Table of Contents. Welfare: Seniors: Hot Topics: Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2

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2 Table of Contents 1 Table of Contents Introduction 2 Welfare: Administration of Assistance 3 Crisis Benefits 4 Dental Care 5 Hardship Assistance 6 Income Assistance 7 Massage/Physiotherapy/Chiropractic treatments 8 Medical or Surgical Supplies 9 Mobility Aids and Assistive Devices 10 Monthly Nutritional Supplement Benefit 11 Moving Costs 13 Place to Live/Security Deposit 14 Special Diet Allowance 15 Transportation (Local) 16 Transportation (Long Distance) 19 Vision Care 20 Seniors: CPP Death Benefits, Survivor s Pension, and Children s Benefits 21 CPP Retirement Benefits 22 Old Age Security Programs 23 Shelter Aid for Elder Renters (SAFER) 26 Power of Attorney / Why a Will 27 Hot Topics: Travel 31 Medicinal Marijuana 32 Are you living with bed bugs 34

3 Introduction 2 A New Edition Welcome to the Welcome to the Positive Living Society of BC s online edition of the Access and Actionkits. The first version of this self-empowerment manual was created in It was designed to give British Columbians with HIV and AIDS important information to help them address practical issues such as disability and health benefits and services, housing, income assistance and more. The early Actionkits were very popular and widely used. The new, online edition offers up-to-date information with the same simple, step-bystep approach. The Web-based format is practical and convenient. The Actionkits are now available to all people living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs), throughout the province, through computer access. Changes to legislation and regulations can be quickly and inexpensively uploaded onto the Web site, and various application forms for additional benefits can be printed directly from the Appendix sections. Disclaimer The writers and editor of the Actionkits have made every effort to provide information that is complete, correct, and up-to-date. Although information will be updated to reflect changes to legislation and regulations, neither the Positive Living Society of British Columbia or its writers/ editor can be held responsible for inaccuracies or misstatements of fact which are beyond their reasonable control. All content on this Web site is provided as is, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or of any results obtained from the use of this information. The Positive Living Society of BC makes no claim as to the accuracy or any other aspect of information contained on the third party Web sites provided through web links from the online Actionkits. Help Us Out While we will update information related to legislation and regulations, please let us know if you are told of any changes to policy or practices. Also, please tell us if you encounter any new or different steps when using our step-by-step guides to address specific issues. We can be reached at: Positive Living BC wishes to thank Suzan Krieger and Shane Gordon for their efforts in working on this manual. The design and layout is produced by Britt Permien. Special thanks as well to the AIDS Community Action Program, Federal Public Health Agency, for funding support of this online project.

4 Welfare Administration of Assistance 3 Administration of Assistance Are you at risk of being administered by Welfare? If you ask for crisis benefits from your Worker six times or more in a one year period, you may be administered. This means that you will receive part of your monthly cheque each week or every two weeks. You may have to go to a special office to pick up your cheque. Being administered is inconvenient because Welfare controls when you receive your money and how much you receive each cheque. If you find it hard to pay your rent or make your money last all month, you may want to consider a self-administered plan before Welfare decides to administer you. Avoid being forced administered. Treat your Worker with respect. Stick to a budget. Try to manage your expenses so your money lasts all month. Do not apply for crisis benefits more than six times in a one year period. or Consider a self-administered plan. Talk to your Worker. Explain that you need help managing your money. Say that you want to try a self-administered plan. Explain that this plan will stop you from spending your money too soon so your monthly cheque lasts longer. If your Worker suggests forced administration, be polite. Ask to try the self-administered plan first. If you need more than six crisis benefits in a one year period, call a Positive Living Access & Assistance Worker. for help before you speak to your Worker. If you choose a selfadministered plan, try not to ask for your money early. If you do, you might be switched to forced administration. If you choose a selfadministered plan, you may come off of the plan at any time.

5 Welfare Crisis Benefits 4 Crisis Benefits Do you urgently need extra money for basics like clothes, shoes, food, rent, or utilities? Will your health (or your family s) be in danger if you can t pay for these things? If you are on Income Assistance (IA) or Persons With Disability (PWD) assistance, you may be eligible for a crisis benefit from Welfare. A crisis benefit gives you extra money for something that you or your family need right away, but didn t plan for and can t afford. Make a list of what you need. For clothes or shoes, get three estimates of the cost to buy what you need. For food, make a list of the foods you need for your health or to take with medications. For rent, make sure you have your eviction notice For utilities like heat and power, make sure you have your recent utility bills and disconnection notice. Call your Worker or go to the Welfare office. Tell your Worker that you are in a crisis and that your health (and/or your family s) is in danger. Explain why you need extra money. Give your Worker the list of items that you need and/or copies of your eviction notice or utility bills. If your Worker says yes, ask when you can pick up your cheque. If the money is for food or clothes, your Worker might give you a voucher instead of a cheque. If the money is for rent or utilities, Welfare might pay the amount you owe directly to the landlord or utility company. Step F If your Worker says no, call a Positive Living Access and Assistance Worker. You may be able to get a crisis benefit for some other emergency needs. Talk to your Worker. If you ask for crisis benefits six times in one year, you may be administered. If so, Welfare gives you part of your monthly cheque each week or every two weeks. In one calendar year, your total crisis benefits can only add up to twice the amount of your monthly disability cheque. Welfare limits the amount of money for certain items (e.g., $20/month for food). There is no limit for essential utilities such as heat and hydro. Telephone service is not considered an essential utility.

6 Welfare Dental Care 5 Dental Care Do you need to see a Dentist? If you are on Person with Disability (PWD) assistance, Welfare will pay up to $1,000 for basic dental care over a two year period. Basic care covers tooth repairs, fillings, your first set of dentures, or repairs to dentures. Welfare may also pay for emergency dental care over the usual amount covered. Tip < Do not pay for any basic or emergency dental work yourself. Welfare will not pay you back. If your dentist tells you that your new dentures or repairs are not covered by your enhanced medical, call a Positive Living Access & Assistance workere. Basic Dental Care Make a dental appointment. Go to your dentist appointment. Show your Care Card and ask the dentist to confirm that your dental work will be paid for. Your enhanced medical care will cover up to $1,000 in basic dental work over two years. Emergency dental care (amounts over basic dental coverage) Make an emergency dental appointment. Go to your dentist appointment. Show your Care Card. Tell the dentist you are in pain. Explain that you have used up your basic dental coverage but that Welfare may pay for emergency care. Ask the dentist to confirm that your emergency dental work will be paid for. Dentures (new or repairs to existing) Make a dental appointment. Go to your dentist appointment. Show your Care Card. Ask the dentist to confirm that your new dentures or repairs will be paid for. Your enhanced medical may pay $1,000 for dentures if: this is your first set of dentures. your dentures are at least five years old. If you have spent your $1,000 denture allowance, your enhanced medical may pay for new dentures or repairs if: you have had teeth removed in the last six months and have no teeth along the front of your mouth. you have had three teeth removed (at least one tooth in the past six months) and need a partial denture. you have been on Persons With Disability (PWD) assistance for two years and your dentures are at least five years old. Tip < If you lose or break your dentures call an advocate at Do not pay in advance. Welfare will not reimburse. Tip < Additional dental resources are available, including a stand alone $25 dental plan through Pacific Blue Cross and a directory of low cost clinics throughout British Columbia. Call a Positive Living Access & Assistance worker

7 Welfare Hardship Assistance 6 Hardship Assistance Do you need Welfare and have no other resources? The Ministry sometimes gives hardship assistance to help cover costs for food and shelter. You may be eligible if you have been denied assistance because: you are waiting to receive employment insurance you are on strike or locked-out at work you are waiting for other income you have other income and/or too many assets you can t prove your identity you are waiting to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and card you do not meet citizenship requirements you can t prove sponsorship default you have been refused assistance due to welfare fraud Go to the Welfare office to meet with a Worker. Explain that you need hardship assistance. bring: Two pieces of ID, including one with a photo Social Insurance (SIN) card Bank profile and bank statements for the last two months from each of your bank accounts If your Worker says yes, ask when you can pick up your cheque. You may have to sign a repayment agreement. You will not have to sign an employment plan. If your Worker says no, call a Positive Living Access & Assistance worker. Hardship assistance is given only one month at a time. You must apply and prove your need each month. You can only receive hardship assistance for three months, but this period may be extended. Recent rent receipts, a completed Intent to Rent form, or your rental lease Written proof of your HIV/health status stating that you are unable to work (e.g., physician s letter with ID number)

8 Welfare Income Assistance 7 Income Assistance Do you need to apply for Income Assistance (IA)? To apply for income assistance, follow these steps. Find the nearest Welfare office. Phone to find out which office is closest to you: Vancouver Victoria Other areas in BC Positive Living Society Ministry contact > Complete an orientation session. The orientation tells you what to bring to the intake interview. (write down the confirmation number at the end) You may not have to attend an orientation if: you have gone to the same session in the last 60 days you are over 65 you have a doctor s letter that confirms you are medically unable to attend Attend the intake interview. Bring with you everything listed in your intake package: Two pieces of ID, including one with a photo Rent receipt, Intent to Rent form or Lease Utility bills (e.g., hydro) Bank profile and bank statements for the last two months from each of your bank accounts. Social Insurance (SIN) card Step F After the interview: Your Worker may ask you to wait a few days while they check over your information. If your Worker asks for more information, provide it as quickly as you can. At your interview state that you intend on applying for Person with Disabilities. This will increase what you are allowed to have in the bank and allow you to keep a car at any value. The regulations state the following: If the minister is satisfied (the client) has a genuine intention to apply for, designation as a person with disabilities under section 2 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act (the client) may receive income assistance, subject to all other eligibility criteria, if the family unit has assets with a total value of no more than (a) $5 000, if the applicant or recipient has no dependants, or (B.C. Reg. 197/2012).

9 Welfare Massage, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic 8 Massage, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Services Do you need massage, physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments? If you are on Persons with Disability (PWD) assistance, Welfare will cover up to 12 treatments per year for massage therapy, physiotherapy, and/or chiropractic. Make a doctor s appointment. Go to your doctor s appointment. Describe to your doctor the type of pain you are feeling. Ask your doctor for a prescription/ referral to a licensed massage therapist, physiotherapist, or chiropractor. Before your referral appointment, call the practitioner to make sure the service you need will be provided through MSP. If the practitioner says no, get another referral from your doctor. Step F Go to your referral appointment. Bring your Care Card. Bring the prescription/ referral from your doctor. Explain that you have enhanced medical coverage and that your treatment is covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). If the practitioner does not provide services through MSP, get another referral. Step G Pay the user fee. Most massage therapists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors charge patients a $10 $15 user fee. This fee is separate from the amount covered by Welfare. Pay the user fee at the time of the appointment. Do not pay any charges that are covered by your Care Card. Welfare will not pay you back Acupuncture service (effective April 1, 2008) $ Chiropractic service $ Massage therapy service $ Naturopathy service $ Physiotherapy service $ Podiatry service (non-surgical) $23 Notes: (i) These items are applicable only to patients who have premium assistance status. (ii) Subject to (i) above, acupuncturist, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic, physiotherapy and non-surgical podiatry services are benefits up to a combined maximum of 10 visits per patient per calendar year. Positive Living BC keeps a list of licensed people who provide massage, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatments at a low cost or for free. CHF Reimbursement Program Fill out the CHF Reimbursement Program Application form. Submit your form the same month you pay the user fee. Attach the original receipt to the CHF Application form and write your Positive Living Society membership card number on the back of the receipt. Receipts must show the name and address of practitioner and that the user fee has been paid. Drop the receipt and application into the CHF box at the Positive Living Society of BC office by Wednesdays at 4PM. If your application is approved, pick up your Cheque at 1PM on Thursday of the following week. You can download a CHF Application Form at files/application_forms/chf%20applicatio n%20form% pdf

10 Welfare Medical, Surgical Supplies 9 Medical and Surgical Supplies Do you need disposable medical or surgical supplies? If you are on Persons With Disability (PWD) assistance, Welfare may pay for certain disposable medical and/or surgical supplies. Items such as dressings, bandages, latex gloves, diapers for children and incontinency supplies for adults are also included. Make a doctor s appointment. Go to your doctor s appointment. Tell your doctor the types of supplies that you need. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for these items. The prescription must explain: the medical condition to be treated that these supplies are needed to protect your health from unsafe or life-threatening situations that you have no other resources to buy these items Call your Worker or go to the Welfare office. Tell your Worker that you need medical supplies to treat a serious health issue. Give your Worker the doctor s prescription showing the items you need. Step F If your Worker says yes, you must still wait for approval. It takes between two and six weeks to get approval for medical supplies. Payment will either be made to you by cheque or by ordering the items you need directly from a medical supply store. Step G If your Worker says no, call a Positive Living Access & Assistance worker. No prescription is needed to buy condoms (male or female). If you want condoms, your Worker will give you a voucher to take to a drug store. The voucher can only be used to buy condoms. Do not purchase medical or surgical supplies yourself. Welfare will not pay you back.

11 Welfare Mobility Aids 10 Mobility Aids Do you need Mobility Aids and Assistive Devices? Need an electric scooter, wheelchair, crutches, or other mobility aid? If you are on Persons With Disability (PWD) assistance, the Ministry may pay for assistive devices that help with basic mobility. Depending on your needs, you can apply for an electric scooter, wheelchair, cane, crutches, walkers, or other aids. Make a doctor s appointment. Go to your doctor s appointment. Tell your doctor that you need to apply for a mobility aid. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for the items you need. Ask your doctor for a referral to an Occupational Therapist. Go to your referral appointment. Ask the Occupational Therapist for an O.T. assessment. For the Ministry to pay for a mobility aid, the assessment must state that the device is medically necessary for your basic mobility. Step G If your worker says yes, you must still wait for approval. It takes between two and six weeks to get approval for mobility aids and assistive devices. Payment will either be made to you by cheque or by ordering the items you need directly from a supplier. Step H If your Worker says no, call a Positive Living Access & Assistance worker. Step F Go to the Welfare office to meet with your Worker. Tell your Worker that your basic mobility is a problem and you need to buy a mobility aid or assistive device. Show your Worker the O.T. assessment that lists the items you need. Ask your Worker for pre-authorization to buy the mobility aid. Your Worker may ask you to get two estimates of costs from suppliers.

12 Welfare Monthly Nutritional Supplement Benefit 11 Monthly Nutritional Supplement Benefit (MNSB) Do you need more money to buy nutritional supplements? Are you losing weight or getting sick because of HIV, hepatitis, or another illness? Do you need extra money to buy proper food and health supplements to help you gain weight? If you have serious, ongoing health problems that could be helped with better nutrition, you may qualify for the Monthly Nutritional Supplement Benefit (MNSB). You may be eligible for the MNSB if: you are on Persons with Disability (PWD) assistance. your doctor confirms that you have one or more of these symptoms: malnutrition low body weight major weight change loss of muscle mass loss of bone density nervous system problems breakdown of major organs very weak immune system your doctor says your health is in serious and immediate danger without nutritional supplements. you do not have the money to buy the health-related items you need. The MNSB can give you up to an extra $225 each month to buy food ($165), vitamins ($40), and bottled water ($20). If you receive a $40 diet allowance, you can apply for the $225 MNSB. When approved, your diet allowance will stop. If you receive a monthly allowance under the former Schedule C legislation, your benefits will continue. If your Schedule C allowance is lower than the MNSB, you can apply for the new benefit. Foodpyramid

13 Welfare Monthly Nutritional Supplement Benefit continued 12 Call your Worker or go to the Welfare office. Tell your Worker that you are sick and describe symptoms (e.g., losing weight). Explain that you need to buy healthy foods, vitamins, minerals, supplements, and bottled water. Explain that you don t have enough money to buy the health items you need each month. Ask your Worker for a form to apply for the Monthly Nutritional Supplement Benefit. You must get this application from your Worker. It is not available with this Actionkit or from the Ministry s Web site. Fill out the form or call Positive Living Society Access & Dept. at ( ) for help. Section A: to be completed by you write your name, date, address, and Ministry file number Section B: to be completed by your doctor make an appointment to see your doctor before the appointment, print the following information from this Web site for your doctor: MNSB Instructions to Medical Practitioners MNSB Supplementary Information for Physicians Healthcare Goods List Nutritional Diet for a Female Living with HIV or Nutritional Diet for a Male Living with HIV Ask your doctor to review these sheets and fill out the MNSB application. Make sure the form is dated, stamped, and signed with the physician s ID number. If your doctor charges a fee to fill out the form, this fee can be billed directly through MSP. Important: Keep a photocopy of the completed form for your records. Go to the Welfare office to meet with your Worker. Give the completed MNSB form to your Welfare Worker. Your Worker will send your application to Victoria (Ministry of Human Resources, Health Assistance Branch). Be patient. It can take up to 6 12 weeks to review your application for the MNSB. Step F If your application for MNSB is approved, you will get a letter from the Health Assistance Branch. Your letter will tell you the date your benefits begin. Bring this letter to your Welfare Worker to arrange for payment of your monthly benefits. Step G If your request is denied, you can re-apply. MNSB applications are reviewed monthly, so you don t have to appeal if you are denied. Review your application with a Positive Living Access & Assistance worker before resending it. If important information about your health or nutritional needs was left out, ask your doctor to update the application. Step H If you have not received a letter within eight weeks of applying, call the Health Services branch at and ask about your case. If you receive a Schedule C allowance but decide to return to work, leave the province, or are sent to jail, you will lose that benefit. Later, if you are on Person with Disability (PWD) assistance, you can apply for the MNSB. If possible, ask a Positive Living Access & Assistance worker to review your file before submitting it to your Worker. A quick review by an Access & Assistance worker can save you time on an appeal.

14 Welfare Moving Costs 13 Moving Costs Do you need to move into a new place, but can t afford moving expenses? Do you need money to pay for a moving company? Under some conditions, Welfare may pay up to $500 for moving costs if you use a licensed moving company or truck rental company. You may be able to get money for moving costs if: you are moving for medical reasons (e.g., to be closer to a doctor or hospital for treatment). the Health Department says your place is unfit or unsafe to live. your place has been destroyed (e.g., from fire or water damage). your place is going to be torn down. your place has been sold and you have been given notice to move. you are moving to start a new job. you are moving out of province to live with family or other supports/caregivers. you are moving to a much cheaper place. your family size has changed, and you need a larger or smaller place. you are being abused, harassed, or threatened by a landlord or others where you live. Get three written estimates from licensed moving companies or truck rental companies. Call your Welfare Worker or go to the Welfare office. Tell your Worker why you need to move and your moving date. Explain that you will need money to pay for movers or a truck rental. If your Worker says yes, Welfare will pay the moving or rental company directly. Make sure you give your Worker a copy of the completed and signed delivery bill after your move. Step F If your Worker says no, call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker at There may be other reasons why Welfare might pay your moving expenses. To find out, call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker before talking to your Welfare Worker. Give your Worker the estimates for moving costs and say when you will need the money to pay the movers. You may be asked to bring other information to this appointment. Ask your Worker for a photocopy of your papers for your records.

15 Welfare Place to live 14 Place to live Do you need a place to live and a security deposit? Are you looking for a place to live? Have you been evicted? Do you need to move to a warm, dry place or to a safer neighbourhood? Welfare will pay up to $375 per month for your rent. If your monthly rent is over this amount, you will have to pay the rest out of your other Welfare money. If you find a place to live but can t afford the security deposit, Welfare may pay for it if you agree to pay it back. Finding Emergency shelter Call your Welfare Worker. Tell your Worker that you are sick and need a place to stay while you are looking for a place to live. The Worker will refer you to a shelter and will tell you how long you can stay there. If it is late in the day and you have no place to sleep, call the Welfare After Hours line at: in Vancouver. Finding a place to live Dress nicely when you look for a place to live. Be polite to the landlord. Find out what is included with the rent (e.g., hydro, cable, furniture, washer/ dryer). Bring Intent to Rent forms. Find a place you can afford to rent. Ask the landlord to fill out the Intent to Rent form. Make sure the amount of the security deposit is written on the form. Do not pay the security deposit from your Welfare cheque. The Ministry will not pay you back. Go to the Welfare office. Give the Duty Worker the completed Intent to Rent form. Ask the Duty Worker for a photocopy of the form for your records. Step F Call the Welfare office later that day and make an appointment with your Worker. Step G If your Worker says yes, you will be expected to sign a Repayment Agreement. The Repayment Agreement says that you will pay back the Ministry the amount of the security deposit. The Ministry will take a set amount (usually $20) off your monthly Welfare cheque until the full amount is repaid. Your Worker will tell you when you can pick up your cheque or when it will be sent to your landlord. Your Worker will give you a cheque for rent for the coming month. You can also have your rent cheques sent directly to your landlord. Step H If your Worker says no, it may be because you have not repaid the Ministry twice in the past. In this situation, you can only get a third damage deposit if you are leaving an abusive relationship or if your place is being torn down, sold, or condemned. Tell your Worker about your situation. If your Worker still says no, call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker. Step J When you move out of your place, get the damage deposit back from the landlord. If you still have not repaid the money you owe the Ministry, you must repay it with this money. If your landlord won t return your security deposit, and you think this is unfair, call the Tenant Advisory Board in Vancouver or in the Lower Mainland.

16 Welfare Special Diet Allowance 15 Special Diet Allowance Do you need assistance paying for your special diet? If you are HIV+ or have hepatitis C and need a high protein diet, the Ministry may give you a special diet allowance of $40/month. You can only have one diet allowance even if you have more than one medical condition. Apply for the diet allowance that will be most helpful to your health needs. The Ministry offers a diet allowance for certain medical conditions: High protein diet Diabetic diet Low sodium diet Gluten-free diet Diet for Dysphasia Diet for Cystic Fibrosis Diet for persons on kidney dialysis Diet Form available at BCPWA Advocacy Office. Make a doctor s appointment. Go to your doctor s appointment. Bring a copy of the Ministry s Diet Allowance Request form. Ask your Doctor to fill out the Diet Allowance Request form. The form must explain: the medical condition that requires a special diet the type of special diet you need how long this diet will be needed whether or not you need a blender for this diet (check the box on the form). Go to the Welfare office to meet with your Worker. Tell your Worker that you need to be on a special diet because of your medical condition. Explain that you can t afford to buy the foods you need for your special diet. Give your Worker the completed Diet Allowance Request form. Step F If your Worker says yes, you will go to the Welfare office to pick up your first cheque. After that, the special diet allowance will be added to your monthly assistance cheque. Step G If your Worker says no, call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker at If you require a blender for your diet, the Ministry will provide you with one. The diet allowance usually lasts one year. If your doctor says that your health/diet needs are ongoing, this period can be extended, but your doctor must write this on the Diet Allowance Request form.

17 Welfare Transportation Local 16 Transportation (Local) Are you looking for cheap transportation in and around Vancouver? BC has several low cost local transportation programs. You can apply for a discounted yearly bus pass, inexpensive wheelchair accessible taxi services, taxi saver coupons, a motor vehicle tax rebate, and/or an ICBC disability discount. BC Bus Pass Program If you are on Persons With Disability (PWD) assistance, or receive a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or an Old Age Security (OAS) supplement, you may qualify for a yearly $45 bus pass. Get an application. Call the BC Bus Pass Program at from other areas in BC. Tell them you want to apply for the bus pass program. Give them your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and your address. They will mail you an application. Fill out and return your application form. You can pay the $45 fee by cheque or at the bank. Do not mail cash. If you bring your application form and $25 to a case manager at AIDS Vancouver, they will pay the rest and will mail your application. Mail your completed application form to the BC Bus Program office. You should receive your yearly bus pass within three weeks of mailing in your application. Wheelchair Accessible Taxis HandyDart HandyDart is an affordable taxi service for people with disabilities who cannot use public transit. Get a registration form. Call HandyDart at in Vancouver or check your phone book for a listing near you. Give your address and ask them to send you a registration form. Fill out and return your registration form. Ask your doctor to fill out and sign the doctor s part of the form. Your doctor may charge a fee to do this. Keep a photocopy of the completed form for your records. Mail your completed registration form to the HandyDart office. They will process your application and give you a registration number. Use this number when you book a ride. Book a ride. Call HandyDart at least two days in advance. Give them your registration number. Tell them when and where you want to go, and how long you will be at the place where you are going. Pay the driver each time you ride the HandyDart van. Rides cost $2 $4 each way. If you need a caregiver to ride with you in the HandyDart van, let the office know when you book a ride. Your caregiver rides for free and does not need to be registered with HandyDart.

18 Welfare Transportation Local continued 17 BC Ferries If you have a permanent disability and require assistance to travel, BC Ferries offers discount fares. Discounts apply only to passenger fares and do not include vehicle rates. Get an application. Call BC Ferries at to get an application for a Disabled Status Identification Card (DSI). Fill out and return your application form. Fill out Section 1 of the Disabled Status Application form. Ask your doctor to complete Section 2 of the form. The doctor may charge a fee for this service. Mail your completed application to the BC Ferries head office. You should receive your photo ID card within six weeks of mailing your application. Buy your BC Ferries tickets. Present your DSI card when you arrive at the ferry terminal. Pay for your trip. Your DSI card will save you about one-half the regular passenger fare for both you and your traveling companion. If you lose your bus pass, phone the BC Bus Pass Program. You will be charged for a replacement: $10 for the first replacement, $20 for the second replacement, and $50 for the third replacement.

19 Welfare Transportation Local continued 18 Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Rebate If you are on disability assistance or meet the Ministry of Provincial Revenue s definition of disability, you may be eligible for a vehicle fuel tax rebate of up to $500/year. To meet the Ministry s definition, one of these situations must apply to you: you receive disability assistance. you would qualify for disability assistance but you are 65 or over. due to impaired mobility, your doctor agrees that taking public transportation is hazardous to your health. Get an application. Call in Vancouver or call in other areas of BC to and ask for an application for the vehicle fuel tax rebate. The application is also available on the Ministry of Provincial Revenue s website at library/bulletins/mft_004.pdf Fill out and return your application form. Complete the form. Ask your doctor to fill in the doctor s part of the form. The doctor may charge a fee for this. Mail your completed application to the Ministry of Provincial Revenue s taxation office. The Ministry will process your application and send you a motor fuel tax claim number. Submit your application for a refund. The Ministry of Provincial Revenue will send you an Application for Refund of Provincial Fuel Tax for Persons with Disabilities. The application explains how to apply for a refund. Original fuel receipts are required with each application for refund. If you want to apply for both HandyDart and HandyCard, you can use the same form. When you order your form, make sure that you can use it for both. ICBC Disability Tax Discount A motor fuel tax claim number entitles you to a 25% discount on your auto insurance. Bring this number to your Autoplan broker. visit ICBC s website:

20 Welfare Transportation Long Distance 19 Transportation (Long Distance) Do you pay long distance transportation costs for doctor s appointments or for hospital visits and can not afford it? The Ministry may pay for some of these medical related expenses such as long distance transportation, meals, shelter, and an attendant. Welfare will only pay for the least expensive type of suitable transportation, and will not pay for routine doctor visits or follow-up. Make a doctor s appointment. Go to your doctor s appointment. Ask your doctor to write a letter that explains that you need to travel within BC for specialized medical services. The letter must say: that the medical services are exceptional the type of transportation that is suitable for health reasons why this type of transportation is necessary Go to the Welfare office to meet with your Worker. Tell your Worker that you need a transportation supplement. Give your Worker the letter from your doctor. Explain to your Worker that you have no other resources to pay for travel to receive medical services. Step F If your Worker says yes, you will be asked to budget all costs for travel (e.g., transportation, hotel, meals, etc.). It usually takes about three or four days to issue payment. Cost for hotels, meals, etc. will likely be paid directly to you. Transportation is usually paid directly to the airline, bus company, or other mode of transportation. Step G If your Worker says no, call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker at All other resources must be used before Welfare will consider paying for medical transportation. T h i s includes friends, family, agencies, and other funding programs. If you use your own car to travel for medical services, you may be eligible for a special transportation supplement. Ask a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker how to apply. If you are traveling to Vancouver for medical tests and have to stay overnight, Welfare may provide funding to cover your food and shelter. Ask your Welfare Worker if this benefit applies to you.

21 Welfare Vision Care 20 Vision Care Do you need glasses? Do you need an eye exam? Do you need your first pair of glasses? Do you have a new prescription? Are your glasses broken? The Ministry may cover the cost of an eye exam and new lenses if your prescription has changed. The cost of repairs to glasses may also be covered. Eye Exams Make an eye exam appointment. Go to an eye doctor (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist) for a proper eye exam. Take your Care Card. Explain that you have enhanced MSP medical coverage, and ask the receptionist to request pre-approval for the eye examination. New Eyeglasses If you need to buy new eyeglasses, go to an optical store. Take with you: your BC Care Card the prescription from the eye doctor Explain at the optical store that you have enhanced MSP medical coverage. Ask the staff to request pre-approval for basic eyewear. Confirm pre-approval before you order new eyeglasses. Repairing/Replacing Broken Glasses If you need repairs to your eyeglasses, go to an optical store. Take with you: your BC Care Card your broken glasses Explain at the optical store that you have enhanced MSP medical coverage, and ask the staff to request pre-approval for repairs. If your glasses cannot be repaired, request pre-approval for a new set of eyeglasses. Confirm pre-approval before you order new eyeglasses. If your Worker says no to your request for pre-approval, call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker at Do not pay any amount for the glasses. Welfare will not pay you back. The purchase of new eyeglasses is only covered every four years, unless your sight has changed due to your health condition.

22 Seniors CPP Death Benefits 21 Canada Pension Plan Death Benefits, Survivor s Pension, and Children s Benefits Have you recently faced the death of your spouse or common-law partner? If you are the surviving spouse or partner of a person who paid into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for at least three years, you may be eligible to receive death benefits, survivor s pension, and/or children s benefits. To receive death benefits, you must be either the surviving spouse or partner, the person who paid for the funeral, or the closest family member ( next of kin ). To qualify for survivor and children s benefits, you must be at least 35 years old, or disabled, or have dependant children. Get an application. Call Human Resources Development Canada at (English), (French), or (TDD/TTY). Explain that you want to apply for death benefits, survivor s pension, and children s benefits. Ask them to send you the application kits. or Print the applications: Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit Canada Pension Plan Survivor s Pension and Children s Benefits For common-law partners, fill out the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union or Pick up these forms at the nearest HRDC office. Fill out and return your application. CPP death benefits and survivor s pension are paid out within the first year of the person s death. Mark on the application if you want income tax deducted from your pension cheques. You may have to pay a fee to have your papers stamped by a Notary. Keep a photocopy of the completed application for your records. Mail the application kit to HRDC, BC and Yukon Branch (address on form). HRDC will send you a letter when your application is approved. If you are on disability (PWD) assistance: Take the letter to your Worker so you will not have to worry about repayment later. If your income is too high, ask your Worker to transfer you to Medical Services Only (MSO) rather than close your file. If you received a Schedule C Tribunal award, ask a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker if you can still get this benefit. You are considered a spouse if you were married or living with the person for at least one year before they died. This includes same sex couples. The policy that presently pays CPP pension to surviving partners from same sex relationships is under government review. The policy may change in the future. The size of your pension depends on your age, your spouse s age at the time of death, and how much your spouse paid into CPP. You can still receive a survivor s pension if you remarry. If your income is too high, the Ministry may hold back your benefits.

23 Seniors CPP Retirement Pension 22 Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension Are you ready to retire? If you have worked in the past and are 65 years old, you may be eligible for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension. The amount you receive depends on how much you paid into the plan when you were working. Get an application. Call Human Resources Development Canada at (English), (French), or (TDD/TTY). Explain that you want to apply for CPP retirement pension and ask them to send you an application. or Access the CPP Retirement Pension application on the HRDC Web site ( or Pick up these forms at the nearest HRDC office. Fill out and return your application. You can apply for benefits up to six months before you qualify. Include a certified photocopy of the required birth certificates or registrations of birth. Mark on the application if you want income tax deducted from your pension cheques. Keep a photocopy of the completed application for your records. Mail the application kit to HRDC, BC and Yukon Branch (address on form). HRDC will send you a letter when your application is approved. If you are on disability (PWD) assistance: Take the letter to your Worker, so you will not have to worry about repayment later. If your income is too high, ask your Worker to transfer you to Medical Services Only (MSO) rather than close your file. If you received a Schedule C Tribunal award, ask a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker if you can still get this benefit. Your retirement pension begins between age 60 and 70. Your payments are smaller if you start collecting before age 65, and larger if you take it later. If you are divorced or separated, you may be entitled to part of your spouse s CPP pension. To apply, use CPP Credit Split form ISP1901. If your Worker asks you to apply for CPP before you turn 65, talk to a BCPWA Advocate. If your partner contributed to CPP and died, you may qualify for CPP Survivor s Pension and Death Benefits.

24 Seniors Old Age Security Programs 23 Old Age Security Programs This section covers three federal income security programs and benefits for seniors: Old Age Security pension (OAS) Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Allowance and Allowance for Survivors Old Age Security (OAS) Pension If you are 65 and have lived in Canada for the past ten years, you may be eligible to receive a full or partial Old Age Security (OAS) pension. The amount of your monthly pension depends on how long you have lived in Canada. Get an application. Call Human Resources Development Canada at (English), (French), or (TDD/TTY). Explain that you want to apply for Old Age Security. Ask them to send you the application. or Print the Old Age Security Pension Application or Pick up these forms at the nearest HRDC office. Fill out and return your application. You can apply for the pension up to one year before you turn 65. If you apply later, you can get up to one year s worth of back payments. Include with your forms: birth certificate or registration of birth proof of citizenship or immigration names and address of two people who can say how long you have lived in Canada Keep a photocopy of the completed application for your records. Mail the application kit to HRDC, BC and Yukon Branch (address on form). HRDC will send you a letter when your application is approved. If you are on disability (PWD) assistance: Take the letter to your Worker so you will not have to worry about repayment later. If your income is too high, ask your Worker to transfer you to Medical Services Only (MSO) rather than close your file. If you received a Schedule C Tribunal award, ask a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker if you can still get this benefit. Your Old Age Security Pension will not be affected by any other income you have. If you do not qualify for a full OAS pension because of the years you have lived in Canada, you may still be able to get a pension from another country where you lived. Talk to HRDC or call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker at

25 Seniors Old Age Security Programs continued 24 Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) If you are on Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP), but your income is less than $1,000/month, you may qualify for a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Get an application. Call Human Resources Development Canada at (English), (French), or (TDD/TTY). Explain that you want to apply for a Guaranteed Income Supplement. Ask them to send you the application kit. or Print the Guaranteed Income Supplement or Statement of Income or the HRDC Web site ( gis/guaranteeddincomesupplement.shtml). or Pick up these forms at the nearest HRDC office. Fill out and return your application. If you have a spouse/partner, both incomes are added together on your application. Include with your forms: marriage certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union For no fee, you can swear a statutory declaration (marriage, common-law, or separation) at any HRDC office. Keep a photocopy of the completed application for your records. Mail the application kit to HRDC, BC and Yukon Branch (address on form). HRDC will send you a letter when your application is approved. If you are on disability (PWD) assistance: Take the letter to your Worker so you will not have to worry about repayment later. If your income is too high, ask your Worker to transfer you to Medical Services Only (MSO) rather than close your file. If you received a Schedule C Tribunal award, ask a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker if you can still get this benefit. Remember to renew your application each year: File your income tax return by April 30th Complete a Renewal of the GIS or Statement of Income form. If you are on disability assistance (PWD) at age 65, you may still be able to get Schedule C health benefits. Talk to a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker and ask your doctor about other provincial medical programs. If you are not sure what to include as income on your form, call HRDC or a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker.

26 Seniors Old Age Security Programs continued 25 Allowance and Allowance for Survivor If you are years old and your spouse/partner was on Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) before he or she died, you may qualify for a special Allowance from OAS. Confirm status: After your spouse/partner dies, you will get a letter from the Government of Canada that confirms his or her death. Once you receive this letter, call Human Resources Development Canada at (English), (French), or (TDD/TTY). Explain that you want to apply for an Allowance for Survivor and that you have confirmed status. HRDC will send you a letter when your application is approved. The letter will tell you how much money you will get. If you are on disability (PWD) assistance: Take the letter to your Worker so you will not have to worry about repayment later. If your income is too high, ask your Worker to transfer you to Medical Services Only (MSO) rather than close your file. If you received a Schedule C Tribunal award, ask a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker if you can still get this benefit. Remember to renew your application each year: File your income tax return by April 30th Complete a Renewal of the GIS or Statement of Income form Marriage, separation, or death of your spouse will affect your GIS income. Call HRDC when there is any change to your family situation. If you leave Canada, GIS payments will stop after six months If you leave Canada for more than six months, your Allowance will stop. Call HRDC or a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker for more information.

27 Seniors Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters 26 Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) Are you 60 or older? Do you need help paying your rent? If you are a senior and spending more than 30% of your income on rent, you may qualify for a subsidy. Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) is a rent subsidy program offered by BC Housing. To apply for a rent subsidy: you must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. you (and your spouse) must have lived in British Columbia for the past year or more. you must have lived in Canada, as an adult, for a complete ten year period or more. you spend more than 30% of you household income on rent. You are NOT eligible for a SAFER subsidy if: you live in subsidized housing or a home care facility funded by the Ministry of Health. you own and live in a mobile home. you live in co-operative housing, and are a shareholder. you are receiving income assistance (IA) or disability assistance (PWD). you do not live in British Columbia. Get an application. Call BC Housing at in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and at from other areas in BC. Explain that you want to apply for a SAFER rent subsidy and ask them to send you an application. or Print the SAFER Application or SAFER Brochure. Fill out and return your application. Include with your forms: last year s income tax return or information recent cheque stub to show monthly income Keep a photocopy of the completed application for your records. Mail the application to SAFER, at the BC Housing office (address on form). BC Housing will notify you when your application is approved. Your subsidy will be effective the same month you apply. SAFER pays the difference between 30% of your income and your monthly rent (to a maximum of $198 for individuals and $175 per couple). You must re-apply to SAFER each year. BC Housing will send you a new application form. Call BC Housing at if you move or if your income or family situation changes. You do not need to claim your rent subsidy on your income tax return. If you do not qualify for a SAFER subsidy, you may still be eligible for other BC Housing programs. Call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker at for more information. For more information Positive Living Access and Assistance worker at or contact BC Housing, Burnaby BC. Vancouver and the Lower Mainland: Other areas of BC: Or visit

28 Power of Attorney 27 Why a Power of Attorney? Martha has broken her hip and can t leave the hospital. Since her rent is due, she appoints her friend Barbara as her Power of Attorney to cash her pension cheque and pay her rent. With a Power of Attorney, Martha s bills can be paid without delay, but her savings are still protected. Ed has become a bit forgetful and would like his daughter Edna to look after his financial affairs. He decides to give her an Enduring Power of Attorney since he is still mentally competent. With an Enduring Power of Attorney, Edna will not need the court s approval to control her father s finances once he becomes mentally incapable. What is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives some other person the power to make financial and legal decisions for you. What is an Enduring Power of Attorney? An Enduring Power of Attorney is like a standard Power of Attorney, but it also applies if the person who appoints a representative becomes mentally incompetent in the future. What is an Attorney? An Attorney is the person you select to make legal or financial decisions on your behalf. The Attorney does not need to be a lawyer (like the word suggests), but can be any person you choose to represent you. When appointing an Attorney, keep in mind that: you can appoint more than one Attorney the person you select must be at least 19 years of age the person you select must be mentally competent you can appoint someone living in another province you can appoint a lawyer, accountant, or a trust company What are the Attorney s powers? A general Power of Attorney allows your representative to manage all of your financial affairs. If you prefer, a limited Power of Attorney document can be worded to restrict your representative to only very specific tasks. Your Attorney should be: someone you trust someone who will act with care and in your best interest someone who will act strictly within the power granted careful to keep records of all his or her dealings on your behalf careful to keep his or her assets separate from your own Do I need a lawyer to create a Power of Attorney? You do not need a lawyer to prepare a Power of Attorney document. But, when giving over control of your financial and legal matters to another person, legal advice may be helpful. If you wish to write your own Power of Attorney document, free legal clinics may provide helpful information on the process and on important conditions or restrictions. Appointing a Power of Attorney is a big decision. The person you select must be someone you trust to access your bank accounts, credit cards, and other private information. If you want to write a Power of Attorney document yourself, or cannot afford a lawyer, contact the Positive Living Access and Assistance department at for a list of free legal clinics.

29 Power of Attorney continued 28 How do I cancel a Power of Attorney? To cancel a Power of Attorney, you must: inform your representative (in writing) that you have cancelled the Power of Attorney inform any third parties (e.g., banks) that may have dealt with your representative that you have cancelled the Power of Attorney You may have to go to your bank in person to cancel the Power of Attorney in writing. If you think your resentative is abusing his/her authority, cancel the Power of Attorney right away and seek legal advice. If you cannot cancel the Power of Attorney, contact the office of Public Guardian and Trustee at

30 Why a Will? 29 Why a Will? Sue has decided to write a Will. She doesn t have much of value, but she wants her little sister to get her clothes and jewelry. To make sure this happens, she writes a Will. Mike is not married, has no children, and rents an apartment. He knows that when he dies he wants his friend Bob to have his dog, his stereo, and his sofa. He also wants his bed and dresser to go to his neighbour. To be sure his wishes are respected, he writes them in a Will. Mary has been saving some money over the last few years. She wants to make sure that the money in her savings goes to the SPCA, rather than her family, after she dies. To make her intentions clear, she states them in a Will. What is a Will? A Will is a legal document that clearly defines who will get your estate after you die. Your estate includes everything you own at the time of your death. Do I need a Will? If you die without a Will, the law decides who will keep your things. The law gives first preference to your spouse, then to your children. If you don t have any family, or none can be contacted, the estate goes to the government. You are not required by law to have a Will; however, a Will clearly states how you wish your belongings to be distributed at the end of your life. When should I make a Will? You can write a Will at any time in your life. Some people find it hard to write a Will because it makes them think of death. Try to approach the task in a good frame of mind in order to keep your instructions clear and simple. Do I need a lawyer to make a Will? If you have no children and do not own property, you do not need a lawyer to write your Will. If you do have children and own property, you will need a lawyer. What is an Executor? An Executor is the person you select to make funeral arrangements and to carry out the instructions in your Will. Your Executor should be: someone you trust someone who has agreed to the responsibility of carrying out your wishes How do I write a Will? A Will must be either a handwritten or typed document. Your Will should state your wishes clearly and simply; it does not need to be complicated. Make sure your Will includes your full name, your address, and the name of your Executor. To be a legal document, your Will must be signed by two witnesses over the age of 19. Your Will can leave the entire estate to the Executor, with an instruction to distribute your things according to your wishes. Your detailed wishes can be given as a verbal instruction or as a non-legal written document. Your beneficiary (who receives your estate) can also be your Executor, but some lawyers recommend against doing this. The Law views common-law or samesex couples as spouses if they have lived together for at least 12 months before one partner dies. If you want to make changes to your Will, you can add a new page. Any change that explains, modifies, adds to, or subtracts from your existing Will is called a codicil. To make a codicil legally valid, the document requires signatures by two witnesses.

31 Why a Will? continued 30 When writing your Will: Sign and date the last page of the original Will. You must have two adult witnesses present when you sign your Will. These witnesses cannot be listed as beneficiaries in your Will. The two witnesses must sign, print their name, occupation, and address below their signature. The date and signatures must be on the same page as the last line of the Will. If the date and signatures appear on a separate page from the Will, the document is not valid. You and the two witnesses must initial and date the bottom corner of each page of the document. If you make any changes or additions to the Will, each must be initialed by you and both witnesses. Make photocopies of the signed original Will. Keep the original Will in a safe place. To protect against loss, give photocopies of your Will to a friend, your doctor, your bank, or all three. Funeral Directions: You can include instructions about funeral and/or burial arrangements in your Will. However, since Wills are often reviewed at a later date, it is best to advise your Executor of your wishes in advance. If you write a new Will, your previous Will is cancelled automatically.

32 Travel 31 Practical Advice to travellers Disclosing or staying silent about your status is a very personal decision. Since September 11th, travelers to all countries face strict security measures, including probing questions and baggage checks. If you plan to travel, keep the common-sense tips listed below in mind. pack most of their medication with their checked baggage, but also carry a small supply with them in case their luggage is temporarily lost. Treatment Interruption: Taking a drug holiday can have serious health consequences, including infection, disease progression, and drug resistance. Consult with your HIV doctor before you decide to stop taking your medications. Proof of Citizenship: Always travel with your Canadian passport. Your passport is the best proof of your right to return to Canada. If you carry a birth certificates, you must also have current photo ID. Travel Insurance: Out-of-province travel insurance is not very expensive, but it is very important. There are policies that provide complete coverage for HIV-related illness. A good policy will also cover the cost of an emergency return flight and reimbursement for cancellation, if needed. Dress for Success: A clean, neat appearance always makes a good impression. Wear clothes that fit properly, and that don t make you appear too thin or sick. Be brief, clear, and polite when you speak to immigration officials. Remember: consider all of your options before traveling to the foreign countries. Your health, safety, and security should be your top priorities. Bon voyage! Packing Medications: Travelling to certain countries with antiretroviral drugs is risky for HIV-positive people who don t wish to disclose their status. If these drugs are discovered during a routine baggage inspection, you could be turned away from these countries or held in custody. Some travelers carry their HIV medications in unmarked containers. Others

33 Permit for using Medical Marijuana 32 Do you need a permit for using Medical Marijuana? Have you tried all of the treatments available for HIV disease, but they haven t worked well? Do you and your doctor think that medical marijuana will help manage your health? If you receive authorization to possess dried marijuana you may legally possess up to a 30-day dosage amount of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Applying for Medical Marijuana If you would like to apply for the use of medical marijuana, and you are doing so because of your HIV status, you must get an application and fill out forms A (Authorization to Possess) and B1 (Medical Practitioner s Form). Both forms are included in the application package available online at how-comment/forms-eng.php Print off an application form Fill out all of Form A Be sure to include two passport pictures of yourself. The doctor who fills out form B1 must sign the back of one picture. You can also assign a representative to handle your file with Health Canada. This person will act on your behalf. Ask your doctor to fill out all of form B1 You do not need to fill out form B2 Decide how you would like to access medical marijuana. You have 4 options. Option 1: If you would like to grow your own marihuana, you will need to fill out form C. This form is called Application for License to Produce Marijuana by Applicant. Option 2: If you wish to have someone else grow the marijuana for you, you will need to complete form D. This form is called Application for License to Produce Marijuana by a Designated Person. This application must be signed by you and the person who has been designated as the grower. The person who is growing the marijuana for you must include 2 passport photos and a criminal record check stating they have not been convicted of a drug offense in the last 10 years. The applicant must sign the back of the passport photos. Option 3: If you would like to receive dried marijuana from Health Canada, you will need to fill out form E1. This form is called Application to Obtain Dried Marijuana. Option 4: If you would like to receive marijuana seeds from Health Canada, you will need to fill out form E2. This form is called Application to Obtain Marijuana Seeds. IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are growing the marijuana, Form F called Consent by Property Owner must be filled out when the growing site is NOT where you live and is not owned by you or the person growing the marijuana for you. Remember, even if you have a license, the use of marijuana is still illegal. Be very careful where you smoke it. Landlords and other tenants may file at the Residential Tenancy Branch for loss of enjoyment in their home due to the odor of marijuana.

34 Permit for using Medical Marijuana continued 33 Step F Double check your application Make sure all necessary forms are filled out Be sure to include your passport photos signed by the doctor who filled out the medical section of your application. Your application will not be processed if it is not complete Step G Submit your application After you have double checked your application, make a copy for your own records. Your application will not be processed if it is incomplete. Mail the original copy to: Marijuana Medical Access Division Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programm Health Canada Address Locator 3503B Ottawa, Ontario KIA 1B9 You will receive a receipt of your application within 10 business days If you are approved, you will be notified by registered mail. The letter will also tell you what you have to do to continue getting the exemption to possess and obtain marijuana for medical purposes. If Health Canada anticipates refusing your application, you will receive a letter explaining the intent to refuse. If additional information is not received in response on to the intent to refuse, your application will be refused. To Inquire: Applicants can inquire about the status of their application at any time by calling the Office of Cannabis Medical Access toll-free at

35 Bed Bugs 34 Are You Living With Bed Bugs? Vancouver is under attack. According to the British Columbia Ministry of Health, reported cases of bed bugs have increased 600 percent from 2003 to If you are experiencing a bed bug problem call to speak to a BCPWA Advocate. In the meantime, the following information may prove helpful. Basic Facts > Bed bugs are persistent and getting rid of them requires effort. > Bed bugs can hide in extremely small cracks and crevices so it can be difficult to get rid of them. > Bed bugs are not often seen in daylight. They emerge from their hiding spots at night. > Bed bugs feed on blood and can live a year or longer without food while they stay living in their hiding places. > Bed bugs can travel long distances and survive in suitcases, clothing, motor vehicles, aircraft, cruise ships and other types of transportation. > Each bed bug female lays about 300 eggs. Most eggs will hatch in 10 days. What You Need to Know If you notice bed bugs in your apartment building, notify your landlord immediately. Your landlord is responsible for treating a bed bug infestation. However, having bed bugs may not be enough to allow you to break a tenancy agreement. If your apartment building is experiencing an infestation, your landlord must notify you of treatment no less than 72 hours prior to treatment. In very serious cases, your landlord may need to spray the entire building. However, due to the toxicity of the pesticides, it is often preferable to spray only those apartments in close proximity to the infested unit. You and your pets (cats, dogs, hamsters, birds) cannot stay in the apartment when it is sprayed. If you have an aquarium, make sure the tank is covered and the filtration and aeration equipment is turned off during the treatment and for at least six hours after. Call a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker if you are elderly or have a medical condition that prevents you from returning to your apartment for more than 24 hours. Medical conditions include severe allergies, pregnancy and cardiac or respiratory ailments. An Advocate may arrange for your landlord to pay for a hotel room and reimburse your rent for each day your doctor says you can t live in your home but you must have a doctor s note stating your medical condition and how long you need to be out of your apartment. Income Assistance & Persons With Disabilities Benefits Welfare may be able assist you by helping you get a bed from WRAGS (Western Regional Advocacy Group). Call your worker and ask if this is an option for you. Welfare may also grant you a crisis benefit for food if you have spent all your money on laundry or other bed bug products. Contact a Positive Living Access and Assistance worker for more information. Tips < If you know or suspect that you have been somewhere that has a high probability of bed bugs, as soon as you get home, throw your clothes in the dryer on hot for a minimum of 30 minutes. The Vancouver Health Department is unlikely to get involved with individual bed bug cases because bed bugs are not thought to carry disease. However, in very serious cases with multiple infestations they may provide helpful assistance. Before renting a new apartment, you will need to sign an inspection report. Be sure to have the landlord note if there has been a previous problem with any kind of infestation. If they won t provide you with this information, give serious consideration as to whether you really want to live there.

36 Bed Bugs continued 35 Treatment & Prevention Tips to Help You Sleep Tight Bed bugs are challenging pests to control. They hide in many tiny places, so inspections and treatments must be thorough. In most cases, the best idea is to hire the services of a professional pest control firm; however, the following suggestions can start you on your way towards treating and preventing an infestation. Self Care & Treatment Try not to scratch the bug bites. Breaking the skin can lead to skin infections. Wash the bites with warm, soapy water and use Polysporin to help prevent infection. The polysporin should help the itching, but calamine lotion, corn starch baths and ice packs may also prove helpful. You can also make a paste from corn starch and water and apply it directly to the bite to stop the itching. Be sure to call your doctor if you develop a rash or if the bites become infected. Bed Care & Treatment Scrub your mattress with a stiff brush to remove bed bugs and their eggs from the seams of your mattress, then vacuum your mattress thoroughly. Use a hairdryer to blow bugs and their eggs out of mattress seams and crevices in your bed frame, then vacuum again. Iron your mattress; the heat from the iron may kill the bugs and their eggs. Wash and dry bedding immediately. Once you have treated your mattress, only replace the bedding with clean sheets and blankets that have been in the dryer for at least 30 minutes. Bed Care & Prevention Buy mattress and pillow covers. Army and Navy sells them for $14.00 and $4.00. Bed bugs cannot crawl through Vaseline. If possible, apply a three-inch strip of Vaseline to the legs of your bed, couch, furniture, doors and entrance ways into your home. Place the legs of the bed in glass containers or in coffee tins filled with soapy water. Stick double-sided tape around and underneath the base of your bed and furniture. The bugs cannot crawl through the tape. Machine wash and dry your bedding weekly. Clothing & Treatment Pick up any clothing from the floor or any clothing that may have come into contact with the bugs and shake it off. Crush any visible bugs. Place clothing in a tightly sealed bag until you are able to machine wash and dry these items. Wash clothing in hot water and dry for a minimum of 30 minutes. Clothing & Prevention Keep clothing off the floor and away from your door frame. Do not hang or place second-hand clothing with your clothes until they have been washed and dried. Keep clothes in plastic storage bags with zippers. Ziplock bags work well for smaller items. Living Space & Treatment Vacuum suitcases, wall crevices, furniture, backs of wall hangings, etc. Be sure to throw out the vacuum bag. Bagless vacuum cleaners need to be washed well with hot water after each use. Use double-sided tape and place it around the perimetre of your room all the way to the wall. Living Space & Prevention Check all suitcases and vacuum them out. Wash and dry bedding weekly. Ensure cracks and crevices in your home are repaired, filled with caulking, etc. Install/repair screens to keep birds, etc. from bringing in bugs. Tip < A bed bug s size depends on how recently it has eaten a good meal. An unfed adult bug is between 1 / 4 to 3 /8 inches long. When fed and engorged with blood it becomes longer and fatter and changes colour from a light tan to a dark, dull red. Adult bed bugs are easily seen by the naked eye. A recently hatched bed bug is about the size of a poppy seed and is nearly colourless.