1.8 - Hospitals

Applicants

Hospital patients including those in Centracare, Saint John and the Restigouche Hospital Centre, Campbelton, and any of the Detox centers who are in need of personal necessities may apply for the Hospital rate of assistance which is equivalent to the Comfort and Clothing Allowance once they have been patients for thirty consecutive days. Eligibility for this rate of assistance would be assessed as for all other applicants.

Clients

Clients admitted in any hospital facility including any provincial Addiction Centers may be entitled to assistance at their regular rate of assistance for up to 90 days from the date of admission.  After 90 days, their rate will change to Comfort and Clothing.

Applicants leaving hospitals including those in Centracare, Saint John and the Restigouche Hospital Centre, Campbellton and any of the detox centers who do not have a permanent address may be entitled to basic assistance benefits at the Transitional Assistance Single Employable or Transitional Assistance Rate, if staying at an emergency shelter or any other eligible address. The purpose of doing this is to allow the individual to receive funds and services as soon as possible upon being released thereby reducing the probability of break in support coverage.

Applicants leaving hospitals may be screened prior to being released as part of their discharge plan. If deemed potentially eligible for basic assistance benefits, the applicant will remain screened in and an Office Registration appointment is made with a Needs Assessment Specialist. For example, if a patient has a release date of March 31st, the patient may be screened in on March 2nd and have an appointment date for the release date of March 31st.

If eligible the applicant will receive basic assistance benefits beginning effective the date of the Office Registration. After one month if the client does not have a permanent address the case is to be considered as homeless.  Applicants must apply at the office where they will be living, once released from the hospital.