Changes to the B.C disability assistance will remove barriers for couples
Malcolmson said the clawback has been an ongoing concern for people with disabilities, as it means people would lose financial support simply for choosing to live with someone they love. (Lauryn Mackenzie/CHLY 101.7FM)
Couples who receive disability assistance will now be able to be with the ones they love without having to worry about reduced support clawbacks.
Starting December 1st of this year, couples where both members receive disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people.
On Thursday, November 13th, the Government of BC announced it will become the first province in the country to get rid of the “spousal clawback.”
Currently, if two people on disability assistance enter into a relationship, their combined supports would be reduced to be less than what they would receive as two single people
Julie Black (left) and James Chapman (right) will be celebrating five years of marriage next year after knowing each other for over 14 years.
CHLY was at the announcement when MLA for Nanaimo–Gabriola Island and Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Sheila Malcolmson, announced the change.
Malcolmson said the clawback has been an ongoing concern for people with disabilities, as it means people would lose financial support simply for choosing to live with someone they love.
“We want people to have the support that they need to live with dignity and independence, both financial support and the support that they have in a loving relationship,” Malcolmson said.
The changes will be automatic for eligible families, and no application is needed.
“This will take effect with the next cheque issue, which is November 19,” Malcolmson said. “Also, couples where one partner is receiving disability assistance will also benefit from an increase in the annual earnings exemption, allowing them to keep more of the money that they earn.”
Julie Black and James Chapman will be celebrating five years of marriage next year after knowing each other for over 14 years.
Black said this new announcement is a big deal for couples like her and her husband, who have been impacted by the clawback.
Black (purple jacket) said people have been advocating for this change for a while, and it is great to see that work has made such a difference.
“It was a month-to-month thing where we had to find a way to stretch for money every month just to be able to make a living,” Black. “We both work, but it doesn't pay enough for the bills, especially with inflation.”
She said that with the ending of the clawback, she can live like a normal person without having to worry about whether they have enough money or not each month.
Black said people have been advocating for this change for a while, and it is great to see that work has made such a difference.
“They've been pushing for this for years, since I've been married. Now that it's happening, we don't have to hide anymore,” Black said. “Before, we felt that we had to hide the relationship like any other relationship with diverse abilities. A lot of people feel like they had to hide their relationship because the ministry would pull that money back, and now we don't have to worry about that.”
The changes fulfill the commitments made by the BC NDP in their 2024 election platform and their Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord with the BC Green Party.
Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.