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

*'''DISABILITY ASSISTANCE.''' This is a slightly higher, but still modest, monthly support and shelter allowance provided under the ''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act'' [EAPWDA] to those who meet the definition of “person with disabilities” in s 2 of that Act.     

*'''PPMB ASSISTANCE.''' This is a special form of income assistance for people who have “persistent multiple barriers” to employment according to the criteria set out in s 2 of the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' [EAR]. It is for people who have a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to look for work or to keep a job. Technically, it falls within the definition of “income assistance” but this chapter will refer to it as a distinct form of welfare benefits.  

*'''HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE.''' This is a support and shelter allowance provided under s 5 of the EAA and s 6 of the EAPWDA to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance (see also part 4 of the EAR and part 4 of the EAPWDR).  Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable, i.e. a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue a debt owing to the government. It is usually temporary assistance.  People with the PPMB or PWD designation may also receive hardship assistance, if they are not otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits.  Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance  

*'''HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS.''' Recipients of income assistance, PPMB, and disability assistance may qualify for various health supplements from the Ministry.  See Part 5, division 5 of the EAR, and Part 5, division 4 of the EAPWDR.  

*'''SUPPLEMENTS.''' These are other forms of assistance that may be provided on a case-by-case basis for specific purposes set out under the EAA and EAPWDA and their associated regulations.  See especially Part 5 of the EAR, Part 5 of the EAPWDR, and Ministry website (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/on-assistance/supplements).