Government decides to eliminate income testing of parents of minor children

Health Minister Doug Currie

The Government of Prince Edward Island has made the decision to eliminate income testing of parents of minor children, 18 years of age and younger, who receive benefits from the Disability Support Program retroactive to July 1, 2007

“Cabinet made this decision in the wake of the decision of the Human Rights Commission with respect to the Disability Support Program,” said Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Social Services and Seniors. “Beyond this program change, Government is committed to a comprehensive review of programs and services available to individuals with disabilities and their families, including and beyond the Disability Support Program.”

Minister Currie said that the Department of Social Services and Seniors has been directed to develop details for cabinet consideration with review work expected to begin by fall 2007.

The Disability Support Program is designed to assist Islanders who have a qualifying disability to overcome barriers, to attain a satisfactory quality of life, and to strive to achieve financial independence.

The Minister indicated that Government will seek permission to continue to use the assessment tool known as the functional independence measurement (FIM) questionnaire until a replacement tool can be developed for the program.

The findings of the PEI Human Rights Commission were that the assessment tool known as the functional independence measurement (FIM) questionnaire used by the program does discriminate against persons with intellectual disabilities; income testing of parents of disabled minors is discriminatory; and that monthly maximums on disability supports or lifetime ceilings on home and vehicle modifications are not discriminatory.