June 21, 2010

Recent welfare changes: Part 2

In the May issue of ELAN, we alerted you that further welfare changes were coming, including new rules about welfare eligibility for people who have outstanding arrest warrants under immigration legislation or in relation to an indictable offence.

As of June 1, 2010, these additional changes to the welfare legislation have taken effect.

Minimum shelter benefits eliminated

Before April 1, 2010, people receiving persons with disabilities benefits, and people aged 60 to 64 on income assistance who were not eligible for the federal spouse’s Allowance received $75 per month in shelter benefits from the Ministry of Housing and Social Development even if they had no actual shelter costs (e.g., they were homeless). As of June 1, 2010, this minimum shelter allowance is eliminated.

People with outstanding warrants not eligible for welfare

People who have outstanding warrants in relation to indictable offences or under immigration legislation will not generally be eligible for welfare. However, the rules are complicated; there are some exceptions and options for receiving repayable hardship benefits while trying to deal with a relevant warrant. The Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) has prepared a Welfare and Outstanding Warrants Fact Sheet for clients and advocates, which is available on the CLAS website and has been circulated on the PovNet welfare list.

Remember, if you want to stay on top of the welfare and warrants issue, and you’re not yet subscribed to the PovNet welfare list, you can subscribe by sending an e-mail to the moderator with a brief description of the work that you do.