Advocacy Centre staff can give basic welfare/income assistance information and help negotiate with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) over most welfare issues, including disability and help with appeals and reconsiderations. We also try to provide enough information so people feel better equipped to solve problems next time. We do as much systemic advocacy as we can, trying to persuade the government to change policy or law when a benefit is not available. The Law Foundation of BC funds our welfare advocacy program.
Note: Due to limited staff hours, there are some limitations on the extent of service we can provide and how quickly we can respond.
Our service area includes clients covered by the Nelson MSDPR office. Our service area is not restricted to the Nelson area, but our ability to travel is limited, so we try to do as much as possible over the phone so people do not have to travel into Nelson too often. We also travel to Castlegar twice a month and Salmo once a month (please contact us for dates). Through fax and telephone, we are able to assist people dealing with other MSDPR offices as well.
If you live in the Trail or Grand Forks areas, contact the Poverty Law Advocate at Trail Family and Individual Resources Society – 250-364-2326
Our services are confidential, with the exception of reports of abuse or neglect and threats of acts of violence (we will explain the limits of confidentiality). We are not required to report any information to welfare, but in the rare case where a false allegation of breaking welfare rules is made to us against someone who is a client of ours, we must inform that client.
Links
How to Apply for Welfare
Welfare Benefits
When You’re on Welfare
Applying for Welfare Online
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
PovNet
Disability Alliance BC
The Advocacy Centre 