PRESS RELEASE: NEW Board and Lodging Supplement!

Families need to apply for the new board and lodging supplement for persons with disabilities

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(June 26, 2007 – St. John’s, NL)

 

With the release of the provincial budget in April 2007, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced that adults with physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities living with family members are eligible for up to an additional $362/month.

 

Announced under the province’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, government will provide an annual investment of $11 million for adults (ages 18-64) with disabilities who live at home and typically have very low incomes.

 

“Many individuals and families we represent are unaware of their eligibility for supports and services.  Through this wonderful initiative, families now have the opportunity to receive up to an additional $362 a month through Health and Community Services” explains Ray McIsaac, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living (NLACL).

 

In a pre-budget consultation, the NLACL asked government to provide support for families of adult sons and daughters to help offset the cost of disability. Care giving responsibilities often have a dramatic negative impact on family income. Food, clothing, over the counter drugs, personal care items and proper dental work are examples of items that fall to the family to provide. 

 

“Every day we hear from individuals and families about their struggles to make ends meet on only a few hundred dollars, or less, each month,” says Melanie Thomas, Executive Director with the NLACL. “Persons with disabilities represent 25% of the income support recipients in our province and must be a priority area within the Poverty Reduction Strategy” urges Thomas.

 

The new board and lodging supplement will become available on July 1, 2007. Families and individuals living at home are encouraged to contact a social worker to ensure that they apply for these new funds as approval is not automatic.

 

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For more information, please contact:

Melanie Thomas, Executive Director

NL Association for Community Living

Tel: 709-722-0790 

Email: melaniethomas@nf.aibn.com