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

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LSLAP Manual
This page is from the Law Students' Legal Advice Program Manual. See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
1. Criminal Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary
2. Youth Justice · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice Act · Appendix A: Glossary
3. Family Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary
4. Victims · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Abuse of the Seniors & Disabled · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP & Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up
5. Public Complaints · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Police Conduct Complaints · VI. Security Guard Conduct Complaints · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints & Appeals UBC · IX. Complaints & Appeals SFU · X. Complaints against Other Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · XIII. Complaints against other Professionals · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter
6. Human Rights · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings
7. Workers' Compensation · I. Introduction · II. Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Worker Compensation Claims · IV. LSLAP's Role at Initial Decision · V. Limitation Periods & Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits & Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. 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
8. Employment Insurance · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist
9. Employment Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary
10. Creditors and Debtors · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist
11. Consumer Protection · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts & Security Agreements · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Checklist for Consumer Transactions
12. Auto Insurance (ICBC) I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Enhanced Care System · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. ICBC's Previous Autoplan Insurance System · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage
13. Motor Vehicle Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Driving Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent of Motor Vehicle Prohibitions · IX. Alcohol & Drug Driving Offences · X. Federal Driving Offences · XI. Provincial Driving While Prohibited Offences · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles & Motor Assisted Cycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines
14. Mental Health Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted Patients · VIII. Mental Health Act and Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP Program Information
15. Adult Guardianship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect
16. Wills and Estate Administration · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Making and Executing a Will · IV. Will Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. Estate Administration · XI. Duties of Personal Representative · XII. Tax: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary
17. Citizenship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Citizenship Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation of Citizenship · VIII. Proof of Citizenship · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals
18. Immigration Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Immigration Players · IV. Categories of Persons under IRPA · V. Applying for Permanent Residency · VI. Identification for PR · VII. Immigration and Refugee Board · VIII. Loss of PR Status · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Immigration Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts
19. Landlord and Tenant Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Residential Tenancy Act & Laws · IV. Tenancy Agreements · V. Moving In & Moving Out · VI. Security Deposits · VII. Repair & Service · VIII. Rent Increase · IX. Tenant's Rights · X. Subletting & Assignment · XI. Termination & Eviction · XII. Dispute Resolution · XIII. Common Law · XIV. Strata & Condos · XV. Assisted Living · XVI. Manufactured Homes · XVII. Guidelines & Resources
20. Small Claims and the CRT · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & 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
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
22. Strata Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property & Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws & Rules · XI. Rentals & Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair & Maintenance · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts
23. Referrals · I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others
v • d • e

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.

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 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.

B. Referrals

See Chapter 22: Referrals for additional referrals.

add contacts info from p. 21-1 - 2 here

C. The Welfare Legislation

Welfare law in BC is governed by the following statutes and regulations, all of which are available at http://www.bclaws.ca:

Employment and Assistance Act, SBC 2002, c 40 [EAA];

Employment and Assistance Regulation, BC Reg 263/2002 [EAR];

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].

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.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php?title=Introduction_to_Welfare_(21:I)&oldid=29990"

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 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 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.
+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.