Programs in Manitoba
Employment and Income Assistance (EIA)
In Manitoba, the Department of Family Services and Labour provides Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) to eligible residents who need help covering the costs of basic needs like food, clothing, rent and health-related costs, such as prescription drugs and transportation to medical appointments. The amount of money people may be able to receive each month depends on the household's financial resources, family size, where they live in the province and the cost of their basic necessities. In addition to receiving a monthly assistance cheque, clients may be entitled to a shelter allowance, the amount of which is based on where a person lives, their health benefits, child care supports and extra income if they have a disability.
If individuals can afford to pay for their basic living costs and only need help paying for their health-related needs, they can still apply for EIA to cover these specific costs. To apply for EIA, people can contact their local EIA Intake Office.
The EIA Program also offers clients a variety of employment, skills training and educational programs, including English literacy courses, to help people with upgrading, job training and finding work. To apply, people can speak with their case workers or contact their local EIA intake office.
Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities who receive EIA may be eligible for additional financial assistance through the Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Program. The sometimes-disabling symptoms of chronic hepatitis C may or may not be considered a disability by this program. Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities is designed to assist people with disabilities by providing them with an additional allowance on top of their regular EIA cheque. Extra financial supports for costs such as transportation, phone rental and laundry services are also available to eligible applicants. To ensure that people receive the assistance they require, they can discuss their individual income and health-related needs with their case worker when applying for EIA.
If a person disagrees with a decision about their EIA application or benefits, they can file an appeal to have their case reviewed by the Social Services Appeal Board. Having the assistance of a community advocate can usually help with this process.
