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MINISTRY OF CHILDREN, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Technology Updates to the Social Assistance Digital Application Questions and Answers
Updated August 24, 2026
Q1: What changes have been made to the Social Assistance Digital Application (SADA)?
As of August 22, 2026, we have removed the "Visitor or Tourist” option from the Status in Canada drop-down list and replaced it with "My status is not listed here”.
Applicants with a deportation order can continue to apply through SADA by either selecting “deportee” or “applicant for permanent resident” depending on their specific circumstances.
SADA continues to prevent applicants from proceeding digitally if they indicate they have a student visa, temporary resident permit, or a status that is not listed. Applicants with these statuses will continue to receive messaging directing them to contact a local social assistance office. Local office staff should continue to process these applications through the Social Assistance Management System (SAMS).
Q2: Why are these changes being made?
These changes to the application are being made to align the application process with recent amendments to regulations concerning eligibility for the Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Programs relating to immigration status.
These changes are also in line with the ministry's commitment to improving the applicant experience and ensuring applicants receive timely, consistent, and appropriate support.
Q3: Are there any future updates planned for SADA and SAMS as part of this process?
The ministry will introduce additional SADA enhancements this fall, with further updates designed to support the future transition of all applications regardless of immigration status to the provincial centralized intake team.
As the ministry continues to identify opportunities to strengthen SADA and SAMS, collaboration with municipal partners is essential to ensure that future enhancements address both applicant needs and service delivery realities. If your organization is interested in contributing to this work, please do not hesitate to contact sa.applications@ontario.ca.
Q4: What happens when a person without authorization to remain in Canada or with temporary immigration status tries to apply for social assistance?
Consistent with a no wrong door approach, applicants without status in Canada and applicants with temporary immigration status will continue to be supported through existing local business processes. There is no change to current roles, responsibilities, or service delivery expectations at this time.
Where an applicant may not be eligible for social assistance, staff will help applicants make an informed decision about whether to apply and provide referrals to appropriate community supports and other local support services.
Ontario Works Administrators and local ODSP offices are encouraged to make timely ongoing eligibility determinations in accordance with existing business processes and service delivery expectations.
Q5: Will the Ministry be sharing additional guidance on managing cases impacted by the regulatory changes?
Additional guidance on the ongoing eligibility review of cases impacted by the regulatory change will be shared with impacted offices through separate communication.
The ministry will also establish a rolling Question & Answers document on the Social Assistance Extranet, as an opportunity to share more information as it becomes available and answer questions as implementation continues.
Questions can be directed to: social.assistance@ontario.ca.
