WHEREAS the amount of support given to individuals on disability, welfare, andor old age security is inadequate to support peoples basic human needs in terms of adequate shelter, clothing, food, and other basic necessities, based on todays cost of living; AND WHEREAS this forces individuals, who are obliged by circumstance to utilize these programs, to live in a manner that violates basic human rights and dignity: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call on the provincial and federal governments to increase the basic support allowance given to individuals on disability, welfare, andor old age security to a level that reflects the true cost of living in our country.
Ministry of Social Development Social Innovation Income and disability assistance is intended to help eligible British Columbians temporarily while they look for work and to provide supports for those who are not able to work due to a disability. Rates need to be sustainable and at a level that provides an incentive for employable clients to find and keep full-time jobs. When setting assistance rates, the government of BC is obligated to take a balanced approach a realistic undertaking between what is fair to individuals seeking assistance and what this governments fiscal plan can support. The current rate structure takes into account all provincial and federal tax credits, child benefits and other available programs and support for low-income families and families on income and disability assistance. In addition, all clients are eligible for health and other supplementary benefits to meet a variety of unexpected or additional needs and Persons with Disabilities clients receive significant additional health benefits, including dental and optical coverage and medical supplies and equipment. Although the Province is not in a financial position to consider a rate increase at this time, exploring innovative, low-cost ways to improve services to people receiving assistance continues. In October 2012, the Ministry implemented new policies that allowed clients, especially families with children, to increase their monthly income. These changes included implementing earnings exemptions for employable clients, increasing the earnings exemption for Persons with Disabilities and exempting income tax refunds and retroactive Family Bonus payments. Government will continue to work with communities, stakeholders and individuals to explore other initiatives to improve the income and disability assistance system.