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Eligibility for Hardship Assistance


Overview: June 30, 2008

Effective: June 30, 2008

Hardship assistance is intended to meet the essential needs of persons or families who are not eligible for income assistance under the Employment and Assistance Act or disability assistance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, for a number of reasons specified by regulation.

Hardship assistance is not an entitlement, but may be provided at the discretion of the Minister according to legislative and regulatory criteria. It is provided on a temporary basis, for only one month at a time. Eligibility for hardship assistance must be re-established each month.

Hardship assistance issued for income in excess, assets in excess, awaiting other income and after hours (Code G, N, P and Q) is limited to three consecutive months during which time the family unit is expected to resolve the situation which makes them ineligible for regular assistance.  Once a family unit has received hardship assistance for three consecutive months and does still not meet eligibility requirements for income assistance, they are not eligible for any additional hardship assistance in any of the duration limited categories for a period of three consecutive months.

Hardship assistance issued for no identification (Code J), no Social Insurance Number (Code K) is limited to six months.

Clients are responsible for meeting the conditions under which hardship assistance is provided, including signing and complying with an Employment Plan, and agreeing to repay hardship assistance, when required.