Hi, I’ve sponsored my parents and they now landed immigrants and live in Toronto. Given the fact that they are sponsored by me, can they apply for the financial aid, such as Toronto Welcome Policy or Ontario Works assistance programs? Can they apply for subsidized housing through http://www.housingconnections.ca/ or similar programs? They are low income and do meet Financial Aid/subsidized housing criteria.
Thanks,
Eli
Hello Eli,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
In terms of applying for Ontario Works, you can find some information in this Sponsorship Breakdown booklet.
Here is an excerpt,
You may want to contact the nearest Ontario Works office for some information.
In terms of subsidized housing, there are some municipalities that consider subsidized housing as social assistance when it comes to those who have been sponsored.
You may need to contact the subsidized housing providers directly for specific information.
You can find some detailed information in our Settlement.Org Am I eligible for subsidized housing? and How can I apply for subsidized housing? articles.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
Thank you for the response, I have another question around the same issue. My parents I sponsored are over 65 and technically eligible for an old age security/pension from the province and/or federal government. They are not going to receive anything for now because they are sponsored and I’m responsible for providing them with financial support.
What I know from other similar cases (heard from friends), sponsored parents over 65 y.o. are eligible to apply and receive an old age security/pension from the province and/or federal government in the future without the sponsor being sued by the government. I also know that they have to live in Canada for 10 years to be eligible to do so. Lately I’m hearing that it’s not 10 but 20 years now they have to wait to be eligible, depending when their application was received by CIC. I’ve applied to sponsor them in September 2010, am I falling under 10 or 20 years waiting period?
Thanks,
Eli
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your additional question with us.
According to this Notice – Parent and Grandparent Program Sponsorship Forms, the changes for the undertaking period came into force on January 1, 2014.
According to some Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre representatives, since you applied before this date, your application would fall within the 10 year period undertaking.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
According to eligibility criteria under OAS webpage, it seems that sponsored parents could apply for OAS even if they are permanent residents less than 10 years ? This seems to be possible if Canada has agreements with country of origin.
Is this true ?
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your question with us.
You can find some information on the Government of Canada website in the International Benefits - Application Forms for Canadian Benefits section.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org