Ow Discretionary Benefits | Working & Certified

Toronto’s discretionary benefits program is different from Ottawa’s, which is different from Sudbury’s. For example:

Discretionary benefits are not a luxury fund. They are a frayed safety net. Workers have tight budgets and high caseloads. You may need to ask multiple times, get letters from doctors or employers, and try 2-3 charities before OW says yes. ow discretionary benefits

Health insurance covers the body when it’s sick, but discretionary benefits cover the person as a whole. This category includes mental health stipends for therapy apps, on-site yoga or meditation rooms, ergonomic home-office allowances, and even "wellness days" that are separate from sick leave. Workers have tight budgets and high caseloads

Get everything in writing. And if one worker says no, ask to speak with a supervisor. This category includes mental health stipends for therapy

Programs focused on wellness and mental health reduce absenteeism and increase daily engagement.