The ministry will continue to review and improve the Better Jobs Ontario program as the labour market evolves.
Program: Better Jobs Ontario
What happened in each phase of re-design?
Phase 1 of the redesign, implemented in December 2020, provided fast-tracked access to individuals laid-off from sectors highly impacted by COVID-19. Changes also focused on shorter-duration training in jobs that are in demand and in local or provincial priority areas, such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, information and communication technology, and supportive health services. Phase… Continue reading What happened in each phase of re-design?
Why was Better Jobs Ontario redesigned?
The Better Jobs Ontario program (formerly Second Career) was redesigned to simplify and strengthen the program, while strategically re-focusing it within the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related labour market shifts and economic recovery. Better Jobs Ontario Redesign was a key lever for the government’s efforts to provide displaced workers and other jobseekers with access to training… Continue reading Why was Better Jobs Ontario redesigned?
When was Better Jobs Ontario redesigned?
There were three phases of program redesign between December 2020 and April 2022.
How can a Feepayer apply to Better Jobs Ontario (BJO)?
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.
What is a Feepayer?
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… Continue reading What is a Feepayer?
What are the maximum rates of coverage for dependent care?
Better Jobs Ontario will fund based on actual expenses incurred by participants, up to the following maximums: Care Types Weekly Maximums Infant (younger than 18 months) $341 Toddler (between 18 months and 2.5 years) $279 Preschool (2.5 years to school age) $235 School Age (school age to 14 years) $210 Other Types of Care (i.e.,… Continue reading What are the maximum rates of coverage for dependent care?
How can an individual apply for dependent care support?
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… Continue reading How can an individual apply for dependent care support?
What are dependent care costs?
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… Continue reading What are dependent care costs?
What must a Service Provider complete to support the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) application?
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… Continue reading What must a Service Provider complete to support the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) application?