Applying for Financial assistance is a two-step process:
Step 1: Application
You will need information from a number of documents to complete an application. Please make sure you have these documents before you start your application. View the list of required information.
Options for Application:
Once your application has been submitted a staff member will call you within 48 business hours to provide you with an appointment with a case manager to verify your application and will advise you of which documents you will need to bring to the interview.
- By Phone
To apply by phone please call Haldimand-Norfolk Social Services (HNSS) at 519-426-6170, 519-582-3579 or 905-318-6623 ext. 3132 Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm
- In Person
You may apply in person at the following locations:
- Haldimand Social Services Office
117 Forest St. E Dunnville - Norfolk Social Services Office
12 Gilbertson Dr. Simcoe
If you apply by phone or in person an Intake Support Worker will ask you several questions (which may take as long as 45 minutes).
The Intake Support Worker will:
- begin the application by asking about your income and assets;
- ask your permission to verify your income and assets;
- arrange a date and a time for you to attend an in-person interview at our Simcoe or Dunnville office in order to verify your application;
- tell you which documents you need to bring with you to the interview.
Step 2: In-Person or Phone Interview
The in-person or phone interview will take place at either our Simcoe or Dunnville office and can last as long as two hours.
During your interview, a Case Manager will review and verify the information you provided to us during your application.
Your Case Manager will determine whether you qualify for assistance based on the information you provided. Your Case Manager will tell you about the program’s requirements. Together, you will develop an Action plan, that is right for you.
You will be required to attend an Action Plan meeting within 30 days of receiving assistance in order to learn about Life Stabilization and other supports available to you as an Ontario Works participant. The Action Plan meetings will be updated in person, over the phone or in the community. An in person meeting will be required at least twice a year with your Case Manager effective April 15/2024
If you qualify, your financial assistance can be deposited directly into your bank account. If you do not qualify for assistance, you will receive a letter in the mail. You have 30 days to appeal the decision after receiving the letter.