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Difference between revisions of "I Have No Money for Food or Shelter"
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I Have No Money for Food or Shelter (view source)
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{{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}The provincial Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is responsible for providing welfare support | {{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}The provincial Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is responsible for providing welfare support (also known as social assistance benefits) in BC, except where the applicant lives on an Indian reserve. For people living on reserve, welfare programs are the responsibility of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC, formerly known as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) and are administered by Indian bands and tribal councils. | ||
Both MSD and AANDC can provide funds for shelter and support to people who qualify for regular welfare benefits, including [[I need to apply for disability benefits|disability benefits]]. In some cases, they can also provide "hardship benefits" for people who don't qualify for regular welfare benefits. Workers at MSD and Indian bands will also know about emergency shelters in the area. | Both MSD and AANDC can provide funds for shelter and support to people who qualify for regular welfare benefits, including [[I need to apply for disability benefits|disability benefits]]. In some cases, they can also provide "hardship benefits" for people who don't qualify for regular welfare benefits. Workers at MSD and Indian bands will also know about emergency shelters in the area. | ||
== First steps == | == First steps == | ||
# Applying for welfare in BC has two stages. | # Applying for welfare in BC has two stages. You can start the first stage in three ways: | ||
##by going in person to an MSD office | |||
##by calling the MSD Call Centre at 1-866-866-0800, and telling them that you want to apply for welfare | |||
##by completing the welfare application process online at https://www.iaselfserve.gov.bc.ca/HomePage.aspx (you must know your SIN number to apply online). | |||
# After finishing stage one of the welfare application, most people have to spend three weeks looking for work, and provide MSD with proof of their work search. During those three weeks the person does not receive any financial help from MSD. Once the three week work search is done, the person moves on to stage two of the welfare application process. Stage two is a detailed interview with MSD, in person or by phone, to see if the person is eligible for income assistance or hardship benefits. | # After finishing stage one of the welfare application, most people have to spend three weeks looking for work, and provide MSD with proof of their work search. During those three weeks the person does not receive any financial help from MSD. Once the three week work search is done, the person moves on to stage two of the welfare application process. Stage two is a detailed interview with MSD, in person or by phone, to see if the person is eligible for income assistance or hardship benefits. | ||
