News Release Archive
COMMUNITY SERVICES--METRO SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY ----------------------------------------------------------------- The provincial takeover of social services from the four metro area municipalities spells some good news for people on social assistance, Community Services Minister Jim Smith said today. Food rates for families and children are being increased across the board. On average a family will have $25. to $40. more a month to spend on food. (For example a single parent with two children living in Dartmouth, Halifax County or Bedford will receive an increase of $25. a month.) Shelter rates for families and children have been harmonized and in most cases increased, the minister said. For example, family living in Dartmouth will see an increase in the money allocated for rent or accommodation. Access to prescription drugs is being expanded to include clients in new areas and being improved through the use of Nova Scotia health card. Access will be easier because clients will be able to obtain prescription medicine in their own neighbourhoods at their local drugstore. Policies throughout the metro region are being harmonized resulting in less confusion for clients. "The benefits for families and children are real. The increases recognize the challenges of bringing up children in 1990s'," said Dr. Smith. "Two thirds of the children in the metro area will see an increase and a direct benefit." A shelter rate for new, single clients entering the system after April 1, 1996, has been established. This rate, $225 a month, matches the rate currently being paid to single clients in Halifax County and the rest of the province. For persons with a disability that rate can be increased to a maximum of $400. This top-up provision for persons with disabilities recognizes that they may have extra requirements, the minister said. This harmonized rate for single, clients entering the system after April 1. It does not affect single clients already in the system who will see no change in their current benefits. Dr. Smith said that over the next several months the province will work with federal officials and other stakeholders to develop new programs to help young single people obtain training and employment. "Often these clients face real barriers in making their way to employment," he said. "We have to support them. We want to make sure that they have the chance to upgrade their skills and be job-ready." Clients will continue to be informed of any changes by direct mail and by discussions with their caseworker. Throughout the planning for the provincial takeover the province has taken care to ensure that clients retain the same caseworker, visit the same office and access services from the same phone number. "We have minimized disruption and throughout this process we have put the clients' needs first," Dr. Smith said. -30- Contact: Margaret Murphy 902-424-4880 or cellular 499-8569 trp Mar. 20, 1996 - 10:00 a.m.