Organization: Ottawa (City of) - Essential Health and Social Supports
Phone Numbers: 3-1-1, press 1 for English and 4 for Social Services
Toll-Free: 1-866-261-9799
TTY: 613-580-2401
Fax: 613-560-0617
Email: communitysupports@ottawa.ca
Website: ottawa.ca/en/residents/older-adults/financial-assistance#essential-health-and-social-supports-ehss-program
Address:
370 Catherine St, 3rd Flr
Ottawa, ON
K1R 5T5
Intersection: Kent St and Catherine St
Accessibility:
Wheelchair Accessible
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Executives: Stephanie Wong - Coordinator
613-580-2424 ext 21991 * Stephanie.Wong@ottawa.ca
Kristine Haines-Chiarello - Manager
613-580-2424 ext 24865 * kristine.haines-chiarello@ottawa.ca
Service Description: Helps Ottawa residents who cannot afford to pay for items or services needed to maintain their housing and for health items that are not available through other programs

May help to pay for/provide:
  • urgent dental care, including dentures
  • eye exams and glasses
  • fuel/gas/hydro arrears, deposits and reconnection fees
  • rent arrears and deposits
  • Assistive Devices Program (ADP) 25% consumer contribution
  • bathroom aids
  • surgical and diabetic supplies
  • cremations and burials
  • beds, cribs, high chairs
  • stove, refrigerator where not provided by landlord

The program is delivered through four Employment and Social Services Offices:
  • Central - 370 Catherine St, 2nd Flr, Ottawa, ON K1R 5T5
  • East - Beacon Hill Shopping Center, 2339 Ogilvie Rd, Ottawa, ON K1J 8M6
  • South - 2020 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 6S6
  • West - 100 Constellation Dr, 2nd Flr, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8



Fees: None
Application: Call 3-1-1 * persons in receipt of Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) who need help should contact their caseworker * persons with a low income can be assessed for eligibility by calling 3-1-1
Eligibility / Target Population: Financial eligibility is based on maximum asset levels and Low Income Cut-off (LICO) after tax amounts. * For certain items, verification from a third party may be needed.

Individuals in receipt of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) are only eligible to receive the ADP 25% coverage from the Essential Health and Social Supports.
Languages: English ; French
Area Served: Ottawa (City of)
See Also: Financial Assistance
Last Updated: 8/23/2023
Service Profile Web Address: eng/displayService.aspx?id=212126

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