N.B. disability advocates disappointed by unaddressed reforms
Global News
The Department of Social Development unveiled social assistance reforms on Monday but advocates say key asks are missing, including the elimination of the household income policy.
New Brunswick’s Department of Social Development has unveiled some social assistance reform but didn’t address one of the biggest priorities for advocates.
On Monday, Minister Bruce Fitch outlined plans to improve specific parts of the social assistance programs.
The province will no longer consider child support payments as a part of a household’s income. It will not see its assistance reduced if it also gets help from the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit. Compensation as a result of a workplace injury will also no longer be considered as part of the household income.
The province will now allow nurse practitioners to sign disability forms required by the government. The rates for social assistance will now match inflation. The reforms also provide a clearer and extended definition of the disability of being deaf.
The amount of money a person can make has also increased to $500 without impacting assistance levels, and 50 cents for every other dollar worked.
It also eliminates the deduction of shelter, which means people using relatives or friends to house themselves won’t have their assistance impacted either.
However, advocates said these are positive reforms, but consultation has been minimal, and many of the key priorities and asks are left out.
Ability New Brunswick executive director Haley Flaro said one of those was the elimination of the household income policy.
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