A Plan to Reinvest National

Child Benefit Supplement Savings

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the Recommendation of the Budget Committee embodied in the following report (February 22, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendation:

The Budget Committee on February 19, 1999, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council, the adoption of the report (January 28, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, subject to adding the following:

"(1)that the City Convey to the Province its preference to 'reinvest' in improved income benefits to children on social assistance through a Toronto Child Income Program; and urge that the Province, at a minimum, should enable municipalities to make these 'reinvestments' and not deduct these benefits as income from social assistance;

(2)that the City advance municipal reinvestment in improved income benefits to children on social assistance with other municipalities;

(3)that the City continue to support the longer term goal of rescinding the Child Benefit Supplement claw back with the Province and Federal government;

(4)that all funds from the Federal Tax Credit be allocated to the shelter fund as recommended by the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and that the Commissioner consult on the design of the fund; and

(5)that the City urge the Provincial Government to move quickly to increase the shelter component maximum for social assistance."

Mr. Colin Hughes, Metro Campaign 2000, appeared before the Budget Committee in connection with the foregoing matter, and submitted a brief in regard thereto.

Background:

The Budget Committee on February19, 1999, had before it a communication (February 10, 1999) from the City Clerk, advising that the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee on February 11, 1999, recommended to the Budget Committee the adoption of the report (January 28, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, wherein it is recommended that:

(1)the objectives and implementation plan for the reinvestment of N.C.B.S. municipal savings as described in this report be approved by City Council;

(2)in 1999, cumulative N.C.B.S. municipal savings estimated at $8.8 million be allocated as recommended in this report;

(3)this report be referred to the Budget Committee;

(4)the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services Department proceed to take the necessary steps to implement the proposed plan; and

(5)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Mr. Colin Hughes, Metro Campaign 2000, appeared before the Budget Committee in connection with the foregoing matter and submitted a brief in regard thereto.

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(Communication dated February 11, 1999, addressed

to the Budget Committee from the City Clerk)

Recommendation:

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee on February 11, 1999, recommended to the Budget Committee the adoption of the attached report (January28,1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services respecting a plan to reinvest National Child Benefit Supplement Savings.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports, for the information of the Budget Committee, having requested the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and the Medical Officer of Health to report to the Committee on school nutrition programs.

Mr. Colin Hughes, Metro Campaign 2000, appeared before the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter, and submitted a brief in regard thereto.

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(Report dated January 28, 1999, addressed to the

Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee from the

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services)

Purpose:

This report responds to City Council's direction to develop a reinvestment plan for municipal social assistance savings resulting from the implementation of the National Child Benefit Supplement (N.C.B.S.) in Toronto.

Financial Implications:

Fiscally, the actual net savings from the Social Assistance program as a result of the implementation of the National Child Benefit from the period September to December 1998 is $2.0 million. The estimated net annualized savings for 1999 are estimated to be approximately $6.8 million. The level of savings available may change with fluctuations in the social assistance caseload. Toronto Finance officials have reviewed and concur with the recommendations made in this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the objectives and implementation plan for the reinvestment of N.C.B.S. municipal savings as described in this report be approved by City Council;

(2)in 1999, cumulative N.C.B.S. municipal savings estimated at $8.8 million be allocated as recommended in this report;

(3)this report be referred to the Budget Committee;

(4)the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services the proceed to take the necessary steps to implement the proposed plan; and

(5)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference/Background:

At its December 3, 1998, meeting, the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee (C.N.S.C) recommended adoption of the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Service's November 18, 1998, report, entitled "National Child Benefit Supplement Reinvestment Plan" to the Budget Committee. Approval was granted subject to an amendment requiring a legal opinion from the City Solicitor regarding the viability of a proposed City of Toronto Child Income Program that would return the municipal portion of N.C.B.S. savings directly to families on social assistance who have children.

Subsequently, at its December 16 and 17, 1998, meeting, City Council received a report from the City Solicitor, entitled "Legal Opinion Regarding the Creation of a City of Toronto Child Income Program" (see Appendix 1). The report concluded that any portion of the N.C.B.S. savings directly returned to families under a City Child Income Program "...would likely be considered as income for the purpose of calculating the amount of a benefit unit's entitlement." For this reason, "...the amount of the child income benefit would have to be deducted from the benefit unit's entitlement and there would be no net increase in the amount of the benefit paid to the benefit unit."

Based on this opinion, and the approval of the amended report by City Council at its December meeting, this report discusses an implementation plan for the Department's reinvestment strategy, which recommends that the municipal portion of N.C.B.S. savings be allocated as follows:

(a)the bulk of the funds be targeted to eligible families with children who require assistance to stabilize their housing arrangements, through the creation of a shelter fund; and

(b)the remaining savings be used to provide a range of supports to young parents eligible for assistance under the new Provincial Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (L.E.A.P.), which is briefly described below.

In its 1998 Budget statement, the Province announced the introduction of the new Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (L.E.A.P). As the Minister of Community and Social Services noted, the Province recognizes that providing supports to young parents with minimal education, who often face substantial barriers when seeking employment, is a key priority under Ontario Works. L.E.A.P.'s aim is to ensure these parents finish high school and develop necessary parenting skills. This represents an important investment in the future of both the parents and their children. It also acknowledges that attaining a high school diploma is an essential foundation for stable employment in the longer term, and for becoming independent of social assistance.

On a provincial basis, the Ministry of Community and Social Services (M.C.S.S.) will make $25million available to provide a range of supports to young families with children who have not completed high school. L.E.A.P. will be cost-shared on an 80/20 Provincial/Municipal basis. The Ministry's intention is to fully implement the Program across the Province in 1999.

A recent communication from the Ministry of Community and Social Services indicated that, in terms of the use of N.C.B.S. savings, "Municipalities may wish to consider using N.C.B. reinvestment to offset their 20 percent contribution" to recently announced provincial programs, such as L.E.A.P. Thus, the Department's decision to support L.E.A.P. through N.C.B.S. savings is consistent with Provincial priorities. Further information about how savings will be used to fund L.E.A.P. is provided in section III.

Discussion:

(I)Introduction: A Combined Reinvestment Strategy for City of Toronto Savings:

As noted, the Department is proposing a combined reinvestment strategy, consisting of:

(a)creation of a targeted shelter fund to address the high shelter costs of families with children; and

(b)funding the City's cost-shared contribution to the Province's Learning, Earning and Parenting Program.

Net savings from the implementation of N.C.B.S. in 1998 equalled $2.0 million. Combined with the $6.80 million estimated net savings for 1999, a projected total of $8.8 million in savings will be available for municipal reinvestment. Therefore, in 1999, it is proposed that accumulated N.C.B.S. funds be allocated to the options proposed above as follows:

(a)the majority of the funds, approximately $6.8 million, be directed to supporting the proposed shelter fund; and

(b) the remaining savings be used to cover the municipal portion of implementing L.E.A.P. in Toronto, up to a maximum of $2.0 million.

Given that the estimated savings for 1999 will change with caseload fluctuations, the Department will review the expenditure of funds to ensure that they do not exceed the amounts available from N.C.B.S. savings.

The following sections discuss in greater detail both components of the Department's strategy.

(II)Creation of a Shelter Fund:

(A)Shelter Issues in Toronto:

Numerous studies, most recently "The Report of the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force", indicate that the housing problems facing all low income residents, but particularly families, have become increasingly serious in Toronto, and have worsened as the 1990's progressed.

This is clearly true for social assistance recipients. Currently, nearly 75 percent of all families in receipt of Ontario Works (O.W.) with children (currently over 20,000 families) pay more than the maximum amount they receive for shelter under Ontario Works for accommodation in Toronto. This leaves fewer resources available for other basic needs, for providing for the health and welfare of children, and for expenses related to seeking employment. Current shelter maximums also enable families who rent in the private market to afford only a small percentage of the housing available.

These changes in the social assistance allowances, and in the supply and costs of rental housing, have been particularly felt by families with children, who now constitute more than 50 percent of the overall O.W. caseload in Toronto. Single parent families alone represent 34 percent of the total O.W. caseload. Subsequent to the transfer of single parent cases from the Province, this group will comprise approximately 44 percent of the caseload.

Stable housing is the foundation on which families with children depend to conduct their lives. If that stability is threatened whether by loss of housing, pervasive insecurity about the ability to maintain existing housing, or the inability to locate new accommodation when required, there are potentially significant disruptions for families on social assistance. This type of instability is clearly a barrier to a parent's capacity to prepare for and find work.

(B)Ontario Works: Focusing on Participation and Employment:

With the introduction of the Ontario Works program in 1996, the Province signalled a new focus for social assistance, one which mandates that the aim of the program is to actively assist people obtain employment and become independent of social assistance. This orientation was formalized in the new Ontario Works Act (O.W.A.) introduced in May 1998.

Under O.W., the expectation is that a substantial majority of clients will participate in activities which will help them become independent of social assistance. In this context, it is important for delivery agents to identify and address potential barriers that can impede participation, or reduce a person's capacity to find work. The Provincial O.W. Directives acknowledge that for some clients the first step to participating in O.W. will involve stabilizing living arrangements. Overall, there is an increasing recognition in welfare programs across North America that housing instability is a key barrier to clients' participation in mandated activities, particularly for families in large cities.

In light of new program requirements under O.W., the increasing proportion of the City's caseload that is comprised of families, particularly single families, and the restricted housing options available to social assistance recipients in Toronto's market, the proposed shelter fund represents an important vehicle for assisting families in receipt of O.W. who have children.

(C)Social Services Division Shelter Initiatives:

In providing shelter supports to clients, the Division's overall aim has been to help clients maintain or establish stable housing wherever possible. This encompasses three specific objectives: helping those who do not have permanent shelter to obtain it, helping those with appropriate shelter to retain it, and helping people relocate to more affordable/appropriate housing when needed.

This involves pursuing a range of strategies. In response to the rate reductions in 1995, the Division implemented, or improved on, a number of ways to assist clients with shelter issues, including:

(a)establishing more effective working relationships with agencies providing housing assistance to low income City residents;

(b)developing housing help packages for staff and clients to help them access relevant services and expertise available in the immediate community and through other levels of government;

(c)creating and implementing a new gifts, loans and donations policy which enabled clients to receive periodic assistance from family or friends to help with rent or living expenses without any subsequent reduction of social assistance benefits; and

(d)effectively using other benefits, such as the Community Start-Up Benefit (C.S.U.B.) and the Employment Start-Up Allowance (E.S.U.A.), which can provide clients with up to $799.00 and $250.00 per 12-month period, respectively C.S.U.B. can be used in a number of ways to assist clients. People leavings hostels or other institutions can receive funds, in addition to their monthly allowance, to pay for last month's rent or other costs associated with obtaining permanent housing. It can also be used to help people cover moving costs, or to purchase necessary household appliances or furnishings. E.S.U.A. is used to assist clients looking for work or taking approved training courses by covering a wide range of expenses, such as transportation, clothing, or other items needed by the client (Appendix 2 provides a brief explanation of these benefits).

Building on these measures, the Division currently is proceeding with a number of inter-related approaches to stabilizing clients' housing conditions as follows:

(a)productively using existing benefits and policies to address shelter related needs;

(b)developing and improving preventive policy initiatives in key areas, such as establishing effective liaisons with subsidized housing providers (e.g., M.T.H.A.), the Sheriff's Office and community agencies with the aim of reducing evictions of OW clients;

(c)referring clients to appropriate community supports, such as the recently established Rent Bank Pilot Project funded by the City, other community resources (housing help agencies), as well as relevant government programs; and

(d)creating a shelter fund as discussed below.

(D)The Shelter Fund:

The intention is to use the shelter fund to provide financial benefits to families with children who require assistance to obtain or maintain housing, or to relocate. Benefits provided under the shelter fund will be targeted to families in receipt of O.W., or the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, who have a demonstrated need.

It is recommended that an amount up to $6.65 million be allocated to the provision of financial benefits through the shelter fund for 1999. The Division will closely monitor both program utilization rates and changes in the level of N.C.B.S. savings, for the purpose of revising this allocation if required. It is estimated that the Division will be able to assist over 5,000 families. An additional $150,000.00 will be allocated to administer and deliver the fund, as discussed later in this section.

Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines:

There are a readily identifiable set of issues which can be addressed using benefits provided under the shelter fund. These include:

(a)funds to cover the cost of a deposit for last month's rent, or for fuel or hydro costs. Currently, because some families cannot make such deposits, they are at a disadvantage in the highly competitive market for affordable housing;

(b)funds to covers costs associated with the elimination of rental, or utility or fuel, arrears, which often involves processing or legal costs in addition to the payment of the actual arrears;

(c)funds for expenses associated with moving, or the reconnection of telephones or other utilities;

(d)funds for the purchase or replacement of essential household furnishings, such as major appliances or children's cribs or beds; and

(e)funds for a wide range of unique or miscellaneous situations where a family requires assistance to maintain or re-establish accommodation.

The absence of supports in these situations can cause a family to lose an existing rental accommodation. Similarly, without necessary supports, it may be substantially more difficult to locate shelter if the family currently has no permanent housing, or if the family needs to relocate, whether to a cheaper or more suitable apartment, or to move closer to a job opportunity. In many situations, there is a simultaneous need for support in several of the areas listed. For example, families relocating to a cheaper accommodation may need help with last month's rent, moving expenses, and/or replacement of necessary furnishings.

The Division's aim is to build substantial flexibility into the criteria which will establish eligibility for, and distribution of, benefits. Wherever possible, the Division will use benefits provided under the shelter fund in combination with other policies (Gifts, Loans or Donations) or allowances (C.S.U.B.,) to obtain maximum benefit for the client. In these circumstances, the shelter fund will augment existing sources of support which are governed by somewhat more restrictive rules. However, the fund will also be used to address eligible needs which cannot currently be met through other sources, such as clients who my need essential household items replaced as a result of a fire or other catastrophic occurrences.

It is proposed that eligibility for funds be based on the criteria described in Appendix 3. Further, it is recommended that:

(a)benefits be provided in an amount that is sufficient to meet the necessary costs of obtaining, maintaining, or relocating to, appropriate housing; and

(b)benefits be provided where there is a reasonable expectation that the client can sustain current or prospective accommodations over the longer term.

It is anticipated that, in most circumstances, benefits will be allocated to families once within a 12-month period. However, given the priority placed on responding flexibly to client needs, families may be able to access the fund more frequently if they face situations which will imperil their current housing, or where they need assistance to relocate. To illustrate how the fund would work in practice, a number of scenarios have been described in Appendix 4.

As per Council's direction, the Division will ensure families can access benefits provided under the shelter fund with minimal intrusion. As with any needs based program, information will be required to establish and validate that a need exists, and to confirm eligibility for support. Existing information on file will be used wherever possible to deliver benefits to clients, reducing the collection of new information. To the degree possible, existing verification procedures will be used to confirm information provided by the client.

If a family's housing situation is identified in the client's O.W. service plan as a potential barrier to participation in required activities, or to the client's ability to find employment, benefits may be provided on the condition that the client seeks additional assistance or resources to address ongoing issues related to frequent evictions, accumulation of arrears, or inability to retain permanent housing.

Supporting Delivery of the Fund:

In terms of delivering the shelter fund, it is important to note the changes in the Division's capacity to address clients' shelter issues over the past several years. Through the late 1980's and up to the mid 1990's, social assistance offices had dedicated staff assigned to provide housing and home management counselling and supports, both to clients at risk of losing housing and those seeking housing. However, the cost sharing rules introduced under Ontario Works do not provide the City with the flexibility to continue to deploy staff in these roles. As a result, the Division lost an important source of support for clients with housing related problems.

Currently, caseworkers must increasingly focus on directly assisting clients obtain jobs, or increase their employment prospects through education and training. While clients who indicate they have housing problems, or need to find housing, are referred to appropriate community agencies, there may be little follow-up by workers given the demands placed on them under O.W..

The Division recognizes that many clients would benefit from the types of assistance formerly provided by the former housing support staff. It is also evident that administration of the shelter fund will have workload implications for the Division, and will require additional resources.

In this light, it is recommended that up to $150,000.00 be allocated to increase the Division's capacity to address shelter related issues, including:

(a)supporting the administration and delivery of the shelter fund; and

(b)dedicating staff resources to support the Division's efforts to address housing issues affecting social assistance clients, for example, by developing specific resources for use by caseworkers to assist them when dealing with client housing issues.

(III) Supporting L.E.A.P.:

As noted earlier in the report, M.C.S.S. announced the introduction of the new Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (L.E.A.P) in the Spring of 1998, with the intention that implementation would occur across the Province in 1999. The Province will provide $25 million in funding to provide a range of supports to young parents on social assistance who have children. The program recognizes the specialized and unique needs of these families, and represents a positive step to assist this high risk group acquire basic education and parenting skills.

Young parents who have not completed high school are the target group. In Toronto, approximately 2,000 young families on social assistance (both those in receipt of O.W. and those who are served through the Provincial system) who have children may be eligible under this initiative.

The Program will be cost-shared on an 80/20 Provincial/Municipal basis. It is recommended that, given the importance of providing supports to young families, the City's share of the cost of implementing L.E.A.P. be funded through N.C.B.S. savings, as suggested by the Province. This will require less than one-quarter of municipal N.C.B.S. savings in 1999, up to an estimated $2.0 million. It is also recommended that N.C.B.S. savings be used to support L.E.A.P. beyond 1999 pending any Provincial decisions related to the future shape of the program.

At this time, specific program details concerning L.E.A.P. have not yet been released. Upon release of this information, the Department will develop an implementation plan for the roll-out of L.E.A.P., including any further refinement of the estimate of the costs of the municipal portion of the program.

Conclusions:

Improved employment earnings represent the most effective way for families on social assistance to increase their income. The proposed Reinvestment Plan provides key supports to families with children which reduce significant barriers to employment, whether they are related to lack of housing or housing instability, or the problems facing young parents who do not have sufficient education to compete in the labour market. Ultimately, by making it easier for families to find and maintain work, these initiatives will help to alleviate child poverty in Toronto, which is the fundamental objective of the National Child Benefit Supplement.

Finally, from the perspective of assisting O.W. clients to capitalize on opportunities to obtain employment, and of meeting the City's program targets under O.W., these options represent an effective way to reinvest N.C.B.S. savings in Toronto.

Contact Names:

Heather MacVicar, General Manager

Tel: 392-8952

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(Report dated December 14, 1998, addressed

to the City Council from the City Solicitor)

Purpose:

This report responds to the request of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee for a legal opinion regarding the creation of a City of Toronto child income program.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

None.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting of December 3, 1998, the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee had before it a report from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, entitled "National Child Benefit Supplement Reinvestment Plan", in which the Commissioner made various recommendations regarding the options available for the reinvestment of municipal social assistance savings resulting from the implementation of the National Child Benefit Supplement. In considering this report, the Committee requested an opinion from the City Solicitor on the City's proposed strategy with respect to the National Child Benefit Supplement, in order to determine whether the City is able to develop its own child income program.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

A Toronto child income program could be established pursuant to Section 53 of the City of Toronto Act, 1997 (No. 2) which enables Council to pass by-laws to provide money for the health and welfare of the resident poor who are not otherwise specifically provided for in the Act. However, it is unlikely that such a program would improve the financial situation in which social assistance recipients find themselves for the reasons set out below.

Under Section 48 of Regulation 134/98 under the Ontario Works Act, "income" is defined as "the total amount of all payments of any nature paid to or on behalf of or for the benefit of every member of the benefit unit". Given the broad nature of this definition, a Toronto child benefit payment would likely be "income" for the purpose of calculating the amount of a benefit unit's entitlement.

The income provisions in Regulation 134/98 are mandatory and accordingly a municipal social assistance administrator has no discretion to exclude a payment from being considered "income" unless the payment falls within the scope of a specific enumerated exemption. Having reviewed the exemptions set out in Regulation 134/98, it is my opinion that none of the exemptions would apply to payments under the proposed child income program. In particular, I do not believe such payments could be exempted under paragraph 8 of ss. 54(1) of Regulation 134/98 as a "casual gift or casual payment of small value" as the payment would be made on a regular basis to eligible recipients. As a result, the amount of the child income benefit would have to be deducted from the benefit unit's entitlement and there would be no net increase in the amount paid to the benefit unit.

Conclusions:

The foregoing is provided for the information of City Council.

Contact Name:

Shirley Mathi 392-2989

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Appendix 2

Community Start-Up Benefit and Employment Start-Up Allowance:

Community Start-Up Benefit:

Under the Ontario Works Act, the C.S.U.B. is a mandatory item of financial assistance and may be granted in addition to other budgetary requirements, up to a maximum of $799.00, once in a 12-month period, regardless of family size. The amount issued will be determined by the caseworker and client and will be dependent upon individual need.

This benefit is intended to meet special expenses related to establishing residence in the City of Toronto or another municipality. The total amount of entitlement should be issued within thirty (30) days of application for financial assistance, or of establishing a new permanent residence.

Employment Start Up Allowance:

Employment Start Up Allowance is a mandatory item of financial assistance under the Ontario Works Act. The intent of the policy is to assist recipients with the start up costs associated with employment, paid training programs or approved self-employment activities such as transportation, work clothing, foot wear or other miscellaneous work-related items.

Recipients, spouses or dependant adults, not attending school full time, who begin or change employment, or begin a paid training program or approved self-employment activity, may be granted an amount for expenses necessary to facilitate this activity.

Change of employment means the beginning of a new job, with a current or new employer, where the duties and responsibilities are substantially different than the previous job.

This maximum allowance of $253.00 may be issued only once in a 12-month period. This allowance is generally issued within three months of commencing employment.

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Appendix 3

Shelter Fund Eligibility Criteria:

In order to receive benefits provided under the Shelter Fund, the client must be eligible for financial assistance and meet at least one of the following criteria:

(a)Moving into boarding or rented accommodation available in the community that is not a per diem funded residence such as group homes or hostels.

(b)Being discharged from premises that meet the definition of an acceptable institution or approved facility.

(c)Leaving a harmful situation.

(d)Moving in order to significantly improve his/her living situation.

(e)Require "start-up" funds for establishing a new permanent residence within one month from the date of application for financial assistance, or the establishment of a new permanent residence.

For the purpose of issuing the Shelter Fund benefits, the following situations are considered harmful to clients health and welfare.

(i)Fire/Flood.

(ii)Chronic homelessness.

(iii)Family violence, including spousal or child abuse.

(iv)Facing eviction.

(v)A disabled person moving due to the incapacity or death of supporting care- giver/ family member(s).

(vi)Uninhabitable premises.

(vii)Documented need for relocation of sole support parents and/or children at risk.

The following situations are indicative of an improvement in the client's circumstances:

(a)Moving to less expensive accommodation (from excessively expensive shelter to housing which can be supported within the current maximum allowable shelter allowance).

(b)Moving for reasons of employment, education or training.

Eligible clients are issued C.S.U.B. to cover costs of establishing residence in the community. Such expenses may cover the cost of:

(a)Last month's rent deposit.

(b)Fuel and hydro deposits (i.e., establishing new account for services).

(c)Rental, utility, or fuel arrears, including any associated costs.

(d)Household furnishings and items.

(f)Moving and transportation.

(g)Any other costs approved by the Administrator (i.e., utility arrears paid directly to the company, storage costs).

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Appendix 4

Case Scenarios:

Scenario 1:

The Smith family (2 adults and 2 children under the age of 12) has been in receipt of Ontario Works (OW) assistance for the past five months. Prior to being on assistance, Mr. Smith was in receipt of Employment Insurance Benefits due to the closing of the plant where he worked for 10 years.

Monthly OW entitlement:

Basic Allowance$ 576.00

Shelter$ 602.00

$1,178.00

The Smith's currently pay $750.00 a month for a small two bedroom apartment, utilities not included. The family is currently two months in rental arrears. The Smiths currently owe an outstanding amount of $1,500.00 in rent and face eviction if the rent cannot be paid.

To enable the Smiths to maintain their current address, Community Start Up Benefit (C.S.U.B.) can be accessed to assist with the outstanding arrears. The maximum allowable amount that may be issued from C.S.U.B. is $799.00.

Total rental arrears$1,500.00

C.S.U.B.$ 799.00

Total amount still owing$ 701.00

Even accessing the maximum amount from C.S.U.B., there is still a balance of $701.00 owing in rental arrears. To assist this family in maintaining housing, the additional $701.00 could be accessed from the Shelter Fund.

Shelter Fund$ 701.00

C.S.U.B. +$ 799.00

Total arrears paid$1500.00

Note: The family requested and received an additional $100.00 from the spouses parents to assist with their situation. This money is considered a gift and under the Gift, Loans and Donations policy will not be deducted as income.

Scenario 2:

A single parent with 1 child (age 3) resides in an uninhabitable one-bedroom apartment. She is paying rental cost of $625.00 per month. This client has found a safer place for herself and her child to live and can move on the first of the month. She is required to pay first and last month's rent before moving in.

The new rental cost is $590.00 per month for a smaller one bedroom basement apartment. Due to the current living conditions, she has put her furniture into storage and requires $100.00 to cover storage costs. In addition, the client requires moving costs which are estimated at $150.00.

Client's monthly OW entitlement is:

Basic Allowance$ 446.00

Shelter$ 511.00

Total monthly OW entitlement$ 957.00

In order to move to safer accommodation the client will need an additional $860.00:

Last months rent $ 590.00

Storage costs$ 100.00

Moving costs$ 150.00

The rent at this new accommodation exceeds the shelter component of OW entitlement by $79.00. To assist the client in securing the accommodation an additional $79.00 will be accessed and issued to the client to assist in payment of first month's rent bringing the total amount required to secure the accommodation to $939.00.

All funds to ensure safe adequate housing for the client and her child could be accessed from the Shelter Fund.

Note:This client cannot access Community Start-Up Benefit as she received the maximum amount five months ago. CSUB was issued at that time to assist the client in securing her present accommodation. Immediately prior to this, the woman and her infant child spend six weeks at a shelter for abused women.

Scenario 3:

A family (2 adults and a newborn baby) has been in receipt of Ontario Works (OW) assistance for the past six months. Prior to being on assistance, Mr. Brown was employed as a cleaner.

Monthly OW entitlement:

Basic Allowance$ 476.00

Shelter$ 554.00

$1,030.00

The family has been advised by their landlord that they must vacate their apartment as the landlord has plans for conversion of the property. The family has located alternate accommodations (a one-bedroom apartment) and the rent is $610.00 per month plus average monthly utility costs of $85.00. To obtain the new accommodation, the family requires last month's rent plus funds for moving. They are also in need for funds for a crib and other baby items. After meeting with the caseworker, it is estimated they will need $1,295.00 in order to cover all their expenses.

Last months rent$ 690.00

Baby items$ 300.00

Moving expenses$ 300.00

Total expenses$1,295.00

To assist the family in securing their new address and help cover the other expenses Community Start Up Benefit (CSUB) and the New Born Allowance can be accessed.

CSUB$ 799.00

New Born Allowance$ 260.00($160 for crib and balance to cover the essential items for a newborn)

Total$1,059.00

Even accessing the maximum amount from CSUB and the New Born Allowance there is still a balance of $241.00 required. To assist this family with their moving expenses, the additional $241.00 could be accessed from the Shelter Fund.