Seizing Lottery Winnings

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) helps families in Ontario receive the support they are entitled to by enforcing court-ordered support payments.

When support payments fall behind, the FRO has the authority to take enforcement action. Where support payments are behind, the FRO may provide information about the support payor to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). If a support payor is behind in support payments and tries to claim a lottery prize, the FRO can seize those winnings to pay the outstanding support.

Can the FRO take all of my lottery winnings?

The FRO may seize any single prize winnings over $1,000 to pay the outstanding support. The FRO will take as much of the winnings as needed to pay off all outstanding arrears.

Lottery Prizes under $300 can be claimed or cashed in at various retail stores and are not affected by this enforcement tool.

How does the OLG know that a support payor in arrears is a FRO client?

The FRO provides the OLG with monthly reports listing support payors who have outstanding support payments.

Lottery winnings of $1,000 or more must be claimed through an OLG Prize Office. When a prize winner claims a prize of $1,000 or more, their name is checked against a current list of support payors who are in arrears. If a match is made, the amount of outstanding support is deducted from the lottery prize and sent to the FRO. The remaining amount of prize winnings, if any, are given to the support payor.

Can a support payor dispute this?

The OLG is required to send the funds to the FRO, but will advise the FRO of the payor's dispute. The FRO will then review the file, and take appropriate action.

What happens if the outstanding arrears are paid and the support payor falls into arrears again?

The FRO will continue to monitor the case to ensure that the support payor is meeting the terms in the support order. If the support payor falls behind in support payments, the FRO will review the case to determine what enforcement action is necessary.

Can I withdraw from the FRO?

Yes. The recipient and the payor must agree in writing to withdraw from the program by sending the FRO a completed Notice of Withdrawal form. If the case is in arrears the recipient may withdraw without the payor's consent. If the support order is assigned, the social assistance agency must also agree to withdraw. If the social assistance agency only is owed arrears, the support payor and support recipient may withdraw from the program, however the FRO will continue to enforce for support owed to that agency.

A fee of $50 will be charged to both the support recipient and the support payor if they want to re-open a closed case and re-register with the FRO at a later date.

Where can I get more information?

TTY: 1-866-545-0083

24-Hour Automated Information Line: 416-326-1818 or toll-free at 1-800-267-7263
for general information about the FRO and recent transactions on your case.

Customer Service Unit: 416-326-1817 or toll-free at 1-800-267-4330
for general inquiries such as payment information, to update your address or to request forms. Call Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enforcement Call Centre: 416-326-1817 or toll-free at 1-800-267-4330
for specific enforcement information. Call Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.