A new pilot project launched yesterday will offer enhanced initiatives and supports for participants receiving Income Support who begin a new job and/or maintain and increase their hours of work.
Co-developed with Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle, the Employment Support Stability Pilot Project benefits participants by allowing them to keep more of their earnings and immediately experience increased financial benefits from working. Some of the key supports and incentives include:
– A new earnings exemption formula that allows participants to retain higher earnings and that results in higher overall monthly incomes;
– Employment continuation bonuses to provide escalating financial rewards for continuous employment and to increase experience working. Bonuses are $250 at six months, $500 at 12 months and $1,000 at 24 months; and
– Supports offered by Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle to gain life-skills and experience needed to manage financial responsibilities and navigate life and employment challenges.
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development officially launched the pilot yesterday. Minister Abbott was joined by collaborating partners Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth and Laura Winters, Chief Executive Officer, Stella’s Circle.
Currently, there are 86 participants enrolled in a preliminary soft-launch of the pilot project, and over 10 of these participants already no longer need Income Support to supplement their earnings. By working more, participants who have engaged in the workforce or increased their hours of work now have higher overall monthly incomes.
Funding for the pilot project is being provided in part through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement. The project is part of the department’s focus on early intervention and prevention.
The pilot project will undergo an independent evaluation to determine next steps and inform future changes to the province’s Income Support Program.