First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training

IA Application Process First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training During this session we will review: Basic Application Process Policy The Interview Process The Social Assistance Application Form (901-27) The Budget and Decision Form (901-25)

General Principle (Section 4.1, Vol1) First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training The Band social development worker (BSDW), on behalf of the Administering Authority, shall develop a consistent procedure to collect all relevant information from an applicant in order to determine eligibility for assistance. All individuals have the right to apply for social assistance, and to receive a written decision, if they so request, concerning their eligibility.

IA Application Process First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training The Application Process is the foundation of the Band Social Development Worker / Social Assistance Recipient relationship The purpose of the process is for the BSDW to: Create a rapport & relationship with the client Gather necessary information & documentation Establish level of need Decide on eligibility Formulate next steps Create the necessary paperwork and file

IA Application Process – Interview Process First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training 1 Meet the client & complete the Application Form 2 Gather all relevant information & papers 3 Confirm Eligibility 4 Clarify Client Responsibilities 5 Come to a decision on eligibility 6 Complete Budget and Decision form & documentation 7 Process & issue cheque 8 Establish steps & plan for independence 9 Create client file & enter docs case notes

IA Application Process - Eligibility First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Eligibility for social assistance is determined by objective consideration of the following factors in accordance with IA policy: See Section 4- Eligibility, Vol 1 of the IA Manual residency situation citizenship and status family unit, dependency & composition all sources of income cash and other assets present & special circumstances associated costs for shelter

IA Application Process - Policies & Conditions First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training The following policy/conditions must be met in the Application Process: 1.All eligibility & residency requirements have been met (Section 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3) 2.Family Unit Size has been verified (Section 4.4) 3.Applicants has provided all pertinent information relating to Assets & Earned & Unearned income (Section 4.7 & 4.8) 4.Applicant has sought all other alternative sources of income (Section 4.9) 5.Client has provided all the documents & information necessary for the BSDW to make a decision & if not, a decision cannot be made 6.Information provided by applicant has been verified by the BSDW 7.NOTE! It remains the client’s and not the BSDW’s responsibility to provide all the needed information and documents

IA Application Process - Forms First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training The following forms must be used in the Application Process: 1.Application for Social Assistance ( ) 2.Budget and Decision Form (901-25) 3.Employment Insurance Information Form (BCSA 11) 4.Consent to Release Information (901-23) 5.Social Assistance Monthly Renewal Declaration (901-28) 6.All other required forms as described in Section 4 Where applicable, approved forms must be used in the application process for PWD or PPMB Benefits along with all other required forms. 1.Persons With Disabilities (SA 330 PWD and MNS Enquiry Form) 2.Medical Report (SA 116) form & PPMB Checklist & Decision Form (SA 117)

IA Application Process – Client Documents First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Please see Section 3.3, Volume IA Manual for a full detailed list 1.Client, spouse and dependent’s Identification 2.Immigration papers (if applicable) 3.Pay slips, EI slips, Termination Notices (if applicable) 4.Rental agreement and/or rental receipts, mortgage information 5.Utility bills (Hydro, telephone, fuel, propane, garbage removal etc.) 6.Child Benefit Notices, Tax Notices, bank book (if applicable) 7.Info on any other sources of income

IA Application Process – Procedures First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training The following procedures must be utilized during the interview: 1.Use a consistent procedure & assure the info is accurate 2.Review all required documentation with applicants & make copies for file 3.Assure all documents are either: Initialed & dated by applicant & Staff Stamped “certified true copy” 4.Explain to the client that the declaration makes the application a legal document & that false statements could lead to charges under the Criminal Code of Canada 5.Ensure that applicants, recipients, and dependants understand both of the following: the content of the application and declaration the rights and responsibilities of all parties

IA Application Process – Procedures First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Additionally, it is important that: 1.All forms should be completed by applicant. Questions not applicable are marked N/A 2.Applicant & BSDW initial any changes made a signed application 3.BSDW observes the signing of declaration & signs as witness 4.BSDW explains how SA will be provided & what the client’s responsibilities are (when renewal form is due) 5.The Budget & decision form is used to document the applicant’s resources & monthly requirements to determine eligibility

IA Application Process – Procedures First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Lastly the BSDW must: 1.Inform the client of the decision, be given a copy & explained the Appeal Process (Section 2.7) if denied 2.Explain the SD Monthly Renewal Declaration 3.Refer applicant to suitable services 4.Never sign documents for clients, if the client is unable to sign, the client can put an “X” in the signature box 5.Create a file that includes: Date of application Decisions made & rationale for decision Type of contacts made, issues, requests or concerns raised by client Enter all pertinent documentation, photocopies & forms Enter file recordings (case notes) to notate your actions and rationale for your decisions

First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training IA Application Process Application for Social Assistance Form (901-27)

First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training The Guidelines The client fills out the form, unless literacy issues exist All fields must be reviewed and filled as indicated in the following lesson All Boxes must be marked with an (x) or a (check mark) If a question does not apply, enter (n/a) Worker needs to review the form for accuracy The Declaration must be made clear to client The Client & Worker must sign the form The Application for Social Assistance (901-27) form must be completed: at the initial application once every 12 months (annual review) if a significant change has occurred (Section 4, Eligibility) at reapplication for assistance IA Application Process Application for Social Assistance Form (901-27)

First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training In the following slides we will proceed through the Social Assistance Application Form section by section The first slides will show what sort of information to be aware of when filling out the form (written in Red) The subsequent slide will have the information added, pertinent to the scenario for Jane Jack Please note that dates have been kept generic (ie 20xx) for clarity IA Application Process Application for Social Assistance Form (901-27)

First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Sample Scenario Date April 5th. Jane Jack is a mother of two, estranged from her husband for one year. Recently lost her temporary job as a secretary at a local office due to cutbacks. She had started in January & worked for only a few months. She is in with her two children and is out of money and the rent & utilities have not been paid for May. Her last paycheck was for $500. She has filled out the Application Form and the worker is reviewing the information, correcting any errors. The client & worker sign the application. The following is the completed application.

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 1 Client Info First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red Have the client enter all pertinent information If YES, enter N/A in date of arrival, if NO fill in date If YES, other information is required If YES, no other information required, if NO enter explanation Needs to match identification, if not applicable enter N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 1 Client Info First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red Jane Jack 13 First Street Pacific Land, BC V0N 1N0 Mar 31, N/A Pacific First Nation 980 Pacific FN x x BC x x N/A x Tami Omeasoo, Pacific First Nation LAID OFF – funding cut x Ex spouse whereabouts unknown N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 2 - Residency First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red If client has moved in the last 12 months, enter data – if not, enter N/A If applicant and/or spouse have been in school or program in the last 12 months, enter data – if not, enter N/A If applicant and/or spouse were employed in the last 12 months, enter data – if not, enter N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 2 - Residency First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red N/A Computer Skills Level 1, 2, 3 N/A Pacific First Nation N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 3 – Dependents First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red If applicant has minor dependents, enter names (needs to match identification) and relationship to applicant (son or daughter) Do not list spouse in this section. If question does not apply, enter N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 3 – Dependents First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red Sarah Jack Daughter 02/12/2000 Pacific FN Grade 7 Jason Jack Son 02/12/1998 Pacific FN Grade 9 N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 4 - Assets First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red If NO, no further info requiredIf YES, enter dollar amount

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 4 - Assets First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red x 1997 Chevy $2500 x xxx xx x x N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 5 - Income First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red If applicant indicated no spouse and/or dependents, put a line through the entire column and mark with N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 5 - Income First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red x /09/2012 N/A 2,500.00

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 6 - Shelter First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red Supporting documentation must be provided and confirmed If not applicable, enter N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 6 - Shelter First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red x Jane Jack Rented N/A

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 7 - Declaration First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red Client must read declaration. If Client has difficulty reading, worker can read the declaration to the Client. Client signature needs to be witnessed and date. Use this section to enter details on documentation or other.

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 7 - Declaration First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red Jane Jack 21/09/2012 Tami Omeasoo 21/09/2012 Tami Omeasoo

IA Application Process IA Application Form (901-27) Section 7 - Declaration First Nations Social Development Society Introductory BSDW Training Note Comments in Red Jane Jack 21/09/2012 Tami Omeasoo 21/09/2012 Tami Omeasoo