BC launches plan to help struggling families and the disabled

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – BC has launched the first part of a plan to help struggling families and the disabled — meaning help with school supplies and dental work for kids living  in poverty, and jobs incentives for the disabled.

Dr. Gary Birch is with the Neil Squire Society, which gives workplace training for people with disabilities.

“Getting back to the workforce for a lot of people with disabilities is a really important way for them to be a part of the society and a way to break out of a cycle of poverty that that a lot of people with disabilities find themselves in,” he explains.

Some changes include:

* Increasing the school start-up supplement so that families now receive $100 for every child aged 5-11, and $175 for every child 12 and over.

* Providing access to dental services for children of families on hardship so parents can take their children in for regular dental checkups.

* Exempting income tax refunds so individuals and families on income assistance will be able to keep their full income tax refund.

People getting disability assistance can now earn up to $800 a month and still receive their full benefits.

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