Premier John Horgan announced on Thursday, July 19 that those receiving income assistance and disability assistance will see a $100 increase starting in September.
“Lifting families out of poverty starts with raising income assistance rates and assistance for people with disabilities,” Horgan said. “We’re raising the rates the support people and help them live in dignity.”
Starting Sept. 20, new monthly rates will be $710 a month and persons with a disability designation (PWD) will receive $1,133.
Glora Rendell, housing advocate with the Unemployed Action Center Society said the increase for those on income assistance provides very little relief for those living in Prince Rupert.
“You still can’t get a bachelor suite to a one bedroom for $750” she said. “So you’re already not being able to buy groceries.”
She added that the increase to PWD rates still leaves those requiring assistance in a financial bind.
“They still have to pay their hydro and gas,” she said, “When you add it all up, they [people on disability] still can’t survive on that.”
“We’re grateful for the amount, but it’s not enough.”
Income assistance rates were frozen by the previous B.C. Liberal government for 10 years and assistance for persons with a disability designation (PWD) has seen two increases since 2016.
Beginning in Sept. 2016, those with the PWD designation saw their monthly rate rise from $906 per month to $983 and a further $50 increase came into effect on April 1, 2017 for a total of $1,033 per month for a single person.