Friends for Mental Health is a non-profit community organization that provides families and friends with the support, information and education they need to help them cope with a loved one's mental illness.
MAJOR WELFARE CHANGES IN 2007
Major Welfare Changes in 2007
After our Annual General Meeting on the 20th of June, 2007, Lucie Hillman, a supervisor at CLE West Island, presented on the Social Solidarity Program (SSP). Mrs. Hillman spoke of the major changes that have taken place as of January 2007 to the welfare program due to the Individual and Family Act. The Individual and Family Assistance Act which was adopted in June 2005 is the outcome of the Government Action Plan to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion. Moreover she explained the difference between the Social Solidarity Program and Social Assistance which are now two different programs under social welfare. If an individual is deemed to be severely limited with severely limited capacity to obtain employment they're entitled to receive compensation under the SSP whereas the Social Assistance Program is aimed for those who aren't severely limited and are capable of obtaining employment.
Under the SSP recipients are now allowed an exemption of $130,000 of their liquid assets which can be combined with property. Liquid assets can include a house, RRSPs or a savings account. This means that an individual can own a house worth $80,000 (with no mortgage), and also have RRSPs worth $50,000 and their welfare will not be reduced. The net value of a house is calculated by taking the municipal evaluation and subtracting the amount of mortgage that is owed. In addition, there is now the possibility of having a separate savings account ($1,500 maximum for an individual and $2,500 maximum for a couple), which wasn't permitted before, however the welfare agent needs to be notified about this before opening up the account . Individuals are also permitted to own a car with a value of $10,000 or less (previously $5,000)
Another distinction between the two programs is in regards to the special benefits. Special benefits can be claimed after 6 months of receiving compensation. Benefits include eyeglasse's frames and lenses and persons can be reimbursed within 30 days of obtaining assistance. Also included in these special benefits are moving expenses incurred due to health problems. There is no longer a need for authorization or permission beforehand as is the case for a person in the Social Assistance Program. There is also the possibility of receiving Special benefits based on an individual's particular situation. For instance if a person has diabetes or is pregnant they may be entitled to receive $20.00 more a month for food on the premise of a healthy diet due to their condition.
Lastly, Lucie Hillman left the evening with a suggestion for family members. Most relatives with a mentally ill loved one are unaware that they can accompany their family member to the welfare bureau. Your support and input may actually help the worker assigned to your family member's file better understand their situation. Furthermore ill members can sign an authorization letter, with the recipients permission, which would allow the families access to information should their loved one become ill or need hospitalization. The best way to obtain information is to call, free of charge, the bureau of information and complaints of the Social Solidarity Program in Quebec at 1-888-643-4721 or to go on the website of Emploi Quebec at www.emploiquebec.net/anglais/index.htm.
Social Solidarity Program
Social assistance Program
$828.88*
$548*
QST:$24.08
QST:$24.08
Are entitled to work and obtain $100/month without being penalized
Are entitled to work and obtain $200/month without being penalized
*for a single person
Under the Social Solidarity Program an individual is entitled to a maximum of:
$60,000 in RRSP or pension plan
$90,000 (net value) of immovable property
$2,500 (for an individual) to $5,000 (for a family) in an individual development account (savings account)
Providing support to families to cope with a loved one's mental illness serving primarily the West Island of Montreal: Baie-d'Urfé, Beaconsfield,
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Dorval, Île-Bizard, Kirkland, Pierrefonds, Pointe-Claire, Roxboro, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Ste-Geneviève and Senneville.
