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Hardship


Overview

Effective: June 30, 2008

The Hardship category provides information about when hardship assistance can be provided to meet the essential needs of persons who are not eligible for income or disability assistance.  All hardship assistance is provided on a temporary basis for one month at a time, and eligibility must be re-established for each month it is requested.

Hardship assistance may be provided in the following circumstances:

  • Awaiting EI Benefits (C) – for applicants who are awaiting Employment Insurance (EI) through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

  • Awaiting Other Income (P) – for applicants who are awaiting income from another source

  • Assets in Excess (N) – for specified family units who have assets in excess of specified exemption levels, and the assets are not immediately available

  • Strike or Lockout (E) – for applicants who are on strike or locked out, if the union is unable to meet their needs

  • Disqualification for Fraud and Related Offences (F) – for families with dependent children, who are ineligible for income or disability assistance for fraud or a related offence

  • Income in Excess (G) – for families with dependent children, who have received income in excess of the maximum rate for their family unit and the excess income could not have been reasonably expected to meet basic needs

  • Citizenship Requirements Not Met (A) – for applicants who do not meet the citizenship requirements

  • Sponsorship Undertaking Default (L) – for applicants who are awaiting verification of default of a Sponsorship Undertaking

  • Identity Not Established (J) – for persons who have insufficient identification

  • SIN Required (K) – for family units where the applicant or adult dependent is unable to provide a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Detailed information is available by clicking on the appropriate topic within the Hardship Category (left hand menu).