Year Two (2008/09)

 

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 $35 per month directly from the Manitoba Shelter Benefit. Rooming house rates increased from $236 to $285 per month, plus $15 directly from the Manitoba Shelter Benefit.

In April 2009, the province will increase the board and room with care and supervision allowance for people with disabilities receiving EIA who live with a family member. The board and room rate will increase from $441 per month to $566 per month for single adults, a 28 per cent increase. This rate is now equal to the amount available to someone who is living in a private home with a non-relative.
 

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 will help more low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities who are not receiving income assistance, with the cost of paying rent.  The enhancements mean that the benefit will allow a higher household income eligibility limit and an increase in the amount of rent that will be considered in calculating the amount of the benefit. The maximum amount of the MSB will also increase to $210 per month. These changes take effect in January 2009 so that more people living in low income will qualify to receive the MSB.

 

For more information about the Manitoba Shelter Benefit or to download an application visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/housing/shelterbenefit.html

Beginning in February 2009, participants who move from EIA to work will receive a one-time payment to help with job-related expenses. The Get Started! Benefit allowance will be $175 for single adults and couples without children; $250 for families with dependent children; and $325 for persons with disabilities.

 

As of December 2008, non-insured health benefits, including drug, dental and optical benefits, will be extended to two years, up from one year. The eligibility rules for the Rewarding Work Health Plan will be adjusted to include all single parents and persons with disabilities who are moving to employment.

MANITOBA SAVES

This savings program gives low-income people, including those who receive EIA, new opportunities to save money for the future. SEED Winnipeg Inc. will deliver a financial literacy program to low-income people in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. People in Winnipeg and three rural/northern regions will also be 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.

Up to $200,000 in savings in the Government of Canada’s Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) will be exempt for EIA recipients. Persons with disabilities and their families will be able to save for the future without affecting the amount of their monthly EIA benefits. The provincial disability trust policy will be examined to best harmonize it with the federal program.

 

For more information about the Government of Canada’s Registered Disability Savings Plan, visit their website at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/disability_savings/index.shtml

 

Persons with disabilities receiving EIA will be able to receive contributions of up to $500 per month from families or others without affecting the amount of their monthly benefits. This will allow 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 will not be considered exempt as a family contribution.

EIA liquid asset exemptions will increase 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
An advertising campaign will promote the advantages of hiring persons with disabilities. It will 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 by email at marketAbilities@mts.net or toll free at 1-866-966-8123.

Volunteer Supports
Beginning in February 2009, persons with disabilities on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) who do volunteer work will receive an extra monthly benefit. The benefit will encourage and reward 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. Beginning in February 2009, Opportunities for Employment, Inc. will deliver 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 will soon have better access to communication devices. A new program will rent electronic communications technology to people with impaired speech to help them communicate by picture, word, or simulated or recorded voice. The technology will help them find work, go to school and socialize. The Communication Devices Program will be operated by the WRHA Assistive Technology Products and Services at the Deer Lodge Centre.