Utility Benefits

As part of the overall Utility Benefit program provided by Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities, individuals will be assessed for all utility relief benefits that they may qualify for.

Utility relief benefits

• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

  The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program provides help with electricity or natural gas bills if you're behind and may face having your service shut off.

  If you have a total household income that falls below a certain limit, you may qualify for up to:

  • $650 in emergency assistance for electricity bills ($780 if your home is heated electrically)
  • $500 for natural gas bills
• Niagara Emergency Energy Fund

  The Niagara Emergency Energy Fund helps with energy related emergencies.

  The fund provides assistance with payment of utility arrears to prevent disconnection for electricity or natural gas up to a maximum of $2000 per utility once every 24 months.

• Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program Discretionary Benefits

  Discretionary Benefits are provided to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients in collaboration with the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund, Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund and the Ontario Electricity Support Program.

  Discretionary Benefits may also help with water disconnection costs.

• Ontario Electricity Support Program

  If you're a customer of an electricity utility and have a total household income that falls below a certain limit, you may qualify for a monthly reduction on your electricity bill through the Ontario Electricity Support Program.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for utility benefits if you're a Niagara resident who is receiving:

• Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support Program benefits
• Low-income

Application process

After applying, a staff member will contact you to review your application.

What you will need to apply

To complete the application, you will need:

• A current bill and disconnection notice in your name
• Confirmation of the amount of utility arrears owing

If you're not receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability, you will need:

• One piece of identification for each member of the household such as:
• Birth certificate, citizenship document
• Driver's licence
• Health card
• Income verification for household members age 18 and older with:
• Pay stubs
• Monthly income statement
• Bank statements
• Current bank statement for all bank accounts for household members age 18 and older