Difference between revisions of "Welfare Eligibility (21:III)"

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Welfare Eligibility (21:III) (view source)

Revision as of 18:49, 4 August 2016

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Read  the  EAR  (ss  1  and  11-13)  and  the  EAPWDR  (ss  1  and  10-12)  carefully  to  identify  the  asset criteria.  and  note  in  particular  the  definitions  of “asset”,  which  is  set  out  in  s  1  of  the  EAR  and EAPWDR.  
Read  the  EAR  (ss  1  and  11-13)  and  the  EAPWDR  (ss  1  and  10-12)  carefully  to  identify  the  asset criteria.  and  note  in  particular  the  definitions  of “asset”,  which  is  set  out  in  s  1  of  the  EAR  and EAPWDR.  


The  following  table  summarizes  the  asset  limits  for  different  family  sizes  applying  for  or  receiving different forms of welfare.  A more detailed table is available at http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/mhr/assets.htm.  
The  following  table  summarizes  the  asset  limits  for  different  family  sizes  applying  for  or  receiving different forms of welfare.  A more detailed table is available at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employmentt-and-assistance-rate-tables/asssets-rate-table.  


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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| $4 000
| $4 000
|-
|-
| Single person on, or applying for, disability assistance
| Family unit that includes one person on, or applying for, disability assistance (this includes single people)
| $5 000
| $100 000
|-
|-
| Family (more than one person) on, or applying for, disability assistance
| Family unit that includes two people on, or applying for, disability assistance
| $10 000
| $200 000
|}
|}


=== 1. Exempt Assets ===
=== 1. Exempt Assets ===


Students should review s 10(1) of EAR and s 10(1) of EAPWDR in detail to see if any of a person’s  particular  assets  are  exempt,  i.e.  do  not  count  toward  their  asset  limit.    Some  key exempt assets are:  
Sections 11(1) of EAR and s 10(1) of EAPWDR should be reviewed in detail to see if any of a person’s  particular  assets  are  exempt,  i.e.  do  not  count  toward  their  asset  limit.    Some  key exempt assets are:  
*clothing and necessary household equipment;  
*clothing and necessary household equipment;  
*vehicles  (limit  one  per  household  and  only  if  used  for  day-to-day  transportation needs.  Note  that  for  those  on  income  assistance  and  PPMB there  are  additional limits  set  out  in  s  11(1)(b)  of  the  EAR). '''Note:'''  If  someone  is applying for or receiving income assistance or PPMB assistance, and MSDSI expects the individual to look for and accept work, he or she can have a car with up to $10 000 equity in it that is used for daily transportation. However, the Ministry will count any other vehicles  owned  towards  the  family  unit’s  asset limits. (This does not apply to persons  applying for or receiving disability assistance, whose primary vehicle is exempt with no limit on the amount of equity in it);
*vehicles  (limit  one  per  household  and  only  if  used  for  day-to-day  transportation needs) A person who is applying for or receiving income assistance or PPMB assistance, can have a vehicle with up to $10 000 equity in it as an exempt asset. This equity limit does not apply to someone applying for or receiving disability assistance, whose primary vehicle is exempt with no limit on the amount of equity in it. The equity limit also does not apply to people receiving or applying for income assistane or PPMB benefits if the disability-related conditions in section 10(4) of the EAR are met. For all applicants and recipients, a second vehicle is not exempt and is counted toward asset exemption limits.;
*a family unit's place of residence;  
*a family unit's place of residence;  
*a child tax benefit or GST credit under the Income Tax Act (Canada);   
*a child tax benefit or GST credit under the Income Tax Act (Canada);   
*A BC early childhood tax benefit;  
*A BC early childhood tax benefit;  
*a sales tax credit under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia);  
*a sales tax credit under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia);  
*a  registered  disability  savings  plan  or “RDSP”  (see http://www.rdsp.com  for  more information); an uncashed life insurance policy with a cash surrender value of $1 500 or less; '''and'''
*a  registered  disability  savings  plan  or “RDSP”  (see http://www.rdsp.com  for  more information);  
an uncashed life insurance policy with a cash surrender value of $1 500 or less; '''and'''
*business tools;  
*business tools;  


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In order to be eligible for income assistance, PPMB assistance, or disability assistance, applicants must exhaust  all  other  sources  of  income  to  support  themselves  and  their  dependants,  except for  income specifically exempted by legislation or policy.   
In order to be eligible for income assistance, PPMB assistance, or disability assistance, applicants must exhaust  all  other  sources  of  income  to  support  themselves  and  their  dependants,  except for  income specifically exempted by legislation or policy.   


The net income limits for welfare recipients are set out in s 11 of the EAR and s 9 of the EAPWDR.  Schedule B in both regulations sets out the manner in which a person’s net income is calculated for the purpose of welfare eligibility.     
The net income limits for welfare recipients are set out in s 10 of the EAR and s 9 of the EAPWDR.  Schedule B in both regulations sets out the manner in which a person’s net income is calculated for the purpose of welfare eligibility.     


=== 1. Types of Income Relevant to Income Limits ===
=== 1. Types of Income Relevant to Income Limits ===
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=== 2. Deductions and Exemptions from Income ===
=== 2. Deductions and Exemptions from Income ===


Earned  and  unearned  income  is  deducted  dollar-for-dollar  from  a  recipient’s  monthly cheque,  subject  to  a  list  of  deductions  and  exemptions  set  out  in  ss  1-9  of  Schedule  B  of EAR and in ss 1-9 of Schedule B of EAPWDR.  '''Students should review these sections carefully to determine if the client’s income is exempt or subject to deductions.'''
Earned  and  unearned  income  is  deducted  dollar-for-dollar  from  a  recipient’s  monthly cheque,  subject  to  a  list  of  deductions  and  exemptions  set  out  in  ss  1-9  of  Schedule  B  of EAR and in ss 1-9 of Schedule B of EAPWDR.  '''These sections should be carefully reviewed to determine if the applicant’s income is exempt or subject to deductions.'''


Money withdrawn from a disability trust for certain purposes is also exempt as income. See s 13 of the EAR, and s 12 of the EAPWDR.  Also see s 7(1)(d) of Schedule B to the EAR and the EAPWDR.  
Money withdrawn from a disability trust for certain purposes is also exempt as income. See s 13 of the EAR, and s 12 of the EAPWDR.  Also see s 7(1)(d) of Schedule B to the EAR and the EAPWDR.  
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=== 3. Earnings Exemptions ===
=== 3. Earnings Exemptions ===


Recipients  of  income  assistance,  PPMB  assistance,  and  disability  assistance  all  have  an earnings exemption.  The earnings exemption for income assistance and PPMB assistance is monthly; As of January 1, 2015, the earnings exemption for recipients of disability assistance is calculated per year (i.e. annual earnings exemption).  The exemptions apply  to all earned income,  including  wages  from  employment,  money  received  from  providing  room,  and board  at  a  person’s  place  of  residence,  or  money  received  from  renting  rooms  that  are common to the person’s place of residence.  
Recipients  of  income  assistance,  PPMB  assistance,  and  disability  assistance  all  have  an earnings exemption.  The earnings exemption for income assistance and PPMB assistance is monthly. As of January 1, 2015, the earnings exemption for recipients of disability assistance is calculated per year (i.e. annual earnings exemption).  The exemptions apply  to all earned income,  including  wages  from  employment,  money  received  from  providing  room,  and board  at  a  person’s  place  of  residence,  or  money  received  from  renting  rooms  that  are common to the person’s place of residence.  


For  recipients  of  income  assistance  and  PPMB  assistance, there  is  a  one  month  waiting period  to  claim  any  earnings  exemption.  This  means  that a  family  unit  cannot  claim  an earnings exemption for the first month in which they initially apply for and become eligible for  income  assistance  or  PPMB  assistance,  but  can  claim an  earnings  exemption  for  any subsequent months.   
For  recipients  of  income  assistance  and  PPMB  assistance, there  is  a  one  month  waiting period  to  claim  any  earnings  exemption.  This  means  that a  family  unit  cannot  claim  an earnings exemption for the first month in which they initially apply for and become eligible for  income  assistance  or  PPMB  assistance,  but  can  claim an  earnings  exemption  for  any subsequent months.   
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*A  member  of  the  family  unit  received  income  assistance or  PPMB  assistance  in  the month before the family unit became eligible for disability assistance.  
*A  member  of  the  family  unit  received  income  assistance or  PPMB  assistance  in  the month before the family unit became eligible for disability assistance.  


Current earnings exemptions are as follows (NOTE: Some of these amounts are scheduled to                be                increased                Sept                1                2015.                Check http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2006/Earnings_Exemption.htm for current exemptions):  
Current earnings exemptions are as follows:  
*a. Family unit receiving income assistance:            $200/month  
*a. Family units, without children, receiving income assistance:            $200/month  
*b. ($400/month  after Sept 1, 2015);  Exception:  a  single parent  of  a  child  or  foster child who has a disability that prevents the parent from working more than 30 hours per  week  has  an  earnings  exemption  of  $300/month  while  receiving  income assistance ($500/month after Sep 1, 2015)   
*b. Family units receiving income assistance who have a dependant child or are caring for a supported child: $400/month  (up from $200 as of September 1, 2015);  Exception:  a  single parent  of  a  child  or  foster child who has a disability that prevents the parent from working more than 30 hours per  week  has  an  earnings  exemption  of  $500/month  while  receiving  income assistance (up from $300/month as of September 1, 2015)   
*c.Family unit receiving PPMB assistance:  $500/month  
*c.Family unit receiving PPMB assistance:  $500/month  
*d. Family unit receiving disability assistance:   
*d. Family unit receiving disability assistance:   
**$9600 per calendar year for a single adult (or single parent) with the PWD designation;  $12  000  for  with  two  adults  where  one  adult  has  the  PWD designation, and the other adult does not.   
**$9600 per calendar year for a single adult (or single parent) with the PWD designation;  $12  000  for  a family unit with  two  adults  where  one  adult  has  the  PWD designation, and the other adult does not.   
**$19,200  per  calendar  year  for  families  where  two  adults  have  the  PWD designation.   
**$19,200  per  calendar  year  for  families  where  two  adults  have  the  PWD designation.   


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== F. Age Requirements ==
== F. Age Requirements ==


Generally, welfare recipients must be 19 years of age, but there are some circumstances where those under 19 may (or must) apply for welfare.  See s 5 of EAR and s 5 of EAPWDR.  Minors under 19 who  do  not  live  with  their  parents  or  guardians  have  the  right  to  apply  for  income  assistance  from MSDSI. To qualify, the Ministry has to be convinced that their parents will not support them.  
Generally, a person must be 19 years of age in order to apply independently for welfare, but there are some circumstances where those under 19 may (or must) apply for welfare.  See s 5 of EAR and s 5 of EAPWDR.  Minors under 19 who  do  not  live  with  their  parents  or  guardians  have  the  right  to  apply  for  income  assistance  from MSDSI. To qualify, the Ministry has to be convinced that their parents will not support them.  


=== 1. Income Assistance for Children and Youth ===
=== 1. Income Assistance for Children and Youth ===
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=== 4. MCFD Youth agreements for 16 to 18-year-old youths ===
=== 4. MCFD Youth agreements for 16 to 18-year-old youths ===


Youths aged 16 to 18 years who have left home and do not have a parent or other persons willing  to  take  responsibility  for  him  or  her,  or  who cannot  return  home  for  reasons  of safety,  may  be  eligible  for  a  Youth  Agreement  with  the  Ministry  of  Child  and  Family Development  (“MCFD”).  A  Youth  Agreement  assists  at-risk  youth  to  live  independently, return to school, and gain work experience or life skills. For more information on whether a person      qualifies,      contact      the      nearest      MCFD      office.      Also      see http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth/agreements.htm    for    more    information    regarding    youth agreements.
Youths aged 16 to 18 years who have left home and do not have a parent or other persons willing  to  take  responsibility  for  him  or  her,  or  who cannot  return  home  for  reasons  of safety,  may  be  eligible  for  a  Youth  Agreement  with  the  Ministry  of  Child  and  Family Development  (“MCFD”).  A  Youth  Agreement  assists  at-risk  youth  to  live  independently, return to school, and gain work experience or life skills. For more information on whether a person      qualifies,      contact      the      nearest      MCFD      office.      Also      see http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/protecting-children/youth-agreements.


=== 5. MCFD Extended Family Program ===
=== 5. MCFD Extended Family Program ===


If  a  young  person  under  19  lives  with  extended  family  members  or  close  friends,  the caregiver may be eligible for benefits to care for the young person under MCFD’s Extended Family Program.  The child’s parent(s) must live elsewhere, must request these benefits from MCFD, and must agree with the placement.  Extended Family Program benefits are usually temporary.    A  caregiver  who  is  also  the  child’s  legal  guardian  is  not  eligible  for  Extended Family Program benefits.  For more information, see:                http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/alternativestofostercare/extended_family.htm
If  a  young  person  under  19  lives  with  extended  family  members  or  close  friends,  the caregiver may be eligible for benefits to care for the young person under MCFD’s Extended Family Program.  The child’s parent(s) must live elsewhere, must request these benefits from MCFD, and must agree with the placement.  Extended Family Program benefits are usually temporary.    A  caregiver  who  is  also  the  child’s  legal  guardian  is  not  eligible  for  Extended Family Program benefits.  For more information, see:                http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/fostering/temporary-permanent-care-options/placement-with-a-person-other-than-the-parent


== G. Obligation to Pursue Other Support and Not Dispose of Property ===
== G. Obligation to Pursue Other Support and Not Dispose of Property ===
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=== 1. No Obligation to Assign Child Support Rights ===
=== 1. No Obligation to Assign Child Support Rights ===


Division  4  of  the  EAR  and  the  EAPWDR  which  provided  that  welfare  applicants and recipients '''were required to''' assign to the  Crown  any rights they may  have  to pursue or respond to legal proceedings involving maintenance for their dependent children (i.e. child support) was  repealed effective  May  1, 2015    Note  that  there  has been  no  change  to the spousal  support  process;  welfare  applicants  and  recipients '''must assign'''  to the  Crown  any rights to claim, pursue or receive spousal support.  
Until May 1, 2015, applicants for and recipients of welfare were required to assign to MSDSI any rights they had to pursue or respond to legal proceedings involving maintenance for their dependent children (i.e. child support) and for themselves (i.e. spousal support). That requirement has been repealed. Currently, a person applying for or receiving welfare has the choice whether or not to assign their right to pursue child or spousal support to MSDSI. See section 20 of the EAR and section 17 of the EAPWDR.  


As of September 1, 2015, MSDSI no longer considers child support payments received to be unearned income, and child support will not be deducted from welfare cheques.   
As of September 1, 2015, MSDSI no longer considers child support payments received to be unearned income, and child support will not be deducted from welfare cheques.   


If  the  client previously  signed  an  assignment  of  their  child  support  rights  to  MSDSI and wants  to have  it  continue  they  had  to  have  contacted  their Family  Maintenance  Worker  or have called the ministry by a deadline in June 2015. 
If  a client wants MSDSI to provide them with legal help in pursuing an order or agreement for child support (or possibly varying an old Court order or agreement), the client can contact MSDSI and ask to voluntarily assign their child support rights to MSDSI. The guidelines the ministry will apply in deciding whether to accept a voluntary assignment of child support rights are at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/family-maintenance-servicecs. 
 
If the client missed this deadline and their assignment has ended, the client can still contact the  ministry  and  ask  to  voluntarily  assign  their  child  support  rights  to  the  ministry,  so  that the  ministry  can  provide them with free  legal help in obtaining  a  Court  or agreement for child support (or possibly varying an old Court order or agreement).   The guidelines the ministry will apply in deciding whether to accept a voluntary assignment of child support rights                                                               are                                                               at http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/family_maintenance_program/fmp/  


If a client already has a child support order or agreement enrolled for enforcement with the Family Maintenance Enforcement  Program (FMEP) as of May 1, 2015, the client can now choose to either:
If a client already has a child support order or agreement enrolled for enforcement with the Family Maintenance Enforcement  Program (FMEP) as of May 1, 2015, the client can now choose to either:
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If  a  client  decides  to  withdraw  an  order  or  agreement  from  registration  with  FMEP,  the client  can  still  try  to  enforce  the  order  themselves  through  the  court  (i.e.  collect  on  child support  payments  or  arrears)  procedures  set  out  in  the ''Family  Maintenance  Enforcement Act'', RSBC 1996, c 127.   
If  a  client  decides  to  withdraw  an  order  or  agreement  from  registration  with  FMEP,  the client  can  still  try  to  enforce  the  order  themselves  through  the  court  (i.e.  collect  on  child support  payments  or  arrears)  procedures  set  out  in  the ''Family  Maintenance  Enforcement Act'', RSBC 1996, c 127.   


=== 2. Assignment of Spousal Support ===
=== 2. Spousal Support still considered income ===
 
While an applicant for or recipient of welfare is no longer legally required to assign their right to pursue spousal support to MSDSI, any spousal support received is still considered unearned income and will be deducted dollar-for-dollar from all welfare benefits. If MSDSI considers that a person has a right to spousal support but the person does not pursue it (either independently or by assigning their spousal support right to MSDSI), MSDSI may reduce the amount of assistance granted to the person's family unit or declare the family unit ineligible for a period set by the regulations (see EAR, ss 29 and 31; EAPWDR, ss 25 and 27).
 
If an applicant for or recipient of welfare is interested in assigning their spousal support rights to MSDSI so they can get legal help obtaining a court order or agreement for spousal support, the client can contact MSDSI and ask to voluntarily assign their right to spousal support.  here that person’s that persons’  ex-partner is abusive toward them, it is important for the person to disclose this to MSDSI.  MSDSI’s policy provides discretion not to pursue spousal support under an assignment where doing so could put the applicant or recipient at risk.  For more information, see MSDSI’s risk assessment policy at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/family-maintenance-services


An applicant for welfare is still required to assign any right they have to spousal support to the Ministry, and any spousal support received will be deducted dollar-for-dollar as unearned income.        Where  a  welfare applicant  or  recipient’s  ex-partner  is  abusive  toward  them,  it  is important for the person to disclose this to MSDSI.  MSDSI’s policy provides discretion not to  pursue  spousal  support  under  an  assignment  where  doing so  could  put  the  applicant  or recipient at risk.  For more information, see MSDSI’s risk assessment policy at http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/family_maintenance_program/fmp/policy.html#7


== H. Two Years’ Past Financial Independence Requirement ==
== H. Two Years’ Past Financial Independence Requirement ==
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Certain groups are exempt from the orientation and job search; see ss 4.1(4),(5), and (6) and s 4.2(5) of each Regulation (EAR and EAPWDR) for details.  
Certain groups are exempt from the orientation and job search; see ss 4.1(4),(5), and (6) and s 4.2(5) of each Regulation (EAR and EAPWDR) for details.  


'''NOTE:''' if a person can show that they have an immediate need for food, shelter, or urgent medical attention,  they  may qualify  for  (non-repayable)  hardship assistance from  MSDSI  while  they  do  their work  search.    A  person  in  this  situation  should  request  an “'''immediate  needs  assessment'''”  from MSDSI.      MSDSI’s  service  standard  is  that  a  person  requesting  immediate  needs  assessment  should have their situation assessed by MSDSI,  and their immediate need met, within one business day. See MSDSI’s              policy              on              immediate              needs              assessments              at http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/application/immneeds/policy.html
'''NOTE:''' if a person can show that they have an immediate need for food, shelter, or urgent medical attention,  they  may qualify  for  (non-repayable)  hardship assistance from  MSDSI  while  they  do  their work  search.    A  person  in  this  situation  should  request  an “'''immediate  needs  assessment'''”  from MSDSI.      MSDSI’s  service  standard  is  that  a  person  requesting  immediate  needs  assessment  should have their situation assessed by MSDSI,  and their immediate need met, within one business day. See MSDSI’s              policy              on              immediate              needs              assessments              at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/application-and-intake/immediate-needs


An applicant does not have to do a work search (either three or five weeks) if they:  
An applicant does not have to do a work search (either three or five weeks) if they:  
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== K. Single Parent Employment Initiative ==
== K. Single Parent Employment Initiative ==


MSDSI is  introducing  a new “single  parent employment initiative”  effective  September  1,  2015. Under  this  initiative,  if  a  single  parent  on  income and disability  assistance  is  assessed  as  needing training in order to gain employment in certain fields, they may be eligible for MSDSI to pay tuition of up to $7500 for their training, and  to continue receiving income or disability assistance for up to 12 months  while  participating  in  an  approved  training  program.  Single  parents  may  be  eligible  for additional  child  care  and  transportation  supports  while  participating  in  the  training  program  or  paid work  experience  program.    Single  parents  that  are  eligible  for  the  child  care  subsidy  may  also  have access  to  additional  child  care  supports  during  their  training  period  and  their  first  year  of  their employment.   
Effective September 1, 2015, MSDSI introduced a new "single parent employment initiative". Under  this  initiative,  if  a  single  parent  on  income assistance, PPMB or disability  assistance  is  assessed  as  needing training in order to gain employment in certain fields, they may be eligible for MSDSI to pay tuition of up to $7500 for their training, and  to continue receiving income or disability assistance for up to 12 months  while  participating  in  an  approved  training  program.  Single  parents  may  be  eligible  for additional  child  care  and  transportation  supports  while  participating  in  the  training  program  or  paid work  experience  program.    Single  parents  that  are  eligible  for  the  child  care  subsidy  may  also  have access  to  additional  child  care  supports  during  their  training  period  and  their  first  year  of  their employment.   


For  more  details  on  the  single  parent  training  assistance  program, as  well  others  the  client  may  be qualified  for,  see the  Online  Resource  under “Employment  Programs  and  Community  Resources”: http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/employment_programs_and_community_services/  
For  more  details  on  this program, see MSDSI's Policy and Procedures Manual under "Single Parent Employment Initiative" at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/eligibility/education-and-training


== L. Persons With Disabilities (PWD)/Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) ==
== L. Persons With Disabilities (PWD)/Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) ==
LSLAP
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