Community Services and Health Clients Receive Early Increase

Nova Scotians who receive personal-use allowances from the departments of Community Services and Health will receive an increase on Nov. 1, two months earlier than expected, Community Services Minister David Morse announced today, Oct. 17.

"This increase means that thousands of people will have more money to buy personal items important to them," Mr. Morse said. "Implementing this increase two months early is one more way we are supporting our clients."

The increase, from $105 to $115 per month, was announced as part of the province's 2005-06 budget and was scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2006. The increase will now be in line with the timing of other changes recently announced for residents in long-term care, which take effect Nov 1.

The increase in the personal-use allowance affects about 3,200 Department of Community Services' clients under the Services for Persons with Disabilities program and about 4,300 seniors living in long-term care.