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Accessing Social Services

When you contact Social Services for help, a staff member will screen you for all programs we offer, whether it is Ontario Works (OW), child care, housing, shelter or other community services. We might make other community referrals too. Once an application is granted, you are referred to a case worker. If you are already accessing OW, housing or child care programs, you do not need to reapply.

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Customer Service

We are committed to providing exceptional customer service . You can help us by:

  • Completing our online feedback survey
  • Filling out a comment card in our reception area
  • Contacting us by phone at 705-748-8830  
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Strategic Plan

We are excited to share our2024-2029  Social Services Strategic Planand share our mission to provide person-centered, equitable support for individuals and families within the City & County of Peterborough. This Strategic Plan is rooted in the vision of creating a community where all individuals can live the life they value.

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Children's Services

Children's Services is committed to providing services that foster early learning and child development in a safe, nurturing environment. We do this by supporting families who need help with the daily cost of child care.

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Ontario Works

Ontario Works provides help with basic needs (like food) and shelter (like rent) to eligible people in need living in the City and County of Peterborough. You can also receive drug and dental benefits or help  with child care and avoiding eviction or utility disconnection.

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Housing and Shelter

Housing and Homelessness Services helps people experiencing homelessness access emergency shelter, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People can apply for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing, learn about other affordable housing options and programs to help build more affordable housing.

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Seniors' Services

Our community boasts several seniors' recreation centres that are hubs for activities and socializing. We offer many different types of housing and levels of care. Also available are property tax assistance/rebate programs and various health services.

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Supports and Services

Do you need help finding a job? Work with a caseworker to further your employment goals. When you are ready we can refer you to even more supports for employment services in the community.

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Community Supports

Peterborough Social Services and our community partners are here to help you reach your goals! We work closely with our partners to support you with money matters like offering free income tax clinics, financial literacy workshops, Ontario 211-Peterborough and help opening a bank account or setting up direct deposit.

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Skills Building and Education Support

Peterborough Ontario Works can connect you with a variety of different training programs and workshops to gain new skills and experience. We can also support you to get your grade 12 diploma. Regardless of your age or situation, we can help.

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Working Together

Social Services staff are here to help you reach your goals. We offer a wide range of workshops and training opportunities to support you in your future plans toward employment and self development. 

Our Bridges out of Poverty network works with you and community agencies to find ways to improve personal and working relationships. We can help you discover personal goals and new ways forward.

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Financial Support

We work closely with our community partners to support you with money matters like offering free income tax clinics, financial literacy workshops, help opening a bank account and setting up direct bank deposit.

In the last year we helped 102 clients get over $84,000 back from income tax refunds. Talk to a case manager about how we can help money make sense for you. 

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Life Stabilization

Working together we can support you with your future goals and self care needs. If you are in need of housing, help with addictions or want to get involved, we can help connect you to opportunities.

"I just can’t express in words how grateful I am to be able to have a hot shower after a 14-hour day. I'm tearing up typing this email and they’re tears of joy. You helped a lot and I can’t thank you enough. I needed this more than anything."  Client who lived without hydro for 2 years.

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Customer Service

We are continually working to improve our service. You can help us by giving feedback. There are different ways to do this:

"I was in need of assistance and one employee did all she could. I would like to send my thanks. She genuinely seemed to care and made me feel better about needing assistance." Anonymous Feedback.

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Customer Service

We are continually working to improve our service. You can help us by giving feedback and completing an anonymous customer service survey, filling out a client card at our reception, contacting us directly or accessing our client complaint procedure. 

Other resources available to you include statistical reports and Social Services surveys.

More About Us

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Working Together

We can help you discover new ways forward. Our Bridges out of Poverty network works with you to build successful relationships and staff can help with financial and personal needs.

"I was in need of assistance and your employee did all she could. She genuinely seemed to care and made me feel better about needing assistance."  Anonymous

Learn More about Bridges out of Poverty

Learning Earning and Parenting

Learning Earning and Parenting (L.E.A.P.) is required for parents under 18 receiving Ontario Works and is available for single parents or couples under age 25 with children.

More About L.E.A.P.

Food Support

Our Food Support page has information on upcoming events for free meals, food banks and community gardens in the area.

Food Support

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Keep In Touch

City of Peterborough's Social Services wants to connect with you.

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Contact Us


178 Charlotte Street
in the Charlotte Mews
PO Box 4138
Peterborough, ON K9J 8S1

Regular Hours of operation

In-office service:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone service:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

T: 705-748-8830
Fax: 705-742-0542
Toll-Free: 1-855-738-3755

Ontario Intake and Benefits Unit:
1-888-999-1142

After Hours Emergencies
705-926-0096
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
1-800-808-2268