Linked Header

Monday, March 31, 2014

April 1st Means A Social Assistance Increase

Social assistance rates go up tomorrow by 3 per cent for everyone but those who are single and available to work.

Social Development Minister Madeleine Dube says the increase helps about 20,000 households in the province.

As part of their plan to reform social assistance, the government plans to invest over a million dollar beginning this fall in four ways.

They include increasing the allowable assests limits for life insurance, prepaid funeral and business assets for all clients and applicants and putting a youth services program in place with a new rate and benefits structure for teens between the ages of 16 and 18.

The Department of Social Development invests nearly $250 million in programs and services for social assistance clients and that can include health services, employment training and fuel assistance.