YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

YWCA CANADA | A TURNING POINT FOR WOMENSocial assistanceMost governments provide some form of social assistance for whichyou can apply after you have left your partner.The amount of money you receive is based on an assessment of yourneeds. It is meant to cover housing, food, and other basic necessities.Social assistance rates are low, and what you receive is not likely to beenough. You may have to find additional help through social serviceagencies or your family and friends.You may also have to make changes to the way you live, at leasttemporarily.It may be very difficult for you to ask for or accept help. You may feelashamed or feel like you are begging. It can be difficult to have to livewithout as much money as you are used to.It will help if you can look at this help as a chance to get yourself onyour feet until you have the emotional energy and physical resourcesto support yourself.Depending on policies and jurisdictions, there may be specialsubsidies that can help you obtain education or work so that you cansupport yourself and your family in the future.Other benefits, depending on the area, may include:• Medical insurance, a plan that pays for part or all of prescriptiondrugs or special diets ordered by a doctor• An education allowance• A fuel or shelter subsidy.Social assistance may also provide a clothing allowance for school-agechildren and subsidized daycare.If you are at a shelter, ask the staff about how to apply for socialassistance. If you are on your own, make an appointment with aworker at the social assistance office, usually located at your local cityhall. Ask which documents they will require and try to take them toyour first interview.When you apply for social assistance, you will probably need:• Birth dates of your spouse and dependents• Medical insurance number and social insurance number68