Christmas Supplement

Overview

The Christmas supplement is provided to recipients of income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance, as part of the cheque issued for December, to assist with extra expenses at Christmas.

This supplement is available under the Employment and Assistance Regulation and Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.

Policy

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Eligibility

Effective: January 1, 2020

An annual Christmas supplement of the amount shown in Rate Table: General Supplements - Christmas Supplement may be provided to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance for the month of December.

For example, if a family unit is determined eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance December 20th and is issued a prorated amount of support, the Christmas supplement may be included in the December payment to or for the family unit.

This supplement is not available to the following:

  • recipients who are not receiving assistance for the  month of December
  • recipients of the seniors supplement with no dependent family members in receipt of assistance
  • recipients of medical services only (MSO)
  • children receiving assistance as a child in home of relative (CIHR)

Child in Home of a Relative (CIHR)

A CIHR recipient living with an income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance recipient is not eligible for the Christmas supplement.  However, the family unit would be eligible to receive the Christmas supplement.  The amount of the supplement will depend on the number of dependent children in the family.

Procedures

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Issuing the Christmas Supplement

Effective:  January 1, 2020

The Christmas supplement is automatically included in the payment issued for December for eligible recipients who receive assistance by direct deposit or computer generated cheque.

If issuing by direct deposit or an imprest cheque to a recipient who is eligible for the month of December, ensure the amount of the Christmas supplement is added to the payment.

Staff shall not issue the supplement at any other time of the year.

[For information on methods of payment, see Related Links – Individual Case Management].