Item Detail

Child Care

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access:

• unsubsidized employment opportunities
• subsidized employment opportunities
• training opportunities

Sitter costs will only be considered when daycare is not feasible.  Sitter cannot be a unit member, parent, or grandparent of the child. Sitter costs will normally only be provided for children aged 13 years or younger. The rate is $3.25 per hour per child.

Clothing

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and require personal clothing to access:

• unsubsidized employment opportunities
• subsidized employment opportunities
• training opportunities

All requests must be assessed individually and can only be provided in exceptional circumstances. Maximum amount is $150.

Daycare Subsidy Top-Up (Training only)

Where the Day Care provider rate is greater than the SD maximum daily rate, the difference may be subsidized.

Day Care assistance top-up may be considered for CDO clients while they participate in training.  The top up would be the difference between Social Development’s maximum daily rate and the rate charged by the Day Care.

If the child is a member of a two-parent unit, one parent must meet the training criteria and the other parent must meet any one of the day care criteria.

The maximum amount of Day Care subsidy top-up allowed is 23 days per month per child at a maximum of $5/day. This amount is to be paid directly to client at the beginning of the month.
 

Fees/Dues

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access:

• unsubsidized employment opportunities
• subsidized employment opportunities
• training opportunities

Requests for this benefit must be assessed on an individual basis. This benefit may only be paid in exceptional circumstances.
 

Medical Examination (Training Only)

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access training opportunities. The cost of such examinations may be paid when required as a pre-requisite to admittance to training institutions.
 

Relocation Expenses

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access:

• unsubsidized employment opportunities
• training opportunities

The cost of relocating the client and/or their family may be considered when the client has a permanent confirmed employment and all other options have been explored.
 

School Supplies (Training Only)

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access upgrading or skills training opportunities. A maximum of $50 may be issued to purchase supplies such as pens, pencils, binders, loose leaf etc., for upgrading or skills training.
 

Special Clothing/Equipment

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access:

• unsubsidized employment opportunities
• subsidized employment opportunities
• training opportunities

Clothing refers for example to hard hat, work gloves etc.

Equipment requests must be made by the employer.

A maximum of $200 total may be made for special clothing and/or equipment.
 

Text Books (Training Only)

This special benefit may be available to clients as per the criteria in the CDO policy.
 

Training Purchases (Training Only)

This benefit is used as a last resort when short-term training is purchased for a client, as part of an active case plan, when it is not covered by any other agency.
 

Training Related Expenses (Training Only)

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who are participating in training and who require items not covered by other CDO benefits.
 

Transportation

This special benefit may be available to assist clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access:

• unsubsidized employment opportunities (may only be provided until receipt of first pay)
• subsidized employment opportunities (may only be provided until receipt of first pay)
• training opportunities (If receiving assistance from another agency, only the difference between the amount received and what SD provides would be paid)

The most economical method of transportation must be used at the following rates:

• Private Vehicle: $0.58 per km.
• Public Transportation/Bus: Actual cost of fare.
• Community Transportation: $0.58 per km.
• Local: An allowance of $3 per day may be provided for those who live too far to walk, but not far enough to receive an applicable benefit.
• Taxi:  Maximum of 43 cents per km (HST included) outside municipality. (If within municipality, Public Transportation would be used)

The maximum monthly amount of this benefit is $200 per client (all transportation methods combined)

Food

This special benefit is only available to clients who are in a priority group that also demonstrate they are in an emergency situation (unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances).

Clients must take advantage of all available resources in the community (i.e. local food bank, soup kitchen, churches, Salvation Army, relatives and friends, etc.) or any other potential resources that may be able to meet their need.

The benefit amount provided must meet the immediate and temporary needs of the client through the emergency time period only. The maximum allowable amount will not exceed 30 per cent of the monthly rate of assistance.
 

Rent, Mortgage or Accommodations

This special benefit is only available to applicants and clients who are in a priority group who also demonstrate they are in an emergency situation (unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances).

The applicant or client must provide confirmation of eviction, foreclosure of mortgage.

This benefit cannot be issued more than once.

Use this benefit in situations where an applicant or client is being forced to leave their residence due to an undeclared emergency.

No Social Development Housing (i.e. subsidized rent, public housing, non-profit housing) arrears are to be paid under this benefit.

The client or applicant must take advantage of all available resources in the community (i.e. churches, Salvation Army, relatives and friends, emergency shelters, etc.) or any other potential resources that may be able to meet their need.

The benefit amount provided must meet the immediate and temporary needs of the client or applicant through the emergency time period only.
 

Bulk Fuel

This special benefit (wood or oil) may be available to all clients who meet the eligibility requirements for the regular fuel supplement (see benefit below) and is usually purchase prior to the fuel supplement period (November to April).  For bulk purchases, a maximum of $145 for the six months of the fuel supplement ($870), or a part thereof depending on date of application, is paid as a one issue benefit, with no retroactive payments. 

Electric/Non-Electric

This special benefit may be available to all clients who meet the criteria. Clients who are not entitled are those who:

• are receiving the Income Supplement benefit (clients who are eligible for both the Fuel Supplement and the Income Supplement must decide which benefit they prefer, as both cannot be issued for the same month).
• reside with other people who are not included in their household
• have heating costs included in their rent payment.
• live in the parental home.
• are in a rooming or boarding situation.
• have rental costs less than $100 per month.
• have mortgage costs less than $100 per month.
• are living in "maintenance only" accommodation.
• are in subsidized housing where heating costs are factored into the rent, mortgage or loan payment.
• live in Public Housing where they do not pay their own heating invoice.
• rent from a Non-Profit Housing Group.
• are in the Rent Supplement program (if they receive a heat supplement).
• have a loan with SD - Housing and they receive a heating allowance.

Eligible households who heat with electricity (fully or partially) can request the Electric Fuel Supplement of $150 per month. Households who do not heat with electricity can request the Non-Electric Fuel Supplement of $145 per month. The monthly amount is paid as an ongoing benefit with no retroactive payments. It is available from November to April.

Only one benefit is to be provided per household. If a separate rental unit exists in the same residence and verification of a separate invoice/bill can be provided (two separate accounts) then more than one benefit would apply.

Emergency Fuel

This special benefit; meant to cover all types of heating, may be provided to any client or applicant in an emergency situation who experiences hardship situations with respect to winter heating costs. Eligible households are permitted to access this emergency once per calendar year. The benefit is intended to be applied to unavoidable and unforeseen situations, or set of circumstances.

The benefit, up to $550 may be provided to:

Clients who:

1. Are in receipt of income support under the Extended Benefits or Transitional Assistance programs.
2. Live in their own home including rental accommodations, that is do not live in the parental home, do not share the unit with other individuals outside the client's household,or in a room and board situation where heat is included.
3. Do not already receive a heating allowance via a subsidized mortgage or loan.
4. Can demonstrate that they are in an emergency situation.

For applicants / non clients who:

1. Can clearly demonstrate they have exhausted all options for payment with the service provider.
2. Can demonstrate that they are in an emergency situation.
3. Have not received an Emergency Benefit in the last calendar year.

Funerals

This benefit may be available to clients and applicants as per the criteria in the Funerals policy.

Appliance And Furniture Repair

This special benefit may be available to clients in priority groups only. Appliances and furniture should be repaired if possible. Costs related to service calls should be shared equally between clients and Social Development.

Appliance And Furniture Purchase

This special benefit is only available to clients who are in a Priority Group that also demonstrate they are in an emergency situation (unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances).

Client must take advantage of all available resources in the community (i.e. churches, Salvation Army, relatives and friends, community support groups, classified ads, used furniture, etc.) or any other potential resources that may be able to meet their need.

The first choice should be used items. A new item should only be purchased when necessary or when the price difference between new and old is less than 20 percent.

Items included under this are: Beds, Cribs, Kitchen Table and Chairs, Refrigerator, Stove, and Washer.

If purchasing two or more benefits to be issued as part of setting up a household for disaster victim or those leaving abusive situations, Household Setup should be selected and not this benefit

Smoke Detectors

This special benefit is only available to clients who are in a priority group who live in their own home that also demonstrate they are in an emergency situation (unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances).

Client must take advantage of all available resources in the community (i.e. churches, Salvation Army, relatives and friends, community support groups, classified ads, used furniture, yard sales, etc.) or any other potential resources that may be able to meet their need.

Clients may only be reimbursed after purchase - to a maximum of $10. This benefit may be paid only once per client.

Child Care

This special benefit may be available to all clients who require child care for one child aged 13 years or younger for medical reasons. Child care may be provided if the parent is in hospital, or has been discharged from the hospital and is unable to care for the child. The client must have explored the option of family assisting with child care. Payments are not to be approved when the caregiver is a unit member or parent of the child.

The rate is $3.25 per hour per child to a maximum of $40 per day This benefit is expected to be for short-term intervention only.
 

Diabetic Supplies

This special benefit may be available to all diabetic applicants/clients who are:

• Newly diagnosed with diabetes
• Taking oral medications
• Insulin dependent

The quantities of test strips that are approved are dependent on the client’s diagnosis and treatment recommended by the health professional as indicated on the form.

The supplies could include test strips, lancets, syringes (only for insulin dependent), swabs, and flash glucose meters. Flash glucose monitors and glucose sensors may be provided for insulin dependent diabetics only.  Insulin and medications are covered by the Health Card.

Dressings - Cancer Patients

This special benefit may be available for cancer patients requiring special dressings. Dressings for burn victims must be approved by Health Services.

Incontinence Supplies

This special benefit may be available to all individuals who need incontinence protection and:

• are not confined to a wheelchair
• and whose household income is less than $19,500 for single person household or $30,000 for multi-person household

For individuals confined to a wheelchair or bed, these supplies must be authorized by and paid for by Health Services.

Only the most cost effective means of meeting the client’s incontinence need will be approved. Brand name products will only be considered when generic products are not available or when generic products will not meet the client’s medical needs (Justification will be required).  A maximum amount of 240 diapers or pads per month may be approved. If there is a request for more than the maximum amount detailed information must be provided from a qualified health professional justifying the need and duration for the additional amount.

The following items are not allowable items under this benefit:

• Gloves used for general patient care
• Sterile gloves
• Wipes -  medicated and non-medicated

Infant Formulas

This special benefit may be available to infants over the age of four months who need infant formula for medical reasons. Assistance with the cost of a maximum of four cases (12 cans per case) of infant formula may be provided, if it is medically supported.

This benefit should only be provided if the infant no longer qualifies under the Pre/Postnatal Benefits Program or does not qualify for assistance through the Department of Health's programs.

• The Pre/Postnatal Benefits Program:  New mothers may be eligible for assistance with the cost of Infant Formula/Milk for up to a maximum of four months beginning when the newborn baby is discharged from the hospital.
• The Specialized Supplement Program (available through Vitalite Health Network) : Therapeutic nutritional products/special formulas may be provided through these programs to children under the age of 18.

Over the Counter Items

This special benefit may be available to Basic Assistance clients and Health Card Only clients who provide the proper documentation from their physician or nurse practitioner requesting an over the counter item. The request will then be assessed using the over the counter formulary to determine eligibility.

Only the most cost-effective means of meeting the client’s over the counter need will be approved. Brand name products will only be considered when generic products are not available or when generic products will not meet the client’s medical needs (Justification will be required).

Special Diet

The monthly special diet benefit of $40 is available to assist clients with additional food costs for only those clients who are:

• receiving palliative care.
• HIV positive.
• have undergone a major organ transplant such as liver, kidney, heart or lung.
• children up to 19 years of age that are diabetic and insulin dependent.
• diagnosed with AIDS, Celiac disease, Hepatitis C, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease) or Phenylketonuria (PKU).
• cancer patients who in active treatment such as recovering from surgery, receiving radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
• patients on dialysis for chronic renal failure.

Special diets are intended to assist clients with health issues and are not to supplement monthly social assistance payments.

Clients suffering from PKU should be referred to the "Phenylketonuria Provincial Management Program or through their local dietician.

Specialized Infant Formula (Milk Allergy)

This special benefit may be available to infants with a medical need for hydrolyzed infant formula designed to treat cow’s milk protein allergy.  The infant must demonstrate at least one of the following symptoms to be eligible: hives, eczema, enteropathy (bloody stools, watery diarrhea and failure to thrive), severe reflux (vomiting with all feeds and failure to thrive).

Only the following products are available through this program: Alimentum, Nutramigen, Pregestimil.

Infants receiving the Specialized Infant Formula benefit are not eligible to receive Postnatal Benefits through Social Development nor participate in the New Brunswick Specialized Supplement Program during the same time period they are receiving this benefit.  

The Medical Referral Form should be renewed every 12 months up to the age of 24 months.  Infants greater than 24 months of age are not eligible for this benefit.

This benefit is also available to families who are not eligible for social assistance.  Applicants will need to be assessed under the 4(4) policy.

Maximum amount of formula required by age:

Food & Shelter

This special benefit may be available to all clients who require food and shelter when making medical trips outside the region or province. The standard rate is $10.00 per meal up to a maximum of $30.00 per day per person, unless meals are provided by hospital. Where daily rates established by service providers (i.e., IWK) are higher, the service providers rate would be covered. If the client is staying in a housekeeping unit, the standard rate will be $12.00 per day per person for groceries instead of a meal allowance. Provision can be made for meals, at the same rate, for a person required to accompany the client and also for lodging (usually at a hostel) for the person accompanying the client.

Medical Transportation

This special benefit may be available to clients who require transportation for medical reasons. Clients must be advised to try to obtain an appointment by phone, or video conference, if possible.

Definition:

Medical appointments are appointments that are necessary for clients to maintain their physical and mental health with a licensed health care professional; including public or private clinics and any mental health groups organized and run or recommended by a licenced health care professional.

• Transportation to pick up prescribed medications or medical equipment (including glasses, hearing aid, etc) is not covered unless a licensed health care professional needs to meet the client to adjust the item for proper fitting.
• If the transportation is for a treatment program (Methadone, Suboxone), see Treatment Program Transportation Policy.

Appointments farther away

Clients must choose the service that is the closest to their residence.

If a client is referred to a service that is farther away, transportation benefits can be issued only in one of these conditions:

• The service is not available nearby.

• Client has pre-surgery meeting or had surgery and is returning for checkup. 
• The client has no other family doctor, and they are on a waitlist.
• Out-of-Province or Out-of-Country transportation for a medical appointment is only covered if the service is approved by Medicare.

Types of Transportation:

The most economical method of transportation must be paid if medical condition of client will permit unless there is an emergency.

Community Transportation: Payment is made based on the mileage required for the trip and typically should not exceed $0.58 per km. 

Local Transportation: An allowance of $9.00 per day may be provided for those who live too far, or are unable to walk, but not far enough to receive an applicable benefit.

Public Transportation: Must be pre-approved by the case manager.  The most economical option is to be used.  Air transportation: use Hope Air or Air Canada's Medical fare (if available); full fare paid only if no other options are available.

Private Vehicle: Payment is limited to $0.58 per km for all vehicles.

Taxi: Must be pre-approved by the case manager

Required Documents:

Proof of attendance at the appointment from the health care professional or their delegates. The Case Manager can also verify the information if needed. 

Time limit:

• Client has 35 days to provide proof of attendance to the appointment.  Documents received more than 35 days after the appointment will not be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances.
• Transportation benefit can be paid no earlier than 1 week in advance, except for bus passes or transportation for frequent medical appointment (Once or more per week).
• Bus passes and transportation for frequent medical appointments can be issued a month at a time and the required documents to be brought before another pass, or monthly benefit can be issued.
• If the transportation was paid in advance, no other medical transportation benefits will be issued in advance until the documents for the previous appointment are provided. 

Treatment Program Transportation

This special benefit may be available to clients who require daily transportation to a pharmacy or clinic in order to receive a prescribed medication within a treatment program (e.g. Methadone Program). This benefit is available to basic assistance and 4(2)(b) clients only and not those receiving assistance under subsection 4(4)..

Treatment Program Transportation guidelines include:

• Daily transportation benefits will be offered to clients for a maximum total of 18 months.
• A combined maximum of $200 per month may be issued for methadone transportation.
• If monthly bus passes are being issued for the daily transportation, no extra coverage is to be issued.
• The most economical means of available transportation must be used.
• This benefit may only be provided if the dispensing pharmacy or clinic is greater than 2.4 kilometres from the client's residence.

Daily transportation benefits will be calculated based on the distance to the dispensing pharmacy that is closest to the client's place of residence

Guidelines to these payments:

Private Vehicle or Community transportation: 58 cents per km.

Public Transportation: Cost of fare. 

Taxi:  Maximum of 43 cents per km (HST included) outside municipality. (If within municipality, Public Transportation would be used)

Household Supplement

The purpose of the Household Supplement is to help social assistance recipients with the rising cost of food and shelter.  This supplement is an ongoing special benefit of $200 per month. Eligibility for this special benefit is determined automatically for clients and is available to households in the Transitional Assistance Program and Extended Benefits Program, except for those experiencing homelessness. 

Income Supplement

Eligibility for this special benefit is determined automatically and is available to families with at least one dependent aged less than 19 years:

• who pay more than 30 per cent of their basic unit rate toward rent costs OR
• whose board costs total more than 30 per cent of their basic unit rate after 30 per cent of the board costs is deducted to consider food costs.

This benefit is not available to clients:

• who are in subsidized rental units.
• who are homeowners (with or without mortgages).
• with monthly rent costs less than 30 per cent of their Basic Unit Rate.
• who are in receipt of Income assistance with Rental Costs (ARC) benefits. Clients have the option to cancel their ARC benefits in order to receive the Income Supplement if it is more beneficial.
• who are in receipt of the Fuel Supplement.
• who are in the parental home.

This supplement is an ongoing special benefit of $84 per month from May to October, and $120 per month from November to April. You can only receive the income supplement for one full month. If assistance begins after the 1st of the month, the income supplement will not be issued until the next month.

Telephone

This special benefit may be available to priority groups and is for telephone connection charges only (i.e. not arrears or monthly charges). This benefit will be considered only for medical reasons or in situations of potential violence.
 

Water & Sewage

This special benefit may be available to priority groups who:

• own their own home.
• have a mortgage payment.
• are in an emergency situation, i.e.: water is to be turned off.
   

Appeal Board Decisions

This special benefit may be available to all clients for benefits that have been approved by the Appeal Board according to the criteria in the Appeals policy.

Clothing

This special benefit may be available to priority groups only; for reasons not related to CDO programming (training or employment).

Comfort & Clothing Allowance

This is a special benefit, and should not be confused with the Comfort & Clothing rate of assistance to which some applicants/clients may be entitled. This special benefit may be available to some applicants/clients in institutions, hospitals, or transition houses at a maximum amount of $190 per month.

NOTE: This may not be issued to clients in a correctional facility (an incarcerated client).

Dependent Graduation Benefit

This special benefit is available to open Income Assistance households with dependent children who will be graduating from high school during the existing school year.

A $250 amount per graduating dependent may be issued. This benefit is intended to address costs related to graduation expenses, specifically graduation ceremony, cap & gown rental, prom, Safe Grad, yearbook and photographs

Disasters

This special benefit may be available to clients or applicants who are victims of non-declared disasters. This benefit is equivalent to one month's Basic Unit Rate for that unit, less what is available from resources such as Red Cross. 

Extermination Services

This special benefit may be available to all clients who have pests such as bedbugs, fleas, rodents, etc. in their residence, which require extermination with the use of chemicals by a company specializing in this service. This benefit may only be approved upon written recommendation from the Public Health Inspector or a Public Health Nurse.

Household Setup

This special benefit is only available to clients who are in a priority group that also demonstrate they are in an emergency situation (unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances) with no insurance or other resources.

Client must take advantage of all available resources in the community (i.e. churches, Salvation Army, relatives and friends, community support groups, classified ads, used furniture, yard sales, etc.) or any other potential resources that may be able to meet their need.

The maximum amount allowed for all benefits issued to set up a household is $2000. All other resources must be explored first. Household Setup may include the cost of: bedding, towels, dishes, pots/pans, cutlery, refrigerator, stove, washer, kitchen table and chairs, beds and cribs.

Miscellaneous

This special benefit is to be used for those situations which are rarely encountered but are recognized by the department as valid special benefits. (i.e.  language interpreters, etc.)

Property Insurance

This special benefit may be available to priority groups only. Payment may only be made when the result of non-payment will be the loss of the property or denial of eligibility to obtain a loan for repairs or to renew a mortgage.

Relocation In Province

This special benefit may be available to priority groups only, for the following reasons:

• client forced out of present accommodations by fire, flood, or abusive situation.
• client's health or safety threatened.

Payment will cover basic moving expenses, not any packing fees and is made as a one issue upon receipt of an invoice. 

Repatriation

This benefit is available to all clients who meet the criteria as outlined in the Repatriation policy. 

Security Deposits

This special benefit may be available to disaster victims, women in transition, and clients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. They must be in a rental situation where the accommodations are rented in the name of the client, and where it is evident that the monthly rent cost is not beyond the means of the client. Except in extreme situations, it is only paid once per client. It is paid directly to the Office of the Rentalsman or by voucher to co-op or low rental agencies not covered by the Housing division of the Department of Social Development. Clients should be advised to contact the Rentalsman to have their security deposit transferred when they move. Landlords should contact the Rentalsman when tenants with security deposits move.

Service Animal

This special benefit is to be used for requests such as dog grooming (clip, shampoo and toe nails) and veterinary services for service animals. (i.e.: Seeing eye dogs, etc).

This special benefit is intended to assist with the costs related to service animals only.  It does not apply to companion and/or therapy animals.

No more than two visits per year for grooming up to a maximum of $150.00 annually can be provided.

Transportation - Other

This special benefit may be available to women in transition and disaster victims to pay for transportation for reasons other than medical, training, or employment.

Guidelines to these payments:

Private Vehicle or Community transportation: 58 cents per km.

Public Transportation: Cost of fare. 

Taxi:  Maximum of 43 cents per km (HST included) outside municipality. (If within municipality, Public Transportation would be used)
 

Prenatal benefit

This benefit may be available to clients and applicants as per the criteria in the Prenatal policy.

Postnatal benefit

This benefit may be used towards the purchase of food and milk for the mother and/or baby.

The benefit may be paid for up to a maximum of 4 months beginning when the newborn baby is discharged from the hospital up until the baby reaches 4 months of age.  If the baby is born premature and remains in hospital for a period of time, the benefit may be paid for 4 months beginning when the baby is discharged from the hospital.

The benefit amount is $60 per month.  For multiple births the benefit amount can be paid to each child. 

Child Care

This special benefit may be available to assist clients in Work Services:

• Obtaining Employment: who have completed an Employability Assessment and have developed a case plan
• Retaining Employment: who have a developed case plan and have found employment.

Sitter costs will only be considered when daycare is not feasible.  The sitter cannot be a unit member, parent or grandparent of the child. Sitter costs will normally be provided for children aged 13 or younger. The rate is $3.25 per hour per child.

When retaining employment, this benefit may be provided for a period of 12 months from the start of employment.
 

Clothing and Appearance

This special benefit may be available to assist Work Services clients who have a developed case plan and wish to improve their appearance to eventually access employment opportunities. Assistance with clothing for up to $150 and $50 for appearance for job searching are part of this benefit. A one timed issued benefit of $200 total may be provided for clothing and appearance.

Criminal Record Check

This special benefit may be able to assist Work Services clients, who have a developed case plan, and wish to access employment opportunities, in a field of employment that requires a criminal record check to be completed as a pre-requisite to getting hired. The benefit covers the cost of a criminal record check, up to a maximum of $50.

Daycare Subsidy Top-Up

Where the daycare provider rate is greater than the Social Development’s maximum daily rate, the difference may subsidized for a maximum of 6 months.

Daycare assistance top-up may be considered for Work Services clients during their job search. The top up would be the difference between Social Development’s maximum daily rate and the daily rate charged by the daycare.

If the child is a member of a two parent unit, one parent must meet the employment criteria and the other parent must meet any one of the criteria as defined above.

The maximum amount of day care subsidy allowed is 23 days per months per child at a maximum of $5 per day.
 

Emergency Retention Benefit

This benefit is available to clients of Work Services who found employment within the last 12 months, and are at risk of losing their job as a result of a financial crisis. Case manager can provide up to $500 following a thorough assessment of circumstances and identified need.

All requests for this benefit must be assessed to determine whether:

The service or items requested are intended to meet critical emergency needs which, if not satisfied, would cause the client to lose their employment.

If the client(s) have the means or alternative ways of obtaining the services or items requested.
 

Intra-Provincial Interview Expenses

This special benefit may be available to assist clients in Work Services who have developed a case plan and wish to attend a scheduled job interview in another region of the province, and to which the employer doesn't permit a telephone job interview. The most economical means of travel must be accessed. Maximum amount for this benefit is $200 per calendar year..

Medical

This special benefit may be available to assist Work Services clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access employment opportunities in a field of employment that requires a medical be completed as a pre-requisite to an interview. A copy of the medical would be placed on file. The maximum amount per medical is $50

Relocation Expenses

This special benefit may be available to assist Work Services clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access unsubsidized employment opportunities. The most economical means of relocation must be accessed.

The cost of relocating the client and/or their family may be considered when: the client has permanent, non subsidized, confirmed employment, and if other options for funding have been explored and confirmed.

Special Clothing/Equipment

This special benefit may be available to assist Work Services clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access unsubsidized employment opportunities.

Clothing refers for example to hard hat, work gloves, etc. Equipment requests must be made by the employer. A maximum of $200 total may be made for special clothing and/or equipment.

Specialized Counseling

Counseling sessions are available to clients in Work Services who have found employment in the last 12 months and need help dealing with personal or family issues. The counseling needed is deemed short-term and is meant to assist the clients in retaining employment. The maximum allowable sessions with a service provider is 10.

Transitional Benefit

This special benefit may be provided to Work Services clients who have developed a case plan and find full time employment. This benefit is intended to assist the client in covering costs related to going to work and to enable them to have a successful transition into the work force. All requests must be assessed individually. A one issue benefit may be provided up to a maximum of $500.

Transportation

Obtaining: This special benefit may be available to Work Services clients, who have an Employability Assessment, a developed case plan and require transportation to Job Search. It may be provided as an ongoing benefit up to six months or until the client secures employment.

Retaining: This special benefit may be available to assist Work Services clients who have a developed case plan and have found employment. This benefit may only be provided as an ongoing benefit for one month from the start date of employment.

Clients should not receive Transportation for Child Care and Transportation for seeking employment for the same distance travelled. Transportation for seeking employment would begin from the Child Care facility.

The most economical method of transportation must be used at the following rates;

Private Vehicle: $0.58 cents per km. The driver receives this rate only once, regardless of number of passengers.

Bus: Actual cost of fare.

Community Transportation:  Payment is made based on the mileage required for the trip and typically should not exceed $0.58 per KM.

Local: An allowance of $3 per day may be provided for those who live too far to walk, but not far enough to receive an applicable benefit.

Taxi: Although the rate is 43 cents per km.

The maximum monthly amount of this benefit is $200 per client (All transportation methods combined).

Transportation for Child Care  

This special benefit may be available to Work Services clients (obtaining) who have a developed case plan and require transportation to access Daycare/Alternative Child Care or Child Care by paying transportation to the Child Care site. This benefit may only be provided as an ongoing benefit up to six months or until the client secures employment.

The maximum monthly amount of this benefit is $200 per client (All transportation methods combined).

Clients should not receive Child Care Transportation and transportation for seeking employment for the same distance travelled. Transportation for seeking employment would begin from the Child Care Facility.

Union/Association Fee

This special benefit may be available to assist Work Services clients who have a developed case plan and wish to access employment opportunities that require membership and in a particular union or professional association, in which they already possess the skills, experience and qualifications. Requests for this benefit must be assessed on an individual basis. This benefit covers the cost of the union dues and association fees up to a maximum of $500.