1.22 - Transition House

These benefits are to assist victims of abuse who are moving or have moved from an abusive situation. The location of transition houses is confidential to ensure the safety of its residents. The maximum stay at a transition house is usually 30 days, but can vary depending on the house and the victim's situation.

All income must be considered when determining the amount of assistance to be provided.

Existing clients or applicants are eligible to receive the full amount of the Comfort and Clothing allowance regardless of the day they enter the Transition House Applicants who choose not to go to the Transition House should be assessed for basic social assistance benefits and would not receive the Comfort and Clothing allowance.

All persons who have been victims of abuse, and who are "In transition" (staying in a Transition House, living with friends or in other safe accommodations) are eligible for the Transitional Assistance rate for a period of nine (9) months and as part of any household except the household in which the abuse took place, unless the abuser has left that household. If certified blind, deaf or disabled, they will be eligible for the Extended Benefits rate.

This exemption to the Household Income Policy applies to all women or men with or without dependents who have been victims of abuse and are leaving the abusive situation.

When determining the nine (9) months, do not count the month the client actually leaves the Transition House, i.e., if the client leaves at any time during the month of August, she would be eligible for the TAP rate of assistance for September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May.

Existing clients or applicants who leave the abusive situation and go live in the parental home will have 25% deducted for shelter costs.

Women or men who leave an abusive situation are identified as victims of abuse. This group is identified as a priority group for special benefits.

Client

A client's health card coverage is not effected due to entering a transition house.

Applicant

An applicant is eligible for Startup Basic health card coverage.

Client

If client has already received assistance for the month, they may still be issued the $135 comfort and clothing allowance as a special benefit, depending on need. Any further assistance should be suppressed until the client's needs are clarified.

Applicant

This is an application under Section 4(4). They may receive the $135 comfort and clothing allowance and a health card.

Clients leaving transition may be entitled to the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) rate for up to nine months after leaving the transition house, at which time the case will be reassessed.

When determining the nine (9) months, do not count the month the client actually leaves the Transition House, i.e., if the client leaves at any time during the month of August, she would be eligible for the TAP rate of assistance for September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May.

If a transition house is either not available or is full, and there is no alternate arrangements (i.e. family or friends) for the applicant/client, arrangements may be made to maintain her (room and meals) in a motel for a maximum of three (3) nights. The applicant/client must spend her days at the transition house in order to receive counseling, services etc. from the staff there.