Increase in disabled benefits still doesn't cover Liberal cuts (VICNews)

Increase in disabled benefits still doesn't cover Liberal cuts

Victoria News

By Brennan Clarke

Cash-strapped disabled people aren't about to turn down extra money from the provincial government.

Then again, the benefits of the extra money have to be weighed against a range of other Liberal cutbacks that have dipped into the disposable income of disabled people, say advocates for mentally and physically challenged people.

"Seventy dollars is $70 dollars, but many of the people we deal with still live in poverty," said Ellen Tarshis, executive director of the Victoria Association for Community Living.

"There have been a lot of cutbacks in non-cash benefits, such as medical supplies for people who live in group homes," Tarshis said. "The Ministry of Children and Family Development has been cutting back its service budget as well.

Depending on the type of disability, our people may need residential support, day support, or some families may need respite care. There are also older families who support adults at home."

The provincial government continued its pre-election spending spree earlier this month with a $70-per-month increase in benefits for so-called persons with disabilities.
The hike brings the total monthly benefits for PWDs to $856.42, the second-highest income assistance rate in Canada, according to a press release from the premier's office.

But Joanne Neubauer, vice-president of the Victoria based Action Committee of People with Disabilities, listed a host of programs that are now either subsidized or funded entirely by users.

Since taking power in 2001, the province has reduced medical supplies provided to PWDs, cut transportation assistance, counselling, extra physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care and legal aid.

"I'm looking forward to having a little more money, and I think most people are," Neubauer said. "But nobody's jumping for joy because it's costing a lot more to live with all the other reductions."

Neubauer pointed out that the shelter portion of the monthly PWD allowance remains at $325, an inadequate amount given the high price of housing in Victoria.

In reality the average apartment costs $550, with another $100 for telephone and utilities, leaving many PWDs with $200 or less for food and transportation, she said.

The Ministry of Human Resources called last week's announcement "the largest rate increase in history."
The rate hike will cost the province about $55 million a year.