105 posts found for disability benefits

DABC Community Update Re: PWD Rates

August 18, 2016 by DABC

DABC Community Update Re PWD Rates (1)-page-001DABC Community Update Re PWD Rates (1)-page-002

Community Update: September 1st increase to PWD benefit rates and changes to the Bus Pass Program

February 18, 2016 by DABC

Dear Community Partner,

The February 16th 2016 provincial budget contained some significant changes for people receiving the Persons with Disabilities benefit (PWD) which will start on September 1st 2016. Below is a description of the changes taken from communications from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation (MSDSI):

  • People with the PWD designation will receive a $77 per month increase to their support allowance.
  • PWD recipients will no longer be able to purchase an annual bus pass for a $45 annual fee.
  • PWD recipients who want to continue receiving a subsidized bus pass through the Ministry will pay $52 per month, plus an annual $45 administration fee. The $52 will be deducted from people’s monthly cheque.
  • After September 1st, individuals who decide they don’t want to have the $52 a month bus pass can turn it in at any time and get the $77 increase for the following months.
  • PWD clients who qualify for the Special Transportation Subsidy (STS) will no longer receive an annual lump payment. They will receive the $77 a month increase: $66 of this amount will replace the STS annual lump sum payment.
  • PWD clients who have been receiving the STS annual payment will have a pro-rated amount in their April cheque. It will be pro-rated for 5 months (April – August).
  • There is no change to the BC Bus Pass Program for low-income seniors or for income assistance recipients aged 60-64. The Ministry will continue to provide a subsidized pass to eligible seniors for the annual $45 administration fee.

Rate amounts after September 2016 (single person; we have no information about couples and family rates):

$983.42          (no bus pass or Special Transportation Subsidy)

$931.42          (with bus pass)

$983.42          (includes Special Transportation Subsidy)

This information is as we understand the September 1st 2016 changes. We will update this as we receive more information.

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is very disappointed with these changes. This rate increase is clearly inadequate and we are concerned about the impact the elimination of the $45 annual bus pass program will have for PWD recipients.

Jane Dyson, Executive Director

Robin Loxton, Advocacy Access Program Director

MSDSI to streamline PWD application process for some British Columbians with disabilities

February 11, 2016 by DABC

The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation (MSDSI) introduced legislation today that will streamline the Persons with Disabilities Benefit (PWD) application process for people with disabilities in the following programs:

– Community Living BC (CLBC)
– The Ministry of Children and Family Development At Home
Program
– BC PharmaCare Plan P – Palliative Care
– Canadian Pension Plan – Disability

People in those programs will no longer be required to complete the 28-page PWD application booklet, but will still need to meet eligibility criteria and apply for assistance.

DABC applauds MSDSI and the Province of BC for these positive changes.

DABC Executive Director Jane Dyson’s comments in today’s news release:

“This is great news. Today’s announcement will simplify the process of accessing disability assistance for hundreds of people with disabilities and their families every year. We understand that people asked for this change during the Accessibility 2024 consultations and it’s certainly something that we hear people asking about at Disability Alliance BC. This change, in addition to the annualized earning exemption and higher asset limits for PWD recipients introduced over the last year will all benefit British Columbians with disabilities.”

To learn more, visit this link: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016SDSI0004-000193