Introduction to Welfare (21:I): Difference between revisions

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{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 26th, 2024}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = welfare}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = welfare}}


This chapter gives a general overview of a very complex area of law governed by lengthy and detailed legislation. It is not designed to be used on its own.   Users of this chapter should be sure in each case to refer to the applicable welfare legislation.  
This chapter gives a general overview of a very complex area of law governed by lengthy and detailed legislation. Users should not read it on its own. Users of this chapter should be sure to refer to the applicable welfare legislation in each case.  


== A. What is welfare? ==
This chapter only deals with BC welfare law. If one is applying to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for disability (or other) benefits, they should refer to the following link:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/eligibility.html.


Welfare  is a  basic  form  of  income  support  provided  by  the  state  to those  in  need.   In  BC, the provincial  government  administers  welfare  via  the  Ministry  of  Social  Development  and  Social Innovation (the MSDSI). '''Welfare is a “payer of last resort”''', which means that in  order to receive welfare,  a  person  must  demonstrate  that  he  or  she  has  exhausted  all  other  forms  of  support.   This chapter  will  use  the  term “welfare”  to  describe  all  forms  of  income  support  provided  by  the  BC government under the province’s welfare legislation.
Please be advised that the Law Student Legal Advice Program is not able to help with CPP disability benefits issues. If one requires assistance with CPP disability, they should reach out to [https://disabilityalliancebc.org/ Disability Alliance BC.]


== B. Referrals ==
== A. What is Welfare? ==


See [[Referrals_(22) | Chapter 22: Referrals]] for additional referrals.
Welfare is a basic form of income support provided by the state to those in need. In BC, the provincial government administers welfare via the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (the Ministry). '''Welfare is a “payer of last resort,”''' which means that to receive welfare, a person must demonstrate they have exhausted almost all other forms of support. This chapter will use the term “welfare” to describe all forms of income support provided by the BC government under the province’s welfare legislation.


=== Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) ===
== B. Welfare Policy ==


{{ResourcesLSLAP
While the government’s policy on welfare is not law, it is an important lens for understanding welfare law in BC. Ministry policy sets out the practical details of how the ministry administers welfare. The Ministry’s welfare policies are contained in the “'''BC Employment and Assistance Policy and Procedure Manual''',” which is available at:  
| resource_description = May advise students on general welfare matters and help clients with judicial reviews.
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual.  
| address = 300 – 1140 West Pender Street <br /> Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1
| phone = (604) 685-3425 <br /> Fax: (604) 685-7611
| online = [http://www.clasbc.net Website]
}}


=== B.C. Public Interest Advocacy Centre ===
The Policy and Procedure Manual incorporates MSDPR policy with the rules set out in the welfare legislation. It is an extremely useful tool for researching welfare law and policy.


{{ResourcesLSLAP
== C. Types of Welfare Benefits ==
| resource_description = May help students with appeals and judicial reviews.
| address = 208 – 1090 West Pender Street <br /> Vancouver, BC V6E 2N7
| phone = (604) 687-3063 <br /> Fax: (604) 682-7896
| online = [http://bcpiac.com Website] <br /> E-mail: bcpiac@bcpiac.com
}}


=== Disability Alliance of BC ===
Under the current welfare legislation in BC, the following types of welfare benefits are available to those who qualify:


{{ResourcesLSLAP
=== 1. Income Assistance ===
| resource_description = <br />
This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the ''Employment and Assistance Act'' [''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 EAA]'']. This is the benefit most people get when they receive welfare.  
*Offers one-on-one assistance to individuals applying for benefits or appealing the denial of benefits. Particularly experienced in appeals about eligibility for the Persons with Disabilities ("PWD") designation from MSDSI, which is needed to qualify for welfare disability assistance.  
*Has created a library of useful help sheets about disability assistance from MSDSI, and guides to applications and appeals (www.disabilityalliancebc.org/money.htm).
| address = 204 – 456 West Broadway <br /> Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3
| phone = Advocacy Access Program: (604) 872-1278 <br /> Fax:  (604) 875-9227 <br /> TTY: (604) 875-8835
| online = [http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org Website]
}}


=== First United Church ===
On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1060 per month''', consisting of '''$560.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs''', regardless of their actual shelter cost. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles will also have some access to shelter benefits.  This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.


{{ResourcesLSLAP
The amounts available to one receiving income assistance will depend on one’s family size. Family units of two or more (e.g. couples, single parents, or couples with kids) have a higher minimum shelter rate. Income assistance rates based on family size can be found here:  
| resource_description = Serves the Downtown Eastside. Provides advocacy and assistance for welfare, housing, and other poverty law issues. Operates a drop-in clinic. Hours are posted on their website.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table
| address = 320 East Hastings Street <br /> Vancouver, BC V6A 1P4
| phone = (604) 681-8365 <br /> Fax: (604) 681-8928
| online = [http://firstunited.ca/advocacy Website]
}}


=== Kettle Friendship Society Advocacy Centre ===
Recipients of income, disability, or hardship assistance also receive PharmaCare prescription coverage with no deductible through what is called Plan C.  The enrollment of eligible persons under Plan C commences when the Ministry is able to confirm eligibility under the ''EAA'' or ''EAPWDA''.


{{ResourcesLSLAP
=== 2. Disability Assistance (For Persons with Disability Designation - PWD) ===
| resource_description = Advocacy focused on welfare, debt, housing, and child protection problems for clients with mental health issues. Also has a weekly Pro Bono Legal Clinic (please call ahead if you wish to refer a client).
This is a slightly higher, but still modest, monthly support and shelter allowance provided under the ''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act'' [''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act EAPWDA]''] to those who meet the definition of “person with disabilities” in [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section2 s 2] of that Act. To determine if one is eligible for PWD designation, please refer to '''[[Welfare Eligibility (21:III)|Section III. M. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Designation]]'''
| address = 1725 Venables Street <br/> Vancouver, BC V5L 2H3   
| phone = (604) 251-2801 <br /> Housing Division Telephone: (604) 251-5664 <br /> Fax: (604) 251-6354
| online = [http://www.thekettle.ca Website]
}}


=== Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre ===
On disability assistance, a single person under age 65 can receive up to '''$1483.50 per month''', consisting of '''$983.50 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs'''. This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, clothing, and all other basic necessities.


{{ResourcesLSLAP
The amounts available to one receiving disability assistance will depend on one’s family size. Disability assistance rates based on family size can be found here:
| resource_description = Focuses on providing legal and non-legal support and advocacy for women with mental health issues.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/disability-assistance-rate-table
| address = '''Drop-In Centre:''' <br /> 302 Columbia Street <br /> Vancouver, BC V6A 4J1 <br /> '''Emergency Shelter:''' <br /> 412 Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC
| phone = '''Drop-In Centre:''' (604) 681-8480 <br /> Fax: (604) 681-8470 <br /> '''Drop-In Centre:''' <br /> (604) 681-8480
| online = [http://www.dewc.ca Website]
}}


=== ATIRA Women’s Resource Society ===
A person with the PWD designation who receives disability assistance can obtain a bus pass or $52 per month more if the person chooses not to have a bus pass. (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/buses-taxis-limos/bus-pass/people-with-disabilities)


{{ResourcesLSLAP
An outline of other possible benefits available to those with the PWD designation can be found in [[Welfare_and_Health_Supplements_(21:X)|Section X: Health Supplements]], or one can refer to: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/hs3./.
| resource_description = Focuses on providing support for abused women. Their legal advocate program can provide advice, advocacy, and support with appealing welfare issues.
| address = 101 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
| phone = 604 331 1407 (105)
| online = [http://www.atira.bc.ca Website]
}}


=== AIDS Vancouver Community Resource Centre ===
=== 3. Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Assistance ===
This is a slightly higher income assistance rate for people with “persistent multiple barriers” to employment for those who meet the PPMB definition set out in [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section2 s 2] of the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' [[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002 EAR]]. It is for people with a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to look for work or to keep a job. Technically, it falls within the definition of “income assistance” but this chapter will refer to it as a distinct form of welfare benefits.


{{ResourcesLSLAP
On PPMB assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1110.00  per month, consisting of $610.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs'''. This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.  
| resource_description = Service staffed by volunteers. Can provide short-term financial assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
| phone = (604) 695-4691
The amounts available to one receiving PPMB assistance will depend on one’s family size. PPMB assistance rates based on family size can be found at the link below, in column B of the table:
| online = [http://www.aidsvancouver.org Website] <br /> Email: support@aidsvancouver.org
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table
}}


=== Povnet: Find an Advocate ===
=== 4. Hardship Assistance ===
This is a support and shelter allowance provided under [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002#section5 s 5 of the EAA] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section6 s 6 of the EAPWDA] to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance (see also [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#part4 part 4 of the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part4 part 4 of the EAPWDR]).  Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable, i.e. a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue a debt owing to the government. It is usually temporary assistance. People with the PPMB or PWD designation may also receive hardship assistance, if they are not otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits. Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance


{{ResourcesLSLAP
On regular (income assistance) hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives a maximum of '''$1060 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.
| resource_description = Can be used to find other advocates and organizations that can help with welfare issues in all parts of BC.
| online = [http://www.povnet.org/find-an-advocate Website]
}}


== C. The Welfare Legislation ==
On PPMB hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives '''$1110 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.  


Welfare law in BC is governed by the following statutes and regulations, all of which are available at http://www.bclaws.ca:
On disability hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives '''$ 1,483.50 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, clothing, and all other basic necessities (plus a bus pass, or $52 per month more if the person chooses not to have a bus pass – see [[Welfare_Rates_and_Payment_Issues_(21:VIII)#B. Persons with Disabilities Transportation Supplement|Section VIII: Rates and Payment Issues. B: Persons with Disabilities Transportation Supplement]]


''Employment and Assistance Act'', SBC 2002, c 40 [EAA];
=== 5. Health Supplements ===
Recipients of income assistance, PPMB, and disability assistance may qualify for various health supplements from the Ministry. These can include money for dental, diet, and medical supplies. [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#division_d2e10033 See Part 5, Division 5 of the ''EAR''], and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#division_d2e8911 Part 5, Division 4 of the ''EAPWDR''].


''Employment and Assistance Regulation'', BC Reg 263/2002 [EAR];
=== 6. Supplements ===
The ministry may provide more money or services to cover extra costs, such as clothing, moving costs, and identification fees. These other forms of assistance are provided on a case-by-case basis for specific purposes set out under the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 ''EAA''] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act ''EAPWDA''] and their associated regulations.  See especially, [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part5 Part 5 of ''EAPWDR''] and the Ministry website (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/on-assistance/supplements).


''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act'', SBC 2002, c 40 [EAPWDA]; and


''Employment  and  Assistance  for  Persons  with  Disabilities  Regulation'',  BC  Reg  265/2002  [EAPWDR].
{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters15-23}}
 
Forms  regulations  under  the  EAA  and  EAPWDA  create  many  of  the  forms  that  MSDSI  uses  in administering  welfare.  See  also  the  ''Child  in  the  Home  of  a  Relative  Transition  Regulation'',  BC  Reg 48/2010.
 
Please keep in mind the following important points when dealing with a welfare law issue. 
*'''Be current.''' The statutes and especially the regulations governing welfare in BC can change often. Therefore, it is very important that students check the BC Laws website and confirm that one is dealing with the most current legislation. Occasionally, legislation on the MSDSI’s website is  updated  faster  than  BC  Laws.            Legislation  is  found  on  the  MSDSI’s  site  at: http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/ministry/leg.htm 
*'''Be comprehensive.'''  Be sure to read the relevant section of the appropriate act or regulation in its entirety and to scan the legislation for other relevant sections.  The legislation is complex and often a number of provisions work together to govern a particular program or benefit. 
*'''Be  alert  to  mandatory  versus  discretionary  wording.'''  Welfare  legislation  contains  a  mix  of mandatory  provisions  (requiring  the  government  to  do  or  provide  something)  and  discretionary provisions  (which  permit,  but  do  not  require,  the  government  to  act  in  a  particular  way).  Consider  whether  the  legislative  provisions  relevant  to  the  client’s  case  are  mandatory  or discretionary. 
 
== D. Welfare policy ==
 
While the government’s policy on welfare is not law, it is an important lens for understanding welfare law in BC.  MSDSI policy sets out the practical details of how welfare is to be administered.  MSDSI’s welfare    policies    are    contained    in    an “Online    Resource”,    which    is    available    at http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/or_index/.  The  Online  Resource  incorporates  MSDSI  policy with the rules set out in the welfare legislation. 
 
It is an extremely useful tool for researching welfare law and policy.
 
== E. Types of Welfare ==
 
Under  the  current  welfare  legislation  in  BC,  the  following  types  of  welfare  benefits  are  available  to those who qualify: 
 
*'''INCOME ASSISTANCE.''' This is a basic monthly support and shelter allowance provided under the ''Employment  and  Assistance  Act''  [EAA].  This  is  the  benefit most  people  get  when  they  receive welfare.
 
:{| class="wikitable"
|-
| On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives '''$610.00 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.
|}
 
*'''DISABILITY ASSISTANCE.''' This is a slightly higher, but still modest, monthly support and shelter allowance  provided  under  the  ''Employment  and  Assistance  for Persons  with  Disabilities  Act'' [EAPWDA] to those who meet the definition of “person with disabilities” in s 2 of that Act. 
 
:{| class="wikitable"
|-
| On disability assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives '''$906.42 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.
|}
 
*'''PPMB ASSISTANCE.''' This is a special form of income assistance for people who have “persistent multiple barriers” to employment according to the criteria set out in s 2 of the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' [EAR]. It is for people who have a medical condition that makes it difficult or  impossible  to  look  for  work  or  to  keep  a  job.  Technically,  it  falls  within  the  definition  of “income assistance” but this chapter will refer to it as a distinct form of welfare benefits.
 
:{| class="wikitable"
|-
| On PPMB assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives '''$657.92 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.
|}
 
*'''HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE.''' This is a support and shelter allowance provided under s 5 of the EAA and s 6 of the EAPWDA to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance (see also part 4 of the EAR and part 4 of the EAPWDR).  Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable, i.e. a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue  a  debt  owing  to  the  government.  It  is  usually  temporary  assistance.    People  with  the PPMB  or  PWD  designation  may  also  receive  hardship  assistance,  if  they  are  not  otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits.  Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance.
 
:{| class="wikitable"
|-
| On regular hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives a maximum of '''$610.00 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.
|-
| On  PPMB  hardship  assistance,  a  single  person under  age  65 currently  receives '''$657.92  per month'''  to  cover  housing,  utilities,  food,  transportation,  clothing,  and  all  other  basic necessities.
|-
| On disability hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives '''$906.42 per month'''  to  cover  housing,  utilities,  food,  transportation,  clothing,  and  all  other  basic necessities.
|}
 
*'''HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS.''' Recipients of income assistance, PPMB, and disability assistance may qualify for various health supplements from the MSDSI.  See Part 5, division 5 of the EAR, and the EAPWDR.  The MSDSI has a useful table summarizing health supplements that may be available, at http://www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/forms/rfs/health_supplements_eligibility.pdf
 
*'''SUPPLEMENTS''' These  are  other  forms  of  assistance  that  may  be  provided  on  a  case-by-case basis  for  specific  purposes  set  out  under  the  EAA  and EAPWDA  and  their  associated regulations.    See  especially  Part  5  of  the  EAR,  Part  5 of  the  EAPWDR,  and  [http://www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/mhr/gs.htm MSDSI  website].
 
== F. Useful Publications by Outside Agencies ==
 
In addition to this LSLAP manual chapter, students may wish to refer to the following publications: 
*BC Disability Benefits Help Sheets. These 15 guides are published by Disability Alliance BC.  They are available at http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org and cover many areas relating to applying for benefits and appealing decisions.
*Your Welfare Rights, a plain language guide published by the Legal Services Society for welfare clients and advocates.  It is available at http://www.lss.bc.ca and gives an excellent overview of welfare issues.

Latest revision as of 00:35, 28 August 2024

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 26th, 2024.
LSLAP Manual
LSLAP Manual
This page is from the
Law Students' Legal
Advice Program Manual.
See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
21. Welfare Law
 · I. Introduction

 · II. Governing Legislation & Resources
 · III. Eligibility
 · IV. Special Situations
 · V. Eligibility Factors
 · VI. Hardship Assistance
 · VII. Overpayments & Fraud
 · VIII. Rates & Payment Issues
 · IX. Additional Allowances & Benefits
 · X. Health Supplements

 · XI. Appeals
v • d • e



This chapter gives a general overview of a very complex area of law governed by lengthy and detailed legislation. Users should not read it on its own. Users of this chapter should be sure to refer to the applicable welfare legislation in each case.

This chapter only deals with BC welfare law. If one is applying to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for disability (or other) benefits, they should refer to the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/eligibility.html.

Please be advised that the Law Student Legal Advice Program is not able to help with CPP disability benefits issues. If one requires assistance with CPP disability, they should reach out to Disability Alliance BC.

A. What is Welfare?

Welfare is a basic form of income support provided by the state to those in need. In BC, the provincial government administers welfare via the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (the Ministry). Welfare is a “payer of last resort,” which means that to receive welfare, a person must demonstrate they have exhausted almost all other forms of support. This chapter will use the term “welfare” to describe all forms of income support provided by the BC government under the province’s welfare legislation.

B. Welfare Policy

While the government’s policy on welfare is not law, it is an important lens for understanding welfare law in BC. Ministry policy sets out the practical details of how the ministry administers welfare. The Ministry’s welfare policies are contained in the “BC Employment and Assistance Policy and Procedure Manual,” which is available at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual.

The Policy and Procedure Manual incorporates MSDPR policy with the rules set out in the welfare legislation. It is an extremely useful tool for researching welfare law and policy.

C. Types of Welfare Benefits

Under the current welfare legislation in BC, the following types of welfare benefits are available to those who qualify:

1. Income Assistance

This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the Employment and Assistance Act [EAA]. This is the benefit most people get when they receive welfare.

On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to $1060 per month, consisting of $560.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs, regardless of their actual shelter cost. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles will also have some access to shelter benefits. This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

The amounts available to one receiving income assistance will depend on one’s family size. Family units of two or more (e.g. couples, single parents, or couples with kids) have a higher minimum shelter rate. Income assistance rates based on family size can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table

Recipients of income, disability, or hardship assistance also receive PharmaCare prescription coverage with no deductible through what is called Plan C. The enrollment of eligible persons under Plan C commences when the Ministry is able to confirm eligibility under the EAA or EAPWDA.

2. Disability Assistance (For Persons with Disability Designation - PWD)

This is a slightly higher, but still modest, monthly support and shelter allowance provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act [EAPWDA] to those who meet the definition of “person with disabilities” in s 2 of that Act. To determine if one is eligible for PWD designation, please refer to Section III. M. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Designation

On disability assistance, a single person under age 65 can receive up to $1483.50 per month, consisting of $983.50 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs. This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

The amounts available to one receiving disability assistance will depend on one’s family size. Disability assistance rates based on family size can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/disability-assistance-rate-table

A person with the PWD designation who receives disability assistance can obtain a bus pass or $52 per month more if the person chooses not to have a bus pass. (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/buses-taxis-limos/bus-pass/people-with-disabilities)

An outline of other possible benefits available to those with the PWD designation can be found in Section X: Health Supplements, or one can refer to: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/hs3./.

3. Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Assistance

This is a slightly higher income assistance rate for people with “persistent multiple barriers” to employment for those who meet the PPMB definition set out in s 2 of the Employment and Assistance Regulation [EAR]. It is for people with a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to look for work or to keep a job. Technically, it falls within the definition of “income assistance” but this chapter will refer to it as a distinct form of welfare benefits.

On PPMB assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to $1110.00 per month, consisting of $610.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs. This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

The amounts available to one receiving PPMB assistance will depend on one’s family size. PPMB assistance rates based on family size can be found at the link below, in column B of the table: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table

4. Hardship Assistance

This is a support and shelter allowance provided under s 5 of the EAA and s 6 of the EAPWDA to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance (see also part 4 of the EAR and part 4 of the EAPWDR). Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable, i.e. a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue a debt owing to the government. It is usually temporary assistance. People with the PPMB or PWD designation may also receive hardship assistance, if they are not otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits. Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance

On regular (income assistance) hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives a maximum of $1060 per month to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

On PPMB hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives $1110 per month to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

On disability hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives $ 1,483.50 per month to cover housing, utilities, food, clothing, and all other basic necessities (plus a bus pass, or $52 per month more if the person chooses not to have a bus pass – see Section VIII: Rates and Payment Issues. B: Persons with Disabilities Transportation Supplement

5. Health Supplements

Recipients of income assistance, PPMB, and disability assistance may qualify for various health supplements from the Ministry. These can include money for dental, diet, and medical supplies. See Part 5, Division 5 of the EAR, and Part 5, Division 4 of the EAPWDR.

6. Supplements

The ministry may provide more money or services to cover extra costs, such as clothing, moving costs, and identification fees. These other forms of assistance are provided on a case-by-case basis for specific purposes set out under the EAA and EAPWDA and their associated regulations. See especially, Part 5 of EAPWDR and the Ministry website (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/on-assistance/supplements).


v • d • e
 
Introduction
 
Chapters 1-7
Criminal Law  · Youth Justice  · Family Law  · Victims  · Public Complaints · Human Rights  · Workers Compensation
Chapter One:
Criminal Law
Chapter Two:
Youth Justice
Chapter Three:
Family Law
Chapter Four:
Victims
Chapter Five:
Public Complaints
Chapter Six:
Human Rights
Chapter Seven:
Workers' Compensation
I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims for Injured Workers · IV. LSLAP's Role at the Initial Decision Level · V. Limitation Periods and Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits and Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. The WCB Fair Practices Office · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Small Claims Flow Chart · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form
 
Chapters 8-14
Employment Insurance  · Employment Law  · Creditors and Debtors  · Consumer Protection  · Auto Insurance (ICBC)  · Motor Vehicle Law  · Mental Health Law
Chapter Eight:
Employment Insurance
Chapter Nine:
Employment Law
Chapter Ten:
Creditors' Remedies and Debtors' Assistance
Chapter Eleven:
Consumer Protection
Chapter Twelve:
Auto Insurance (ICBC)
Chapter Thirteen:
Motor Vehicle Law
Chapter Fourteen:
Mental Health Law
 
Chapters 15-23
Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making · Wills and Estates  · Citizenship  · Immigration  · Landlord and Tenant Rights  · Small Claims  · Welfare Law  · Strata Law  · Referrals
Chapter Fifteen:
Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making
Chapter Sixteen:
Wills and Estate Administration
Chapter Seventeen:
Citizenship
Chapter Eighteen:
Immigration Law
Chapter Nineteen:
Landlord and Tenant Law
Chapter Twenty:
Small Claims and the CRT
I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial Applications · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial/Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · XVIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal
Chapter Twenty One:
Welfare Law
Chapter Twenty Two:
Strata Law
Chapter Twenty Three:
Referrals
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