Southern Alberta family facing tough times due to AISH benefit policies
A Raymond, Alta., family of eight is struggling after their Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) was cut in half because of Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage.
The family says changes to certain policies need to be made to prevent the same thing from happening to others.
It's been 10 months since Andrew Smith, a husband and father of six, re-injured his knee at work and had to go on workers' compensation while waiting for surgery.
Following a review last month of his wife's AISH, their benefits were cut by almost $1,000.
"We are a low-income family on AISH," Smith said.
"I work, or did work, until I got injured in August and this month, we woke up to find that over half our benefit was cut from AISH because I’m on WCB because I got injured at work."
They say they were informed by AISH they are unable to collect two supplementary incomes despite the current situation.
"In my mind, workers' compensation is an insurance policy," Smith told CTV News.
"Whereas, with programs like EI, you're starting new and so I don't think they should be considered the same and that's the issue with the policy."
The Office of the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services issued the following statement to CTV News:
"A family can earn up to $2,612 per month with no deductions to an individual’s AISH benefits. Whereas, a spouse or partner receiving WCB can earn up to $875 per month without deductions. Seventy-five per cent of income earned over that amount would be deducted."
Smith says they reached out to AISH to see what could be done and were told the policies are set by the provincial and federal governments.
"They finally got back to us and told us that there's nothing they can do about the policy, however, they'll do everything they can to keep our family in our home."
Smith says they're grateful for the help and support from their friends, family and landlord, but any public fundraising effort like a GoFundMe would further cut their benefits.
"I'd like the government to actually look into these policies that haven't been changed for 20 or 30 years," Smith said.
"They need to be looked at. They need to be rewritten, and with the idea that these programs are to help Albertans."
Smith is on a waiting list for knee surgery, but it may take until the fall before he can get back to work and off WCB.
CTV News reached out to Grant Hunter, MLA for the Taber-Warner riding, but has yet to hear back.
The Smiths say they've been speaking with Hunter with hopes to meet in person early next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fort McMurray evacuees welcomed home Saturday as crews make progress on wildfire
Residents of Fort of McMurray who were displaced over wildfire concerns were told to return home Saturday.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Scottie Scheffler, from the course to jail and back: What to know about his PGA Championship arrest
Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler was arrested after police say he dragged an officer while trying to get around the scene of a fatal accident Friday ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Hot weather poses new risk as thousands remain without power after deadly Houston storm
As the Houston area works to clean up and restore power to hundreds of thousands after deadly storms left at least seven people dead, it will do so amid a smog warning and scorching temperatures that could pose health risks.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.