discretionary benefits review survey findings

DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS REVIEW

SURVEY FINDINGS

Acknowledgements

The Ontario Works Discretionary Benefits Review was made possible through the contributions of 651 Ontario Works

(OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) participants, Community Partners, and Regional Staff. The frontline staff of many Community Partners also contributed greatly to the review by helping to make sure that the voices of

OW and ODSP participants were heard.

Gratitude is also extended to Beth Blowes, our Consultant for her contributions to the review. Finally, a special thank you to the members of the Discretionary Benefits Review Advisory Group for their guidance in shaping the consultation and for their commitment to the review.

Discretionary Benefits Review Steering Group:

Don Beitz

Beth Blowes

David Dirks

Chris McEvoy

Leslie Perry

Curt Shoemaker

Employment & Income Support (E&IS)

Consultant

Employment & Income Support

Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration



Discretionary Benefits Review Advisory Group:

Carmen Abrego

Beth

David

Don

Blowes

Dirks

Eagles

Social Assistance Participant

Beth Blowes & Associates (Consultant)

E&IS Director (Advisory Group Chair)


Don

Lucia

Pat

Harloff

Harrison

Woolwich Community Services

Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre

Humphreys E&IS Senior Caseworker, Hostels

Kim Lichti

Stephanie Mancini

Joanne McDonald

Dianne McLeod

E&IS Caseworker

The Working Centre

E&IS Intake Coordinator

Cambridge Self Help Food Bank

Discretionary Benefits Review 1309439 1

Karen

Hazel

Chris

MacLeod

McDougall

McEvoy

Ferdouse Miah

John Neufeld

Don

Alex

Pinnell

Troeger

Alternates

Karen Ferris

Rob Holmes

Jennifer Mains

Sharon Schnarr

Pat Singleton

E&IS Caseworker

E&IS Caseworker

Social Planning Associate


House of Friendship



E&IS Supervisor

E&IS Supervisor

The Working Centre

E&IS Supervisor

Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank


Discretionary Benefits Review

Table of Contents

1.

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.

The Discretionary Benefits Review Process .............................................................................................................. 5

3.

Methodology ................................................................................................................................................................. 8

4.

Limitations and Exclusions ....................................................................................................................................... 12

5.

Findings ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

6.

Next Steps ................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Appendix A Non Health Related Benefits

Appendix B Health Related Benefits

Appendix C OW and ODSP Participant Survey

Appendix D Community Partner Survey

Appendix E OW and ODSP Staff Survey

Appendix F List of Community Partners

Figure 1

Figure 2

Age Distribution of Participant Respondents

Family Composition of Participant Respondents

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Municipality of Residence of Participant Respondents

Sector Representation of Community Partner Respondents

Unit Membership of E&IS Staff Respondents

Most Important Benefits as Identified by OW and ODSP Participants

Most Important Benefits as Identified by Community Partners

Most Important Benefits as Identified by E&IS Staff

Figure 9 Five Most Important Benefits

Figure 10 Benefits That Could Be Reduced or Eliminated

Figure 11 Benefits That Should Not Be Reduced or Eliminated

Figure 12 Percentage of Stakeholders Who Agreed with the Principles


1. Introduction

The 2012-2013 Provincial Budget contained a number of items which impact the delivery of social assistance. Of particular relevance in the current context was the removal of the Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit as a mandatory item of social assistance effective January 2013 and the change in cost sharing for discretionary benefits effective July 2012.

Under the Ontario Works Act, municipalities can provide certain discretionary benefits, as approved by the provincial

Ontario Works Director, to Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) participants. In 2011, the

Region provided $6.0 million in discretionary benefits. Costs related to discretionary benefits are currently shared with the

Province on an 82.8%:17.2% basis. There are two types of benefits: health related and non health related. Non health related benefits

1

include some broad categories such as non health related travel and transportation, interpreter fees, food hampers and moving costs. Prior to July 1, 2012, the Province cost shared up to a maximum of $8.75 per case (based on the average monthly OW and ODSP caseload) for non health related benefits. In 2011, the maximum amount the Region could claim for non health related benefits was $1.89 million.

Health related benefits

2

include such broad categories as dental and vision care for adults, prosthesis/orthotics/mobility aids, funerals, heat and hydro assistance, and prescription drugs. Prior to July 1, 2012 there was no cap on health related discretionary benefits costs that the Province was willing to share.

The Provincial budget announced that effective July 1, 2012 all discretionary benefits (non health related and health related) would be cost shared to a maximum of $10 per case for the combined monthly average OW, ODSP, Temporary

Care Assistance, and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities caseloads. Any expenditure above the capped amount would be the responsibility of the Region.

Based on the 2011 OW and ODSP caseload, the maximum amount the Province would cost share with the Region was

$2,160,200. On an annualized basis, this is over $3.8 million less than what the Region spent in 2011.

1

Appendix A contains a list of non health related benefits, their respective maximum amounts, limitations and other information.

2

Appendix B contains a list of health related benefits, their respective maximum amounts, limitations and other information.


2. The Discretionary Benefits Review Process

Regional Council approved funds to continue the issuance of discretionary benefits at the present level through 2012.

Council asked that Regional staff return in the fall of 2012 as part of the 2013 budget process to present a report detailing the implications of the Province’s decision and recommending funding priorities going forward.

A Steering Group was established in June 2012 to direct the process used in conducting the discretionary benefits review.

In particular, the Steering Group was tasked with the following activities:

Developing an understanding of the purpose and expenditures of the discretionary benefits program;

Providing leadership in the development of principles for making decisions on the priorities;

Working ‘behind the scenes’ to provide the Advisory Group with the direction, materials and information they require to provide informed advice;

Ensuring that the consultation process is open, transparent and inclusive;

Developing an implementation strategy that takes into consideration business processes, training, communication, etc.; and

Developing draft recommendations for consideration by the Employment and Income Support (E&IS) Management

Team.

Chaired by the Director, Employment & Income Support, the Steering Group consisted of:

Don Beitz

Beth Blowes

David Dirks

Chris McEvoy

Leslie Perry


Consultant


Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration

Curt Shoemaker



An Advisory Group comprised of an equal number of social assistance participants, Community Partners and Regional staff was also established to provide advice on the process including:

Create a shared understanding of the purpose and expenditures of the discretionary benefits program;

Assisting in the development of principles for making decisions on the priorities;

Identifying the stakeholders who should be consulted with;

Suggesting the tools to be used to gain stakeholder input;


Providing advice on the content of the tools;

Providing input into any other logistical matters that may arise; and

Providing input on an implementation strategy.

Advisory Group members were as follows:

Carmen Abrego

Beth Blowes

David Dirks

Participant

Consultant

E&IS Director (Advisory Group Chair)

Don

Don

Lucia

Pat

Eagles

Harloff

Participant


Harrison K-W Multicultural Centre

Humphreys E&IS Senior Caseworker, Hostels

Kim Lichti

Stephanie Mancini

Joanne McDonald

Dianne McLeod

Karen MacLeod

Hazel McDougall

Chris McEvoy

Ferdouse Miah

John Neufeld

Don

Alex

Pinnell

Troeger

Alternates

Karen Ferris

E&IS Caseworker

The Working Centre

E&IS Intake Coordinator

Cambridge Self Help Food Bank

E&IS Caseworker

E&IS Caseworker

Social Planning Associate

Participant

House of Friendship

Participant

Participant

E&IS Supervisor

Rob Holmes

Jennifer Mains

Sharon Schnarr

E&IS Supervisor

The Working Centre

E&IS Supervisor

Pat Singleton Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank

Two sets of principles were created by the Advisory Group – principles to guide senior E&IS staff in developing recommendations for Regional Council and principles that will be used to guide E&IS staff in administering discretionary benefits.


The decision making principles are as follows:

Basic needs (food and shelter) should be given priority;

An indivi dual’s safety and health should be maintained;

The stabilization of an individual’s circumstances is essential;

Discretionary benefits should enable individuals to move forward with their lives;

Discretionary benefits should promote inclusion; and

Flexibility in the process of administering discretionary benefits must be maintained and accompanied by ease of access for participants.

The following principles will be used to guide the administration of benefits:

All other sources of funding (e.g., other possible Ontario Works mandatory benefits, funds through other

Government ministries or programs, other organizations or agencies, financial contributions from the participant, etc.), where applicable, must be used before discretionary benefits will be accessed or provided;

Discretionary benefits are additional, non-mandatory supports and individuals must meet specific criteria (except for exceptional circumstances);

There must be flexibility in the process/categories of discretionary benefits that allow for exceptional circumstances; and

Staff who are making the decision(s) to provide the benefit will be held accountable (to ensure the approval is appropriate and spending is within budget).

It should be noted that the benefits provided to non-social assistance participants, while similar to those provided to OW and ODSP participants, were not included in the review as they are currently funded through the issuance of emergency assistance or 100% by the Region.


3. Methodology

In order to make informed recommendations to Council, feedback was sought from OW and ODSP participants

3

,

Community Partners

4

, and OW and ODSP staff

5

. Online and hard copy surveys were available to these individuals from

August 28 th

to September 14 th

2012. The majority of the questions on each of the three surveys were the same to permit comparisons.

A consultation session was also held with the Employment & Income Support Community Advisory Committee in

September 2012.

Feedback from OW and ODSP Participants

Participants were able to complete the survey online or on paper. The survey was advertised through E&IS media screens, through the Region’s three Employment Resource Areas, and through community agencies that informed participants about the survey and encouraged them to fill it out. In addition to the on-line and paper surveys, drop-in sessions were held for OW participants at E&IS offices on September 17 th

in Waterloo and on September 18 th

in

Cambridge. As an incentive to complete the survey, participants were eligible to enter a draw for one of four $20 gift cards.

388

6

individuals completed the participant survey – 233 OW participants, 90 ODSP participants and 42 individuals who indicated they were not presently in receipt of either OW or ODSP. The responses received from the latter group were included in the survey results as the majority of these individuals indicated that they had received emergency assistance or that they had received social assistance in the past.

The responses received from participants are considered statistically representative. In other words, if the participant survey was repeated again, the same results would be found 95 percent of the time.

3

Appendix C contains the OW and ODSP Participant survey

4

Appendix D contains the Community Partner survey

5

Appendix E contains the OW and ODSP Staff survey

6

388 people completed at least the first question on the survey. 23 people did not indicate what assistance they were receiving.


Figure 1

– Age Distribution of Participant Respondents

Approximately 55 percent of the respondents were female and 45 percent were male. Figure 1 presents the age distribution of those participants who completed a survey. The percentage of respondents who were in the

44 to 54 year old age category is larger than what would normally be present in the overall OW caseload profile.

The rest of the age categories tend to mirror those found in the overall caseload.

Figure 2 – Family Composition of Participant Respondents

Figure 2 shows the family composition of the participants who responded to the survey. The distribution is quite similar to the overall OW caseload profile – the majority of cases consist of single individuals, followed by families led by sole support parents, couples with children, and then couples without children.


Figure 3

– Municipality of Residence of Participant Respondents

Figure 3 illustrates that slightly over 50 percent of the participant responses were from Cambridge residents. As a result, Cambridge was overrepresented in the responses received as typically

30 percent of the Ontario Works caseload resides in Cambridge.

Feedback from Community Partners

Two information sessions for Community Partners were held in Cambridge on August 27 th

and in Waterloo on August 29 th to inform them of the potential impact of the Province’s budget on the discretionary benefits program and to familiarize them with the surveys. Twenty (20) individuals attended the Cambridge session and 37 attended the Waterloo session.

By sharing the OW/ODSP participant survey with Community Partners it was hoped that they would actively encourage the participants that they interact with to complete the survey. Community Partners were also provided with a flyer advertising the participant survey.


Figure 4

– Sector Representation of Community Partner Respondents

The survey link was sent to approximately 80 Community Partner agencies

7

and 151 responses were received.

Figure 4 displays the various service sectors the Community Partners are part of. As can be seen, there was a broad representation across sectors.

7

The survey was sent to the organizations and agencies listed in Appendix F.


Figure 5

– Unit Membership of E&IS Staff Respondents

Feedback from OW and ODSP Staff

Responses were received from 112 Employment

& Income Support Staff. The distribution of responses contained in Figure 5 is roughly equal to the proportion of Full Time Equivalent staff in each unit.

4. Limitations and Exclusions

Those OW and ODSP participants who have limited literacy skills may not be well represented in the responses. This limitation applies both to English speaking participants and to limited or non-English speaking participants.

ODSP participants may also be under-represented as it was difficult to advise them of the survey given the time limitations that were present. As a means of overcoming both of these challenges, Community Partners were asked to inform their clients of the availability of the survey and to assist them in completing it, if need be.

Finally, despite being invited to complete the staff survey, no responses were received from any of the local ODSP staff.


5. Findings

Survey respondents were asked the following questions:

Which discretionary benefits are the most important?

Why are they important?

What would participants do if the benefits were no longer available through Ontario Works?

If reductions or eliminations are needed, which benefits should they be?

Do you agree with the decision making principles?

What will the impact be on your organization and on the health & social service system?

OW and ODSP participants were not asked which benefits could be reduced or eliminated as the Steering Group and

Advisory Group did not want social assistance participants to feel as if they were making decisions which would have such an effect on the lives of others. In addition, Community Partners were the only stakeholder group to be asked to comment on the potential impact to their organization and to the health & social service system as a whole.

Most Important Discretionary Benefits

Stakeholders were provided with a list of seventeen discretionary benefits and asked to identify the four benefits they felt were most important. The responses of OW and ODSP participants are shown in Figure 6. Some of the suggestions made under ‘other’ included counselling, assistive devices, drug cards and education. Seven participants made a point of mentioning that all of the benefits were important.


Figure 6 – Most Important Benefits as Identified by OW and ODSP Participants

When analyzed separately, some differences were found between OW and ODSP participants. OW participants were more likely to identify last month’s rent, hydro/water/gas late payments or connection fees, and bus tickets as more important than ODSP participants. In contrast, ODSP participants rated vision care, hearing aids, orthotics and mobility aids as more important than did OW participants. Funerals were also identified as being of greater importance to ODSP participants than to OW participants.


Figure 7

– Most Important Benefits as Identified By Community Partners

Figure 7 illustrates the Community Partner responses. ‘Other’ responses included training, employment related expenses, and over the counter medication costs. Nine Community Partners indicated that all of the discretionary benefits are important.


Figure 8 contains a depiction of the discretionary benefits that E&IS staff felt were the most important to OW and ODSP participants. The most frequently cited responses under ‘other’ were transportation, mobility items, diabetic supplies and medical costs.

Figure 8 – Most Important Benefits as Identified by E&IS Staff


As can be seen from Figure 9, the five discretionary benefits identified as most important by OW and ODSP participants,

Community Partners, and E&IS staff are the same – it is only the order of importance that is different.

Figure 9 – Five Most Important Benefits

Discretionary Benefit

Dental costs

Last month’s rent

Vision care

Food hampers

OW & ODSP

Participants

1

2

3

4

Community Partners

4

1

5

3

E&IS Staff

5

2

1

3

Late payments/connection fees 5 2 4

If one were to examine the responses of ODSP participants, funeral costs would replace late payments/connection fees in the top five. The responses of those participants who indicated that they were not presently in receipt of OW or ODSP included baby supplies in the top five and did not include last month’s rent.

The Importance of Discretionary Benefits

Several themes emerged when respondents were asked why the benefits they selected were the most important. The most frequently cited were:

Supports the health, well-being and stabilization of individuals on assistance;

Maintains or improves quality of life; and

Other options or resources are limited.

“The amount I receive on OW leaves absolutely no extra money for these services AT ALL.” (Participant)

“I personally would starve so my children could eat.

It could lower my children’s self-esteem which in turn will affect their education and their future.” (Participant)

“Not being able to see would affect my daily life, I wouldn’t be able to do banking, reading or even walk down the street.”

(Participant)

“You can’t work if you can’t see.” (Participant)


Without discretionary benefits being available through Ontario Works, survey respondents were of the belief that OW and

ODSP participants would experience negative health, social, educational and emotional impacts. In addition, it was felt that without discretionary benefits, increased need would become evident in the Region resulting in increased pressure being placed on community agencies.

“More crisis situations, possibly increase in suicide, mental health issues definitely increase, cost on society would increase with loss of production at work, increase in health care costs

– the list is endless of how this will actually cost government more in the long run.” (Community Partner)

“These extra costs would have to come from groceries and other bills and [I] would never be able to catch up.” (Participant)

Reduction or Elimination of Some Benefits

If E&IS had to reduce or eliminate some of the discretionary benefits, Community Partners and E&IS staff were asked which four they would choose. The six benefits these stakeholders felt could possibly be reduced or eliminated are identified in Figure 10.

Figure 10 – Benefits That Could Be Reduced or Eliminated


Bank documents

Furniture and appliances

Orthotics

Replacement of identification

Bus tickets

Baby supplies

Community Partners

44%

32%

32%

28%

26%

19%

E&IS Staff

71%

28%

50%

45%

16%

29%


Figure 11 – Benefits That Should Not Be Reduced or Eliminated


Hearing aids

Vision care

Food hampers

Last month’s rent

Dental costs

Late payments/connection fees

Community Partners

3%

5%

9%

3%

5%

3%

E&IS Staff

3%

4%

7%

7%

8%

8%

Figure 11 displays the benefits that were selected the least number of times when Community Partners and E&IS staff were asked to indicate benefits that could be reduced or eliminated. Not surprisingly, these are the same benefits (with the exception of hearing aids) that were identified by respondents as the most important benefits (Page 17).

In response to the question about the possible reduction or elimination of some discretionary benefits, 10 Community

Partners responded by saying “don’t eliminate any”. Members of the Advisory Group were unanimous in their belief that ideally, an aspect or piece of all of the currently available benefits should be retained. In other words, none of the current benefits should be eliminated in its entirety. The Advisory Group highlighted through discussion that if some of the discretionary benefits were to be eliminated or reduced the future costs could be greater; for example, an individual may be faced with a more expensive emergency situation that could have been prevented through the use of discretionary benefits.

When asked why certain benefits may be able to be reduced or eliminated, comments by survey respondents can be grouped under the following themes:

The fewest number of participants will be impacted (i.e., item is requested less often than other items);

Item is among the least expensive to purchase;

The item is not considered to be a ‘basic need’; and

All benefits are important (i.e., eliminate none).

“They are less essential than the others in terms of allowing participants to survive.” (Community Partner)

“These seem the items that affect the fewest people and/or that have the least deleterious impact however I’m not in favour of eliminating any of them.” (Community Partner)


The list of benefits that ‘fell in the middle’ (i.e., between 10% and 20% of Community Partners and E&IS staff felt they could be reduced or eliminated) included funeral costs, interpreter services, prosthesis, and mobility aids. On several occasions, the Advisory Group made known that it strongly believed that interpreter and translator services (both language and sign) should not be considered a discretionary benefit in light of the Accessibility for Ontarians with

Disabilities Act .

Principles to Guide Decision Making and to Guide the Administration of Benefits

OW and ODSP participants, Community Partners and E&IS staff were all asked whether they agreed with the ‘principles to guide decision making and to guide the administration of benefits’ created by the Advisory Group. As can be seen from

Figure 12, 70 percent of respondents from each stakeholder group indicated that they agreed ‘for the most part’ or ‘very much so’ with the decision making and administration principles.

Figure 12 – Percentage of Stakeholders Who Agreed with the Principles


Comments made with respect to the principles included the belief that flexibility in the administration of discretionary benefits is important, and that all benefits are important.

“I strongly believe that all principles listed above are extremely important.” (Participant)

“The entire list should be mandatory – choosing what is not mandatory is next to impossible. How does one deny someone the opportunity to hear, see, walk, etc?

” (E&IS staff)

Impact on Community Partners

Community Partners were asked what the impact would be on their organization or agency if there was a reduction or elimination of some discretionary benefits. Ninety percent of Community Partner respondents indicated that they would be impacted. In particular their comments can be grouped according to the following themes:

Strain on organization and increase in services and/or clients;

OW and ODSP participants will face increased crisis and ill health; and

Fewer tools and resources will be available.

“There will be an increase in services and families needing supports. With a budget that is already extremely minimal and not enough hours, it’s really going to have a huge impact on the families that we serve at our organization.”

(Community Partner)

Impact on the Local Health & Social Service System

Community Partners were also asked to comment on the impact that potential reductions or eliminations may have on the local health and social service system. In this instance, 96 percent of respondents felt that ‘the system’ would be impacted. In particular the following thoughts were put forward:

Agencies will be less able to support individuals as fewer resources will be available;

An increased need for support will materialize;

A ‘domino effect’ may occur as there will be less of a focus on prevention; and

Participant health and well-being will suffer.

“Eliminating services will increase this impact and the community will end up paying in different ways.”

(Community Partner)


Other Comments

All of the stakeholders were encouraged to provide any other comments or feedback they would like to share with respect to the discretionary benefits program. Once again, while numerous responses were received they can be grouped under the following headings:

Benefits are important to OW and ODSP participants;

The unique circumstances of each participant needs to be recognized;

Housing should be the first priority; and

None of the discretionary benefits should be reduced or eliminated.

“They have been the integral part of the sense of belonging to this community and without this piece the clients are left to wonder what are they going to do to survive in a difficult environment.” (Community Partner)

“People should not take away, people really need help, they can’t get it [anywhere else]” (Participant)

6. Next Steps

Regional Council approved funds to continue the issuance of discretionary benefits as is through 2012. Council has asked that Regional staff return in the fall of 2012 as part of the 2013 budget process to present a report detailing the implications of the Province’s decision and recommending funding priorities going forward. The results of the consultation and the feedback of the respondents will greatly inform the process.


APPENDIX A Non Health Related Benefits

NON HEALTH RELATED ITEM MAXIMUM

AMOUNT

APPLIANCES

Appliances

Fridge

Appliances

Appliance Repairs

Appliances

Stove

Appliances

Dryer

LIMITATIONS

$200.00 Once every two years

$100.00 As required



Appliances

Washer

FUNERALS

Funerals

Funerals

Burial (opening and closing)

Funerals

Cremation

FURNITURE

Furniture

Crib

Furniture

Bed with Mattress (child)

Furniture


$2,775.00

Funerals are managed through Intake

$1,500.00


$450.00

$100.00


$100 Once every two years


Discretionary Benefits Review 1309439

OTHER INFORMATION

Limit for repairs or House of Friendship must complete assessments for replacement




For families with children

Limits for repairs or House of Friendship must complete assessments for replacement

For families with children

Prior approval

No contribution from family members

Amount includes all mandatory certificates

Grave marker covered only if required by cemetery

Supervisor approval

Supervisor Approval

Family must inform funeral home that they are requesting coverage from our office before committing to any payments/Arrangements

Actual costs are paid to city owned cemeteries

May available as a CSUMB item for ODSP and OW.

Review under that criteria




1

NON HEALTH RELATED ITEM

Bed with Mattress (adult)

Furniture

Kitchen Set

OTHER

Identification purchase

Motel Stay

After Hours only

Motel Stay

First Response only

Moving Expenses

Support Related DNA Test

Transportation

Non Medical

Utility Arrears

MAXIMUM

AMOUNT

LIMITATIONS OTHER INFORMATION

$100.00

Varies by province

Once every two years

Once for each of birth verification, Social

Insurance Number and

Ontario Identification Card




Policy 32-04

Application forms for SIN and provincial Birth Certificates available on HUB. Complete Authorization for Payment:

Personal Identification & submit to Information and

Administration. Note in SDMT. Cheque is sent to appropriate provincial registrar to mail with application form

Supervisor Approval through After Hours protocol

$250.00

$63.00

As needed for CSMUB like situations

FSU determines when required

Supervisor Approval through First Response protocol

Moving furniture/effects from one residence to another –

CSUMB like situations where CSUMB not available.

Verification of expense on file

Waterloo office recipients may also be referred to Working

Centre for assistance

DNA test in Applications for Support where the cost cannot be paid by some other means (e.g. Legal Aid)

In SDMT issue direct to client under as employment benefits or issue TAPP voucher (for school and ESL attendance)

Refer to Policy to determine fund to utilize and how to issue


APPENDIX B Health Related Benefits

HEALTH RELATED ITEM MAXIMUM

AMOUNT

LIMITATIONS

$100.00 One purchase Aero chamber for infant

(nebulizer)

Aero chamber

Apnea items

(filters, masks, tubes)

Air Cast

$60.00 As required

$200.00

Once per year

Air Conditioner

OTHER INFORMATION

ODSP clients may be funded as a MSN item

$175.00

$150.00

One time purchase

As required with Rx

$65.00 Dependent Children only

Drs note required

For severe asthmatics, medical documentation must be on file

$250.00 One time purchase for each item

(or if client moves)

For any combination of items

*transfer disc, or transfer board can be substituted

Audiology Test

Bathroom accessories

(grab bars, grip poles, tub seats, raised toilet seats, tub transfer bench*, handheld shower, versa frames)

Bathroom commodes

(all types)

Bed rails

Braces

Custom fitted braces

(ankle, wrist, leg, knee, back, elbow)

Braces

Custom fitted braces repairs

(ankle, foot, leg, back, knee, elbow, wrist)

Braces

Custom built leg brace shoe modifications

Braces

Replacement Custom Built Braces

Componentry

Braces

$250.00 One time purchase


$500.00 One time purchase per brace type

$250.00 Once per year

Must have Dr prescription

Must be for daily living functions (not sports related)

Must be for daily living functions (not sports related)

$200.00 Once every three years Maximum amount is per shoe



Attaches custom brace(s) to shoe(s)

ADP covers this item with first custom brace only

Verified amount is reimbursed directly to client

Footwear to attach custom fitted brace max for amounts

Must have referral from

Orthopaedic Bracing


HEALTH RELATED ITEM

Braces

Custom built knee brace purchase

Breast Pump – Electric only

Canes

Compression Stockings

Compressors

(all types)

CPAP items

(filters, masks, tubes)

Custom built shoes

Dental\Dentures

Diabetic Supplies

Dietary Supplements

(Ensure) 1 can per day

Eye Exam

Footwear

– Custom made only

Footwear – repairs to custom made shoes

Footwear – modifications

Hearing aids

MAXIMUM

AMOUNT over

$100.00

LIMITATIONS

Solutions

OTHER INFORMATION

$1,200.00

$225.00

$85.00

$130.00

$150.00

$200.00

One time purchase per knee

One time purchase

One time purchase

Per year

One time purchase

Once per year

Must have prescription

Off the shelf braces not included

Verification to confirm need required from doctor

Purchase only

ODSP recipients may have funded as a MSN item

$1,200.00 Once every three years Must have prescription

Off the shelf shoes not included

All inquiries

Refer to Public Health Dental Program, 519-883-2225

Varies

$60.00 varies

$1,200.00

As required

Benefit to be reviewed every year

One purchase every two years

For non SARs, review if item available through ODA or other agency (Diabetic Association, March of Dimes)

Mandatory OW and ODSP benefit (do not fund as discretionary benefit)

Verification is required. Two tins per day require supervisor approval

More than 2 tins per day not considered a supplement, must apply for coverage through MOHLTC

With medical condition – OHIP covered

With no medical condition OW drug card and valid health card number will cover exam once in 24 months,

Where no OHIP for children

Where no OHIP for adults

Verified medical condition must exist

Made entirely from raw materials

$75.00 As needed


$2,000.00 One time purchase

Verified medical condition must exist

Only non ADP portion if applicable


HEALTH RELATED ITEM

(analogue or digital)

Obusforme/Lumbar back support

Oxygen

MAXIMUM

AMOUNT

Hearing Aids batteries

Hearing aid repairs or insurance deductible

Helmut/face guard

Hospital bed purchase

(includes mattress)

Hospital bed rental

$200.00 Max amount per year

$200.00 per hearing aid

Once per year



$350.00 total per event

As needed

$100.00 As needed Incontinent mattress pads

Incontinence and Ostomy supplies

Adult Diapers, under pads, drainage bags, gloves etc

Life Line accounts

Mastectomy prosthetic

(includes prosthetic bra(s))

Monitors – all types

(for example blood pressure, glucose,

CPAP, Apnea, Guardian Alert)

$85.00 As needed

Monthly fees only

$300.00 One time purchase per prosthetic

$200.00 One time purchase per monitor type

$65.00

$383.00

LIMITATIONS

One time purchase

OTHER INFORMATION

ODSP mandatory benefit

OW discretionary benefit

Emergency or Non shareable for non SAR

One or both ears

Mandatory Benefit for ODSP

ODSP mandatory benefit

OW discretionary benefit

Emergency or Non shareable for non SAR

Only with Drs note or OT assessment

Only with Drs note or OT assessment and where rental option is not as viable


For shot term use


Mandatory OW and ODSP benefit

No new accounts without Drs note describing reason (Use

Guardian Alert system, see monitors below)

Supervisor pre-approval required


OW/ODSP 100% ADP. We do not pay for upgrades

If ODSP, mandatory benefit may be available as surgical supplies (such as CPAP tubes and filters)

Pay consumer portion for non SARs

Glucometers 1) may be available through diabetic association 2) is mandatory Diabetic Supply for OW ODSP recipients

Rx & estimate of cost before purchase

Referred to In Home Oxygen Program

If not covered by this program review need and approval with supervisor


Surgical Supplies

Transportation

Medical

Vapourizer

Vision

HEALTH RELATED ITEM

Splints- All

MAXIMUM

AMOUNT

LIMITATIONS OTHER INFORMATION

Orthotic inserts-custom built

Patient lift (all types)

Patient lift batteries

Patient lift repairs includes sling

$380.00 Once every three years for adults



$350.00 As needed

Only with Drs prescription

Must have Drs prescription and detailed invoice


In home use only

In home use lifts only

In home use lifts only

Patient lift slings (mesh types included) $400.00 One purchase per year On sling only per purchase

Participant to speak with doctor regarding an alternative

Prescription Drugs not on drug card

Where drug not covered under ODB, cost may be provided for 2 month maximum medication covered by ODB and if not available (verification required) participant must request the doctor apply for a

Section 8 (coverage through Ministry of Health and Long

Term Care

Experimental medications/treatments will not be funded.

Pressure relief mattress and pads – all $350.00 One time purchase Only with Drs note or OT assessment types

Prosthetic device $1,000.00 One time purchase

Prosthetic device stump socks, gels and strap

Prosthetic device repairs

Scooters

$350.00

$250.00

Once per year

As needed

Access ADP and mandatory benefits first

Pay only for non-ADP portion

Stump socks and prosthetic sleeves MSN benefit (see

Clearinghouse issue #1253.)

$750.00 Only if we have not assisted with electric wheelchair

Prescription & ADP form

100% ADP for OW/ODSP

75% ADP for non-recipients + March of Dimes

Contact Red Cross for availability

Approval before purchase

$65.00

As needed

Rx & estimate of cost before purchase

Drs prescription required

$63.00

In SDMT issue direct to client as Discretionary Benefit,

Transportation

$40.00 Prescription & estimate of cost before purchase

$200.00 Prescription changes or See Mandatory list for childrens’ vision benefits


HEALTH RELATED ITEM

Single vision- Adults

Vision

Bifocals -Adults

Vision

Contact Lenses- Adults

Vision

Specializes Glasses and Contact

Lenses

Walkers – Rollator types only

Wheelchair electric

Wheelchair manual

Wheelchair repairs

Wheelchair/scooter batteries

Wheeled shower commode

MAXIMUM

AMOUNT

$200.00

$200.00

LIMITATIONS once every 2 years

Lost/stolen – once every three years

Prescription changes – once per 2 years

Lost/stolen

– once every three years

Prescription changes – once per 2 years



$500.00

Cannot purchase both items together or separately

One time purchase


$300.00

$1,000.00

As needed

One time purchase

OTHER INFORMATION

For contact lenses pre-approval, with documentation explaining medical necessity

Specialized glasses/contact lenses covered by ADP when low vision cannot be corrected medically, surgically or with ordinary glasses\ contact lenses (e.g. corrected vision in better eye has range of 20/70 or less)

Prescription & estimate of cost before purchase

OW recipients and Non SARs only as mandatory item for

ODSP

Only portion of adequate chair ADP will not cover

OW recipients and Non SARs only as mandatory item for

ODSP

Only portion of adequate chair ADP will not cover

Invoice required

Mandatory OW and ODSP benefit

Mandatory OW and ODSP Benefit


In home use only


APPENDIX C OW and ODSP Participant Survey

Discretionary Benefits Review – OW/ODSP Participant Survey

We need your help.

By completing this survey you could win a $20 gift card.

The Region of Waterloo provides certain benefits, in addition to a monthly cheque, called "Discretionary Benefits". You may have received some of these benefits from Ontario Works or from other community agencies; for example, dental work through Public Health, baby supplies, bus tickets to come to the Ontario Works office, or a food hamper provided by the House of Friendship, etc.

There will be no changes made to "Discretionary Benefits" in 2012. However, these "Discretionary Benefits" may change in the future due to changes in funding from the Province of Ontario (your monthly cheque will not change).

We want to base any decisions about these changes on what is important to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support

Program participants.

We would like to hear from you. The following survey will ask you a few questions about the benefits that are most important to you.

We are also collecting feedback from community organizations and Ontario Works staff to get their opinion on the use and importance of “Discretionary Benefits”.

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

We will not ask for your name or any information that will identify you. This survey is completely voluntary and you can stop answering questions at any time. Your Caseworker will not know that you have completed this survey, and your monthly cheque will not be affected in any way because of your answers.

If you have any questions about the survey, or abou t “Discretionary Benefits”, please contact the Director of Employment and Income Support - David Dirks (ddirks@regionofwaterloo.ca, 519-883-2179).

Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback.


PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY SEPTEMBER 14TH

The Provincial government provides the Region of Waterloo with money for "Discretionary Benefits". Some of these benefits are provided through the Region of Waterloo, and some of these benefits are given out through community agencies. The list below is a sample of some of the things that are paid for through "Discretionary Benefits".

All benefits are important.

Please mark an X beside the four (4) benefits that are the most important to you.

Dental costs for adults (not covered on a dental card)

A food hamper (from House of Friendship, Cambridge Self Help Food Bank, Woolwich Community Services, Wilmot

Family Resource Centre, or the Salvation Army)

Vision care (for example a pair of glasses - for an adult)

Orthotics (shoe inserts)

Mobility aids (for example a knee brace or a cane)

Household appliance repair (for example a fridge or a stove)

Prosthesis

Baby supplies

Last month's rent

Interpreter services (for meetings with your Caseworker)

Replacement of identification (for example a Social Insurance card or birth certificate)

Support for the costs of getting bank documents

Hydro/Water/Gas late payments or connection fees

Bus tickets to get to the Ontario Works office

Funeral costs

Hearing Aids

Furniture or appliances

Other, please specify: _______________________


Why are the four benefits you have selected important to you?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

How would it affect you if the benefits that you have selected above were no longer available?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

An Advisory Group made up of Community Agency representatives, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support

Program recipients, and Region of Waterloo staff created two sets of principles:

1) Principles for decision making

2) Principles for the administration of “Discretionary Benefits”

1) Feedback is being collected from staff, community agencies, and social assistance participants. When deciding on recommendations to Regional Council, the following principles will be used:

 Basic needs (food and shelter) should be given priority;

 An individual’s safety and health should be maintained;

 Th e stabilization of an individual’s circumstances is important;

 Discretionary Benefits should allow individuals to move forward with their life;



Discretionary Benefits should promote being part of the community; and

 Social assistance participants should have easy access to the benefits.


2) The following principles will be used to guide Region of Waterloo staff in deciding if someone is eligible for

Discretionary Benefits



All other sources of funding (if available), must be used before Discretionary Benefits will be provided;

 Discretionary Benefits are in addition to monthly financial assistance;

 Individuals must meet specific conditions (except in unique circumstances);

 There must be flexibility in the process of Discretionary Benefits that allow for unique circumstances; and




Do you agree with these principles?

Not at all

Somewhat

For the most part

Very much so

Please share any comments you have with regard to the principles above.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please share any other comments or feedback you may have abo ut “Discretionary Benefits”.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

We would like to know a little bit about who you are. This information will help us make sure that we are speaking to a wide range of people.


Are you receiving support from Ontario Works or the Ontario

Disability Support Program?

Ontario Works

Ontario Disability Support Program

Neither

Are you…

Male

Female

Please tell us how old you are

Under 18

18 - 24

25 - 34

35 - 44

45 - 54

55 - 64

Over 65

How would you describe your household? Are you...

Single

A sole support parent

Part of a couple with children

Part of a couple without children


Please tell us which city or township you live in.

Cambridge

Kitchener

North Dumfries

Waterloo

Wellesley

Wilmot

Woolwich

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

You are done the survey. You now have the option of entering your name into a draw for one of four $20 gift certificates.

If you would like to enter the draw, please give us your contact information below, and hand in this page separately from the rest of the survey.

Please tell us your name and your telephone number or e-mail address so we can contact you if you win.

Name: __________________________________________

Phone Number / E-mail: __________________________________


APPENDIX D Community Partner Survey

Discretionary Benefits Review – Community Partner Survey

This survey is intended for community agencies and organizations that serve individuals on Ontario Works or the

Ontario Disability Support Program in Waterloo Region. Please disregard this survey if it is not appropriate for you / your organization.

This survey will be available until September 14th.

Under the Ontario Works Act, the Region of Waterloo can provide/fund certain Discretionary Benefits to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients. Some of these benefits are distributed through the Region of Waterloo and some of these benefits are distributed through other organizations (for example, dental work through Public Health, orthotics, bus tickets to come to the Ontario Works office, or a food hamper provided by the House of Friendship, etc.).

The 2012 Ontario Provincial budget announced that effective July 1, 2012, Provincial funding for Discretionary Benefits will be capped. This means that the Region will have a shortfall in funding.

Regional Council has approved funds to continue Discretionary Benefits as-is through 2012. Council has asked that staff return to Council in the Fall as part of the 2013 Budget process to present a report detailing the implications of the

Province’s decision and recommending funding priorities going forward.

It is important that we hear from you. The following survey will ask you a few questions about what benefits you believe are most important to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients. We are also collecting feedback from social assistance recipients, ODSP staff, and Region of Waterloo staff to get their opinion on the use and importance of Discretionary Benefits.

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. We will not ask for your name or any information that will identify you. This survey is completely voluntary and you can stop answering questions at any time.

If you have any questions about the survey, or about Discretionary Benefits, please contact the Director of Employment and Income Support - David Dirks (ddirks@regionofwaterloo.ca, 519-883-2179).



1. All benefits are important to participants. However, some reductions might be needed (the monthly cheque to Ontario

Works participants will not change). Below is a list of some of the Discretionary Benefits provided to participants.

Please click on the box beside the four (4) benefits that you believe are the most important to Ontario Works and Ontario

Disability Support Program recipients.








Prosthesis

Baby supplies

Last month's rent

Interpreter services (for meetings with a Caseworker)





Funeral costs

Hearing Aids


Other, please specify: ____________________________________


2 . Why are the benefits you have selected important to social assistance recipients?

. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What would participants do if the benefits that you have selected above (as most important) were no longer available through Ontario Works?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. If we had to reduce/eliminate some of the Discretionary Benefits listed below, which four (4) would you choose?








Prosthesis

Baby supplies

Last month's rent






Funeral costs


Hearing Aids


Other, please specify: __________________________________________________

5. Why are the four benefits you have selected the ones to reduce/eliminate?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. If there is a reduction /elimination of some of the Discretionary Benefits do you believe that this will have an effect on your organization ?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. If there is a reduction/elimination of some of the Discretionary Benefits do you believe that this will have an effect on the local health and/or social service system ?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. An Advisory Group made up of Community Agency representatives, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support


1) Principles for decision making.

2) Principles for the administration of Discretionary Benefits.

1) When determining the next steps and priorities for Discretionary Benefits, Employment and Income Support senior staff will make recommendations that will be guided by the feedback received from community consultations and following principles:



An individual’s safety and health should be maintained;

The stabilization of an individual's circumstances is essential;

Discretionary Benefits should enable individuals to move forward with their life;

Discretionary Benefits should promote inclusion; and

Flexibility in the process of administering Discretionary Benefits must be maintained and accompanied by ease of access for recipients.

2) The following principles will be used to guide Region of Waterloo staff in administering Discretionary Benefits:


Government ministries or programs, other organizations or agencies, financial contributions from the participant, etc.), where applicable, must be used before Discretionary Benefits will be accessed/provided;

Discretionary Benefits are additional, non-mandatory supports and individuals must meet specific criteria

(except for exceptional circumstances);

There must be flexibility in the process/categories of Discretionary Benefits that allow for exceptional circumstances; and



Not at all

Somewhat

For the most part

Very much so

9. Please share any comments you have with regard to the principles above.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________


10. Please share any other comments or feedback you may have regarding Discretionary Benefits.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Please indicate which sector you work in.

Select all that apply.

Housing programs and services

Employment programs and services

Education or training programs

Literacy services

Supportive counselling

Food assistance

Immigrant and settlement services

Health services

Mental Health

Advocacy

Literacy

Education

Government

Shelter services

Other, please specify:

________________________________________


APPENDIX E OW and ODSP Staff Survey

Discretionary Benefits Review – OW/ODSP Staff Survey

Under the Ontario Works Act, the Region of Waterloo can provide/fund certain discretionary benefits to Ontario Works and

Ontario Disability Support Program recipients(for example, dental work performed by Public Health, orthotics, bus tickets to come to the Ontario Works office, or a food hamper provided by the House of Friendship, etc).

The 2012 Ontario Provincial budget announced that effective July 1, 2012, Provincial funding for discretionary benefits will be capped. This means that the Region will have a shortfall in funding.

Regional Council has approved funds to continue discretionary benefits as-is through 2012. Council has asked that E&IS

Management return to Council in the Fall as part of the 2013 Budget process to present a report detailing the implications of the Province’s decision and recommending funding priorities going forward.

We might have to make some hard decisions about what benefits we can fund in 2013.

It is important that we hear from you.

The survey will ask you a few questions about what benefits you believe are most important to Ontario Works and Ontario

Disability Support Program recipients. We are also collecting feedback from social assistance recipients and community partners to get their opinion on the use and importance of discretionary benefits.

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

We will not ask for your name or any information that will identify you. This survey is completely voluntary and you can stop answering questions at any time.

If you have any questions about the survey, or about discretionary benefits, please contact the Director of Employment and Income Support- David Dirks (ddirks@regionofwaterloo.ca, 519-883-2179).



1. All benefits are important to participants. However, some reductions might be needed (the monthly cheque to Ontario

Works participants will not change). Below is a list of some of the Discretionary Benefits provided to participants.

Please click on the box beside the four (4) benefits that you believe are the most important to Ontario Works and Ontario

Disability Support Program recipients.








Prosthesis

Baby supplies

Last month's rent






Funeral costs

Hearing Aids


Other, please specify: ____________________________________


2 . Why are the benefits you have selected important to social assistance recipients?

. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What would participants do if the benefits that you have selected above (as most important) were no longer available through Ontario Works?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. If we had to reduce/eliminate some of the Discretionary Benefits listed below, which four (4) would you choose?








Prosthesis

Baby supplies

Last month's rent






Funeral costs


Hearing Aids


Other, please specify: __________________________________________________

5. Why are the four benefits you have selected the ones to reduce/eliminate?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. An Advisory Group made up of Community Agency representatives, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support


1) Principles for decision making.

2) Principles for the administration of Discretionary Benefits.

1) When determining the next steps and priorities for Discretionary Benefits, Employment and Income Support senior staff will make recommendations that will be guided by the feedback received from community consultations and following principles:


An individual’s safety and health should be maintained;

The stabilization of an individual's circumstances is essential;

Discretionary Benefits should enable individuals to move forward with their life;

Discretionary Benefits should promote inclusion; and

Flexibility in the process of administering Discretionary Benefits must be maintained and accompanied by ease of access for recipients.

2) The following principles will be used to guide Region of Waterloo staff in administering Discretionary Benefits:


Government ministries or programs, other organizations or agencies, financial contributions from the participant, etc.), where applicable, must be used before Discretionary Benefits will be accessed/provided;

Discretionary Benefits are additional, non-mandatory supports and individuals must meet specific criteria

(except for exceptional circumstances);

There must be flexibility in the process/categories of Discretionary Benefits that allow for exceptional


circumstances; and



Not at all

Somewhat

For the most part

Very much so

7. Please share any comments you have with regard to the principles above.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Please share any other comments or feedback you may have regarding Discretionary Benefits.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Are you a staff member working with Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program participants?

*

Ontario Works

Ontario Disability Support Program

10. If you are working with Ontario Works participants, which area do you work in?

Income Support

Employment Services

Intake

Special Services


APPENDIX F List of Community Partners

Community Partner

ACCKWA

Anishnabeg Outreach

Argus Residence for Young People

Cambridge Active Self Help (CASH)

Cambridge Family Early Years Centre

Cambridge Hospital

– Social Work

Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank

Cambridge Shelter & Saginaw House

Canadian Hearing Society

Canadian Mental Health Association

Canadian Red Cross

Community Legal Services

Community Outreach Workers

Community Centres

Contact Name

Colby Marcellus

Lois MacDonald

Eva Vlasov

Kathy Briggs

Donna Kendrick

Nancy Makela

Pat Singleton

Anne Tinker

Victoria Baby

Don Roth

Karen Charles

Sharon Twilley

Nina Baily-Dick

E-Mail Address director@ACCKWA.com

; loism@anishnabegoutreach.org

; argusyw@execulink.com; briggsk@self-help.ca; dkendrickcfeyc@bellnet.ca; nmakela@cmh.org; psingleton@cambridgefoodbank.on.ca; anne@cambridgesheltercorp.ca

; vbaby@chs.ca; rothd@cmhagrb.on.ca

;

Karen.charles@redcross.ca

; twilleys@lao.on.ca

; student1_water@lao.on.ca;

Nbailey-dick@regionofwaterloo.ca

; susan.josic@kitchener.ca

; deb.giilck@kitchener.ca

; fabienne.prior@kitchener.ca

; debra.schiedel@kitchener.ca

; carol.colvin@kitchener.ca

; brenda.vandekeere@kitchener.ca

; michelle.riediger@kitchener.ca

; joanne.desouza@kitchener.ca

; colette.saunders@kitchener.ca

; cindy.bourke@kitchener.ca

; jennifer.sullivan@kitchener.ca

;


Community Partner Contact Name

Conestoga College

Doon Valley Manor

Family & Children’s Services

Family Counselling Centre of Cambridge & North

Dumfries

Fergus Place

Focus for Ethnic Women

Future Vision Ministries (Canada)

Grand River Retirement Home

Grand River Hospital - Social Work

Greenway – Chaplin Community Centre

Highland Place

Andrea Leis

Sandor Nadasdy

Alison Scott

Bobbye Goldenberg

Jocelyn Holden

Olga George-Cosh

Chris Hayhoe

Carlton & Ruby

Hamilton

Juan Carlos Gomez

Caitland Lloyd

Margaret Carpenter

House of Friendship

Interfaith Community Counselling Centre New

Hamburg

John Howard Society

Kinbridge Community Association

Kingsview Residence

Ron Fleming

Christine Bruder

Joan Nandlal

Joe-Ann McComb

Iqbal Noorah

Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre Eric Goldberg

Kitchener-Waterloo Counselling Services

Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre

Langs Farm Village Association

Lutherwood

Leslie Josling

Lucia Harrison

Bill Davidson

Michelle Braniff


E-Mail Address aleis@conestogac.on.ca

; snadasdi@rogers.com;

Alison.scott@facswaterloo.org

; ex.dir@golden.net

; jocelyn.holden@reveraliving.com; ed@few.on.ca

; chris@fvm.on.ca; hamiltonruby2@yahoo.ca

; hamiltonxd@yahoo.ca; juan-carlos.gomez@grhosp.on.ca; greenway1@golden.net; margaret.carpenter@reveraliving.com; johnn@houseoffriendship.org; ronf@houseoffriendship.org; cbruder.interfaith@golden.net; joannandlal@waterloo.johnhoward.on.ca;

Joe-annm@kinbridge.ca; kingsview@rogers.com; egoldberg@kdchc.org

; nwazir@kdchc.org; leslie@kwcounselling.com; lucia@kwmc-on.com; billd@langs.org; mbraniff@lutherwood.ca

;

26


March of Dimes

Marillac Place

Marsdale Manor

Mennonite Coalition

Millwood Manor

Mosaic Counselling and Family Services

Northern Lights

Our Place Family Resource & Early Years

Centre

Out of the Cold

Hugo

Preston Heights Community Group

Project READ

Reception House – Waterloo Region

Riverside Manor

ROOF

Salvation Army - Cambridge

Salvation Army - Kitchener

Shalom Counselling Services

St. James Place

St. Mary’s Hospital – Social Work


Contact Name

Lisa Gill Tamcsu

Jamie McDermid

Karen Gilmet

Sean David

Eunice Valenzuela

Milena Wolf

Peter Fisher

Sue Gillespie

Christine Bearinger

Dorothy Snyder

E-Mail Address lgill@lutherwood.ca; jmcdermid@marchofdimes.ca

;

Karen@marillacplace.ca

; businessmanager@marillacplace.ca; marsdalemanor@bellnet.ca;

Eunice_refugee@mcrs.ca

info@millwoodmanor.com; info@mosaiconline.ca;

; cbearinger@northernlightscanada.ca; dsnyder@ourplacekw.ca;

Roberta Hickey mjhickey@sentex.net

;

Christine Wilfing-Revoy hugo@rogers.com

;

Sandra Roxborough

Anne Ramsay phcg@golden.net; anne@projectread.ca

;

Mira Malidzanovic

Iqbal Noorah mira.malidzanovic@gmail.com

; kingsview@rogers.com;

Sandy Dietrich-Bell

Major Paul & Jo-Anne

Gilber

Majors Rick & Jane

Sheasby execdir@roof-agency.net

ed@kwsacfs.org;

;

Sacambridge_cfs@rogers.com;

Wanda Wagler-Martin ed@shalomcounselling.org;

Tracey Deveney

Colleen Semple stjamesplacecharity@live.ca; csemple@smgh.ca

;

27


St. Monica House

The Healing of the Seven Generations

The Working Centre

Underhill Residential Home

Stirling Nursing Home

Optimum Healthcare Services

Waterloo Region Homes for Mental Health

Wilmot Family Resource Centre

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region


Woolwich Interfaith Counselling Centre

Working for Work

YMCA Cross Cultural and Immigrant Services

YWCA

– Mary’s Place

SHOW

Trinity Village Studios

YWCA

Region of Waterloo

Children’s Services

Region of Waterloo

Children’s Services

Region of Waterloo Housing

Contact Name

Linda Feldpusch

Donna Dubie

Stephanie Mancini

Tanya Tompkins

Dave Gole

Sean Roberts

Wendy Czarny

Trisha Robinson

Mary Zilney

Don Harloff

Mary Wilhelm

Eltag Elkhalifa

Marsha Hall

Elizabeth Clarke

Gael Gilbert

Susan Box

Cathy Middleton

Maria Wallenius

Sheri Philips

Candace Goudy

Jennifer Murdoch

E-Mail Address case-supervisor@saintmonicahouse.org

;

7generations@bellnet.ca; stephanie@theworkingcentre.org

; tompkins4@sympatico.ca; d-jgole@sympatico.ca; ohs@bellnet.ca; wczarny@waterlooregionalhomes.com; wfrc@bellnet.ca;

Mary.zilney@wcswr.org

; don_wcs@yahoo.com; mary.wilhelm@woolwichcounselling.org; eltag@workingforwork.ca; newcomers@ckwymca.ca

; qyang@ckwymca.ca; iszelei@ckwymca.ca;

Elizabeth.clarke@ywcakw.on.ca;

Gael.gilbert@showaterloo.org

; sbox@trinityvillage.com

;

Cathy.middleton@ywcakw.on.ca

;

Maria.wallenius@ywca.on.ca

; sphillips@regionofwaterloo.ca

; cgoudy@regionofwaterloo.ca

; jmurdoch@regionofwaterloo.ca

;



Region of Waterloo Housing

Region of Waterloo Social Planning & Policy

Admin

Region of Waterloo Social Planning & Policy

Admin

Region of Waterloo Public Health

Region of Waterloo Public Health

Contact Name

Irwin Peters

Marie Morrison

Heather Froome

Grand River Transit Sandy Roberts

Region of Waterloo Comprehensive Approach to

Poverty Reduction

Cheryl Grove

Social Planning Council Cambridge

Social Planning Council Kitchener-Waterloo

Linda Terry

Melissa Dunbar

Trudy Beaulne

Rahmah Omar

Opportunities Waterloo Region

ODSP

Mary MacKeigan

Maria Muzzi

E-Mail Address ipeters@regionofwaterloo.ca

; mmorrison@regionofwaterloo.ca

hfroome@regionofwaterloo.ca

;

Andrea Reist Areist@regionofwaterloo.ca

;

Karen Quigley-Hobbs KQuigley-Hobbs@regionofwaterloo.ca

; sroberts@regionofwaterloo.ca; cgrove@regionofwaterloo.ca

;

; melissa@socialplanningcouncil-cnd.org

linda@socialplanningcouncil-cnd.org; spckw@waterlooregion.org

; rahmah@waterlooregion.org; mary@owr.ca

;

Christine@owr.ca;

Maria.Muzzi@ontario.ca;

;


discretionary benefits review survey findings

DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS REVIEW

SURVEY FINDINGS

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Discretionary Benefits Review – OW/ODSP Participant Survey

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY SEPTEMBER 14TH

We would like to know a little bit about who you are. This information will help us make sure that we are speaking to a wide range of people.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Discretionary Benefits Review – Community Partner Survey

Discretionary Benefits Review – OW/ODSP Staff Survey

Related documents

Products

Support

discretionary benefits review survey findings

DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS REVIEW

SURVEY FINDINGS

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Discretionary Benefits Review – OW/ODSP Participant Survey

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY SEPTEMBER 14TH

We would like to know a little bit about who you are. This information will help us make sure that we are speaking to a wide range of people.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Discretionary Benefits Review – Community Partner Survey

Discretionary Benefits Review – OW/ODSP Staff Survey

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