Recipients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped might be eligible for help with their rent from the city in the future after the provincial government changes to the AISH allowance program
City council approved a motion Monday night by Coun. Cathy Heron calling for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) to review whether or not AISH recipients can qualify for the city’s rental assistance program. The program helps bridge the gap for low-income earners who are paying more than 30 per cent of their net income towards rent.
At present, anyone receiving AISH is not eligible for the program. Linda Knoblauch, community development co-ordinator, explained the prohibition is in place for AISH recipients, as well as anyone receiving employment insurance or other income assistance.
“Any rental supplement we would have given them would have been deducted from their cheque,” Knoblauch said. “You’d be taking from Peter to pay Paul.”
But effective April 1 the provincial government increased AISH allowances by $400 and doubled the income exemption for both single and family recipients. Single persons on AISH can now claim $800 in income per month before any total would be deducted from their cheque.
Heron said she asked for the review of the rental assistance program because she is afraid people on AISH are falling through the cracks.
“When you look on the rental assistance program application, it says ‘AISH not eligible,’ but there’s no reason an AISH recipient shouldn’t be included.”
Heron said the city has done much to increase affordable housing in St. Albert but very little to help those receiving any kind of provincial allowance.
“We’ve had a few emails since I got elected from various AISH recipients about the frustrations they have dealing with the system,” Heron said.
Knoblauch said she hasn’t had a chance to examine the AISH changes in depth as of yet.
“I think [Heron’s] concern certainly speaks to the feeling provincially on AISH recipients falling through the cracks and whether these changes to the AISH system plug those gaps, I don’t know,” Knoblauch said. “I don’t believe that it’s St. Albert specific.”
Each successful applicant to the rental assistance program also prepares an exit strategy from it, which Knoblauch says is different for every person depending on circumstances.
“It might mean alternate housing, might mean finishing post-secondary schooling and they’ll be in a position to earn more income or they’re recently separated and in a position where they have to move. It varies from individual to individual.”
Heron said she hopes to hear back from FCSS in a month.
