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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 22:05, 4 January 2016
, 22:05, 4 January 2016update names and info for rest of page
Alison Ward (talk | contribs) (update names and link for online application) |
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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 calling the MSDSI Call Centre at 1-866-866-0800, and telling them that you want to apply for welfare, or | #*by calling the MSDSI Call Centre at 1-866-866-0800, and telling them that you want to apply for welfare, or | ||
#*by completing the welfare <span class="noglossary">application</span> process online using the | #*by completing the welfare <span class="noglossary">application</span> process online using the self serve assessment tool at https://www.iaselfserve.gov.bc.ca (you must know your SIN number to apply online) | ||
#*by going in person to an MSDSI office. | |||
#At this first stage, if you have an urgent need for shelter, food or medical attention, and cannot wait between three to five weeks to start receiving welfare benefits, then you need to tell the MSDSI worker. Ask for an ''Immediate Needs Assessment''. If you are eligible for an Immediate Needs Assessment, MSDSI should complete a stage two interview with you within one business day. If MSDSI can't schedule your stage two interview that quickly, it should make sure your immediate needs are met (for example, by giving you food vouchers, money or bus tickets if you need medical transportation, etc.), until your interview can be held. | #At this first stage, if you have an urgent need for shelter, food or medical attention, and cannot wait between three to five weeks to start receiving welfare benefits, then you need to tell the MSDSI worker. Ask for an ''Immediate Needs Assessment''. If you are eligible for an Immediate Needs Assessment, MSDSI should complete a stage two interview with you within one business day. If MSDSI can't schedule your stage two interview that quickly, it should make sure your immediate needs are met (for example, by giving you food vouchers, money or bus tickets if you need medical transportation, etc.), until your interview can be held. | ||
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== What happens next == | == What happens next == | ||
After finishing this first stage of the welfare <span class="noglossary">application</span>, most people have to spend three or five weeks looking for work, and provide | After finishing this first stage of the welfare <span class="noglossary">application</span>, most people have to spend three or five weeks looking for work, and provide MSDSI with proof of their work search. During those three to five weeks you do not receive any financial help from MSDSI. A five week work search applies if neither you nor your partner have received welfare in BC before. A three week work search applies if you or your partner have previously received welfare in BC. Once your work search is over, you move on to stage two of the welfare <span class="noglossary">application</span> process. Stage two is a detailed interview with MSDSI, in person or by phone, to see if you are eligible for income assistance or hardship benefits. | ||
If you qualify for welfare, | If you qualify for welfare, MSDSI should get funds to you shortly after your stage two interview. If you don't qualify for regular welfare, you may still qualify for a [http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/hardship/ hardship benefit]. Some kinds of hardship benefits (but not all) must be repaid to MSDSI. | ||
{{Tipsbox | {{Tipsbox | ||
| width = 90% | | width = 90% | ||
| tips = One exception to the requirement to do a three or five week work search before the stage two interview with | | tips = One exception to the requirement to do a three or five week work search before the stage two interview with MSDSI is if you have an urgent need for shelter, food or medical attention. There are other exceptions, like single parents with a child under three, or people leaving an abusive relationship. For a full list of people who do not have to do a three or five week work search, see the [http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/application/bcea_stage1/policy.html BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) Application Policy].}} | ||
== Where to get help == | == Where to get help == | ||
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Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the form [[Preparing for Your Interview]] included in this Guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case. | Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the form [[Preparing for Your Interview]] included in this Guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case. | ||
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Alison Ward]], January | {{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Alison Ward]], January 2016}} | ||
{{Template:Legal Help Guide Navbox|type=problems}} | {{Template:Legal Help Guide Navbox|type=problems}} | ||
{{Creative Commons for Legal Help Guide}} | {{Creative Commons for Legal Help Guide}} | ||
