For people who have been informed by the government that they will no longer receive Crime Victim Compensation (IVAC), the distress described in yesterday’s articles is more than understandable. For readers who are unfamiliar with last resort help, allow me to highlight some of the realities that await these people.
In addition to having less than $887 in the bank when applying for social assistance (including any money in a TFSA account), many people will simply not be eligible unless they stop living with a spouse. who has other sources of income. For example, an IVAC victim whose spouse works full-time at minimum wage will not be eligible for social assistance.
The procedures for gaining access are complex and full of pitfalls. According to the latest available statistics, more than a third of requests for last resort help are refused. As for requests for recognition of severe employment constraints, in the vast majority of cases, the ministry rejects the initial request, even if such a request is already supported by a doctor.
What if the person asks why their medical report was rejected? The vast majority of requests for review of such decisions are successful, often even without additional evidence being provided. It is clear that the system is calibrated to reject as many first requests as possible.
I am also very concerned about their fate. It is very difficult to survive on welfare. I believe it is inevitable that some of these people will no longer be able to afford housing.
Without looking away from the tragedy that awaits these victims of crime, I believe it is important to remember that they are part of a large number of people forced to turn to our support system. last resort. Everyone should have access to the Basic Income Program, without waiting five and a half years for Social Solidarity.
For how long can we, as a society, afford to have such a starving and antiquated social assistance system, which so often leads to homelessness, acute food insecurity, and even hospitalization? ?