Social Assistance Statistical Report: 2009-2013

Administrative requirements

Depending on the jurisdiction, to establish initial eligibility for social assistance, an applicant may be required to:

• submit a completed application
• provide all documentation or necessary information to verify his/her eligibility, such as proof of age, medical information related to a disability, if applicable, pay cheque stubs, etc.
• meet a representative from the ministry and discuss the financial and social situation of the household;
• provide consent for verification of any statement made in the application and any supporting documents concerning financial resources or any other circumstances of the household
• report any change in circumstances that may affect continuing program eligibility or the amount of assistance to which the household is entitled

Employment requirements

Eligible employable persons are actively encouraged or require pursuing, accepting, and retaining any reasonable offer of employment or re-training as an initial and continuing condition of eligibility for social assistance. Thus, many jurisdictions offer employment services and training opportunities in combination with financial assistance. Should a recipient choose not to pursue employment or re-training, he/she may be subject to penalties ranging from a specified reduction in benefits over a prescribed period of time to the full cancellation of benefits.

To ensure that those who successfully leave social assistance for employment are better off working, the federal government (Working Income Tax Benefit - WITB) and a number of provinces and territories have introduced earned income or working income supplements.

Categories of beneficiaries

Employable persons - A number of measures promote the entry or re-entry of employable persons into the active labour force. These measures may include different exemption levels on assets and income, lower benefit levels to reflect the temporary nature of their reliance on social assistance, and a wide range of employment support services and programs.

Recipients may be required to sign and adhere to an individualized contract that stipulates training and rehabilitation measures to be undertaken in order to regain financial independence.

However, assistance may be granted only when:

• unemployment is due to circumstances beyond the person's control
• the person is willing to accept employment which he/she is capable of handling, or to engage in academic upgrading, re-training or other measures to reach a state of job readiness; and
• the person is making reasonable efforts to secure employment

Single-parent families - A sole support parent may be required to either initiate legal proceedings against an absent spouse (or ex-spouse) including common-law partners, respecting maintenance payments, or to subrogate that right to the government. Generally, single parents are considered as employable and required to actively seek and accept reasonable employment, where the parent and dependent child(ren) are physically and mentally healthy and generally when the dependants have reached a certain age.

Persons with disabilities - An applicant with a disability is generally required to undergo an adjudication process or submit a medical certificate completed by a licensed physician indicating the level of the impairment and the potential for rehabilitation. Evidence of a continuing disability on an annual or other basis may also be required. These requirements may be waived where the disability is obvious.

All programs have design features to assist persons with disabilities, which may include higher exemption levels on assets and income, higher basic assistance levels, special disability-related allowances, and supplementary health and medical benefits.

Persons with multiple barriers to employment - Some recipients face multiple significant barriers that make it difficult to find and maintain employment. Barriers to employment may include substance abuse, child care or transportation issues, histories of long-term unemployment, and/or low basic skills.

These individuals require interventions to address their personal circumstances in order to be able to find and maintain employment. They may have higher benefit levels and exemptions to reflect their longer-term reliance on social assistance.

Aged persons - Seniors may qualify for social assistance notwithstanding their eligibility for benefits from other federal, provincial and territorial programs. Financial hardship might be due to some age-related special needs, the number of dependants in the household, or ineligibility for Old Age Security benefits. Most jurisdictions have established higher basic assistance benefit levels or other special considerations for aged persons.

Students - Post-secondary students are generally not permitted to receive social assistance while attending university, college or trade school. Students requiring financial assistance during their study period are generally expected to contact the appropriate student loan organization to receive financial assistance.

Financial eligibility

Needs or means test - Social assistance is generally granted to eligible persons on the basis of a needs test. It takes into account the basic needs and the financial resources available to an individual or family (assets and income), and the ability of those financial resources to meet their basic needs.

Assets - A household's assets may be considered as exempt or non-exempt for the purpose of calculating the social assistance entitlement. In most jurisdictions, liquid assets are defined as any assets that are readily convertible into cash including cash-on-hand, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, or other securities. Certain exemptions are allowed with respect to actual and potential liquid assets and the property of an individual or family. A portion of the cash value of a life insurance policy may be exempt from the calculation of liquid assets.

Homeowners applying for social assistance are not required to sell their principal residence and household effects (within reason) as a condition of eligibility. Similarly, applicants are not required to sell their primary vehicle, generally as long as the value of the vehicle does not exceed an allowable limit. Provisions regarding the treatment of assets such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans and Registered Education Savings Plans vary between the provinces and territories.

Assistance may be withheld, reduced or terminated where an applicant or recipient has disposed of his/her assets in an unreasonable manner in order to qualify for assistance.

Income - In addition to assets, income from all sources is examined in the calculation of entitlement to social assistance. The following types of income may be fully or partially exempt:

• Canada Child Tax Benefit
• foster home payments
• child welfare payments
• GST/HST rebates
• insurance settlements
• federal compensation payments (such as payments to those under the Hepatitis C Program, to those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through blood transfusions or blood products, and to Canadian merchant mariners who served in the Second World War or the Korean War)
• involuntary deductions from pay
• gifts and inheritances; and
• income from full-time employment held by dependants who are students

Partial exemptions for employment income exist in most provinces and territories. These income exemptions may be granted as an incentive for the individual to gain financial independence. The income exemption provision may take effect only after initial eligibility for social assistance has been established.

Other types of unearned income, such as Workers' Compensation benefits and Old Age Security, are non-exempt and reduce the amount of social assistance payable dollar-for-dollar.

In the determination of financial eligibility, some jurisdictional authorities may include imputed income as part of a household's income even though the household is not actually receiving money from a particular source. Living rent-free in return for janitorial or superintendent services is a common example of imputed income.

Administration

Referral to other government programs - An applicant's circumstances are reviewed to determine if social assistance is the most appropriate intervention for them. If it is determined that another governmental program may be more suitable, the applicant is referred to that program.

Method of payment - Social assistance benefits can be paid in one or more ways - such as, cash, payroll or manual cheque issue, direct deposit, voucher or authorization to purchase or direct payment to a third-party vendor or supplier.

Case review - As a condition of continuing eligibility for financial assistance, beneficiaries must report immediately any change in the circumstances of their household that would affect their entitlement to financial assistance. In addition, some jurisdictions require that long-term social assistance recipients be reviewed periodically, while short-term recipients may be reviewed more frequently.

Recoveries and reimbursement - Policies and procedures are in place concerning the recovery of social assistance granted to a person who was not entitled because of a change in household income or other circumstances, such as accidental or wilful representation or fraud. Certain forms of assistance may be conditional upon a formal agreement signed by the recipient to reimburse the government for such assistance.

Appeals - An applicant or recipient is entitled to file a request for reconsideration or appeal where he/she is dissatisfied with a decision affecting his/her entitlement to social assistance. Some provinces and territories have established limits on the type of issues that may be formally appealed, while others allow an individual to question any determination bearing on his/her case. Most jurisdictions have adopted a two-step appeal process. Social assistance personnel first conduct an internal administrative review. The applicant or recipient may then decide whether to withdraw their appeal or go forward to a formal appeals committee or board consisting of appointed members.

Children's benefits

Prior to 1998, there was minimal coordination between the federal system, which delivered child benefits through the income tax system, and provincial/territorial systems, which delivered child benefits through social assistance programs. In July 1998, the National Child Benefit (NCB) was introduced. The NCB is a joint initiative of federal, provincial and territorial governments^{Footnote 2}, including a First Nations component to support Canadian children living in low-income families. The goals of the NCB are to help prevent and reduce the depth of child poverty, to promote attachment to the labour market by ensuring that families will always be better off as a result of working; and to reduce overlap and duplication by harmonizing program objectives and benefits, and through simplified administration.

Under this initiative, a new federal child benefit, the NCB Supplement, was introduced as a component of the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). The CCTB provides a base benefit to all low- and middle-income families with children. The NCB Supplement provides an additional benefit targeted to children in low-income families, whether the parents are receiving social assistance or working.

The NCB Supplement provided provinces and territories the opportunity to adjust children's social assistance by an amount equivalent to the NCB Supplement. Resulting savings are reinvested in new or enhanced programs benefiting low-income families with children.

General

In order to be eligible for the Income Support program, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements outlined in the "Social Assistance Overview" in this report.

Liquid assets

At the time of application, applicants' liquid assets may not exceed the following allowable limits:

• Table note a. These clients must require supportive services.
• Note: The Liquid asset exemptions for clients without disabilities was increased in 2011 (single - $500 to $3,000, and family - $1,500 to $5,500)

Earnings exemptions

Once an application for assistance has been approved, Income Support program clients are eligible for the following monthly exemptions on earned income:

• Table note a. These clients must require supportive services.
• Note: The exemptions for clients requiring supportive services increased in July 2008 (from $95 to $150 for singles and $190 to $250 for families). The percentage factor also increased from 10% to 20% for all clients in July 2008.

Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit

The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) is a non-taxable amount paid monthly to help low-income families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18 years. The creation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit in July 1999, effectively removed children's benefits from the social assistance system.

The Canada Revenue Agency delivers the NLCB as an integrated payment with the CCTB and the NCB Supplement. The NLCB rates are based on net income and number of children. For instance, maximum NLCB benefits are paid to those families whose income is less than $17,397 per year. In 2013, families whose annual income falls between $17,397 and $24,580 per year (depending on the number of children) may be eligible for partial NLCB benefits.

Effective July 2013, in addition to the National Child Benefit Supplement, families with one child may be entitled to receive $364 per year. Families are eligible to receive $386 per year for their second child, $415 per year for their third child, and $445 per year for each additional child.

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 3-1

Year	2002	2003	2004 a	2005 a	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Recipients	51,400	50,700	49,800	48,500	45,400	43,000	40,300	38,900	40,000	39,200	38,000	36,300
Cases	27,900	28,300	28,300	28,200	26,900	25,900	24,900	24,300	25,200	25,200	24,700	24,000

• Table note a. "The total caseload for March 2004 and March 2005 includes a small number of cases paid through other means. Additional differences are due to slight variations in the selection criterion used to derive the official count and the criterion used to produce data extracts for subsequent detailed analysis."

Cases by reason for assistance

• Table note a. "Other" includes clients paid in the new CAPS pay system. This field did not match upon conversion from the old system. Until cases are reviewed in the new pay system and the reason for assistance field is updated, the number of cases in the "other" category will continue to be higher than previous years. Accuracy in this area will improve over time.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Recipients by family type

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by age of head

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by education of head

• Table note a. Education is defined as level of education attained by the head of the household as of March 31.
• Table note b. "Primary" includes Kindergarten to Grade 8.
• Table note c. "Secondary" includes Grade 9 to Grade 12.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases reporting income by source of income

• Table note a. "Other" includes training allowances and other income.
• Table note b. Total cases in these categories may include double-counting, since cases that have more than one source of income are counted for each source reported.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

General

In order to be eligible for the Social Assistance program, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements outlined in the "Social Assistance Overview" in this report.

Liquid assets

At the time of application, applicants' liquid assets may not exceed the following allowable limits.

Earnings exemptions

Social Assistance program clients are eligible for the following monthly exemptions on earned income:

Disability Support Program

In October 2001, Prince Edward Island launched the PEI Disability Support Program. Designed to meet the unique needs of persons with disabilities, the Disability Support Program offers both financial and case planning assistance to eligible individuals. It is comprised of three components: Adult Disability Supports, Child Disability Supports, and Employment and Vocational Supports.

The Disability Support Program is available to individuals under 65 years of age who have a physical, neurological, or intellectual disability that limits their ability to perform activities necessary for their independence and well-being.

Individuals and families receiving benefits through the Disability Support Program must assume a portion of the cost associated with the provision of services. The amount of this contribution is based on the individual or family's ability to contribute^{Footnote 12}.

Persons with disabilities continue to receive financial assistance through the Social Assistance program, but now receive targeted disability-related supports through the Disability Support Program. Individuals and families receiving support through the Disability Support Program are ineligible for certain benefits provided by the Social Assistance program.

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 4-1:

Year	2002	2003	2004a	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Recipients	7,400	6,900	7,100	6,900	6,400	5,800	5,700	5,700	5,800	5,800	5,900	5,600
Cases	4,200	4,000	4,100	4,000	3,800	3,600	3,600	3,600	3,700	3,800	3,800	3,700

• Table note a. "For 2004, due to changes in reporting system, February data was used."

Cases by reason for assistance

• Table note a. "High support needs" includes clients with multiple barriers to employment.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Recipients by family type

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by age of head

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by education of head

• Table note a. Education is defined as level of education attained as of date of application.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by reason for assistance and duration of assistance

Text description of Table 4-6a

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Employment-related b	Disability c	Other d	Total
0-3	300	200	-	500
4-6	200	200	-	300
7-12	100	200	-	400
13-24	200	300	-	400
25-36	100	200	-	300
37-60	200	700	100	900
61-108	100	200	-	300
109+	100	400	-	500
Total	1,200	2,200	200	3,600

• Table note a. "Duration of assistance measures length of current spell only."
• Table note b. "Employment-related includes employed and unemployed."
• Table note c. "Disability includes long-term disability and short-term disability."
• Table note d. "Other includes high support needs, age related and unknown."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 4-6b

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Employment-related b	Disability c	Other d	Total
0-3	300	200	-	500
4-6	200	100	-	300
7-12	200	200	-	400
13-24	200	300	-	500
25-36	100	200	-	300
37-60	100	400	-	500
61-108	100	500	-	600
109+	100	400	-	500
Total	1,200	2,300	200	3,700

• Table note a. "Duration of assistance measures length of current spell only."
• Table note b. "Employment-related includes employed and unemployed."
• Table note c. "Disability includes long-term disability and short-term disability."
• Table note d. "Other includes high support needs, age related and unknown."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 4-6c

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Employment-related b	Disability c	Other d	Total
0-3	300	200	-	500
4-6	100	200	-	300
7-12	200	200	-	400
13-24	200	300	-	500
25-36	100	200	-	300
37-60	100	300	-	400
61-108	100	600	-	800
109+	100	400	-	500
Total	1,200	2,400	200	3,800

• Table note a. "Duration of assistance measures length of current spell only."
• Table note b. "Employment-related includes employed and unemployed."
• Table note c. "Disability includes long-term disability and short-term disability."
• Table note d. "Other includes high support needs, age related and unknown."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 4-6d

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Employment-related b	Disability c	Other d	Total
0-3	200	200	-	500
4-6	200	200	-	400
7-12	100	200	-	400
13-24	200	300	-	500
25-36	100	200	-	300
37-60	100	300	-	500
61-108	100	600	-	800
109+	100	400	-	500
Total	1,200	2,400	200	3,800

• Table note a. "Duration of assistance measures length of current spell only."
• Table note b. "Employment-related includes employed and unemployed."
• Table note c. "Disability includes long-term disability and short-term disability."
• Table note d. "Other includes high support needs, age related and unknown."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 4-6e

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Employment-related b	Disability c	Other d	Total
0-3	200	200	-	400
4-6	100	100	-	300
7-12	100	200	-	400
13-24	200	300	-	500
25-36	100	200	-	400
37-60	100	300	-	500
61-108	100	600	-	800
109+	100	400	-	500
Total	1,100	2,400	200	3,700

• Table note a. "Duration of assistance measures length of current spell only."
• Table note b. "Employment-related includes employed and unemployed."
• Table note c. "Disability includes long-term disability and short-term disability."
• Table note d. "Other includes high support needs, age related and unknown."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases reporting income by source of income

• Table note a. "Other" includes training allowances and other income.
• Table note b. Total cases in these categories may include double-counting, since cases that have more than one source of income are counted for each source reported.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

General

In order to be eligible for the Employment Support and Income Assistance program, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements outlined in the "Social Assistance Overview" in this report.

Liquid assets

At the time of application, applicants' liquid assets may not exceed the following allowable limits:

• Note: Effective January 1, 2011, liquid asset exemption levels increased from $500 to $1,000 for single individuals with and without disabilities and from $1,000 to $2,000 for families with and without disabilities.

Earnings exemptions

When determining initial eligibility for Employment Support and Income Assistance, earned income is considered in determination of eligibility. To determine ongoing eligibility, clients are eligible for the following monthly exemptions on earned income:

• Table note a. These clients are in supported employment.
• Note: Effective July 1, 2011, recipients who have earned wages from employment will retain the first $150 of their earnings, plus 30% of the remaining net wages. ESIA recipients participating in supported employment will retain an additional $150 for a total of $300 per month as exempt in calculating net wages, plus retain 30% of the remaining net wages.

Nova Scotia Child Benefit

The Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) is a non-taxable amount paid monthly to help low-income families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18 years. The implementation of the Employment Support and Income Assistance Act and Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations in August 2001 removed children's benefits from the social assistance system.

The Canada Revenue Agency delivers the NSCB as an integrated payment with the CCTB and the NCB Supplement. The NSCB rates are based on net income and number of children. For instance, maximum NSCB benefits are paid to those families whose income is less than $15,999, while families whose annual income falls between $16,000 and $20,921 per year (depending on the number of children) are eligible for partial NSCB benefits.

Effective July 2001, in addition to the National Child Benefit Supplement, families with one child may be entitled to receive a NSCB benefit. Currently, families may be entitled to receive benefits for one child up to $625 per year. Families may be entitled to receive $825 per year for their second child, and $900 per year for their third and each additional child.

The income threshold of the NSCB increased in July 2012 providing additional families to receive benefits. Prior to this, there has been a decline in the number of families receiving the Nova Scotia Child Benefit. The changing demographics and improved economy in the Province of Nova Scotia contribute to this decline.

There continues to be a decline in the number of families receiving the Nova Scotia Child Benefit. The changing demographics and improved economy in the Province of Nova Scotia contribute to this decline.

The Nova Scotia government funds the Low Income Pharmacare Program that provides prescription drug coverage for children of low-income families. The program is available for families who receive the Nova Scotia Child Benefit.

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 5-1

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005 a	2006 a	2007 a, b	2008 a	2009 a	2010 a	2011 a	2012 a	2013 a
Recipients	61,500	58,300	56,300	52,300	48,600	45,400	43,200	42,300	43,200	43,100	43,700	43,800
Cases	33,800	33,300	33,000	31,500	29,800	28,500	27,500	26,800	28,000	28,200	28,700	28,700

• Table note a. "Starting in March 2005, recipients and cases do not include Transitional Pharmacare."
• Table note b. "Caseload data represents January 2007. Concurrent data for the month ending March 31, 2007 is not available."

Cases by reason for assistance

• Table note a. Cases do not include Transitional Pharmacare.
• Table note b. "Age-related" includes persons 55 years and over.
• Table note c. "Other" includes clients receiving a one-time payment and clients receiving extended pharmacare (prescription drug benefits).
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Recipients by family type

• Table note a. The above table includes recipients receiving Transitional Pharmacare, which are not to be considered part of the total social assistance recipients that appears in Table 5-1.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by age of head

• Table note a. Cases do not include Transitional Pharmacare.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases reporting income by source of income

• Table note a. Cases include Transitional Pharmacare, but for the "Employment" category only.
• Table note b. "Other" includes clients receiving workers' compensation, training income, income tax refund, or income from rental or from room and board and roomers.
• Table note c. Total cases in these categories may include double-counting, since cases that have more than one source of income are counted for each source reported.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

• Table note a. Cases do not include Transitional Pharmacare. Cases do not include double counting. Cases do not differentiate between chargeable and non-chargeable income.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

General

In order to be eligible for the Social Assistance program, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements outlined in the "Social Assistance Overview" in this report.

Liquid assets

At the time of application, applicants' liquid assets may not exceed the following allowable limits:

Earnings exemptions

Different levels of earning exemptions are in effect for each of the two programs in place: Transitional Assistance Program and Extended Benefits Program. For more information on these social assistance programs, please refer to the paragraphs below. Once an application for assistance has been approved, program clients are eligible for the following monthly exemptions on earned income:

There is also the Extended Wage Exemption (EWE) available. The EWE is a benefit structure separate from the usual earnings exemption (provided above). The amount of the EWE is changed according to three different time frames within the two-year duration of the benefit. The first two time frames are six months in duration each, and allow clients the option of having a percentage of their salary exempted; which results in a higher exemption than the usual earnings exemption. In months 13 through 24, the earnings exemption amount will revert back to the appropriate maximum flat rate amount; that is, the usual earnings exemption.

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 6a-1

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Recipients	41,700	40,600	38,500	36,600	36,100	33,800	31,500	31,000	33,600	33,700	33,800	32,600
Cases	20,100	19,700	18,900	18,300	18,200	17,200	16,300	16,100	18,400	18,800	18,900	18,300

• Table note a. "Data are as of March 31, unless otherwise specified. In those cases, data are as of the end of month."

Recipients by family type

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by age of head

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases reporting income by source of income

• Table note a. "Other" includes training allowances and other income.
• Table note b. Total cases in these categories may include double-counting, since cases that have more than one source of income are counted for each source reported.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 6b-1

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Recipients	6,900	6,800	6,800	6,600	6,700	6,700	6,700	6,800	6,800	6,800	7,000	6,900
Cases	5,900	5,800	5,800	5,700	5,800	5,900	5,800	6,000	6,000	6,000	6,100	6,100

• Table note a. "Data are as of March 31, unless otherwise specified. In those cases, data are as of the end of month."

Recipients by family type

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by age of head

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases reporting income by source of income

• Table note a. "Other" includes training allowances and other income.
• Table note b. Total cases in these categories may include double-counting, since cases that have more than one source of income are counted for each source reported.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

General

In order to be eligible for the Last-Resort Financial Assistance programs, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements outlined in the "Social Assistance Overview" in this report.

Liquid assets

At the time of application, applicants' liquid assets may not exceed the following allowable limits:

• Table note a. Individual and Family Assistance Regulation, Article 52.
• Note: Exemptions increased in 2009 and again 2010 to the 2013 levels above.
• 2009 Increases - For one adult ($862 to $883), for one adult and one child ($1,232 to $1,262), for one adult and 2 children ($1,460 to $1,495) for two adults ($1,282 to $1,313), for two adults and one child ($1,529 to $1,566), and for two adults and two children ($1,757 to $1,799).

• Table note a. Individual and Family Assistance Regulation, Article 155.
• Note: There have been yearly increases to exemption levels for both one and two parent families with children since 2009:
  • For one adult and one child (2009: $2,879, 2010: $2,881, 2011: $2,886, 2012: $2,896).
  • For one adult and two children (2009: $3,112, 2010: $3,115, 2011: $3,123, 2012: $3,140).
  • For two adults and one child (2009: $5,253, 2010: $5,254, 2011: $5,257, 2012: $5,264).
  • For two adults and two children (2009: $5,486, 2010: $5,488, 2011: $5,494, 2012: $5,507).

Once an application for assistance has been approved, clients' liquid assets may not exceed the following allowable limits:

• Table note a. Individual and Family Assistance Regulation, Articles 131, 132.
• Table note b. Individual and Family Assistance Regulation, Articles 163
• Note: There have been yearly increases to the additional amounts for minor dependant children since 2009 for both the Social Assistance Program and the Social Solidarity Program.
  • For one adult and one child (2009: $379, 2010: $381, 2011: $386, 2012: $396)
  • For one adult and two children (2009: $612, 2010: $615, 2011: $623, 2012: $640)
  • For two adults and one child (2009: $253, 2010: $254, 2011: $257, 2012: $264)
  • For two adults and two children (2009: $486, 2010: $488, 2011: $494, 2012: $507)

Earnings exemptions

Once an application for assistance has been approved, the beneficiaries of the Last-Resort Financial Assistance are eligible for the following monthly exemptions on earned income:

• Table note a. Exemption under the Social Assistance Program.
• Table note b. Exemption under the Social Solidarity Program.

Quebec family allowance

The Quebec Family Allowance was a non-taxable amount paid monthly to help low-income families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The creation of the Quebec Family Allowance in September 1997 effectively had removed children's benefits from the social assistance system.

The Régie des rentes du Québec was responsible for administering the Quebec Family Allowance.

In August 2004, families were entitled to receive a Family Allowance in the amount of $625 per year per child. Single-parent families could also receive an additional family supplement of $1,300 per year. An additional amount of $1,431 was provided for each child with disabilities.

Single-parent families with one child and whose income was less than $20,603 per year were paid maximum Family Allowance benefits. Single-parent families with one child and whose annual income fell between $20,603 and $51,600 per year were eligible for partial Family Allowance benefits.

Maximum Family Allowance benefits were paid to two-parent families with one child and whose income was less than $24,005 per year. Two-parent families with one child and whose annual income fell between $24,005 and $51,600 per year were eligible for partial Family Allowance benefits.

• Table note a. The Child Assistance Measure replaced the Quebec Family Allowance on January 1, 2005.
• Table note b. These figures are from April 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004.
• Table note c. Projected data.

Child assistance measure

In 2004-2005 Budget Speech, the Quebec government announced a new Child Assistance Measure to increase support for families. The Child Assistance Measure came into force on January 1, 2005, to cover the basic needs of dependent children under 18 years old. Child Assistance replaces and improves upon three measures: the Family Allowance, the non-refundable tax credit for dependent children and tax reduction for families. This measure provides more generous assistance than the Family Allowance, particularly to low-income families.

The amount of the Child Assistance Measure varies. Its amount is based on the following factors: net family income, the number of dependent children under the age of 18, and the type of family (single-parent or two-parent).

The maximum amounts paid for 2013, are as follows: for a family with one child: $2,319 per year; for a family with two children: $3,478; for a family with three children: $4,637; and for a family with four children: $6,376.

For each additional child, an amount of $1,739 is added to the maximum of $6,376. Single-parent families are entitled to a supplement of $813, which is added to the basic Child Assistance Measure amount.

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 7-1

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Recipients	560,800	544,200	532,200	518,200	506,500	499,600	488,100	486,300	491,600	483,800	469,700	457,800
Cases	365,600	359,300	354,600	348,700	343,300	341,500	335,100	335,300	339,500	336,400	329,600	323,100

• Table note a. "For the number of cases and recipients by type of program, see Table 7-9."

Cases by type of benefit

• Table note a. "Basic benefit (housed beneficiaries)": Basic amount applicable to a housed adult admitted to a home-care centre, reception centre, general hospital, rehabilitation centre, as well as to a former inmate housed in a recognized institution for the purpose of his/her social rehabilitation.
• Table note b. "Allowance - temporary constraints": Where a single adult/adult member of the family is subject to temporary employment constraints.
• Table note c. "Combined allowance": Where the two adults in the household are subject to temporary employment constraint.
• Table note d. "Allowance": Amount applicable to single adult or couple recipients of the Social Solidarity Program.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Recipients by family type

• Table note a. "Spouse of students": An adult whose spouse is studying full-time at the post-secondary level and is receiving benefits from the financial assistance program of the Ministry of Education. This category includes adults only, since the needs of the children of either spouse are met by the student spouse.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by age of head

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by education of head

• Table note a. Education is defined as the level of education attained as of the date of application.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases by family type and consecutive duration of assistance

Text description of Table 7-6a

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Spouse of student a	Total
0-3	16,900	700	3,000	1,600	100	22,300
4-6	12,800	600	2,500	1,400	100	17,400
7-12	17,100	800	4,000	2,100	100	24,300
13-24	24,200	1,300	6,000	3,100	200	34,800
25-36	20,100	1,100	4,500	2,400	100	28,300
37-60	28,300	1,700	6,600	3,000	100	39,700
61-108	37,600	2,400	7,300	3,200	100	50,600
109+	97,400	6,900	9,500	4,100	-	117,900
Total	254,400	15,600	43,500	21,000	800	335,300

• Table note a. "Spouse of students: An adult whose spouse is studying full-time at the post-secondary level and is receiving benefits from the financial assistance program of the Ministry of Education. This category includes adults only, since the needs of the children of either spouse are met by the student spouse."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 7-6b

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Spouse of student a	Total
0-3	15,600	700	2,800	1,600	100	20,800
4-6	12,700	600	2,400	1,500	100	17,300
7-12	18,200	900	4,200	2,300	100	25,700
13-24	26,900	1,300	6,300	3,500	200	38,200
25-36	18,300	1,000	4,500	2,200	100	26,100
37-60	30,000	1,700	6,400	3,200	100	41,400
61-108	38,800	2,400	7,400	3,300	100	51,800
109+	98,000	6,700	9,300	4,100	-	118,100
Total	258,500	15,300	43,400	21,500	900	339,500

• Table note a. "Spouse of students: An adult whose spouse is studying full-time at the post-secondary level and is receiving benefits from the financial assistance program of the Ministry of Education. This category includes adults only, since the needs of the children of either spouse are met by the student spouse."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 7-6c

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Spouse of student a	Total
0-3	15,000	600	2,600	1,300	100	19,600
4-6	12,300	500	2,400	1,300	100	16,600
7-12	16,800	800	4,000	1,900	200	23,600
13-24	26,600	1,300	6,300	3,400	300	37,900
25-36	19,600	900	4,700	2,400	100	27,800
37-60	28,800	1,600	6,200	2,900	100	39,700
61-108	39,700	2,400	7,400	3,300	100	52,700
109+	98,900	6,400	9,100	4,000	-	118,500
Total	257,700	14,500	42,700	20,400	1,100	336,400

• Table note a. "Spouse of students: An adult whose spouse is studying full-time at the post-secondary level and is receiving benefits from the financial assistance program of the Ministry of Education. This category includes adults only, since the needs of the children of either spouse are met by the student spouse."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text descriptions of table 7-6d

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Spouse of student a	Total
0-3	14,400	600	2,500	1,300	100	18,900
4-6	11,500	500	2,300	1,200	100	15,500
7-12	16,100	700	3,700	1,700	200	22,300
13-24	25,200	1,100	5,800	2,800	300	35,300
25-36	19,500	900	4,500	2,200	200	27,400
37-60	28,100	1,400	6,200	2,800	100	38,600
61-108	40,300	2,300	7,100	3,200	100	53,000
109+	99,800	6,000	8,900	3,900	-	118,600
Total	254,800	13,600	41,000	19,100	1,100	329,600

• Table note a. "Spouse of students: An adult whose spouse is studying full-time at the post-secondary level and is receiving benefits from the financial assistance program of the Ministry of Education. This category includes adults only, since the needs of the children of either spouse are met by the student spouse."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 7-6e

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Spouse of student a	Total
0-3	14,000	600	2,600	1,200	100	18,500
4-6	11,500	400	2,200	1,200	100	15,400
7-12	15,700	700	3,600	1,700	200	21,800
13-24	23,500	1,100	5,500	2,600	300	32,900
25-36	18,400	800	4,100	1,900	200	25,400
37-60	28,300	1,400	6,200	2,800	200	38,800
61-108	39,600	2,200	6,900	3,000	100	51,800
109+	100,100	5,800	8,700	3,800	-	118,500
Total	251,300	12,900	39,700	18,100	1,100	323,100

• Table note a. "Spouse of students: An adult whose spouse is studying full-time at the post-secondary level and is receiving benefits from the financial assistance program of the Ministry of Education. This category includes adults only, since the needs of the children of either spouse are met by the student spouse."
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Type of declared income by source of income

• Table note a. "Other" includes salary grants and other sources of income.
• Table note b. Total cases in these categories may include double-counting, since cases that have more than one source of income are counted for each source reported.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Cases and recipients by type of program

Service delivery

Under Ontario Works legislation, delivery agents are designated to administer the program for a geographical area. Ontario Works delivery agents include 47 Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs)/District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) and 101 First Nations who deliver the program across the province.

Eligibility

Benefits

Basic financial assistance consists of three components: income assistance for basic needs and shelter, mandatory and discretionary benefits, and emergency assistance.

The basic needs allowance assists with the cost of food, clothing, and personal needs. Maximum basic needs allowance rates are based on family type and the number of adult members in the benefit unit. A supplement for sole-support parents is also provided through the basic needs allowance. The shelter allowance pays an amount equal to a recipient's actual shelter costs, up to a maximum that is based on the number of persons (including children) in the benefit unit.

In addition, each member of a benefit unit may be eligible to receive an additional amount depending on circumstances such as: the Advanced Age Allowance for those over 65, the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance and the Special Diet Allowance, in addition to the standard amount for social assistance.

A number of mandatory benefits are provided within Ontario Works, such as:

• dental and vision care for children
• drug coverage
• guide dog allowance
• benefits to assist individuals in maintaining full-time employment
• benefits to assist individuals with expenses related to starting a new job or employment assistance activity; and
• advance (up front) child care

Recipients, spouses and any dependants may also be eligible to receive a range of discretionary benefits on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the local Ontario Works Administrator. Discretionary benefits include:

• dental care for adults
• vision care for adults
• prosthetic appliances
• vocational training and re-training
• travel and transportation that is not for health-related purposes; and
• moving expenses

In addition, Ontario Works provides extended drug coverage for up to six months to clients who leave social assistance for employment. Under extenuating circumstances, drug coverage can be extended for an additional six months after the first six month period.

Emergency assistance may be provided if the applicant is not currently in receipt of social assistance, is not serving a period of ineligibility, and if the applicant has not received emergency assistance in the past six months. The provision of financial assistance in an emergency may include an amount for basic needs, shelter and benefits.

More information

For more information, please consult the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services website.

Statistics

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 8a-1

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Recipients	418,400	398,200	391,300	388,700	391,800	382,000	372,000	406,400	456,900	465,900	474,400	460,100
Cases	201,700	195,900	196,900	199,000	204,200	201,600	196,900	221,100	251,800	258,400	264,300	257,000

Cases by family type and duration of assistance

Text description of Table 8a-5a

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Total
0-3	40,400	2,000	11,100	3,900	57,400
4-6	25,700	1,300	8,300	2,800	38,100
7-12	23,900	1,200	12,600	3,400	41,200
13-24	19,000	1,000	13,700	3,400	37,100
25-36	7,500	400	7,500	1,500	17,000
37-60	6,200	400	8,100	1,500	16,200
61-108	3,200	200	5,400	900	9,600
109+	1,500	100	2,800	300	4,600
Total	127,400	6,500	69,500	17,600	221,100

• Table note a. "Data for number of cases by reason for assistance not available"
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 8a-5b

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Total
0-3	39,400	1,900	10,400	3,400	55,100
4-6	27,300	1,300	8,400	2,900	39,900
7-12	31,000	1,600	13,600	4,300	50,400
13-24	29,400	1,600	16,800	5,200	52,900
25-36	9,600	500	8,700	2,100	20,900
37-60	6,800	400	8,500	1,700	17,300
61-108	3,700	200	6,000	900	10,800
109+	1,400	100	2,700	300	4,400
Total	148,600	7,500	75,000	20,700	251,800

• Table note a. "Data for number of cases by reason for assistance not available"
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 8a-5c

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Total
0-3	38,000	1,700	9,900	3,100	52,700
4-6	26,900	1,200	7,800	2,600	38,400
7-12	30,200	1,400	13,000	3,700	48,300
13-24	30,400	1,600	16,700	5,000	53,700
25-36	14,500	800	10,400	2,900	28,500
37-60	8,500	500	9,500	2,100	20,500
61-108	4,300	200	6,400	1,000	11,900
109+	1,400	100	2,700	300	4,500
Total	154,200	7,300	76,300	20,600	258,400

• Table note a. "Data for number of cases by reason for assistance not available"
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 8a-5d

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Total
0-3	37,200	1,500	9,700	3,100	51,600
4-6	26,300	1,200	7,800	2,600	38,000
7-12	30,100	1,400	13,000	3,600	48,200
13-24	31,600	1,600	15,900	4,600	53,600
25-36	14,900	800	10,200	2,800	28,700
37-60	12,100	600	11,100	2,600	26,300
61-108	4,900	200	6,900	1,100	13,200
109+	1,600	100	2,800	300	4,800
Total	158,700	7,400	77,400	20,700	264,300

• Table note a. "Data for number of cases by reason for assistance not available"
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 8a-5e

Duration of assistance (months)	Family type
	Single	Couple no dependants	Single parent	Couple with dependants	Total
0-3	33,400	1,300	8,600	2,700	46,100
4-6	25,500	1,000	7,300	2,300	36,200
7-12	28,200	1,300	11,500	3,300	44,300
13-24	30,800	1,400	15,600	4,500	52,400
25-36	15,400	800	9,700	2,600	28,500
37-60	14,300	700	11,700	2,700	29,400
61-108	5,800	300	7,500	1,300	14,900
109+	1,900	100	3,100	300	5,400
Total	155,300	6,800	75,200	19,700	257,000

• Table note a. "Data for number of cases by reason for assistance not available"
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Service delivery

The Ministry of Community and Social Services is responsible for the delivery of ODSP through a network of 45 local offices located throughout the province with employment support services provided through a network of approximately 150 community-based service providers.

Eligibility

Benefits

Support provided through the ODSP can be categorized as either income support or employment supports.

Income support consists of a basic needs amount and a shelter allowance. The basic needs amount helps with the cost of food, clothing, transportation and necessary personal items for the recipient, a spouse and any dependent children or dependent adults, if applicable. Maximum basic needs rates are based on the number of members in the benefit unit, and the ages of the children in the unit. Recipients who live north of the 50^th parallel and are without a year-round road access may be eligible for a Northern Allowance. Maximum shelter allowance rates are based on actual costs of rent or mortgage, heat, utilities, property taxes, home insurance premiums and condominium fees, up to the maximum amount set according to family size, which includes dependent children, or the type of accommodation arrangement such as board and lodge.

In addition, each member of a benefit unit may be eligible to receive an amount to assist with the cost of a special diet for a medical condition or to cover the costs of the nutritional needs associated with pregnancy and breast-feeding.

ODSP also provides supplemental health care benefits such as drug and dental coverage, and assistance with the costs of vision care, medical transportation, diabetic supplies, assistive devices and mobility device repairs and batteries.

Employment Supports provide employment-related goods and services, such as job placement assistance and job retention supports, to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs. Services are provided through a network of community-based services providers. Participation in Employment Supports is voluntary. A person does not need to be receiving income support to qualify for the Employment Supports program.

As a condition of eligibility, all adults members of an ODSP benefit unit who do not have a disability, and who do not meet the criteria for non-referral, are referred to Ontario Works to receive employment assistance to help them become and stay employed. ODSP recipients with disabilities may also voluntarily participate in Ontario Works employment assistance.

More information

For more information, please consult the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services website.

Statistics

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 8b-1

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Recipients	269,200	275,700	280,700	287,800	296,600	315,700	332,600	350,600	373,100	391,400	411,100	427,100
Cases	191,700	197,500	202,200	208,100	215,300	228,900	240,700	253,400	268,900	281,900	295,900	307,900

Cases by reason for assistance and duration of assistance

Text description of Table 8b-6a

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Disability	Other b	Total
0-3	3,200	200	3,400
4-6	5,300	300	5,600
7-12	11,200	500	11,800
13-24	23,600	1,000	24,600
25-36	21,800	800	22,500
37-60	36,400	1,400	37,800
61-108	46,200	2,000	48,200
109+	98,800	600	99,400
Total	246,500	6,900	253,400

• Table note a. "Data of assistance" measures length of current spell only.
• Table note b. "Other" includes rehabilitated, age 65 and over and other.

Text description of Table 8b-6b

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Disability	Other b	Total
0-3	3,500	200	3,700
4-6	6,100	300	6,400
7-12	13,000	500	13,600
13-24	24,700	1,000	25,700
25-36	22,800	800	23,700
37-60	39,200	1,300	40,500
61-108	50,300	2,000	52,200
109+	102,300	600	103,000
Total	262,000	6,900	268,900

• Table note a. "Data of assistance" measures length of current spell only.
• Table note b. "Other" includes rehabilitated, age 65 and over and other.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 8b-6c

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Disability	Other b	Total
0-3	3,100	200	3,300
4-6	4,700	300	5,000
7-12	13,300	600	13,900
13-24	27,400	1,000	28,400
25-36	23,800	900	24,600
37-60	40,700	1,300	42,000
61-108	56,400	1,900	58,300
109+	105,700	700	106,400
Total	275,000	7,000	281,900

• Table note a. "Data of assistance" measures length of current spell only.
• Table note b. "Other" includes rehabilitated, age 65 and over and other.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 8b-6d

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Disability	Other b	Total
0-3	3,100	300	3,300
4-6	4,900	300	5,300
7-12	12,500	600	13,100
13-24	28,000	1,000	29,000
25-36	26,800	900	27,600
37-60	42,500	1,300	43,800
61-108	60,900	1,700	62,600
109+	110,300	900	111,200
Total	288,900	7,000	295,900

• Table note a. "Data of assistance" measures length of current spell only.
• Table note b. "Other" includes rehabilitated, age 65 and over and other.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Text description of Table 8b-6e

Duration of assistance a (months)	Reason for assistance
	Disability	Other b	Total
0-3	3,100	200	3,300
4-6	5,000	300	5,300
7-12	12,400	600	13,000
13-24	26,800	1,100	27,900
25-36	27,600	900	28,500
37-60	45,900	1,400	47,300
61-108	64,700	1,600	66,300
109+	115,400	900	116,300
Total	301,000	6,900	307,900

• Table note a. "Data of assistance" measures length of current spell only.
• Table note b. "Other" includes rehabilitated, age 65 and over and other.
• Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

General

In order to be eligible for the Employment and Income Assistance program, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements outlined in the "Social Assistance Overview" in this report.

Liquid assets

The last increase to EIA liquid asset exemption levels came into effect January 2009. Clients are allowed the following liquid assets at the time of application and after enrolment:

• Table note a. Includes single parents and aged persons.

Earnings exemptions

Employment and Income Assistance program clients are eligible for the following monthly exemptions on earned income^{Footnote 16}:

Recipients and cases

Text description of Table 9-1

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005 b	2006	2007	2008	2009 c	2010 c	2011 c	2012 c	2013 c
Recipients	58,000	57,400	58,400	60,900	59,400	57,700	56,200	57,700	61,000	63,400	64,400	64,300
Cases	31,500	31,200	31,700	32,900	32,300	31,500	30,900	32,200	34,200	35,800	36,600	36,700

• Table note a. Municipal program caseloads are not included in the above table.
• Table note b. Effective June 1, 2004, the Province assumed responsibility for the delivery and administration of municipal assistance in rural and northern Manitoba.
• Table note c. The total number of recipients and cases includes those that have left EIA for employment or training but remain eligible for non-insured health benefits through the Rewarding Work Health Plan. In 2013 this included approximately 1,200 cases and 2,500 participants. In 2012 this included approximately 1,000 cases and 2,000 participants. In 2011 this included approximately 800 cases and 1,800 participants. In 2010 this included approximately 600 cases and 1,300 participants. In 2009 this included approximately 200 cases and 300 participants.