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Difference between revisions of "Introduction to Welfare (21:I)"
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Introduction to Welfare (21:I) (view source)
Revision as of 17:37, 23 August 2022
, 17:37, 23 August 2022no edit summary
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This chapter gives a general overview of a very complex area of law governed by lengthy and detailed legislation. Users should not read it on its own. Users of this chapter should be sure in each case to refer to the applicable welfare legislation. | This chapter gives a general overview of a very complex area of law governed by lengthy and detailed legislation. Users should not read it on its own. Users of this chapter should be sure in each case to refer to the applicable welfare legislation. | ||
'''NOTE:''' This chapter only deals with B.C welfare law. If one is applying to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for disability (or other) benefits, they should refer to the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/eligibility.html. Please be advised that the Law Student Legal Advice Program is not able to help with CPP disability benefits issues. If one requires assistance with CPP disability, they should reach out to Disability Alliance B.C. | |||
== A. What is welfare? == | == A. What is welfare? == | ||
Welfare is a basic form of income support provided by the state to those in need. | 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 Poverty Reduction (the Ministry). Welfare is a “payer of last resort,” which means that in order to receive welfare, a person must demonstrate they have exhausted almost 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. Welfare policy == | == B. Welfare policy == | ||
While the government’s policy on welfare is not law, it is an important lens for understanding welfare law in BC. | While the government’s policy on welfare is not law, it is an important lens for understanding welfare law in BC. Ministry policy sets out the practical details of how the ministry administers welfare. The Ministry’s welfare policies are contained in the “BC Employment and Assistance Policy and Procedure Manual,” which is available at: | ||
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual. | |||
The Policy and Procedure Manual incorporates MSDPR policy with the rules set out in the welfare legislation. It is an extremely useful tool for researching welfare law and policy. | |||
== C. Types of Welfare == | == C. Types of Welfare == | ||
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Under the current welfare legislation in BC, the following types of welfare benefits are available to those who qualify: | Under the current welfare legislation in BC, the following types of welfare benefits are available to those who qualify: | ||
*'''INCOME ASSISTANCE.''' This | *'''INCOME ASSISTANCE.''' This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the Employment and Assistance Act [EAA]. This is the benefit most people get when they receive welfare. | ||
:{| class="wikitable" | :{| class="wikitable" | ||