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Expected to Work/Barriers to Full Employment Policy & Procedures

Published Date: December 03, 2020
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08 Supplementary Benefits

Damage Deposit

AUTHORITY
Income and Employment Supports Act, Schedule, section 10
Income Support, Training and Health Benefits Regulation, Schedule 4, section 14(b)
Ministerial Order 2018-19, Appendix D: Schedule 4 - Supplementary Income Support Rates

INTENT

To provide benefits for persons leaving an abusive situation

POLICY

The worker has the authority to issue the actual cost of a damage deposit, up to the maximum Core Shelter if:

  • A household is establishing a new residence in order to escape an abusive situation, regardless of the abused household member’s relationship to the abuser, and
  • Requires a damage deposit to obtain rental accommodation.
Note
  • The client does not have to have just left the abuser to receive the benefit. For example, a client may have spent 30 days at a shelter and then three months with family or friends before securing their own accommodation.
  • A damage deposit may be issued as a one-time issue for those who clearly do not qualify for ongoing Income Support benefits. When determining a One-Time Issue, consideration must first be given to eligibility for ongoing benefits.

Substantiation
Evidence of abuse may include:

  • Verbal statement of client or worker’s knowledge of client’s situation and if in doubt,
  • Evidence from a reliable source (e.g. physician, nurse practitioner, police or women’s shelter)

The amount of the damage deposit may be substantiated by one of the following documents:

  • Lease agreement
  • Letter from landlord, caretaker, owner, management company

Rate
Actual amount of the damage deposit must not exceed the applicable Core Shelter Benefits as specified in ISTHB Regulation.

Forfeited Damage Deposit

Damage deposits may be recovered regardless of the amount of subsequent damage deposits, if any. Reasons for recovering a forfeited damage deposit may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • The damage deposit was not used for the purpose intended.
  • The client decided not to move into accommodation.
  • The damage deposit was obtained fraudulently.

Refunded Damage Deposit

A refunded damage deposit is not treated as income ISTHB Regulation, Schedule 2, Section 1(1)(v). See the Resources Not Considered Income policy 

PROCEDURES

LISA automatically posts this benefit to the Scratch Pad.

Need Code
1801  Damage Deposit