Information About Income

What is Income?

There are three types of income:

  • income related to employment
  • income related to investments
  • income for support

What is included in each type of income?

Income from Employment Income from Investment Income from Support
  • Salary or wages
  • Bonuses or incentive pay
  • Gratuities or tips
  • Overtime pay (if done regularly)
  • Commissions
  • Employment Insurance Benefits
  • Workers Compensation (short and long term)
  • Work incentive programs
  • Training allowances
  • Net income of a business or other self-employment activity
  • Regular payments from accident, disability, or illness insurance
  • Annuities (life, fixed term, or converted RRSPs).
  • Interest income from assets and investments (bank, credit union, and trust company accounts; capital gains; term deposits; bonds or debentures)
  • Dividend income from stocks or shares
  • Interest portion from any mortgage or loan
  • Value of assets that don't produce income (such as precious metals, gems, and art; financial holdings)
  • Real estate income (such as rental income
    • )
  • Ontario Works
  • Ontario Disability Support Plan (ODSP)
  • Family Benefits Allowance
  • General Welfare Assistance
  • GAINS-D (excluding the special needs minimum allowance)
  • Student grants (not student loans)
  • Pensions
  • Support payments

Proof of Income Checklist

If you are employed you must submit:

  • Three consecutive pay stubs (must include employer's name and address and pay periods covered)


    • or

  • A letter from your employer (on company letterhead, currently signed) stating gross annual or monthly income and any overtime pay or bonuses.

If you are self-employed:

  • An audited financial statement for the most current fiscal year including:
    • amount of withdrawals for personal salary and
    • retained earnings or net income of the business

If you are receiving social assistance (e.g. GWA, FBA, Ontario Works)

  • Proof from the social agency such as copies of three consecutive benefit statements and a copy of your drug benefit card.


    • or

  • The "Social Assistance Verification Form" (available from your social worker).

If you have assets:

  • Copies of passbooks and other documents if you have more than $1,000.00 in the bank or have other investments;


    • or

  • A letter from your bank, credit union, or trust company stating the total assets you have.

If you are receiving pension or annuity income:

  • A copy of a cheque stub which shows the before-tax (gross) amount of your income and how often you receive it.

If you are receiving Employment Insurance:

  • A copy of a benefit statement showing gross weekly payment.

If you are receiving support payments:

  • Copies of cancelled cheques (showing support received).


    • or

  • A letter from you lawyer or a signed affidavit stating how much you receive and how often you receive it.

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