Last week, I applied for a crisis food supplement available through my benefits as a recipient of PWD (Provincial Disability).
I thought it might be helpful to other PWD or Income Assistance recipients to share my experience.
My son had his annual eye exam with our optometrist.
In most cases, when children on the Healthy Kids program (low-income families or families on PWD/Income Assistance) have vision or dental appointments, there is an additional cost to the families because the Provincial fee guide detailing what the ministry will cover has not kept up with the actual prices charged by clinics.
In the past, our optometrist would waive the extra amount owing for me. However, our clinic has a new owner and so on our recent visit, I was asked to pay the amount owing. The ministry paid $44, and I had to pay $70. This was from my grocery budget.
Crisis supplements are intended to help ministry clients when we have UNEXPECTED expenses.
This situation qualified.
I went on my self-serve portal, and created a service request for a crisis food supplement.
I explained why I had an unexpected expense. I also explained why we can’t make do with food from the food bank, as my son has a very limited and specific diet due to his autism. Finally, I uploaded a copy of the receipt from the clinic to substantiate my claim.
My request was approved, and $100 will be deposited into my bank account within 1 to 3 days.
Here is the ministry’s response:
“The Ministry has approved your request for crisis food supplement as was unexpected to you to have to pay for your son’s eye exam when in previous years your eye Dr. was able to waive the fee. You meet danger to health and safety as you stated you need to buy food for your son as he is autistic and can only eat certain foods that are not offered by the local food bank. You meet no resources available as you stated you have no money to meet this need.”
To read more about Income Assistance resources:
https://pananaimo.ca/income-assistance/
To read more about Disability resources:
https://pananaimo.ca/disability/
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 