Application Process

To apply to BJO, an individual must first meet with an Employment Ontario Integrated Employment Service (IES) / Employment Service (ES) provider to discuss their employment and training goals. Service providers then work with the client to develop an Employment Action Plan (EAP) / Employment Service Plan (ESP) and the individual conducts research on which program(s) they wish to take.

If the service provider determines that BJO is the most appropriate avenue to support the individual’s goals, they then work with the service provider to complete the BJO Application for Financial Assistance and any other required forms. The service provider is responsible for preparing the complete application package and submitting it to the ministry for review.

The application is then assessed by the ministry for approval or denial. If successful, the individual signs a BJO Participant Agreement and begins skills training.

Service providers can either share a PDF version of the BJO Application for Financial Assistance for applicants to fill out or invite them to apply digitally through the EO Portal.

The EO Portal and BJO online application form are online tools that clients can use to complete a BJO application package, including completing the application form and uploading required supporting documents. To apply digitally, the service provider must invite the client to participate in the BJO application online; it is not automated- it is a decision that the provider makes on a client-by-client basis. The service provider should assess the client to ensure they will be a good fit for using the online application. The EO digital portal is hosted on Public Secure, which is a similar platform to BPS/OPS Secure.

To apply to BJO, individuals must complete/provide the following to their service provider:

• BJO Application for Financial Assistance (digital or PDF)
• A copy of the letter of acceptance, and any necessary supporting documentation from the training institution

If applicable, clients must also include the following documents to support their application:

• Three written quotes for the purchase or upgrading of a mobile computing device or other electronic equipment.
• Documents to support request for dependent care costs.
• Documents to support request for costs related to disability needs.

Service providers should review the BJO Application Checklist for Employment Service/Integrated Employment Services Providers to understand the required documents to submit as part of the application package. The checklist outlines up to eight documents that should be submitted as part of an application package.

In addition to the documents that the client provides, service providers must complete the following:

• BJO Eligibility and Suitability Assessment Template
• Employment Service Plan (ESP) / Employment Action Plan (EAP) and recommendation rationale
• Confirmation that training program information is on the Career College Search Service (if applicable)

Dependent care costs are incremental costs incurred for the care of a child under 14 years of age or a person with a disability who is dependent upon the participant for care while the participant participates in skills training. A dependent must reside with the participant or be under their care and be wholly or partially dependent on them for support.

Financial assistance for incremental dependent care costs may be provided if they are incurred by the participant while they are participating in the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) program. In determining the incremental dependent care costs, the ministry will consider how dependents were cared for prior to participants entering the BJO program and how they will be cared for when participants have completed the program.

An individual can apply for dependent care support by filling out the following two forms as part of their Better Jobs Ontario application:

• Request for Financial Assistance for Dependent Care Costs
• Dependent Care Declaration – Dependent Care Provider

Service providers can support individuals in filling out the forms properly and are required to verify proof of birth for each dependent and current payment receipts for dependent care costs, signed and dated by the provider.

Better Jobs Ontario will fund based on actual expenses incurred by participants, up to the following maximums:

Feepayers are Employment Insurance (EI) Part I recipients who have requested and received Section 25 approval from the ministry to continue to collect EI Part I benefits for the duration of their EI entitlement period while attending approved skills training. Like individuals who receive Better Jobs Ontario financial assistance, feepayers must develop a mutually agreed upon ESP/EAP that identifies a lack of skills as the barrier to employment and supports their request for Section 25 approval under the EI Act.

Feepayers can apply to BJO using the Better Jobs Ontario Feepayer Application and Email Attestation. In the application, Feepayers state that they are responsible for all costs related to skills training and will not receive any financial assistance from the ministry for the duration of the program.