Income & Financial Assistance

Written by Julie Taylor

Cradle to the Grave?

History:

Social Assistance was first introduced in England in the 1940’s after British Prime Minister Clement Attlee commissioned the Beveridge Report in 1942.  Clement Attlee was the first socialist prime minister and had taught social work at the London School of Economics.  He had an enormous impact on the world and the lives of millions of people who, for reasons beyond their control, were not able to work.  In the last 60 years many countries have adopted their own version of the Welfare State.  The goal envisioned by Beveridge and Attlee was that the strong would take of those less fortunate, throughout life, from the Cradle to the Grave.

Coming soon: a free downloadable guide to what's 'out there' (generally) in the world...  We are collecting info right now from readers - if you want to contribute some knowledge you have for this FREE pamphlet, please EMAIL ME here.  Thank you!

These 2 books here are interesting and informative reads for dealing with issues about You & Your Aging Parent and Poverty Knowlege, a history of the US Social Assistance System.  

Here are links to the information on the rest of this page - so that you can jump subjects to those that interest you most...

Long Term Disability

Income replacement coverage – LTD – is provided by some employers. In retrospect I realize just how very important it is to be aware of this type of benefit - I always assumed that this sort of insurance was for 'later' and was not relevant to my life then.  Unfortunately something like LTD often gets overlooked in busy day-to-day life.  If you have this type of coverage – and maybe a Union to look out for you financially too – I would hope that you might find your post trauma life a little easier, financially.

Whatever the financial means available to you, it is vitally important to make sure a sound financial foundation - a reliable income - is in place before you start rebuilding.  I think it is very easy to underestimate - even forget while you are in the throes of serious trauma - the implications and importance of the financial part of life.

I will list some financial suggestions to get you started.  The secret is to visualize yourself as a bulldog who just will not let go of his stick!  Don’t give up! This is usually a long and difficult job and if you have someone that you can work with on your paperwork and finances – a friend or a professional such as an accountant - it would be wise to ask their help.  I find it much easier to phone various institutions on behalf of someone else - I can get quite tearful if I am looking for help for myself.  It takes far less energy when I call twice a day to hound someone for answers or help for someone else.  When it comes to myself, I often just don’t do it…  Having said that!  Get help! Just do it!

As in all things, being responsible for yourself is key. Experience has taught me that we ignore the problem of income and hope/leave it to someone else, at our own peril.  Sometimes the choice is as simple as the whole family living on one income for a while.  However there will be extra stresses – a lot of extra stresses – on the one person left to provide that income and on everyone in the family who will have to make economies and changes.  My guess is that it will feel much more comfortable all round to know that you are aware of the problem and also aware of the individual expenses and income that you have to share.  Clapping your hands over your ears and yelling “I can’t hear you!  I can’t hear you!” may not cut it for very long! Although in addition to the fear trauma brings it's very tempting to ignore finances.

Occasionally the partner who is left earning the income will feel responsible and try and reassure you “not to worry – it’s all taken care of”.   I would suggest letting them know that you are very grateful to hear their loving intention to take care of all the finances and that you realize that it's going to be a difficult job.  Let them know that it would help ease your mind to talk about individual expenses and that, between you, you hope to come up with some ideas to lighten the load.  There is help available. Resist the temptation to just let go of all financial responsibility. The extra burden on your partner may eventually become too great and that the loss, in the long term, will be unhealthy for both of you.

And there is help available…

Service Canada offers a great tool called the Benefits Finder where you enter into a computer some of your personal demographics (not your name or detailed private information) and then you are taken to a page detailing what benefits you may be eligible for and linkis to those programs.

In most countries there are tax breaks available to those financially responsible for a whole family.  Tell your employer or tax authority and they can adjust your monthly income tax bill immediately.

There are also income thresholds for expenses like medical plans and these will change as your ability to earn changes – again ask your employer or tax authority.

Many jobs provide compassionate leave so that a close relative or friend may take time off work to care for someone and still be paid – a bit like paternity pay.  There is often a limit on the number of weeks covered and you might need to work out which weeks you need off work.

If you have a Union, ask them what you are entitled to.  At the very least there are almost always EAP’s (Employee Assistance Plans) which will provide a counselor to anyone in your family for a while.  (And that counselor can help each individual in the family adjust to the changes that come with this territory and may well be able to help find local resources for you too.)

Advocates: There are non-profit groups in many cities that advocate for people who need to apply for social assistance (and other government benefits) and I would ask for help if it is available right from the outset. .

Children’s daycare is often subsidized and help is usually available for children who are affected by trauma.  There is now way more emphasis on keeping children with their parents and families than there used to be – sometimes in quite creative ways.  Speak to your local Child Protection Worker and find out if this might be a useful avenue to explore.  There should be a social worker available in most hospitals who can help brainstorm with you to find help.  There are also local social workers available in most developed countries who could be a fountain of information.

Support groups for your particular problem – whether it is Stroke or Cancer or Single Parents or Families living with Autism – will have a list of local sources of financial, and other, help.  It’s not easy sometimes to get your mind around receiving help – of any kind – but there is a surprising amount of help available if you search for it.  Remember, it is a basic human need to give.  Allow people to help you and fill one of their needs.  Sometime in the future you will be able to give back – perhaps as a volunteer.

Talking of volunteers!  There are all kinds of help available – driving, shopping, visiting, mowing the lawn, taking you for a walk or a swim.  The nice thing is that one day, when you are feeling stronger, you can give back and help others.

Many local recreation and community centres have sports facilities and support groups that are available free of charge to those of approved incomes - and incomes are always calculated based on the number of people who are dependent on that income.  Children – or adults - who have trauma at home may well find an outlet for their stress in a sport or at a youth or support group freely available to them.  This is the most fun financial tip! Remember too, stress can actually cause illness…

Working out exactly where the money will come from is a nightmare.  There are so many different programs and sources.  Some places will give you wrong information and be unhelpful.  If that happens, try calling them back later and speaking with someone else.  Never give up and never miss an opportunity to ask if whoever you are speaking with knows of any other avenues you might try.

Meals on Wheels – or a similar non-profit organization – may well be available (even for younger people).

Ask your doctor and social worker to see if you can get home care help in your home with nursing, personal care, some cooking and housekeeping.

Silver Threads is an organization (there are many different organizations in each area) for the elderly and they have a list of university students who are willing to help you clean at home and in the yard and who will do errands for you.  Some of the services for the elderly can also be extended to help younger people.  Phone them and ask if they can help…  and if not, then who would they recommend?

If you have to get Social Assistance for a while, amounts for medication and travel (including a car allowance or bus pass) are often available.  Persons With a Disability or PWD status – or it’s equivalent – is worth getting whether or not you are currently receiving any benefit.  Apply even if you do not expect to qualify - once you have 'status' you will have it for always. There are different rules and guidelines for people who may need more permanent help and these are often more generous - including owning a house and trust fund.  You can even work a few hours each month without it affecting your entitlement while you are ReBuilding.