Saskatchewan backtracks on changes to income assistance, disability programs – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
Nov 14, 2016

REGINA _ The Saskatchewan government is backtracking on planned changes that would have cut money for about 2,700 disabled people and others getting financial aid.

Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor says changes announced in June to income-assistance programs will not be implemented for people already getting help.

The plan was for rental housing supplements to be considered as income for people with disabilities, and ended benefits under an employment supplement for families with children over the age of 13.

The government said at the time that the changes were to eliminate program overlaps that saw some people get extra money.

Beaudry-Mellor says the changes will still apply to new applicants or to existing clients whose circumstances change, such as if they move.

She says income assistance will still be redesigned to make it easier for workers and people to use, but the Saskatchewan Assured Income Disability program will not be affected.

INDEX: SOCIAL POLITICS