'Stupid Rules' get some limited attention... 
An update from the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC)
‘Stupid rules’ modified but more changes needed…
Aug. 17, 2010
The Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) directs our attention to some modification of the rules around the administration of OW and ODSP programs. ISARC’s Religious Leaders Forum in June endorsed the pursuit of these changes. The specific rules changes that would most improve the lives of those depending on these benefits have been at issue since February. A panel, known as the Social Assistance Review Advisory Council and formed by government to advise on how to conduct a social assistance review offered thirteen such specific recommendations but only four have been implemented to date. The delay of the publication of the report led the Council recently to seek permission to publish it themselves and the Toronto Star followed with an article on the story.
The four recommended changes that were accepted by the provincial government in March 2010 are:
• Let friends and family give casual gifts to people on OW as is currently allowed for people on ODSP;
• Allow those who receive windfalls to remain eligible for benefits;
• Don't reduce benefits for those sharing accommodation; and,
• Change suspension rules for not participating in job search and other requirements.
The nine recommended changes that have not yet been implemented are:
• Ensure people on OW or ODSP who have income from earnings don't face unreasonable hikes in subsidized rent;
• Increase asset limits;
• Extend asset exemptions to RRSPs and tax-free savings accounts;
• Treat Employment Insurance benefits as earnings for people receiving ODSP payments;
• Allow those who have been disqualified from Ontario's student loan program to receive benefits while attending college or university;
• Do not treat loans as income;
• Do not stop benefit payments for dependent children leaving school;
• Allow single parents to keep partial child support; and,
• Increase medical transportation reimbursement rates.
You can write to Minister Meilleur to urge that these remaining nine recommendations be added as well by e-mailing her at:
mmeilleur.mpp@liberal.ola.org
The full list of recommendations can be found here :
The Toronto Star article can be found here :
In addition, the Council's final report is available from ISAC’s Social Assistance Review website here:
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