Service providers may use gift cards from these stores in exceptional circumstances and must ensure they obtain receipts verifying that gift cards were used to purchase eligible items. All receipts must be retained in the client file. However, the recommended approach would be for the service provider to purchase supports with their corporate account on… Continue reading What about the use of gift cards for client supports from places such as Staples, Amazon and Mark’s Work Warehouse?
Topic: Program Overview
Are gas gift cards allowable?
Gift cards for gas may be considered as a last resort if public transportation is not available, for example, in rural or remote communities. They should not be purchased in bulk and may not be purchased in denominations greater than $100. Receipts for gas cards must be retained, and if possible, receipts for the gas… Continue reading Are gas gift cards allowable?
Can gift cards be used to reward clients for attending workshops or to answer surveys?
No, gift cards may not be used to reward clients for participating in Employment Ontario activities.
What if the cost of an item seems unreasonably high?
In this case, service providers are encouraged to purchase the item for the client.
What type of documentation is required when using gift cards?
Service providers must obtain itemized receipts verifying that gift cards were used to purchase eligible items. All receipts must be retained in the client file.
When is the use of gift cards appropriate?
Gift cards may be used in exceptional circumstances to address specific needs of clients who are facing barriers in reaching their employment goals. An exceptional circumstance includes, but is not limited to, clients that are facing immediate financial hardship and require the urgent purchase of resources. Decisions should always be based on value for money.
Where do I find more information?
To learn more about the Achievement Incentive, see the Program Guidelines or contact us at Employment Ontario.
Do Group Sponsors need to report how they distribute funds?
Yes. Group Sponsors agree to: Provide the ministry with an annual accounting of how the Achievement Incentive funds were distributed to their group sponsor employer members Ministry staff will inquire with a sample of the employers listed to confirm that the reported payments were received
How should group sponsors distribute payment for apprentices working with different employers?
As a group sponsor, you will need to determine who is entitled to the payments and whether payments should be split among more than one employer for the same milestone. Payments should correspond to the training employers provide (see example below).
Which business number should group sponsors use on their application?
As a group sponsor, you will need to enter a business number into the application. If you are part of a small informal group of companies that does not have its own business number, select one of the individual business numbers from the group. Make sure that the number you use for the application will… Continue reading Which business number should group sponsors use on their application?