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After our Annual General Meeting on the 20th of
June, 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 (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)
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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
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
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Under the Social Solidarity
Program an individual is entitled to a maximum of:
· $60,000 in RRSP 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) |
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