New federal disability support program gets mixed reviews from advocates in P.E.I

Prince Edward Islanders with disabilities could get up to $200 a month through a new federal government benefit. 

People can apply for the Canada Disability Benefit starting June 20, but the program isn't set to begin until July. 

"It would be a benefit to put an extra little bit in your pocket, but it really wouldn't be enough to cover your medications and other expenses," said Christopher Weeks, a board member for Pat the Elephant and a leader and peer mentor for Spinal Cord Injury P.E.I.

"You could get up to $200, but maybe you're only eligible for $40 or $80."

Single people who make less than $23,000 a year could get the full amount, but payments decrease by 20 cents for every dollar of income above that threshold. 

For married couples, the household income threshold is $32,500. 

If one person in the couple is accessing the benefit, the amount of money will decrease by 20 cents for every dollar above the threshold amount. If both access the benefit, the payment will decrease by 10 cents for every dollar. 

For some Islanders living with disabilities who rely on government programs, the payment amounts aren't enough to cover the cost of living, Weeks said. 

"Unfortunately, I think giving $200 to each person a month is just a way to make them look good and make them look like they are giving great support to us," he said.

"It really doesn't cover everything." 

'Attack that poverty level' 

Any government support — in this case, financial support — offered to people living with disabilities is a good thing, said Glen Flood, the executive director of Spinal Cord Injury P.E.I.

He hopes this program creates opportunities to increase support in the future. 

"It's not entirely seen as a positive, but... certainly those who do need it have mentioned they're looking forward to it." 

People with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty than those without disabilities, according to the Government of Canada's website, which states the Canada Disability Benefit was created to fill a gap in the federal social safety net and add on to — not replace — existing provincial and territorial programs. 

"Part of the reasoning for the Canada Disability Benefit — or certainly one of them — was to try to attack that poverty level for people living with… disabilities," Flood said, noting that he will continue to push for more supports. 

"It all sort of helps, and we hope… that it's addressing some of those needs." 

Housing supports needed, says advocate

As the cost of living has increased, so too has the cost of medicine, said Laura Brehaut, a traumatic brain injury survivor and member of the Brain Injury Association of Prince Edward Island. 

"If you were on something that's a dollar a day before COVID, it's up to like $2.50 a day [now], and that might be one of… seven or eight medications you're on," she said. 

Without support from family and friends, said Brehaut, government payments alone aren't enough to cover the cost of rent, medication and groceries. 

"The only way you survive is you've got to lean on family and friends. But what if you don't have any family?" she said.  

"The government dropped the ball over the last 30 years for low-income housing. We did it for our population years ago, and then we just let it drop."