Organization:
BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development About:
For those with disabilities who are not able to work, the ministry provides income assistance along with enhanced medical coverage under Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities.
The Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act specifically includes:
- a new definition based on a person's ability to carry out daily living activities;
- the recognition of mental illness as a disability; and,
- the right to participate in the labour force [as one is able] while maintaining the disability designation.
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Location
Eligibility
Definition of Persons with Disabilities:
- A person with disabilities is a person with a physical or mental impairment who is significantly restricted in his or her ability to perform daily living activities either "continuously or periodically for extended periods" and, as a result of these restrictions, requires assistance with daily living activities. Assistance could come from another person, an assistance animal or an assistive device.
- The legislation establishes a disability "designation" which is maintained unless a review shows that a person's situation has changed. Periodically, the ministry will review files. If during the review additional information from a health professional is needed, the person will be asked to submit a new physician and/or assessor report.
- The legislation focuses on functional limitations, which makes the definition of disability consistent with human rights case law.
- The criteria specifically address those individuals with mental health disorders.
- The criteria also include those with episodic illnesses by acknowledging that restrictions to daily living activities can be continuous or periodic for extended periods.
Additional Supports:
- People receiving disability assistance are eligible for additional supports such as medical coverage that includes Medical Services Plan, no-deductible for PharmaCare and other medical benefits such as dental and optical coverage.
- People with disabilities are also eligible for low-cost annual bus passes and are exempt from time limits for receiving assistance.
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