Social Assistance News

Check back here for all the latest news happenings in the area of social assistance law.

Good Back Pack Program - Register now

The Good Back Pack Program provides registrants with grade appropriate school supplies to start the next school year off on the right foot. Backpacks are $10 and are available for students in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Please register by the dates noted in the flyer (last date is July 30) to get your backpack for the September 2010 school year.

See Flyer for details.

Government Decides to Eliminate Special Diet Program

On March 25, as part of its 2010 budget, the provincial government announced that it will cancel the Special Diet Allowance Program and replace it with a new program.

The government has said very little at this point about what the new program will be.

Read the backgrounder by the Income Security and Advocacy Centre (ISAC) about what the government has said and how they are justifying the decision.

Read ISAC's analysis of what this decision means and how it will affect the people who rely on it to maintain their health.

ISAC has more about this decision, with more links, on their website.

What impact will the HST have on people receiving OW and ODSP benefits?

Beginning July 1, 2010, the two sales taxes Ontarians pay (GST & PST) will be combined into one tax: the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). For most things the cost will be the same, but for some products (like gas and hydro), that were not subject to PST before, will now cost more because of the HST.

The government is making other changes to the tax system – higher tax credits and lower tax rates – that they say will help people deal with this extra expense. Therefore, you have to file an income tax return every year to get the benefits of these changes.

For more information, view this fact sheet, prepared by the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC).

See our Income Tax Preparation page for where you can go for help preparing your income tax forms.

Property Tax Breaks For Belleville, Quinte West and Prince Edward County Residents

The City of Belleville is offering a property tax credit for recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and/or low income seniors who own their home. Application may be made to the City for a $200 credit towards the September property tax installment. Applications are available at City Hall, the local Ministry of Community and Social Services Office or at our clinic's Belleville office.

This is a program which started in 2006, and the deadline is usually August 30. The City may extend this deadline if you ask in writing when you submit your application.

This is an annual program, so watch for applications to become available each year and be sure to submit your request before the end of August in each year.

The Municipality of Quinte West also has a program offering a $200 property tax deferral to seniors, low income or disabled residents.

Prince Edward County also has a similar program to defer tax increases for low income property owners. You must apply by September 30 each year. (All deferred taxes must be paid in full upon the sale of the property or any registered change in title.)

Contact your municipality to see if they have similar programs available.

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Belleville Residents: You can download the application forms for both programs from the City of Belleville website. ODSP recipients should click on "2010 ODSP Property Tax Credit" from the list (PDF). If you are a senior, click on "2010 Low Income Senior Property Tax Credit." For more information on either program, you can call the City of Belleville's Taxation Department at 613-967-3243.

Municipality of Quinte West Residents: You need to pick up the application form at the Municipality office, 7 Creswell Drive, Trenton. Call 613-392-2841 for more info.

Prince Edward County Residents: Visit the County's website to download their application form (same form for ODSP recipients or seniors). Scroll down to "Tax Deferral for Low Income Seniors and Persons with Disabilities" section and click on "Click here for eligibility criteria and Tax Deferral Application Form." For more information, contact the Prince Edward County tax department at 613-476-2148.

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To learn more about property tax relief for residences built or modified to accommodate seniors or persons with disabilities, visit this page (chapter 7.1) of the Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario (scroll down to "Property Tax Relief for Residences Built or Modified to Accommodate Seniors or Persons with Disabilities").

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