A management report to the City of Stratford’s social services committee says Ontario Works caseloads have jumped, putting added pressure on staff.
The report says the caseload has increased to 775 as of August, from 674 at the beginning of 2023.
That’s up 14 per cent.
The increase in caseloads has reduced the amount of time Ontario Works employees are able to spend with clients. There is more paperwork, benefit requests and applications.
A single client on Ontario Works receives a maximum of $733, a couple
with two children would get a maximum of $1,250.
The report, dated Oct. 8, states that the local Ontario Works office is averaging 77 applications per month.
The Ontario Works division will ask for an additional caseworker position in the 2025 budget cycle, with provincial funding covering half of the cost, the rest is covered by the City of Stratford, County of Perth and Town of St. Marys.
The report aligns with the city’s strategic priorities, including building housing stability.
An additional employee would help Ontario Works, as caseworkers support clients experiencing housing instability and homelessness and it would allow them to spend more time with vulnerable clients.
