I Have No Money for Food or Shelter

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 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

1. Applying for welfare in BC has two stages. You can start the first stage in three ways:
   1. by going in person to an MSD office
   2. by calling the MSD Call Centre at 1-866-866-0800, and telling them that you want to apply for welfare
   3. 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).

1. 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.

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

(can we do some kind of tip box for how to apply for welfare on reserve? Tip is If you live on an Indian Reserve, call the Band Office and ask to speak to the social development worker. This person can help with your application for welfare).

Also I messed up the numbering in this section. Could you please fix it?

What happens next

If you qualify for welfare, MSD should get funds to you shortyly after your stage two interview. If you don’t qualify for regular welfare, you may still qualify for a hardship benefit(Alison's note - I don't know what happened, but "hardship benefit" should be in quotes, not in bold. I think the formatting changed when I bolded the sentence re exceptions above. Sorry, and please fix!). Some (but not all) kinds of hardship benefits must be repaid to MSD.

== Where to get help ==

See the Resource Guide in Part 2 for a list of helpful resources. Your best bets are:

• Legal Services Society Publications: “Your Welfare Rights: A Guide to BC Employment and Assistance”, “Social Assistance on Reserve in British Columbia”.
• BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) website for online orientation and further information.
• PovNet, for contact and website information for welfare advocates near you.
• Access Pro Bono, Lawyer Referral Service, Salvation Army Pro Bono Lawyer Consultation Program, Private Bar Lawyers.

Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the form Preparing for Your Interview in Part 3 of this Guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case.

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