Good Move By McGuinty Government

I have always been an advocate of allowing people on social assistance to top up their income without penalty because 1) the few extra $$$ they earn might give their kids a little extra at mealtime and 2) that part time job might lead to an opportunity to get training and lead to a full time job.

Benefit clawback lifted from disabled
Ontario changes rules so those who find paid work can keep benefits
Nov. 23, 2006. 05:42 AM
KERRY GILLESPIE
QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU

The province has changed disability support rules to make it easier for people to overcome the "welfare wall" and get jobs.

Ontarians receiving disability support who find work could see their monthly incomes go up by hundreds of dollars under changes the government announced yesterday.

Recipients will now be able to keep their drug, dental and vision benefits if they get a job that does not provide these; claim $600 a month for informal child care (up from $390); receive $100 a month for work-related expenses; and keep more of their income if they do some work while receiving support.

"We have made changes to better support those who are working and ... encourage more people on the (Ontario Disability Support Program), who are able, to move into the workforce," Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur said in a statement.

The government introduced similar changes for welfare recipients last year.

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