Minister Confirms Homes Will Not Have to Be Sold

COMMUNITY SERVICES--CXN--Minister Confirms Homes Will Not Have to Be Sold

Community Services Minister Peter Christie confirmed today that a person will not have to sell their principal residence to qualify for social assistance.

"It was never our intent to force people requiring social assistance to sell their homes. It is not our practice now, nor will it be our practice in the future," said Mr. Christie.

"Forcing people out of their homes would go against our whole thrust of redesigning the system to help people achieve self-sufficiency. It wouldn't make sense. We are increasing our supports to people, such as more money for child care and transportation," he said.

The proposed Employment Support and Income Assistance Act will replace the existing Family Benefits Act and most provisions of the Social Assistance Act. The sections of the Social Assistance Act that support the Community Supports for Adults program and long-term care will remain in effect.

A provision in the regulations of the new act will make clear that someone will not be required to sell their home before they would be considered eligible for social assistance.

Under the current Social Assistance Act there is a designated residence provision to protect a welfare recipient's ownership of a home. The intent is to protect the home of a person requiring placement in a home for special care, such as a nursing home. That provision continues under the amended Social Assistance Act for people going into homes for special care or community-based options.

Bill 62, legislation to replace the existing Family Benefits Act and the Social Assistance Act with a new integrated program, was introduced in the legislature in late October. Nova Scotia's new social assistance system will focus on self-sufficiency and getting people back to work. It will also continue to provide supports to those who may need longer-term assistance.