Social Services is a government agency that helps individuals that are in need of support to meet their basic needs. Social Services is a place that you can go to if you are to leave an abusive relationship and do not have the means to support your self. Many people also refer to the program that gives financial assistance as Social Services. In fact the program is called Supports for Independence and is run by Social Services.

Supports for Independence - What is it?

Supports for Independence (SFI) is a program that provides funds to meet basic needs such as rent, food, clothing and medical services for adults who are unable to support themselves and their families. SFI acts as a bridge to assist people while they are seeking employment. For people who cannot become fully employed, SFI may provide ongoing support.

General Eligibility

In order to find out if you are eligible for SFI you will need to provide information on your income, assets and your basic needs.

Income is money that you or anyone in your family gets from any source.

Assets are things you have that are worth money. Some examples are cash, money in your bank account, your vehicle, RRSPs, property, and investments. You may be expected to use or sell some of your assets to support yourself and your family.

SFI is a program of last resort. This means that you must make every effort to access all other sources of income and assets before applying for SFI.

Be sure to provide all the papers and documents that the intake worker asks to see. They must have this information to determine if you qualify for assistance.

If you need help in accessing other sources of income that are available to you, a worker may be able to assist you. For example, if you are a parent and should be getting child support from the other parent of your child, a worker may be able to help you.

It is Important to Remember that...

• If you qualify for SFI benefits, you may receive a medical service card. This card covers eyeglasses, dental care, ambulance service and prescription drugs. Remember to carry the card with you at all times.
• You may need two pieces of proper identification to set up a direct deposit account. One piece should have your picture on it. If you don't have two pieces of identification, discuss this with your worker.
• If you have unusual or special financial needs, discuss them with your worker

What You Can Expect

If you apply for SFI, the first worker you will meet with will be an Intake Worker. The Intake Worker helps find out if you are eligible for benefits. If you are a parent, your welfare benefits are calculated based on the assumption that you are receiving the national Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) from the federal government (this is a part of the Canada Child Tax Benefit). If you are not receiving the NCBS, or if you think you should be getting more, talk to your worker about what you need to do.

If you are able to work, the Intake Worker can help you decide which programs or services will assist you in finding work

If you need help in returning to work, you will be referred to an Employment and Client Support Services Worker (ECSS). Together with your ECSS worker, you will decide what steps you need to take to find a job. These steps are recorded on an Employment Plan. Once you have agreed to these steps, you must follow through with them. If changes in the steps are needed you can talk with your ECSS worker about it.

Opportunities

There are many programs and services that can assist you to prepare for, find, and keep employment. There are individual or group services available to help you in planning for work and your career. The programs available to you range from placement in a job to longer-term training that will help you upgrade your skills.

An ECSS worker can help you develop an Employment Plan. Your Employment Plan may include taking part in one of these programs. ECSS workers have information that will help you decide which program or service will best meet your needs in moving towards employment. There are also financial supports, such as childcare, to help you participate in these opportunities.

Working Together

While you are on SFI, your Financial Benefits and ECSS workers are there to help you. You must keep your workers informed of changes in your situation and let them know how you are making out with the steps on your Employment Plan. This is done through phone calls and appointments, as well as the monthly Client Reporting Card (CRC).

Most workers have many clients that they are working with. As a result, when you call them you may reach their voice mail. Leaving a detailed message will assist your worker in providing good service to you.

By working together with your Financial Benefits and ECSS workers, you will receive the help you need to become independent again.

Sponsored Immigrants

Sponsored immigrants have many questions regarding their entitlement to use this government service. The following are some questions and answers that are common concerns among sponsored persons.

Can sponsored immigrants receive benefits from the Supports for Independence Program (S.F.I.)?

The S.F.I. program will assist sponsored immigrant people if their sponsorship has broken down due to abuse or abandonment. According to an agreement between Alberta Human Resources and Employment (HRE) and Customs Immigration Canada (CIC) the intake worker must notify CIC when assistance is provided to a sponsored person as this creates a sponsorship default. CIC will take steps to have the sponsor fulfill their legal responsibility to the sponsored person however special consideration is given in the enforcement action for sponsored family members living an abusive situation.

Where would someone go to apply for benefits from the S.F.I. program?

You can apply at the nearest Alberta Human Resources and Employment office. The phone number for the general information line is 310-0000.

What would I need for the intake appointment?

An intake package will be available for you at the office, which will advise you on what you will need for your intake appointment. If you do not speak English, you will need a translator to accompany you to the Intake appointment.

Can I bring someone with me to the Intake appointment?

You can bring someone with you for support to the intake appointment however you will be expected to provide the information that is necessary to determine your eligibility.

What if a family member, other than the person who sponsored me, is abusing me?

No one is expected to remain in an unsafe environment.

It doesn't matter who is causing the abuse; a person can still receive S.F.I. if they meet the income and asset criteria.