Dear Community Partner,

Beginning September 2016, new measures will be introduced which will make it easier for some people to apply for the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation:

Streamlined Application Process for Prescribed Classes

Individuals enrolled in the following programs:

–      BC Pharma Care Plan P (Palliative Care Benefits);

–      Ministry of Children and Family Development At Home Program;

–      Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) Programs; and

–      Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits;

Will be able to apply for the PWD designation using a 2 page form instead of the current 28 page application.  The process for applicants will be as follows:

–      Individuals applying for the PWD designation as a member of a prescribed class will self-identify as belonging to a prescribed class during the Self-Serve Assessment and Application;

–      The applicant will then proceed through the intake process and as part of the intake package of documents, they will be given the PWD Designation – Prescribed Class Application to complete in lieu of the 28 page PWD application;

–      The applicant will select the applicable prescribed class and be required to provide the Ministry with the consent to contact the specified agency to verify eligibility;

–      Upon confirmation of eligibility for PWD designation under a prescribed class the Ministry will send the individual an approval letter

–      If the applicant is found to be ineligible for PWD designation under a prescribed class the applicant will have the right to request a reconsideration of the decision or they may choose to submit a standard PWD application

Individuals applying for the PWD designation who do not fall within one of the prescribed classes will still be required to complete a standard 28 page PWD application.

New Role for Nurse Practitioners in the PWD Application Process

In addition, nurse practitioners will be allowed to complete section 2 of the PWD Designation Application, which previously could only be completed by a medical doctor.  Nurses already have the authority to complete section 3 of the PWD Designation Application and this change will allow them to assist their patients with either or both sections of the application.

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If you have any questions about this information, please contact Advocacy Access Program Director Sam Turcott at 604-872-1278 or 1-800-663-1278.

The program is presented by Family Services of Greater Vancouver and sponsored by Vancity. The series is designed to help participants increase their money management knowledge and confidence. In this 3-Session workshop series you will learn about:

Budgeting: Track your earning and spending and be in control of your money.
Banking: Choose the options that are right for you, reduce fees and save money.
Credit: Build and maintain a good credit history and deal with debt.
Consumerism: How to be in charge of your own spending.

Register early, space is limited. To sign-up, you must attend all three sessions.

COST: Free
WHEN: Aug. 16; Aug. 23, Aug. 30 (all Tuesdays)
TIME: 1pm- 3pm
WHERE: Disability Alliance BC, #204- 456 West Broadway in Vancouver
REGISTER: Call Val at: 604-875-0188 or email: feedback@disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org