Money that helps with food: benefits you may be missing

If you have little or no income

• Ontario Works pays for basic needs including food and rent, plus health benefits. A single person can get up to $733 a month. Apply online, by phone at 1-888-999-1142, or in person.
• The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is for people with a disability who meet financial and medical rules. A single person can get up to $1,436 a month (after the July 2026 increase). Applications can take several months.

Paid through your tax return

• Canada Child Benefit — tax-free monthly money for families with children under 18.
• Ontario Child Benefit — up to $1,760 per child per year, paid monthly with the Canada Child Benefit. No separate application.
• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — the GST/HST credit, renamed in July 2026 with the same eligibility. Paid four times a year.
• Ontario Trillium Benefit — combines Ontario energy, property tax and sales tax credits. Claim it with the ON-BEN form in your return.
• The Canada Carbon Rebate has ended. The last payment was in April 2025.

Seniors

• Old Age Security starts at 65. Most people are enrolled automatically.
• The Guaranteed Income Supplement adds up to $1,138.90 a month for single seniors with low income who get Old Age Security. Keep filing your taxes or it can stop.

Children at school

Ontario’s Student Nutrition Program gives free breakfast, lunch or snacks at participating schools, at no cost to families. In Ottawa it is run by the Ottawa Network for Education. The federal National School Food Program became permanent law in March 2026 and funds these programs through an agreement with Ontario. Ask your child’s school what it offers.