Assistance recipients penalized for living together in Ontario: study
A new study by Open Policy Ontario has found low-income couples in that province are being forced to live separately, worsening the housing crisis and creating “legislated loneliness.”
Under current legislation, two Ontario Works recipients living together receive 22.5 per cent less than they would if living apart. This represents a loss of $330 per month.
Ontario Works recipients living with working partners or those receiving disability benefits also see clawbacks.
John Stapleton, a fellow at the National Institute on Ageing, estimates that eliminating these policies would free up between 9,000 and 10,000 affordable housing units across Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford has promised 1.5 million new homes will be built by 2031, but critics doubt the viability of existing plans, noting that more emphasis needs to be placed on affordable apartments.
According to Rentals.ca, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto is $2,300 per month. Ontario Works’ maximum monthly payment for a single person is $733.
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