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VICTORIA – Beginning March 1, 2006, income assistance clients receiving Persons with Disabilities or Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers support will be able to earn up to $500 each month in addition to receiving their full shelter and support payment from the government, Employment and Income Assistance Minister Claude Richmond announced today.
Today’s announcement meets government’s commitment to raise the earnings exemption for these clients and marks the third increase since 2001, when the exemption for Persons with Disabilities was $200 per month. The latest increase to the earnings exemption for Persons with Disabilities clients brings it from $400 to $500 per month – a 150 per cent increase overall. This follows government’s decision early last year to increase disability assistance by $70 to $856 a month - the highest rate increase in B.C.’s history, providing the third highest rate of assistance available in Canada for persons with disabilities.
“Many people with disabilities have told me that although
they are not able to become fully financially independent, they want to improve
their quality of life through paid employment,” said Richmond. “Increasing the
earnings exemption encourages multi-barriered clients who want to work to
participate more fully in the workplace as best they can.”
The higher earnings exemption means persons with disabilities on income
assistance now have the opportunity to have a monthly income of $1,356 when the
earnings exemption is combined with the disability assistance rate. Persons
with Disabilities clients are also provided with low-cost bus passes and
enhanced medical coverage – including MSP, no deductible for PharmaCare, dental
and optical coverage, and medical supplies.
Similarly, the earnings exemption for Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers
clients has increased from $300 to $500 per month – an increase of more than 66
per cent. This will provide them with the opportunity to have a monthly income
of $1,108 when the earnings exemption is combined with their shelter and
support rate of $608 per month.
“In addition to financial benefits,
employment provides an individual with a greater sense of accomplishment and a
stronger connection to their community,” said Richmond.
To further support British Columbians
with disabilities who want to work, government has provided over $20 million
this year in specialized employment programs; created a $20-million Disability Supports for Employment Fund; and established
WorkAble Solutions to help connect individuals with disabilities with B.C.
employers. Persons with
disabilities may also be eligible for a Motor Fuel Tax refund of up
to $500 per year and a Provincial Sales Tax
exemption for vehicle modifications.
The government is
investing in these programs as part of its goal of building the best system of
support in Canada for persons with disabilities.
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contact: |
Director of Communications Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance 250 387-6489 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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