News release

New Assistance System Addresses Fairness

Community Services

COMMUNITY SERVICES -New Assistance System Addresses Fairness


Nova Scotia is about to usher in a new social assistance system with a common rate structure for all social assistance recipients. On Aug. 1, the new Employment Support and Income Assistance Act comes into effect.

The act will also improve opportunities for employment support for everyone receiving assistance and will provide a phased-in approach for assessing the employment support needs of Nova Scotians with disabilities.

"The new act emphasizes employment as the key to self- sufficiency," Community Services Minister Peter Christie said today. "We are replacing a 30-year-old passive welfare system with one that recognizes that, with the right supports, Nova Scotians can free themselves and their families from a lifetime of dependence."

The minister announced that clients with disabilities will have their benefit levels extended until Jan. 1, 2002. This will allow for a longer time frame for assessing their employment support needs.

"We recognize the need to carefully consider the individual circumstances of each client," Mr. Christie said. "Because this poses certain challenges for clients with disabilities, we are extending the time frame for assessing their employability from Aug. 1, 2001 to Jan. 1, 2002. Existing benefits will remain in effect for all clients with disabilities throughout this period."

"The changes announced today show government was listening when people with disabilities said they wanted full access to employment supports," said Charlie MacDonald, executive director of the Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission. "Still, there is concern for people who will not be able to access those supports. Government should carefully consider the impact on clients with disabilities."

The minister also announced that single parents who now receive family benefits will see their current benefit levels continued until Oct. 1, 2001.

"We are providing more than 60 days' notice for social assistance recipients to adjust to the new rate structure and employment incentives," he said.

A new two-stage appeals process was also announced today. The new appeals process begins with an administrative review, conducted at the regional level. This will give clients and applicants the opportunity to have their concerns reviewed and resolved before deciding if they should appeal to an external board. These changes will speed the appeals process as well as bringing it closer to the clients.

The minister said the new act and its accompanying regulations will be carefully monitored during the first year.

"We are committed to making whatever changes are needed to ensure that all our clients are treated fairly," he said.