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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)
Revision as of 01:05, 9 November 2011
, 01:05, 9 November 2011→First steps
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== First steps == | == First steps == | ||
# Applying for welfare in BC has two stages. You can start the first stage in three ways: | # 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. | ||
# There are several exceptions to the requirement to do a three week work search. One exception is if you have an urgent need for shelter, food or medical attention, and cannot wait three weeks to get any welfare benefits. If that is your situation, tell the MSD worker this when you *first* contact MSD. Ask MSD for an ''Immediate Needs Assessment". '' If you are eligible for an Immediate Needs Assessment, MSD should complete a stage two interview with you within one business day.'' '''There are other exceptions: for a full list of people who do not have to do a three week work search''' '''see''' http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/application/bcea_stage1/policy.html#1 | # There are several exceptions to the requirement to do a three week work search. One exception is if you have an urgent need for shelter, food or medical attention, and cannot wait three weeks to get any welfare benefits. If that is your situation, tell the MSD worker this when you *first* contact MSD. Ask MSD for an ''Immediate Needs Assessment". '' If you are eligible for an Immediate Needs Assessment, MSD should complete a stage two interview with you within one business day.'' '''There are other exceptions: for a full list of people who do not have to do a three week work search''' '''see''' http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/application/bcea_stage1/policy.html#1 | ||
