Alberta Works is under scrutiny for its support of individuals serving sentences in the community. Critics say the program sets people up for failure.
Tyler Lorenz, executive director of Residents in Recovery, raised concerns about a recent case after a client on house arrest in a sober-living program was denied income support.
“How is an individual that is on house arrest in a sober living program supposed to pay his rent and feed himself, without any income?” asked Lorenz. “He is not able to work. Would this not be the time when an individual would require income support?”
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Meanwhile, the denial letter advised the client to instead seek community resources. Lorenz said that is not a solution.
“The denial letter clearly shows the client is required to follow the program expectations at Residents in Recovery, such as paying his monthly rent. If he has no income, he is not able to do this and is therefore automatically set up for failure by AB Works, with an ultimate outcome as breach?”
Furthermore, he pointed out the cost savings of community sentences.
“The justice system saves tens of thousands of dollars by having him do his sentence in the community in a treatment program, rather than in jail. One would think with the government saving such a significant amount of money, they would cover his basic cost to live.”
Lorenz also cited data from Statistics Canada.
“The Stats Canada average cost of incarceration is $326 per day. According to the AB Works benefit summary, this same individual in the community will receive $842 per month. A cost savings of nearly $9,000 per month.”
This isn’t the only case he’s dealt with like this, and he’s not sure why.
The government response:
Ashley Stevenson, press secretary for the ministry of seniors, community and social services, said some people serving community sentences can receive benefits.
“It is not accurate to state all individuals serving a community sentence are ineligible to receive income support,” said Stevenson.
“Persons who are incarcerated or unable to work as a specific condition of their sentence or release are not eligible to receive income support benefits,” she added.
She said eligibility depends on the conditions of release.
“As the conditions of a sentence can vary, it is recommended individuals contact their local income support office to discuss their unique situation.”
Stevenson notes people may need to provide legal documents.
“If there are conditions to their release that would impact eligibility for income support, individuals may be asked to provide official documents to substantiate their status and possible eligibility for Income Support,” said Stevenson.
“Documentation includes Parole Order, Permits, Release Certificate, or Probation Order.”
For additional information and assistance, Albertans can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992.
Albertans can also access community resources through Alberta 211 by calling 211 or visiting ab.211.ca.
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