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VICTORIA – The Province will invest another $1.25 million to boost supports to two existing programs for British Columbians who are most in need – including persons with persistent multiple barriers and persons with disabilities.
Effective May 1, 2005, the government will raise the Comforts Allowance provided to income assistance clients residing in a special care facility, alcohol or drug treatment facility from $85 to $95 per month. The Comforts Allowance is intended to cover the cost of personal items while a client is in a facility where their basic nutritional and support needs are being met. It is estimated that approximately 4,500 people will benefit from this increase.
In addition, starting April 1, 2005, government will double the dental coverage limit for persons with persistent multiple barriers from $500 to $1,000 over two years. This brings their dental coverage to the same level as persons with disabilities. It is estimated that approximately 13,000 people will benefit from this increase.
These increased supports are part of a number of Budget 2005 measures that are making a difference in the lives of British Columbians in need, including:
· $56 million to raise the disability assistance rate by $70 to provide persons with disabilities with the second-highest rate of income assistance in Canada.
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$5.1 million to provide more than 350 additional
emergency shelter beds – an increase of almost 40 per cent.
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$800,000 to increase coverage for eyeglasses by $35.
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$12 million to improve access to dental services for
families on income assistance and children in low-income families through the
Healthy Kids Program.
The 2005/06 budget plan committed $1.4 billion towards the full year cost of the Ministry of Human Resources programs. However, at this time, government has legal authority for six months of spending under Interim Supply. Government will seek legislative approval for the full year amounts in the fall.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Human Resources 250 387-6489 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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