Disability and welfare is the downfall of Canada.

[rustled]

BC Housing helps Jane with her rent

I thought that only a 'family' or a 'self employed' person can get help from BC housing- single or disability or soc assistance can't get it.

Jane is single, has PWD designation for permanent cognitive impairment, and within days of her eligibility for PWD being established we were contacted by the ministry to set her up with BC Housing.

Here in Penticton, Penticton & District Society for Community Living (PDSCL) is the go-to organization for help with BC Housing, and the other agencies and societies in town would refer folk to them. It's likely the same in your community.

[rustled]

https://www.vancourier.com/news/challen ... e-1.380807

Info is old but applicable. MLA J Brar tried to live on the rates.

Yes, I remember this. Several improvements since then. (Still room for improvement, too.)

[rustled]

^^^ Welcome news to know, unfortunately many on disability don’t have resources to know were to look for this help.
impo more advocates could really be needed to help with finding all resources available to those with a disability.

Bingo. A caseworker could help them. Maybe that's why there are no case workers-so govt saves money by not having info and help available?

Having designated caseworkers at the ministry was no silver bullet. While it was in place, it was an impediment to have to wait to speak to our designated caseworker.

Once in the PWD system, there are many local agencies through which workers are provided. Jane has had a worker assigned through one of these local government-funded societies for many years. People have left the position for various reasons and been replaced, but by and large it's the same worker for months (and often years) at a time.

System is complicated. A UBI would simplify so much.

While it is complicated, and there is room for improvement, a UBI could be our undoing.

There will be consequences if we overload the "social contract" commitments our economy must sustain. Our current system is certainly not perfect, but it is not anywhere near as imperfect as some would have us believe.

[GordonH]

^^^ I’m not talking about a ministry caseworker, I am talking about a advocate who’s interested is strictly for PWD.

This could be a caring Family member who is willing to go through some of stupid red tape, that PWD looks at and freezes. Then tragedy ends up self medicating on the streets.

[rustled]

^^^ I’m not talking about a ministry caseworker, I am talking about a advocate who’s interested is strictly for PWD.

This could be a caring Family member who is willing to go through some of stupid red tape, that PWD looks at and freezes. Then tragedy ends up self medicating on the streets.

As I pointed out, these are available through several agencies. (Some of the stupid red tape is enough to make me freeze, and dealing with it makes me want to self medicate!)

Jane has ongoing consistent regular support from a government funded service organization set up to provide services for PWD clients. Their employees are often better able to help her than I am (they deal with the ministry etc. on behalf of many clients and know what's new, what's changed, the best approach etc.) and they will still be there for Jane if something happens to me.

[Ka-El]

System is complicated. A UBI would simplify so much.

The more I look into and study the idea the more I am inclined to agree with you.
Here is a very interesting article I found written on the topic ...

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Pros, Cons & some Unexpected Benefits

A Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a system that would see an unconditional cash sum handed out by the government to every citizen on a periodic basis.

Proponents of UBI claim that by guaranteeing a basic living income to every individual, UBI will eradicate poverty and improve economic equality and societal stability.

Detractors of UBI bemoan the system with two main arguments:
1. The only way to afford such a program is to raise taxes on working individuals and corporations. It is robbing the productive class to pay the unproductive, or worse, those who simply do not care to produce anything.
2. Doling out free money will incentivize people to not work.

Allow me to address these two concerns.

More …

http://reasonedutopia.com/for-against-u ... ncome/?i=1

I hope people do take a look at the entire article and not just the summary I've posted below. The idea of a UBI is as much futurist as it is leftist, and I’m certain it is just coincidence that many futurist ideas are more consistent with left-wing ideology.

It’s only a matter of time now.

Summary

In summary, I support the introduction of UBI. Savings from discontinued social programs, reduced health expenses, trimmed law enforcement and UBI’s ability to incentivize new entrepreneurs (and the additional tax revenues they will generate) will easily fund the program. Most importantly, UBI will eliminate the insecurity and stress of fighting for basic survival needs. Satisfying human needs and hence eliminating fear of survival and insecurity will result in freeing up the human mind in an explosion of creativity that will deliver great benefits to society – both psychological and economical. Benefits will not be confined to just the poverty stricken. UBI’s psychological solace will be transmitted through even the higher echelons of society. To be effective, UBI should not be introduced on a “limited trial” basis but implemented unconditionally and in perpetuity for all citizens.

Today’s technology makes it possible to unconditionally provide basic needs (and then some) to every human, at least in the developed economies. Doing so would eliminate survival insecurity and leave the population free to discover and pursue their passion, seek enlightenment and lead productive lives. Instead, developed societies have created a labyrinth of programs that impose ridiculous eligibility conditions in order to avail one’s self of basic needs. UBI would end this bureaucracy.

Try to examine UBI objectively and independently – on your own. Stop aligning yourself with the left or the right. Stop labeling yourself a capitalist, a socialism or a communist. And stop presupposing UBI recipients as free loaders – trust humanity just a little. Ask yourself what you would do with your UBI. Would you stop working and spend the rest of your life watching television? No? Then why would everyone else?

ETA:

Universal Basic Income is a concept where everyone receives a check from their government every month to pay for any necessities one may need. Although the thought of Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a radical move for any country, it can be a way to alleviate poverty. Instead of Food Stamp and Welfare programs, citizens would receive one lump sum check regardless of status. According to the Huffington Post “it could eliminate poverty to a great extent and set the stage for a healthier and more productive society.”

Switzerland citizens have been fighting for this movement and have sparked a public referendum to push the movement forward. The country has seen the possible benefits of what a UBI can accomplish. Families can have food security, income inequality would decrease, and if countries adopt the idea with success may influence other countries to do the same. In the 1970’s Canada experimented with the implementation of a UBI, and according to the New York Times “poverty disappeared…High-school completion rates went up; hospitalization rates went down.”

https://borgenproject.org/benefits-of-u ... technology.

So, to be clear, a population sample was taken from Manitoba to be included in a larger study.

The Basic Income Guarantee Experiments of the 1970s: a quick summary of results

https://basicincome.org/news/2017/12/ba ... y-results/

https://medium.com/basic-income/what-ca ... afcab8e2a3

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/universa ... 1f72345a26

[mysideofthings]

As someone who is actually on disability for mental health conditions, as much as I dislike having to rely on assistance, I am grateful for it. It's not easy to live on, and the stigma and ignorance of others towards those who are on it is just disgusting.

In the past, and when the rate was lower, it most definitely was harder for me when it was my sole income as I was so unwell that I couldn't work and struggled to even leave the house for necessary appointments. I had to live in situations that weren't always good for my mental health because of my income level, but I had no choice. It only made my struggles worse. Now, MANY years later, being able to work (barely even part time) has helped me supplement my disability, and I'm in a much better place mentally and financially.

Trying to find subsidized housing was (and to my knowledge still is) difficult. There once were wait lists for YEARS to get into any. I wouldn't be surprised if it's still the same now. They also have different criteria for each building a person can apply to, 18+ only, single, single parent or families with children under 18, etc.

There are still restrictions from being on PWD. It has gotten a bit better, but there was a time you weren't able to get a 'gift' of money (even $20 for a birthday or christmas) without them deducting it (if you were honest and declared it) or not being allowed to have over a certain amount in your bank account (I think you still aren't allowed more than $2000), so if you can't work, you really are reliant on just what they give you. in BC, the rate for a single person now is $1183.42, if you don't get any extra supplements; $375 of that is 'shelter' support. In other provinces, the rate varies. In some, it's not even $1000.

There used to be an advocate program in the okanagan who helped people who were on disability, but the only office I know of based out of Kelowna closed years ago. Now you have to call a place in Vancouver.

As far as getting disability, it's not so simple. People have to go to a provider to help them fill out a form and be able to provide documentation to support that, if asked. I feel like income assistance aka welfare probably does not have as stringent criteria and might be easier to get compared to disability and definitely shouldn't be lumped into the same category. They are two completely different things. A disability actually has to be proven.

[rustled]

As someone who is actually on disability for mental health conditions, as much as I dislike having to rely on assistance, I am grateful for it. It's not easy to live on, and the stigma and ignorance of others towards those who are on it is just disgusting.

In the past, and when the rate was lower, it most definitely was harder for me when it was my sole income as I was so unwell that I couldn't work and struggled to even leave the house for necessary appointments. I had to live in situations that weren't always good for my mental health because of my income level, but I had no choice. It only made my struggles worse. Now, MANY years later, being able to work (barely even part time) has helped me supplement my disability, and I'm in a much better place mentally and financially.

My sibling with permanent cognitive impairment (I call her Jane here) is fortunate to have found suitable work - and fortunate that the province has since dealt with the restrictions around working while on PWD. Like you, she relies on the safety net to be there when she needs it and does what she can to help herself, and the old restrictions made it really difficult for people who were able to contribute by working. I am eternally grateful to her employer for taking a chance on her and helping her help herself, and wish there was a way to help other employers who would like to do the same.

Trying to find subsidized housing was (and to my knowledge still is) difficult. There once were wait lists for YEARS to get into any. I wouldn't be surprised if it's still the same now. They also have different criteria for each building a person can apply to, 18+ only, single, single parent or families with children under 18, etc.

Upon being re-designated (long story, too personal to share), Jane was immediately eligible for a housing allowance in addition to her monthly benefit and she was offered more appropriate accommodation in an apartment within a few months of her eligibility.

There are still restrictions from being on PWD. It has gotten a bit better, but there was a time you weren't able to get a 'gift' of money (even $20 for a birthday or christmas) without them deducting it (if you were honest and declared it) or not being allowed to have over a certain amount in your bank account (I think you still aren't allowed more than $2000),

That was awful, wasn't it? The assets limit is now $100,000 for single, double that for a family with a PWD. One of the many sensible improvements the government started making a while back, thank goodness. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/gove ... mits-table

so if you can't work, you really are reliant on just what they give you. in BC, the rate for a single person now is $1183.42, if you don't get any extra supplements; $375 of that is 'shelter' support. In other provinces, the rate varies. In some, it's not even $1000.

It has been some time since Jane was unable to work, but it is my understanding her assistance with rent through BC Housing was in addition to her monthly benefit. I could be wrong about that. I'll see if I have enough of her old paperwork on file to find out.

There used to be an advocate program in the okanagan who helped people who were on disability, but the only office I know of based out of Kelowna closed years ago. Now you have to call a place in Vancouver.

There are agencies here in Penticton for people with cognitive disabilities. It may well be that people with other forms of disability are not eligible for these agencies - if so, that's a need to be addressed.

As far as getting disability, it's not so simple. People have to go to a provider to help them fill out a form and be able to provide documentation to support that, if asked. I feel like income assistance aka welfare probably does not have as stringent criteria and might be easier to get compared to disability and definitely shouldn't be lumped into the same category. They are two completely different things. A disability actually has to be proved.

Yes, it is complicated. I once heard an MLA on the radio tell the interviewer how easy it is - hah. And that was before we had a shortage of family physicians in BC. Our experience with Jane showed there is a definite need for support during the designation process. I found out afterward that our local women's centre could have helped, and that they helped men who need assistance with navigating the system as well. A knowledgeable agency at one of the many service providers - to which all the other service providers, our MLAs and MPs could point those of us needing help - should be established in every community of any size in Canada.

I can't speak to whether or not it's "easier" to prove eligibility for income assistance (welfare) but it is likely it's more difficult to establish PWD that may be because of all the additional supports provided by provincial and federal government for PWD.

I hope you are aware of the RDSP programs - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency ... -rdsp.html https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/fami ... vings-plan.

Best of luck to you, mysideofthings.

[mysideofthings]

I hope you are aware of the RDSP programs - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency ... -rdsp.html https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/fami ... vings-plan.

Best of luck to you, mysideofthings.

Yes. Unfortunately, you have to be approved for the disability tax credit to access that, and that requires a person to be significantly impaired in either one or several areas 90%+ of the time and has a high rate of denial, not to mention the cost to pay to get a provider to help fill it out that you won't get back if denied.

I would never qualify for the DTC based on the current criteria. The other issue is that my symptoms aren't the same day to day, which they don't seem to understand is common with many mental health or physical health conditions, so whoever set the criteria for that clearly has no clue.

[rustled]

I hope you are aware of the RDSP programs - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency ... -rdsp.html https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/fami ... vings-plan.

Best of luck to you, mysideofthings.

Yes. Unfortunately, you have to be approved for the disability tax credit to access that, and that requires a person to be significantly impaired in either one or several areas 90%+ of the time and has a high rate of denial, not to mention the cost to pay to get a provider to help fill it out that you won't get back if denied.

I would never qualify for the DTC based on the current criteria. The other issue is that my symptoms aren't the same day to day, which they don't seem to understand is common with many mental health or physical health conditions, so whoever set the criteria for that clearly has no clue.

Hopefully some of these problems will be addressed in the next round of improvements.

[lesliepaul]

The DTC is one of those benefits "Canada" brags about having...........then turns down 90% of the applicants. It took close to 10 months for me to get approved by the government and then a year later they decided to question me again and had to have another doctor here fill out the form again..........my doctor here NEVER even heard of the DTC program. Typical government bureaucracy to brag to other countries about what programs they provide for people (to look good on the world stage) but do next to nothing in promoting the DTC program to Canadians who qualify.

The tax credit shows up on your income tax at about $7800 which equates to about $1800 savings against income. When you apply you can go back a maximum of 10 years if your disability was evident with your doctor's records. The form itself takes the doctor 10 minutes to fill out.........pretty simple in reality. Once arriving on a government employee's desk, they do everything possible to "deny".

The payoff IF you succeed the roadblocks is worth the effort............I was able to go back the 10 years to have my income tax adjusted for the DTC and one day there was 10 seperate letters with each tax year adjusted and the eleventh envelope had a cheque for over $16,000.00.

[GordonH]

Finding all the possible benefits available to those with disabilities is like pulling impacted tooth. Then once found the bs red tape & hoops needed to jump through.