I Have No Money for Food or Shelter

The BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development (MHSD) is responsible for providing welfare support in the province, except where the applicant lives on an Indian Reserve, in which case the responsibility lies with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the program is administered by Indian Bands

and Tribal Councils.

Both MHSD and INAC can provide funds for shelter and support to people who qualify for welfare. In some cases, they can also provide “hardship benefits” for people who don’t qualify for welfare. Workers at MHSD and Indian Bands will also know about emergency shelters in the area.

First steps

1. Drop in to the local office of the MHSD. If there isn’t one in your town, call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867 and ask to be connected with the Ministry of Housing and Social Development (MHSD) Call Centre.
2. When you get through to the Call Centre, tell them you want to apply for income assistance. If you have an urgent need for shelter, food or medication, you need to tell the worker and ask for an Emergency Needs Assessment. An Emergency Needs Assessment should be completed within 24 hours. If you don’t ask for one, the Ministry will make an appointment for you several days or even weeks later.
3. Call Centre workers will help you to complete an income assistance application over the phone.

What happens next

If you qualify for income assistance, your worker will get funds to you right away. If you don’t, you may qualify for a hardship benefit. You may have to repay this benefit when you can afford to do so.

Where to get help

See Part 2- Resources, starting on page 43, for a list of helpful resources. Your best bets are:

• Legal Services Society Publications: “Your Welfare Rights: A Guide to BC Employment and Assistance”, “Social Assistance on Reserve in British Columbia”.
• BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) website for online orientation and further information.
• PovNet, for contact and website information for welfare advocates near you.
• Access Justice, Lawyer Referral Service, Salvation Army Pro Bono Lawyer Consultation Program, Private Bar Lawyers.

Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the form Preparing for Your Interview in Part 3 of this Guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case.

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