/vOpHWrG1Vu https://t.co/ZzAl0KGQZ0

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) August 13, 2026

The new regulations, which are taking effect immediately, aim to ensure that "only people who are living in Canada legally can receive financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program."

Under the new rules, individuals who are in Canada illegally, and individuals authorized to remain in Canada temporarily (for example, those who are here on student visas, work permits, or as visitors and tourists) are not eligible for social assistance. 

"Our government will always be there for those that need it most, but taxpayer-funded social assistance should not go to people living in Canada illegally," said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

"These changes will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure these programs are there for the people who they were intended to support."

As a result, applicants for the province's social assistance programs must now demonstrate their citizenship or immigration status. 

Ontario Disability Support Program recipients can earn up to $1,000 per month through their employment without affecting their eligibility for income support and benefits.