Technology Updates to the Social Assistance Digital Application

Ministry of Children,
Community and Social
Services

Social Assistance Programs
Division

2 Bloor St. W, 25th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1E9

August 24, 2026

 

MEMORANDUM To:               Ontario Works Administrators

From:                                                  Sunny Sharma, Director, Business Innovation & Implementation
                                                                 Branch, Social Assistance Programs Division
                                                                 Dr. Andres Laxamana, Director, Social Assistance Central Services
                                                                 Branch  

Subject:                                            Technology Updates to the Social Assistance Digital Application

As announced on August 13, 2026, the Ministry has amended regulations to clarify who is eligible for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) relating to immigration status. Further to our August 13th communication, the Ministry has taken steps to strengthen service delivery across the province and ensure applicants receive timely, consistent, and appropriate support.

Technology Updates

Effective August 22, 2026, the Ministry has updated the Social Assistance Digital Application (SADA) to remove the terms “visitors” and “tourists”. Later this fall, the ministry will enhance SADA to further align the application with recent regulatory amendments and provide more consistent digital access for all applicants, regardless of immigration status. These enhancements will coincide with bringing applications from individuals with ineligible immigration status into the scope of the provincial centralized intake team. Further details on the timing for these changes will be shared closer to implementation.

While longer-term business and technology improvements are being explored, existing roles, responsibilities and service delivery expectations remain in effect.

Service Delivery Approach

As part of the Ministry’s no-wrong-door approach, social assistance delivery partners should continue to follow their existing local processes for individuals who are ineligible for social assistance, including:

  • Helping applicants make an informed decision about whether or not to apply and providing referrals to alternative resources where available.
  • Accepting and processing applications using the Social Assistance Management System (SAMS) when an applicant chooses to proceed with an application.
  • Continuing to process applications of this type in SAMS, rather than directing applicants to apply through SADA or to call the Social Assistance Helpline.

While SADA and SAMS are updated to align with the recent amendments, the Ministry will continue to manually review any applications received for individuals subject to a removal order who are unable to leave Canada for reasons wholly beyond their control. Additional guidance on the ongoing eligibility review of cases impacted by the regulatory clarification will be shared with impacted offices through separate communication.

Recognizing the valuable expertise of municipal partners, the Ministry would welcome opportunities to co-design future enhancements to SADA with municipal partners. If your organization is interested in contributing to this work, please do not hesitate to contact sa.applications@ontario.ca. 

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to strengthening consistency, program integrity, and the applicant experience.

Sincerely,

 

Sunny Sharma
Director, Business Innovation & Implementation Branch

 

Dr. Andres Laxamana
Director, Social Assistance Central Services Branch

 

Cc.

Commissioners and Chief Administrative Officers of Consolidated Municipal Service Managers and District Social Services Administration Boards
Social Assistance Program Division Directors 
First Nations Ontario Works Administrators 
Clinical Resource Office
Ombudsman Office