Basic Income Program for Quebec started this year
Tashi Farmilo
The Quebec government has announced the implementation of a new Basic Income Program, which will come into effect on January 1, 2023. The program is intended for individuals with long-term severely limited capacity for employment and will provide higher basic income. Beneficiaries can work to earn more money without affecting their benefit amount, have more property, and more money without reducing their benefit.
Admission to the Basic Income Program is automatic, with no steps required for individuals who meet the following requirements: they are already receiving benefits under the Social Solidarity Program and have had severely limited capacity for employment for at least 66 months over the previous 72 months. Eligible individuals will be notified of their admission a few weeks prior to receiving the first payment under the Basic Income Program.
The Basic Income Program includes a basic benefit of $1,138 per month, which is $13,656 for a period of one year, with adjustments that can be added, such as an adjustment for a single person, adjustments for dependent children, and more. The amount of the basic benefit will be indexed on January 1 of each year, beginning in 2023, and the amounts of the adjustments will be indexed each year as well.
To determine the basic income, the total work income earned during the year will be considered. Individuals can earn up to $13,656 per year without decreasing their benefit, and if they earn more than that, their benefit will be reduced for the following year. Other income, such as retirement pension, pension plan, and more, may also affect the basic benefit amount.
Cash resources and tangible assets and other property that individuals have will also be considered to determine the basic income. Beneficiaries can have up to $20,000 in cash resources and $500,000 or less in tangible assets and other property without decreasing their basic benefit. If they have more cash resources or their property value exceeds the limit, their benefit will be reduced.
The Basic Income Program will not affect beneficiaries' rights to the claim slip, and they will still be entitled to dental care, pharmaceutical services, vision care, and the same special benefits as people who receive benefits under the Social Solidarity Program.
Individuals who are unsure of their eligibility for the Basic Income Program or who do not wish to receive benefits under the program are encouraged to contact the Quebec government for more information.
