7. ADMINISTRATION/CONTROL
7-1 Misappropriation of Assistance by Beneficiaries
PURPOSE
1. To assist applicants who experience on-going problems managing their Social Assistance benefits.
PRINCIPLE
2. Social Assistance is provided for basic needs or authorized special needs and is expected to be used for this purpose.
3. Applicants are responsible for payment of their own bills and are expected to take responsibility for their own actions when they choose not to pay them.
4. As a helping agency, it is an obligation to assist applicants to improve financial management skills.
POLICY
5. When an applicant has not used his/her Social Assistance for the purpose intended, resulting in accumulated arrears, the worker shall discuss the problem with the applicant and encourage the applicant to work out a method of paying the arrears.
6. In situations where negotiations between applicant and creditor have not resolved the problem of arrears, it may be necessary to "advance" the funds and recover them from future Social Assistance. Such recovery should not exceed six months or the date of anticipated termination of benefits, whichever occurs first provided it does not create undue hardship for the applicant.
7. Repeated problems may result in providing future Social Assistance as follows:
a) Direct payments to vendors; or
b) Credit/service authorization payments; or
c) Appointment of an agent; or
8. Where the applicant has lost the right to manage his/her own finances and is deemed by the worker to be ready to re-accept responsibility for his/her financial commitments, the responsibility should be returned to him/her on a gradual basis. For example, at first he/she might be given the financial assistance for his/her personal requirements, and then household supplies, followed by his/her complete FCHP allotment, until he/she is once again assuming responsibility for his/her full range of financial needs.
9. In situations where one partner is irresponsibly managing the Social Assistance, payment should be made to the spouse. This is a judgment made by the worker, usually in consultation with the applicants. Where one partner has not been part of the consultation, he/she should be notified of the reason for the change.
PROCEDURE
10. Any action resulting in a change in the method of payment to applicants shall be accompanied by supporting documentation stating the reasons and the attempts to resolve the problem.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Burial Expenses
6-14 Burial Expenses
PURPOSE
1. To provide the basic burial expenses for applicants.
PRINCIPLE
2. Funerals are to be arranged by family members.
3. Workers shall make family members aware of the limitations of the policy.
4. Where the family is expecting the expenses to be paid, in part or in full, through Social Assistance, the funeral director shall be so informed before arrangements are concluded.
POLICY
5. Assistance may be granted to meet the cost of burying or cremating a person:
(a) Whose estate is insufficient to cover the cost of his/her burial/cremation; and
(b) Where there are no other means of meeting such costs.
6. Funeral expenses for an individual qualifying for Social Assistance shall be paid at the following rates:
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 AND OVER.........................$2,500.00
CHILDREN UNDER 12................................................$1,320.00
STILLBORN............................................................$110.00
Which shall include the services of the Funeral Director of the families choice, who shall supply the following:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE......................$2,500.00 or $1,320.00 (as applicable)
- Funeral Director's services for consultation, arrangement and coordination of details, along with support staff services; and
- Embalmers professional services.
- Cremation services may be provided at the discretion of the Funeral Director, provided the costs do not exceed the established maximums.
Facilities and Equipment
- Funeral Home facilities for visiting hours up to one afternoon and one evening;
- Chapel facilities or transfer of remains and equipment to a local Church for funeral services;
- Cemetery equipment (lowering device & covers);
- Guest book for visitation; and
- Two Funeral Director's Proof of Death Certificates (Additional certificates available at a fee).
Motor Equipment
- Service vehicle for LOCAL removal and delivery of equipment to cemetery;
- Clergy/Lead car to local cemetery; and
- Hearse to local cemetery.
In addition to the above services, the Funeral Director shall provide a basic, grey cloth-covered casket or a replacement casket acceptable to the family at no additional cost.
For children under 12, the appropriate cloth covered casket shall be provided.
STILLBORN...............................................$110.00
Which shall include:
- local removal from place of death;
- Funeral Director's consultation & necessary documentation;
- provision of an appropriate stillborn closed covered casket; and
- transportation to a local cemetery for grave side committal with family and clergy.
DIRECT DISPOSITION SERVICE...........$2,500.00 or $1,320.00 (as applicable)
Which Shall Include:
- Funeral Director's consultation and necessary documentation;
- Embalmers professional services;
- provision of shelter of remains while awaiting transportation to crematorium;
- provision of a basic container for cremation; and
- receiving and transportation of cremated remains to local cemetery for burial.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES: (to be paid by Social Assistance Program, where applicable).
- Oversize casket (at cost) - difference of cost and with PRIOR Approval;
- Cost of transporting the body from the place of death may be paid at the rate of $1.00 km for every kilometre over and above 25 km.
- Cost of burial shroud or purchase of clothing (if required, at cost, and with PRIOR approval); and
- Cemetery fees to be negotiated directly with the Cemetery/Gravedigger and invoiced separately.
Death occurring of Island resident while out of province:
- Local Funeral Home charges at place oif death;
- Transportation of remains back to Island Funeral Home by Air or Land at going rate;
- Body pouch or hermetically sealed liner at cost (exceptional circumstances may be considered);
The following expenses are NOT covered by the Social Assistance Program:
- Winter vault storage;
- Hairdresser;
- Grave liner;
- Flowers;
- Organist; and
- Obituaries.
PROCEDURE
7. Where the cost of the funeral does not exceed the amounts authorized in paragraph 6, payment may be made by:
(a) The Department making full payment as per the rates in paragraph 6; or
(b) The Department supplementing the amount paid by the family/estate (i.e. if the family pays $300.00 towards a funeral for a 10 year child, the Department may pay the balance - $1,020.00).
8. It is permissible for a third party (ie. family member) to contribute toward the cost of a funeral where funeral costs are greater than the approved allowances. However, where a third party contribution is greater than 100 percent of the approved amounts in paragraph 6, the Department’s contribution shall be reduced by the amount that the party contribution exceeds 100 % of the approved allowances, e.g.:
Adults
(a) The Department will pay the full allowance of $2,500.00 toward a funeral costing up to a maximum of $5,000.00 which is 100 percent greater than the $2,500.00 allowance.
(b) Where funeral costs are $5,200.00, the Department’s contribution shall be reduced by $200.00 since the $5,200.00 cost exceeds the $2,500.00 allowance by more than 100 percent.
(c) Thus, when funeral costs reach $7,500.00, the Department’s contribution would be reduced to zero.
(d) The third party contribution of $5,000.00 is inclusive of GST.
In summary, if the cost for an adult funeral exceeds $5,000.00, the $2,500.00 allowance will be reduced by the amount in excess of $5,000.00. The same formula is to be used for funerals for children under 12 years of age and for stillborns.
9. Where the Department makes a payment against funeral costs, as per paragraph 6, 7 & 8, a receipt shall be obtained from the funeral director indicating that the payment has been accepted as "Payment in Full" for funeral costs. A copy of this receipt shall be given to the next-of-kin.
10. The cost of the grave sites and the opening and closing of graves will be paid directly, where applicable. Local rates will apply in each case.
11. The cost of transporting the body from the place of death to the place of residence may be paid at the rate of $1.00/km for every kilometre over and above 25 km return. Mileage will not be paid for the first 25 km (i.e., if total trip is 30 km return, the funeral director may be paid for 5 km at $1.00/km).
12. Funeral dress for the deceased is an item which should be the responsibility of the family. Ordinarily the deceased will have clothing used in his/her lifetime which should be adequate to be buried in. However, where special need occurs, a request for dress may be submitted to the regional office by the Funeral Director. Funeral dress should not be perceived as a routine funeral cost.
13. Application for Canada Pension and/or Old Age Security benefits shall be the family's responsibility and these benefits will be applied against the funeral costs to reduce the cost to the Social Assistance Program.
14. Where a worker deems it appropriate, or is requested by the family, to make application for the Canada Pension benefit on behalf of the family, it will be necessary to first determine whether or not the deceased had a Will, or if an Administrator of the estate has been appointed by the Court. If so, the only person who may make application for the CPP Death Benefit is the Executor or Administrator. If not, the worker may make the application. Documentation which must accompany the application is as follows:
- the funeral contract or funeral receipts;
- the deceased’s birth or baptismal certificate;
- the death certificate; and
- the SIN of the deceased must be indicated on all documents.
15. Social Assistance funeral rates shall be reviewed periodically to determine the adequacy of rates.
16. The cost of death notices in newspapers and on radio, clergy honorariums, flowers, grave marker etc., shall be the responsibility of the family or next-of-kin.
17. Copy of invoice with complete funeral expenses, signed by family member arranging funeral, shall be forwarded to the Social Assistance Program in the appropriate office.
18. Funeral bills for indigent persons shall be submitted for approval.
PURPOSE
1. To provide the basic burial expenses for applicants.
PRINCIPLE
2. Funerals are to be arranged by family members.
3. Workers shall make family members aware of the limitations of the policy.
4. Where the family is expecting the expenses to be paid, in part or in full, through Social Assistance, the funeral director shall be so informed before arrangements are concluded.
POLICY
5. Assistance may be granted to meet the cost of burying or cremating a person:
(a) Whose estate is insufficient to cover the cost of his/her burial/cremation; and
(b) Where there are no other means of meeting such costs.
6. Funeral expenses for an individual qualifying for Social Assistance shall be paid at the following rates:
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 AND OVER.........................$2,500.00
CHILDREN UNDER 12................................................$1,320.00
STILLBORN............................................................$110.00
Which shall include the services of the Funeral Director of the families choice, who shall supply the following:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE......................$2,500.00 or $1,320.00 (as applicable)
- Funeral Director's services for consultation, arrangement and coordination of details, along with support staff services; and
- Embalmers professional services.
- Cremation services may be provided at the discretion of the Funeral Director, provided the costs do not exceed the established maximums.
Facilities and Equipment
- Funeral Home facilities for visiting hours up to one afternoon and one evening;
- Chapel facilities or transfer of remains and equipment to a local Church for funeral services;
- Cemetery equipment (lowering device & covers);
- Guest book for visitation; and
- Two Funeral Director's Proof of Death Certificates (Additional certificates available at a fee).
Motor Equipment
- Service vehicle for LOCAL removal and delivery of equipment to cemetery;
- Clergy/Lead car to local cemetery; and
- Hearse to local cemetery.
In addition to the above services, the Funeral Director shall provide a basic, grey cloth-covered casket or a replacement casket acceptable to the family at no additional cost.
For children under 12, the appropriate cloth covered casket shall be provided.
STILLBORN...............................................$110.00
Which shall include:
- local removal from place of death;
- Funeral Director's consultation & necessary documentation;
- provision of an appropriate stillborn closed covered casket; and
- transportation to a local cemetery for grave side committal with family and clergy.
DIRECT DISPOSITION SERVICE...........$2,500.00 or $1,320.00 (as applicable)
Which Shall Include:
- Funeral Director's consultation and necessary documentation;
- Embalmers professional services;
- provision of shelter of remains while awaiting transportation to crematorium;
- provision of a basic container for cremation; and
- receiving and transportation of cremated remains to local cemetery for burial.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES: (to be paid by Social Assistance Program, where applicable).
- Oversize casket (at cost) - difference of cost and with PRIOR Approval;
- Cost of transporting the body from the place of death may be paid at the rate of $1.00 km for every kilometre over and above 25 km.
- Cost of burial shroud or purchase of clothing (if required, at cost, and with PRIOR approval); and
- Cemetery fees to be negotiated directly with the Cemetery/Gravedigger and invoiced separately.
Death occurring of Island resident while out of province:
- Local Funeral Home charges at place oif death;
- Transportation of remains back to Island Funeral Home by Air or Land at going rate;
- Body pouch or hermetically sealed liner at cost (exceptional circumstances may be considered);
The following expenses are NOT covered by the Social Assistance Program:
- Winter vault storage;
- Hairdresser;
- Grave liner;
- Flowers;
- Organist; and
- Obituaries.
PROCEDURE
7. Where the cost of the funeral does not exceed the amounts authorized in paragraph 6, payment may be made by:
(a) The Department making full payment as per the rates in paragraph 6; or
(b) The Department supplementing the amount paid by the family/estate (i.e. if the family pays $300.00 towards a funeral for a 10 year child, the Department may pay the balance - $1,020.00).
8. It is permissible for a third party (ie. family member) to contribute toward the cost of a funeral where funeral costs are greater than the approved allowances. However, where a third party contribution is greater than 100 percent of the approved amounts in paragraph 6, the Department’s contribution shall be reduced by the amount that the party contribution exceeds 100 % of the approved allowances, e.g.:
Adults
(a) The Department will pay the full allowance of $2,500.00 toward a funeral costing up to a maximum of $5,000.00 which is 100 percent greater than the $2,500.00 allowance.
(b) Where funeral costs are $5,200.00, the Department’s contribution shall be reduced by $200.00 since the $5,200.00 cost exceeds the $2,500.00 allowance by more than 100 percent.
(c) Thus, when funeral costs reach $7,500.00, the Department’s contribution would be reduced to zero.
(d) The third party contribution of $5,000.00 is inclusive of GST.
In summary, if the cost for an adult funeral exceeds $5,000.00, the $2,500.00 allowance will be reduced by the amount in excess of $5,000.00. The same formula is to be used for funerals for children under 12 years of age and for stillborns.
9. Where the Department makes a payment against funeral costs, as per paragraph 6, 7 & 8, a receipt shall be obtained from the funeral director indicating that the payment has been accepted as "Payment in Full" for funeral costs. A copy of this receipt shall be given to the next-of-kin.
10. The cost of the grave sites and the opening and closing of graves will be paid directly, where applicable. Local rates will apply in each case.
11. The cost of transporting the body from the place of death to the place of residence may be paid at the rate of $1.00/km for every kilometre over and above 25 km return. Mileage will not be paid for the first 25 km (i.e., if total trip is 30 km return, the funeral director may be paid for 5 km at $1.00/km).
12. Funeral dress for the deceased is an item which should be the responsibility of the family. Ordinarily the deceased will have clothing used in his/her lifetime which should be adequate to be buried in. However, where special need occurs, a request for dress may be submitted to the regional office by the Funeral Director. Funeral dress should not be perceived as a routine funeral cost.
13. Application for Canada Pension and/or Old Age Security benefits shall be the family's responsibility and these benefits will be applied against the funeral costs to reduce the cost to the Social Assistance Program.
14. Where a worker deems it appropriate, or is requested by the family, to make application for the Canada Pension benefit on behalf of the family, it will be necessary to first determine whether or not the deceased had a Will, or if an Administrator of the estate has been appointed by the Court. If so, the only person who may make application for the CPP Death Benefit is the Executor or Administrator. If not, the worker may make the application. Documentation which must accompany the application is as follows:
- the funeral contract or funeral receipts;
- the deceased’s birth or baptismal certificate;
- the death certificate; and
- the SIN of the deceased must be indicated on all documents.
15. Social Assistance funeral rates shall be reviewed periodically to determine the adequacy of rates.
16. The cost of death notices in newspapers and on radio, clergy honorariums, flowers, grave marker etc., shall be the responsibility of the family or next-of-kin.
17. Copy of invoice with complete funeral expenses, signed by family member arranging funeral, shall be forwarded to the Social Assistance Program in the appropriate office.
18. Funeral bills for indigent persons shall be submitted for approval.
Arrears - Property Tax
6-13-1 Arrears - Property Tax
PURPOSE
1. To prevent the loss of residence through tax sale.
PRINCIPLE
2. Where the sale of property is imminent and no other options exist, families should not be forced to relocate and lose their family home simply due to property tax arrears.
3. The negative implications of relocating are far greater for some families than for others.
4. Most applicants are able to solve tax arrears problems but many require information or assistance with that process.
POLICY
5. The payment of tax arrears on property owned by an applicant may be authorized only if the arrears involve the principal residence of the applicant and only if sale of that property by the Department of Finance is imminent.
6. Applicants are expected to explore and/or negotiate other options first, such as:
- Negotiate an acceptable repayment plan with Department of Finance;
- Borrow against equity in the home to repay tax arrears;
- Examining the economics of renting vs. retaining current residence.
7. In situations where applicants have had a tax expense included in the calculation of benefits, payment of such arrears constitutes an overpayment and shall be recovered at a reasonable rate.
PROCEDURE
8. The worker shall contact the Provincial Treasury, Property Assessment Services, to confirm that sale of the property is imminent and that negotiation of repayment is not possible.
9. The worker shall draw up a written agreement signed by the applicant with commitments to keep up future payments on a regular basis. Such an agreement may be useful in dealing with similar future requests.
10. Special Needs payments on behalf of new applicants are from the appropriate expense in the Integrated Services Management System and in accordance with Special Needs signing authority provisions.
11. All such payments are to be made in the form of third-party payments. New applicants with tax arrears, the worker should speak with a designated authority.
12. Where long-term applicants have demonstrated an inability to make their payments, consideration should be given to making future payments in the form of third-party payments.
PURPOSE
1. To prevent the loss of residence through tax sale.
PRINCIPLE
2. Where the sale of property is imminent and no other options exist, families should not be forced to relocate and lose their family home simply due to property tax arrears.
3. The negative implications of relocating are far greater for some families than for others.
4. Most applicants are able to solve tax arrears problems but many require information or assistance with that process.
POLICY
5. The payment of tax arrears on property owned by an applicant may be authorized only if the arrears involve the principal residence of the applicant and only if sale of that property by the Department of Finance is imminent.
6. Applicants are expected to explore and/or negotiate other options first, such as:
- Negotiate an acceptable repayment plan with Department of Finance;
- Borrow against equity in the home to repay tax arrears;
- Examining the economics of renting vs. retaining current residence.
7. In situations where applicants have had a tax expense included in the calculation of benefits, payment of such arrears constitutes an overpayment and shall be recovered at a reasonable rate.
PROCEDURE
8. The worker shall contact the Provincial Treasury, Property Assessment Services, to confirm that sale of the property is imminent and that negotiation of repayment is not possible.
9. The worker shall draw up a written agreement signed by the applicant with commitments to keep up future payments on a regular basis. Such an agreement may be useful in dealing with similar future requests.
10. Special Needs payments on behalf of new applicants are from the appropriate expense in the Integrated Services Management System and in accordance with Special Needs signing authority provisions.
11. All such payments are to be made in the form of third-party payments. New applicants with tax arrears, the worker should speak with a designated authority.
12. Where long-term applicants have demonstrated an inability to make their payments, consideration should be given to making future payments in the form of third-party payments.
Arrears - Shelter/Utilities
6-13 Arrears - Shelter/Utilities
PURPOSE
1. To prevent loss of shelter or utilities.
PRINCIPLE
2. The accumulation of arrears may constitute extreme hardship if loss of shelter or necessary utility is imminent.
3. Some persons, due to financial circumstance, could have qualified for assistance earlier than their actual date of application.
POLICY
4. A maximum of two months’ shelter or utility arrears may be paid without recovery where accrued prior to application for assistance.
5. Such arrears may be paid only if the health and safety of the applicant or his/her dependants are endangered, and only if his/her failure to pay them previously was because of a lack of financial resources.
6. Payment of shelter or utility arrears accrued while in receipt of assistance constitutes an "advance" to the applicant and shall be recovered as an "overpayment" from future assistance. Payments of this nature are also limited to two months’ arrears. Decision to "advance" assistance for arrears payments must be made in the context of Instruction 7-1.
PROCEDURE
7. Advance payments to cover accumulated arrears (Paragraph 6) are considered receivables and collected as an overpayment.
8. All such payments are to be made in the form of third-party payments.
PURPOSE
1. To prevent loss of shelter or utilities.
PRINCIPLE
2. The accumulation of arrears may constitute extreme hardship if loss of shelter or necessary utility is imminent.
3. Some persons, due to financial circumstance, could have qualified for assistance earlier than their actual date of application.
POLICY
4. A maximum of two months’ shelter or utility arrears may be paid without recovery where accrued prior to application for assistance.
5. Such arrears may be paid only if the health and safety of the applicant or his/her dependants are endangered, and only if his/her failure to pay them previously was because of a lack of financial resources.
6. Payment of shelter or utility arrears accrued while in receipt of assistance constitutes an "advance" to the applicant and shall be recovered as an "overpayment" from future assistance. Payments of this nature are also limited to two months’ arrears. Decision to "advance" assistance for arrears payments must be made in the context of Instruction 7-1.
PROCEDURE
7. Advance payments to cover accumulated arrears (Paragraph 6) are considered receivables and collected as an overpayment.
8. All such payments are to be made in the form of third-party payments.
Expenses Incidental to Education - Dependents
6-12 Expenses Incidental to Education - Dependents
URPOSE
1. To assist applicants with the extra costs of children attending school.
PRINCIPLE
2. Applicants are expected to use this allowance for actual school requirements such as supplies, fees and gym clothing.
3. Post secondary students are not eligible as they generally have part-time and/or summer employment income, student loans or bursaries from which to purchase school supplies.
POLICY
4. A semi-annual allowance to cover incidental expenses related to attending school shall be provided for dependants of applicants attending grades 1-12.
5. Since grade levels on each child cannot be determined for automatic distribution of cheques, ages as of August 1st and December 1st will be used. Children 10 years of age and under shall receive $75, and children 11 years of age and over shall receive $100.
PROCEDURE
6. Cheques will be issued automatically in August and in December to families of children who on August 1st or December 1st are between the ages of 6 and 15 years inclusive.
7. Workers are asked to contact clients of children under 6 years of age and 16 years of age or over to determine their plans to attend school and if so they are included in the cheque run.
8. Applicants in the month of August or September who are eligible for assistance for more than one month are eligible for the full school allowance. Similarly, applicants in the month of December or January who are eligible for assistance for more than one month are eligible for the full school allowance.
9. In all other circumstances, requests for school supplies should be dealt with as a special need request which is itemized and documented as any other special need.
URPOSE
1. To assist applicants with the extra costs of children attending school.
PRINCIPLE
2. Applicants are expected to use this allowance for actual school requirements such as supplies, fees and gym clothing.
3. Post secondary students are not eligible as they generally have part-time and/or summer employment income, student loans or bursaries from which to purchase school supplies.
POLICY
4. A semi-annual allowance to cover incidental expenses related to attending school shall be provided for dependants of applicants attending grades 1-12.
5. Since grade levels on each child cannot be determined for automatic distribution of cheques, ages as of August 1st and December 1st will be used. Children 10 years of age and under shall receive $75, and children 11 years of age and over shall receive $100.
PROCEDURE
6. Cheques will be issued automatically in August and in December to families of children who on August 1st or December 1st are between the ages of 6 and 15 years inclusive.
7. Workers are asked to contact clients of children under 6 years of age and 16 years of age or over to determine their plans to attend school and if so they are included in the cheque run.
8. Applicants in the month of August or September who are eligible for assistance for more than one month are eligible for the full school allowance. Similarly, applicants in the month of December or January who are eligible for assistance for more than one month are eligible for the full school allowance.
9. In all other circumstances, requests for school supplies should be dealt with as a special need request which is itemized and documented as any other special need.
Homeowners' Allowance
6-1--2 Homeowners' Allowance
Workers should identify the maintenance or repair work requested and attach or record the
itemized costs provided by the clients. Be sure taxes’ are included in the cost estimate.
PURPOSE
1. To provide applicant homeowners with resources to carry out minor maintenance and repairs on their property.
PRINCIPLE
2. Maintenance and minor repairs may prevent more costly alterations at a future date.
3. The ability to maintain a home in good repair can contribute to self esteem and community involvement. Wherever possible homeowners or family members should provide the labour required.
POLICY
5. For purposes of this Policy, homeowners must have been receiving assistance for more than twelve (12) months.
6. Upon request, up to $300 per fiscal year may be provided to applicant homeowners for maintenance and minor repairs.
7. Materials, tools and labour related to the maintenance or repair work may be included in costing a specific request.
8. The following list indicates maintenance and repair work that may be covered in this Policy but is not intended to exclude other reasonable items of maintenance and repair:
- annual maintenance of furnace and flue
- caulking, weatherstripping, screening
- minor repairs to siding, roofing, flashings
- replacement of broken glass
- repair/paint steps, fencing
- exterior paint/stain
- interior paint/wallpaper
- floor covering
- lawnmower/repairs
- replace/repair door locks, hinges, frames.
Where items of repair are covered by household insurance, the insurance coverage should be used to meet the need. However, the allowance may be used to cover the deductible costs that apply to insured items.
PROCEDURE
9. Workers should identify the maintenance or repair work requested and attach or record the itemized costs provided by the clients. Be sure taxes’ are included in the cost estimate.
Workers should identify the maintenance or repair work requested and attach or record the
itemized costs provided by the clients. Be sure taxes’ are included in the cost estimate.
PURPOSE
1. To provide applicant homeowners with resources to carry out minor maintenance and repairs on their property.
PRINCIPLE
2. Maintenance and minor repairs may prevent more costly alterations at a future date.
3. The ability to maintain a home in good repair can contribute to self esteem and community involvement. Wherever possible homeowners or family members should provide the labour required.
POLICY
5. For purposes of this Policy, homeowners must have been receiving assistance for more than twelve (12) months.
6. Upon request, up to $300 per fiscal year may be provided to applicant homeowners for maintenance and minor repairs.
7. Materials, tools and labour related to the maintenance or repair work may be included in costing a specific request.
8. The following list indicates maintenance and repair work that may be covered in this Policy but is not intended to exclude other reasonable items of maintenance and repair:
- annual maintenance of furnace and flue
- caulking, weatherstripping, screening
- minor repairs to siding, roofing, flashings
- replacement of broken glass
- repair/paint steps, fencing
- exterior paint/stain
- interior paint/wallpaper
- floor covering
- lawnmower/repairs
- replace/repair door locks, hinges, frames.
Where items of repair are covered by household insurance, the insurance coverage should be used to meet the need. However, the allowance may be used to cover the deductible costs that apply to insured items.
PROCEDURE
9. Workers should identify the maintenance or repair work requested and attach or record the itemized costs provided by the clients. Be sure taxes’ are included in the cost estimate.
Renovations to Property
6-11-1 Renovations to Property
PURPOSE
1. To improve substandard housing to minimum standards of health and safety.
PRINCIPLE
2. Applicants should be encouraged to take advantage of housing programs available through the P.E.I. Housing Corporation or Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
3. Priority should be given to assisting families and long-term applicants.
4. Short-term applicants should be cautioned that mortgage expenses incurred while on assistance will be his/her own responsibility when assistance terminates.
POLICY
5. A monthly loan payment for property renovation may be included in the calculation of a shelter expense, where prior approval has been granted by the Department.
6. Payments should be calculated over a reasonable repayment period given the size of the loan.
7. The inclusion of such a payment in calculating the total shelter expense does not guarantee payment of such costs. The applicant may or may not be eligible for assistance depending on his/her other circumstances.
PURPOSE
1. To improve substandard housing to minimum standards of health and safety.
PRINCIPLE
2. Applicants should be encouraged to take advantage of housing programs available through the P.E.I. Housing Corporation or Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
3. Priority should be given to assisting families and long-term applicants.
4. Short-term applicants should be cautioned that mortgage expenses incurred while on assistance will be his/her own responsibility when assistance terminates.
POLICY
5. A monthly loan payment for property renovation may be included in the calculation of a shelter expense, where prior approval has been granted by the Department.
6. Payments should be calculated over a reasonable repayment period given the size of the loan.
7. The inclusion of such a payment in calculating the total shelter expense does not guarantee payment of such costs. The applicant may or may not be eligible for assistance depending on his/her other circumstances.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)