Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs
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In the second year of the strategy, Rewarding Work focuses on helping people prepare for and make a smooth transition from income assistance to work.
Help for Rent
Shelter Improvements for Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) Participants
In July 2008, shelter rates for non-disabled single adults on EIA increased from $271 to $285 per month. Single adults (and couples without children) also receive an additional $50 per month directly from the Manitoba Shelter Benefit. Rooming house rates increased from $236 to $285 per month, plus $30 directly from the Manitoba Shelter Benefit.
Rewarding Work Rent Allowance
Non-disabled adults without children who move from EIA for work, and who live in private rental housing, are eligible for $50 per month for up to one year to support their transition from the program.
Manitoba Shelter Benefit (MSB)
The enhanced Manitoba Shelter Benefit helps more low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities who are not receiving income assistance, with the cost of paying rent. The enhancements allow a higher household income eligibility limit and an increase in the amount of rent that is considered in calculating the amount of the benefit. The maximum amount of the MSB was also increased to $210 per month. These changes took effect in January 2009 so that more people living in low income now qualify to receive the MSB.
For more information about the Manitoba Shelter Benefit visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/housing/shelterbenefit.html
Supporting the Transition to Work
Get Started! Benefit
Beginning in February 2009, participants who move from EIA to work receive a one-time payment to help with job-related expenses. The Get Started! Benefit allowance is $175 for single adults and couples without children; $250 for families with dependent children; and $325 for persons with disabilities.
Rewarding Work Health Plan
As of December 2008, non-insured health benefits, including drug, dental and optical benefits, were extended to two years, up from one year. The eligibility rules for the Rewarding Work Health Plan were adjusted to include all single parents and persons with disabilities who are moving to employment.
Manitoba Saves
Financial Literacy Training/Individual Development Accounts
This savings program gives low-income people, including those who receive EIA, new opportunities to save money for the future. SEED Winnipeg Inc. is delivering a financial literacy program to low-income people in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. People in Winnipeg and three rural/northern regions also are able to contribute to Individual Development Accounts and receive matched savings without affecting their monthly EIA benefits.
For more information about SEED Winnipeg, please visit their website at http://www.seedwinnipeg.ca.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
Up to $200,000 in savings in the Government of Canada’s Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is now considered exempt for EIA recipients. Persons with disabilities and their families are now able to save for the future without affecting the amount of their monthly EIA benefits. The provincial disability trust policy is being examined to best coordinate it with the federal program.
For more information about the Government of Canada’s Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Family Contribution for Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities receiving EIA are able to receive contributions of up to $500 per month from families or others without affecting the amount of their monthly benefits. This allows families and others to contribute in a meaningful and ongoing way to an improved standard of living for their loved ones. Income such as child maintenance payments is not considered exempt as a family contribution.
Liquid Asset Provisions
Effective January 1, 2009, EIA liquid asset exemptions increased for all EIA participants by allowing up to $4,000 per person to a family maximum of $16,000, allowing people on income assistance to save without affecting their EIA benefits. Modest savings and assets help people gain independence from EIA.
Supporting Persons with Disabilities
Disability Awareness Campaign
A recurring advertising campaign will promote the advantages of hiring persons with disabilities and also address common myths that might keep persons with disabilities from being hired. Information to help employers hire persons with disabilities is available at www.manitoba.ca/fs/pwd_work/index.html, by email at marketAbilities@mts.net or toll free at 1-866-966-8123.
Volunteer Supports
Persons with disabilities on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) who do volunteer work may receive an extra monthly benefit. The benefit encourages and rewards volunteerism and cover related costs. People who volunteer at least four times per month will receive $50. People who volunteer at least eight times per month will receive $100 per month.
Stages of Change Pilot Project
Stages of Change is an innovative, six-step approach to help persons with disabilities get ready to work and find good jobs. Opportunities for Employment, Inc. is delivering the program in Winnipeg to interested persons with disabilities receiving EIA or participating in the Vocational Rehabilitation program.
Communication Devices Program
Adults with severely impaired speech now have better access to communication devices. The program helps rent electronic communications technology to people with impaired speech to help them communicate by picture, word, or simulated or recorded voice. The technology helps them find work, go to school and socialize. The Communication Devices Program is operated by the WRHA Assistive Technology Products and Services at the Deer Lodge Centre.
*To find the Employment and Income Assistance office closest to you, please contact a Winnipeg Service Location or Rural and Northern Service Location in your area.
