Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on March 14, 2013, regarding single parents receiving income support.
1. Provide the total number of single parents
receiving assistance under the Income Support Program.
The total number of single parent family distinct cases who received income assistance in fiscal year 2012-2013 is 726.
2. Provide the various ranges that single parent
clients receive under the Income Support Program.
One of the main principles of all income security programs is to target benefits to those most in need. By assessing overall need and providing adequate benefits, the Income Assistance Program encourages single parents to become self-reliant, participate fully in society and, in turn, improve their quality of life.
Currently the Income Assistance Program provides set amounts for basic and enhanced benefits based on an individual’s overall needs, household income, family size and community of residence. The full range of amounts is included in the Income Assistance Policy Manual, which is available on the Department of Education, Culture and Employment website.
3. Provide details on the support single parents
are eligible for under the Income Support Program.
The Income Assistance Program provides financial supports for food, shelter, utilities, and enhanced needs such as incidentals, clothing, child care, furniture and educational assistance.
In addition, income assistance can also assist with expenses related to education and training such as school supplies, textbooks, bus passes, special
clothing or musical instruments when required as part of the school curriculum.
4. Provide a breakdown by constituency of the
number of single parents receiving assistance under the Income Support Program.
The department tracks income assistance single parent distinct cases by community. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table “Single Parent Families Receiving Income Assistance in 2012-2013,” which provides the number of single parent distinct cases who received income assistance in 2012-2013 by community and associated constituency.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.