The Persons With Disabilities (PWD) rate increase was announced in the B.C. Government’s budget in February 2023. It goes into effect on August 1, 2023.
Community Living BC (CLBC) has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) to confirm under what circumstances individuals on disability assistance who reside in home sharing and staffed living services will automatically receive the $125 shelter rate increase.
Who’s Eligible?
Under CLBC policy, this increase will be passed on to home sharing providers or staffed living providers. MSDPR will communicate with all individuals receiving disability assistance early July through ‘My Self Serve’ or by mail with the following information:
“Clients who reside in Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) contracted residential facilities will have their CLBC standardized rate automatically updated to include the increase and no action is required.”
This means that if the individual has the standardized rate of $716 or $716.13 registered as their current rental expense, they will see that amount automatically increase to $841 or $841.13.
What if I Don’t Receive the Standardized Rate?
If an individual does not receive the current standardized rate of $716 or $716.13 from MSDRP, they may need to update their information by completing a Shelter Information Form (HR3037) and submitting it through MSDPR’s My Self Serve system at myselfserve.gov.bc.ca, or in-person at an MSDPR office.
What if I Am Not Sure What my Shelter Allowance is?
If an individual is not sure what their current shelter allowance is, they can check My Self Serve, review their last direct deposit cheque statement or review their cheque stub if they receive a paper cheque from the Ministry. When completing the Shelter Information form (HR3037), in the section titled “Type of Rental Accommodation”, check “D. Other” and please specify “CLBC Home Share Provider”. In the section titled “Accommodation Information”, and include the new total rent amount of the Unit (i.e., $841.13).
In the first couple of weeks of July, CLBC will send a list from MSDPR of individuals who are receiving home support services to agencies who do not have the standardized rates registered with MSDPR. It is recommend, due to the short-turn around of funds being disbursed, individuals with non-standardized rates, should update their shelter information with MSDPR by July 10 or sooner.
What if I don’t Get my Form in Before July 10, 2023?
If the form is not completed by the requested date, MSDRP can process the Shelter Information Form at anytime, and issue a separate payment for the August benefit confirming the change happened on or before August 1, 2023.
Who Do I Contact For More Information?
Individuals with questions about the shelter increases should be directed to MSDPR through My Self Serve or, where the individual is not registered for My Self Serve, by contacting the Ministry at 1-866-866-0800.