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211 help line

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211 Canada is a free and confidential service that helps you find community, social and non-clinical health services near you. In most of Canada you can dial 2-1-1 at any hour and speak to a real person in more than 150 languages. You do not have to give your name.

Key facts

Number to call
2-1-1
Cost
Free
Hours
24 hours a day in most of Canada
Languages
More than 150
Ways to reach it
Phone, text, web chat and website (options vary by province)

What is 211 Canada?

211 is a help line and website that tells you which government and community services can help with your situation. The people who answer are trained to listen, ask a few questions and give you the names and phone numbers of programs near you.

211 is run by United Way Centraide Canada and a network of local 211 providers. It covers non-clinical health and social services. That means it can point you to a meal program or a seniors' centre, but it does not give medical advice.

If someone is in danger or needs urgent medical help, call 9-1-1, not 2-1-1.

What can 211 help seniors find?

You can call 211 about almost any everyday problem. If they cannot help directly, they will try to find the organization that can. Common reasons older adults call include:

Is 211 free and confidential?

Yes. The service is free. You do not have to give your name or any personal details to ask for information. You can ask a question for a friend, a parent or a neighbour.

Some of the programs 211 refers you to may charge a fee, such as a meal delivery service. Ask the program about cost when you call them.

How to contact 211

  1. Dial 2-1-1 from your phone. If 2-1-1 does not work from your phone, use the toll-free number for your province listed below.
  2. Tell the person what you need help with, in your own words. You can ask for an interpreter in your language.
  3. Write down the names and phone numbers they give you. Ask them to repeat anything you missed.
  4. Call the programs. If one does not work out, call 211 back and ask for other options.

You can also search the online directory for your province at 211.ca, or use the free 211 app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. In some provinces you can text or use live web chat. Text and chat are useful if you have trouble hearing on the phone.

211 in each province and territory

211 Canada lists a local 211 service in every province and territory. Hours and options differ. These details come from 211 Canada's list of service providers.

What if 211 cannot help?

211 gives information and referrals. It cannot approve a benefit, pay a bill or send someone to your home. If a program they name has a waiting list or says no, call 211 again and explain what happened. They may know of another program, a nearby town with more services, or a charity that can fill the gap.

For questions about federal benefits such as Old Age Security or the Canada Pension Plan, 211 can point you in the right direction, but only Service Canada can look at your file.

Things people often miss

Who to contact

Common questions

What is 211 in Canada?

211 is a free, confidential help line and website that connects you to government and community services near you, such as meal programs, rides, home help and caregiver support.

Is 211 available in my province?

211 Canada lists a local 211 service in all 13 provinces and territories. Phone, text and chat options differ by region. In the three territories, start with the online directory for your territory.

Is calling 211 free?

Yes. Calling 211 is free. Some of the services they refer you to may charge a fee, so ask each program about cost.

Can I text 211?

In some provinces, yes. 211 Canada lists text service in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.

Do I have to give my name to 211?

No. You do not have to give your name or personal details to ask for information.

Can 211 help me in my own language?

Yes. 211 is available in more than 150 languages in most of Canada. Ask for an interpreter when your call is answered.

Is 211 the same as 911?

No. 211 is for information about community and social services. If someone is in danger or needs urgent medical help, call 9-1-1.

Can 211 help me apply for OAS or GIS?

211 can point you to Service Canada or a local agency that helps with forms. It cannot see or change your benefit file.

Sources

  1. 211 Canada (United Way Centraide Canada)
  2. About 211 (United Way Centraide Canada)
  3. 211 Service Providers (United Way Centraide Canada)
  4. 211: Help Starts Here (211 Ontario)
  5. 211 Manitoba (211 Manitoba)

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