NLR 144/04 - Income and Employment Support Regulations under the Income and Employment Support Act

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 144/04 Income and Employment Support Regulations under the Income and Employment Support Act (O.C. 2004-461) Amended: 50/05 70/05 107/05 113/05 25/06 50/06 51/06 59/06 29/07 37/07 71/07 19/08 41/08 44/08 70/08 16/09 37/09 22/10 35/11 58/11 62/11 12/12 19/12 51/14 42/15 25/16 61/16 96/17 14/18 30/19 105/19 41/20 51/20 78/20 51/22 76/22 6/23 52/23 2022 cW-11.1 s165 73/23 84/23 30/24 49/24 53/25 58/25 88/25 106/25 NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 144/04 Income and Employment Support Regulations under the Income and Employment Support Act (O.C. 2004-461) (Filed November 26, 2004 ) Under the authority of section 52 of the Income and Employment Support Act, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council makes the following regulations. Dated at St. John’s , November 23, 2004 . Robert C. Thompson Clerk of the Executive Council REGULATIONS Analysis 1. Short title 2. Definitions 2.1 Application PART I INCOME SUPPORT 3. Application for income support 4. Residency required 5. Information which may be required to assess or review eligibility 6. Criteria to assess information 7. Responsibilities of applicant or recipient 8. Definitions 9. Determining eligibility of applicant 10. Effect of lump sum payment on continued eligibility 11. Deduction 12. Exemptions 13. Monthly income support – boarding or maintaining a residence 14. Rep. by 88/25 s5 15. Rep. by 30/24 s5 16. Rent or mortgage 17. Start up allowance 18. Determination of support 19. Other income support 19.1 Overpayment 20. Frequency and manner of payment 21. Special needs -furniture 22. Special needs - eye examinations 23. Special needs - eye glasses 24. Special needs - dentures 25. Support trust 26. Maximum permissible liquid assets 27. Where death is involved 28. Emergencies, disasters and other circumstances 29. Review of eligibility PART II EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT 30. Employment support 31. Financial employment supports 32. Application for employment support 33. Residency required 34. Criteria to assess application 35. Information which may be required to assess or review eligibility 36. Responsibilities of an applicant or recipient 37. Wage subsidy programs 38. Employment development supports 39. Placement support allowance 40. Short term training 41. Work supports 42. Assessment and counselling 43. Employment supports for people with disabilities PART III GENERAL 44. Use of income support to provide employment support 45. Conjugal relationship 46. Investigations 47. Temporary or permanent incapacity 48. Other powers and duties of officers 49. Information exchange PART IV UNDERPAYMENT, OVERPAYMENT AND RECOVERY 50. Rate of recovery 51. Apportionment 52. Certificate of judgment 53. Set off 54. Amount and rate of garnishment PART V APPEALS 55. Request for internal review 56. Internal review 57. Appeal to the appeal board 58. Board practice and procedure 59. Remuneration and costs 60. Shorter time period by agreement PART VI COMMENCEMENT 62. Commencement Schedule Short title 1. These regulations may be cited as the Income and Employment Support Regulations. 144/04 s1 Back to Top Definitions 2. In these regulations, (a) "Act" means the Income and Employment Support Act ; (b) "approved professional" means a member of a professional group approved by the minister for a particular purpose; (c) "child benefit adjustment" means an adjustment to income support as determined by an officer when applicants or recipients do not receive the maximum Canada Child Benefit or the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit; (c.1) "dependent" means a dependent of an applicant or recipient who is a child under the age of 18 years; (d) [Rep. by 88/25 s1] (e) "housekeeping services" means those activities provided to a recipient which are necessary to maintain a household for a period of time determined by an officer and does not include supportive services; (f) "non-EI eligible" means a person is not receiving employment insurance benefits and has not received those benefits within the last 3 years, or has not received employment insurance maternity or parental benefits within the last 5 years; (g) "person requiring supportive services" means a person who, as certified by an approved professional, requires supportive services to assist with daily living; (h) "refundable tax credit" means a tax credit which is considered to be refundable which is not required to reduce an applicant's or recipient's tax liability and which is paid to the applicant or recipient but does not include an income tax refund; (h.1) "school-aged dependent" means a dependent who, by December 31 in a year, will be 5 years of age or older ; (i) "support trust" means a trust fund (i) established for the use and benefit of a person requiring supportive services as defined in paragraph (g), and (ii) established and maintained in a manner and under terms and conditions that the minister may establish or approve; and (j) [Rep. by 88/25 s1] 144/04 s2 ; 50/05 s1 ; 51/06 s1 ; 37/09 s1 ; 14/18 s1 ; 52/23 s1 ; 58/25 s1 ; 88/25 s1 Back to Top Application 2.1 These regulations do not apply to federally funded income support programs administered by or on behalf of Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and Mushuau Innu First Nation on reserves. 41/20 s1 PART I INCOME SUPPORT Back to Top Application for income support 3. (1) An application for income support may be made in person or by (a) telephone application process; (b) mail; or (c) other means acceptable to the minister, including electronic means where available. (2) An application for income support shall not be considered to be received by the minister and shall not be assessed unless it is in a form and made in a manner approved by the minister. (3) An application for income support shall be completed within 30 days and where an application has not been completed within that time period , a new application shall be made. 144/04 s3 Back to Top Residency required 4. (1) An applicant or recipient shall live in the province to be eligible for income support and to continue receiving income support. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a recipient may be absent from the province (a) for a period of up to 60 days for a purpose approved by an officer; or (b) for a period of more than 60 days if the absence is due to medical reasons and is approved by an officer. (3) Where a recipient leaves the province for any reason, including work, the recipient shall be eligible for income support up to and including the end of the period during which the recipient last received income support. 144/04 s4 ; 52/23 s2 Back to Top Information which may be required to assess or review eligibility 5. (1) An applicant or recipient shall, where required for an assessment of the applicant's or recipient's eligibility for income support, provide the following: (a) proof of the applicant's or recipient's personal information which may be required by an officer; (b) information regarding the applicant's or recipient's citizenship or residency status, including whether the applicant or recipient is a landed immigrant or a refugee claimant; (c) consent for the release of, obtaining or verifying personal information about the applicant or recipient; (d) proof of the identity of all adults and dependents residing in the home and their relationship to the applicant or recipient; (e) verification of whether the applicant or recipient is renting, boarding or has responsibility for a mortgage and the length of time for which the applicant or recipient has been boarding or renting; and (f) other information that may be required to assess eligibility as determined by an officer and the information required under this section shall be used for the purpose for which it was obtained and for no other purpose. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), an officer may require, in writing, that the recipient provide additional information to assess the recipient’s eligibility and the recipient shall comply in a manner acceptable to the minister within 30 days of the request being made by the officer. (3) An officer may, in the officer’s discretion, make exceptions to the time period referred to in subsection (2). (4) Where information is required under this section, a photocopy is considered acceptable. (5) Where a recipient fails to comply with a request under subsection (2) in the time period prescribed in that subsection, the officer may deny, vary, suspend or cancel that recipient's income support. 144/04 s5 ; 51/06 s2 ; 52/23 s3 Back to Top Criteria to assess information 6. (1) An application for income support shall be assessed by an examination of the following criteria: (a) the applicant's income and liquid assets; (b) any monies held on the applicant's behalf by a person other than the applicant or the applicant's spouse or cohabiting partner; (c) the applicant's age; (d) the applicant's residency status, including whether an applicant is a landed immigrant or refugee claimant; (e) a determination of whether the applicant is married or is a cohabiting partner; (f) a determination of whether the applicant is boarding or sharing shelter and utility expenses with another person; and (g) those other criteria that the minister may determine. (2) An officer, in assessing an application for income support, shall: (a) request any additional information required to assess the application; (b) verify any information required to assess an application; (c) assess the amount and source of income which the applicant has received in the 30 days prior to the date of application; (d) assess the applicant's income, liquid assets and any assets held on the applicant's behalf; (e) record the transfer or sale of the applicant’s real property or assets; (f) assess the financial contribution of other adults in the home; and (g) determine the eligibility of the applicant. (3) Where an officer has assessed an application under subsection (2) and has determined that the applicant is (a) eligible for income support, the officer shall issue income support to the applicant according to the Act, these regulations, and any policies, procedures and service standards established by the minister; or (b) not eligible for income support, the officer shall inform the applicant of the date upon which the applicant may become eligible, as determined by the officer, and of the right to request an internal review of the determination of ineligibility and, pending the outcome of the internal review, of the right to appeal under the authority of the Act and these regulations. 144/04 s6 ; 52/23 s4 Back to Top Responsibilities of applicant or recipient 7. (1) An applicant or recipient shall immediately report to an officer any circumstances which may affect the applicant’s or recipient's eligibility for income support, including: (a) change of address; (b) change in living arrangements; (c) change in marital or cohabitation status; (d) change in the circumstances of any dependents; (e) change in income, liquid assets, real property or assets; (f) absence from the province of the applicant, recipient or the applicant's or recipient's dependents; (g) change in the reason for the application for income support; (h) receipt of a liquid asset; (i) sale or transfer of assets, including any real property; (j) change in expenses incurred in earning income; (k) any other circumstances that the minister may determine. (2) An officer may deny, vary, suspend or cancel income support where a circumstance referred to in subsection (1) has been confirmed and shall notify an applicant or recipient in writing of that action and shall inform the applicant or recipient of the right to request an internal review of that action and pending the outcome of the internal review, of the right to appeal under the authority of the Act and these regulations. 144/04 s7 ; 51/06 s3 ; 52/23 s5 Back to Top Definitions 8. In this Part (a) "exempt income" means income received by an applicant or recipient which is not considered in determining eligibility for income support, provided that the income is obtained by means of (i) a federal compensation payment where an applicant or recipient or an applicant's or recipient's dependent has contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion, (ii) income from interest from cash in a bank, stocks, bonds, or dividends from a corporation or from a support trust, (iii) a payment under the 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreements, unless the payment is compensation for loss of income or loss of support under section 4.02 or 6.01 of the Transfused HCV or Hemophiliac HCV Plans, (iii.1) a payment under the Pre-1986/Post-1990 Hepatitis C Compensation Agreement unless the payment is compensation for past loss of net income or past loss of services in the home as set out in section 2.05, 2.06 or 4.04 of that Agreement, (iv) federal and provincial refundable tax credits received by an applicant or recipient, (iv.1) income tax refunds for the year 2010 or later, (v) one or more of the following sources: (A) payments for children in care, (B) special child welfare allowances, (C) child welfare allowances, (D) payments for alternate family care, (E) payments under a Youth Services Agreement, (F) government funded disability related supports, (G) payments received from the Voluntary Student Work and Services Program, (H) earnings of dependents, or (I) payments received from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Educational Incentive Allowance; (vi) a payment received from the capital transfer under the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement from December 1, 2005 to August 31, 2008 , (vii) a payment received from the Hebron Community Commemorative Fund, (viii) [Rep. by 14/18 s2] (ix) payments received by an applicant or recipient with dependents under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loan Program or successor program, (x) a "Common Experience Payment" and an "Additional Compensation Payment" made by the Government of Canada to former students of Indian Residential Schools, (xi) funds received from or accumulated in a Registered Disability Savings Plan as referred to in the Canada Disabilities Savings Act , (xii) a "General Compensation Payment" and an "Abuse Compensation Payment" made by the Government of Canada to former students of schools located in St. Anthony, Nain, Makkovik , North West River and Cartwright, (xiii) a child support payment made by a person who has an obligation under the Family Law Act , the Divorce Act (Canada) or similar legislation in another jurisdiction to support an applicant, a recipient or a dependent of an applicant or recipient, (xiv) a disabled contributor's child's benefit under the Canada Pension Plan , (xv) a surviving child's benefit under the Canada Pension Plan , (xvi) a payment under the federal Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, (xvii) a payment received from the estate of a first responder where the estate has received a grant under the federal Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, but only the amount by which the payment from the estate exceeds the amount that the applicant or recipient would have received if the estate had not received a grant from the Memorial Grant Program for First Responder, (xviii) a payment under the Newfoundland and Labrador Essential Worker Support Program, (xix) a payment made by the Government of Canada to persons with disabilities for reasons related to COVID-19, (xx) a transitional payment received from the Government of Canada by a person who is in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel , (xxi) the one-time rental housing benefit of $500 received from the Government of Canada under the Rental Housing Benefit Act (Canada), (xxii) scholarships or bursaries, (xxiii) a payment made under a court order or a settlement agreement by the federal government, a provincial or territorial government, a church organization, or another organization having responsibility for individuals in a position of trust, care or authority in respect of other individuals, as compensation for (A) a claim of abuse , or (B) a harm done, where the payment is received by the applicant or recipient as a member of a class in a class action , (xxiv) income received for board and lodging, (xxv) a disability benefit under the Disability Benefit Regulations , (xxvi) a Canada disability benefit under the Canada Disability Benefit Act , or (xxvii) the one-time payment of $500 received by volunteer firefighters and ground search and rescue members who responded to the August 2025 Kingston, Holyrood, Paddy's Pond or Martin Lake wildfires. (b) "liquid assets" means (i) cash on hand or in the bank, and (ii) readily marketable securities and investments but does not include (iii) funds held in trust for a prepaid funeral by a funeral home at the time of an application for income support except where the person is requesting support with funeral expenses, (iv) a Registered Education Savings Plan, (v) funds from a severance package for the period described in subsection 26 (2), (vi) Registered Retirement Savings Plans for the value described in subsection 26(3), (vii) funds considered exempt income under paragraph (a), or (viii) f unds held in a support trust; (c) "non-exempt income" means income received by an applicant or recipient for which no exemption applies and which is used in determining eligibility but does not include partially exempt income, and which may be obtained by means of (i) payments under the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security benefits, Veterans’ Allowance, compensation under the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act , 2022 , employment insurance benefits, and pensions to the applicant or recipient or to the applicant's or recipient's dependent from other sources, (ii) [Rep. by 52/23 s6] (iii) income received from federal training allowances, (iv) an assessment based on 50% of the receipts from rental of rooms on property which is used by the applicant or recipient as a residence, (v) an assessment of rental income based on 50 % of that income after the deduction of municipal property taxes for rented real property in which the applicant or recipient does not reside, (vi) payments which are monetary in nature or which are quantifiable in monetary terms including payments which are by way of arrears and which are received as spousal maintenance or support by the applicant or recipient under a private agreement, a domestic contract or a court order, (vii) payments received by an applicant or recipient without dependents under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loan Program or successor program; (viii) net income received from a severance package which an applicant or recipient receives upon permanently severing from an employer for the period of time that the severance package is payable, (ix) income resulting from the sale of property or the sale of a fishing licence, (x) payments received as a result of an inheritance or from an estate, and (xi) income from an insurance claim whether it is paid in monthly instalments or by a lump sum payment; in the month that the payment, income, or inheritance is received; and (d) "partially exempt income" means income to which an exemption under section 12 applies and includes (i) salary and wages of the applicant or recipient, including income obtained from self-employment, (ii) winnings from games of chance or a lottery, (iii) [Rep. by 30/24 s1] (iv) income tax refunds for the year 2009 or earlier, (v) [Rep. by 52/23 s6] (vi) incentive allowances as approved by the minister in the month that the income, or payment is received. 144/04 s8 ; 25/06 s1 ; 50/06 s1 ; 51/06 s4 ; 59/06 s1 ; 29/07 s1 ; 44/08 s1 ; 70/08 s1 ; 58/11 s1 ; 61/16 s1 ; 14/18 s2 ; 30/19 s1 ; 105/19 s1 ; 51/20 s1 ; 78/20 s1 ; 51/22 s1 ; 6/23 s1 ; 52/23 s6 ; 2022 cW-11.1 s165 ; 73/23 s1 ; 30/24 s1 ; 53/25 s1 ; 106/25 s1 Back to Top Determining eligibility of applicant 9. (1) A person shall, in accordance with section 13 of the Act, pursue all other financial resources available to the person or the person's spouse or cohabiting partner as a condition of eligibility for income support. (2) An applicant’s eligibility for income support shall be determined based on an examination of the applicant's liquid assets and if those assets exceed the limits referred to in section 26, the applicant shall not be eligible for income support. (3) Where an applicant’s liquid assets do not exceed the limits referred to in section 26, an applicant’s eligibility for income support shall be determined by evaluating the applicant's financial situation for the 30 days preceding the date of application according to the following formula: BR + (.40 x BR) + CBA is ? I - D Where: BR = the amount for boarding or maintaining a residence referred to in subsection 13(1), plus the amount for rent or a mortgage referred to in paragraph 16(1)(a) or (b) if applicable, for the 30-day period before the date of application; CBA = a child benefit adjustment referred to in paragraph 19 (1)(g) if the applicant is entitled to it; I = the applicant’s total net income calculated according to paragraphs 8(c) and 8(d) minus the deduction for expenses incurred in earning that income referred to in section 11; and D = the deduction referred to in section 11. (4) An applicant who is not entitled to income support according to subsection (3) may be reconsidered on the date on which the applicant's income during the preceding 30 days has decreased to the level set out in subsection (3). (5) Notwithstanding another provision of this section, where an applicant is applying for income support due to job action at the workplace, the applicant shall not be eligible for income support. 144/04 s9 ; 52/23 s7 ; 30/24 s2 ; 88/25 s2 Back to Top Effect of lump sum payment on continued eligibility 10. (1) A recipient is ineligible for income support in the month where a lump sum payment of (a) partially exempt income less the exemptions described in section 12 ; or (b) non-exempt income exceeds the recipient’s monthly entitlement. (2) A recipient considered to be ineligible for income support under subsection (1) may be reconsidered on the date when the amount by which the recipient’s lump sum payment, less the maximum permissible limit of liquid assets described in section 26 , less an amount determined by the minister which may be subtracted from a lump sum payment for a health or disability related expense, less the monthly entitlement is reduced to zero by the calculated daily amount described in subsection (3). (3) The calculated daily amount is the amount determined as follows: (a) the amount of income support referred to in subsection 13 (1), less the amount in subsection 13 (2) if applicable and plus the amount in section 16 if applicable; (b) plus 40%; (c) less the income described in paragraph 8 (c) or 8 (d); and (d) divided by 30. 144/04 s10 ; 52/23 s8 ; 30/24 s3 ; 88/25 s3 Back to Top Deduction 11. An officer may authorize a deduction from partially exempt income described in subparagraph 8 (d)(i) in a case where, in order to earn that income, expenditure was incurred. 144/04 s11 Back to Top Exemptions 12. The following exemptions shall be applied to partially exempt income in the month it is received: (a) for the sum of income described in subparagraphs 8(d)(i), (ii) and (iii) (i) for a single adult, 100% of income up to $75 plus 20% of income in excess of $75, (ii) for 2 or more persons, 100% of income up to $150 plus 20% of income in excess of $150, (iii) for a person requiring supportive services, 100% of income up to $150, plus 20% of income in excess of $150, and (iv) for 2 or more persons where at least one person is a person requiring supportive services, 100% of income up to $250, plus 20% of income in excess of $250; (b) for income described in subparagraph 8 (d)(iv), for a recipient, up to $500 a year; (c) [Rep. by 52/23 s9] (d) for income described in subparagraph 8 (d)(vi), in the case of applicant or recipient, up to $175 a month. 144/04 s12 ; 50/05 s2 ; 41/08 s1 ; 52/23 s9 Back to Top Monthly income support – boarding or maintaining a residence 13. (1) The monthly amount of income support for each adult who is boarding, renting or owns a residence is an amount up to $561. (2) The amounts under this section are reduced by the following amounts (a) where the applicant or recipient resides in an apartment or a house (i) where heat and electricity are included, $76 a month, (ii) where heat only is included, $49 a month, or (iii) where electricity only is included, $27 a month; or (b) where the applicant or recipient resides in a bed sitting room (i) where heat and electricity are included, $61 a month, (ii) where heat only is included, $49 a month, or (iii) where electricity only is included, $12 a month. 51/14 s1 ; 76/22 s1 ; 88/25 s4 Back to Top Rep. by 88/25 s5 14. [Rep. by 88/25 s5] 88/25 s5 Back to Top Rep. by 30/24 s5 15. [Rep. by 30/24 s5] 30/24 s5 Back to Top Rent or mortgage 16. (1) The maximum monthly income support (a) for rent is as follows: (i) for an adult living alone or with a dependent in a rented room or apartment, an amount up to $522, or (ii) for 2 or more adults living in a rented room or apartment, an amount up to $299 for each adult; and (b) for a mortgage is as follows: (i) for an adult living alone or with a dependent, for the principal and interest payments on a mortgage relating to the purchase of a principal residence or the financing of repairs to a principal residence, an amount up to $522, or (ii) for 2 or more adults, for the principal and interest payments on a mortgage relating to the purchase of a principal residence or the financing of repairs to a principal residence , an amount up to $299 for each adult. (2) Where an applicant's or recipient's income support has been reduced under subsection 13 (2), the amounts under subsection (1) are increased by the amount of the deductions referred to in subsection 13 (2) but in no case shall the total amount exceed the actual amount required by the applicant or recipient for shelter. (3) [Rep. by 88/25 s6] (4) Rep. by 52/23 s10] 144/04 s16 ; 50/05 s6 ; 51/06 s8 ; 41/08 s2 ; 12/12 s1 ; 52/23 s10 ; 88/25 s6 Back to Top Start up allowance 17. Where an applicant or recipient who was a victim of violence leaves an abusive relationship, the applicant or recipient may, as determined by an officer, be eligible for the following income support as a contribution to the costs of making the transition from that relationship to a new residence: Number of adults Number of dependent children Island Start- Up Allowance Coast of Labrador Start-Up Allowance one no dependent children $500 $600 one one dependent child 600 750 one 2 dependent children 700 900 one 3 dependent children 900 1,150 one 4 dependent children 1,000 1,300 one 5 dependent children 1,200 1,550 one 6 dependent children 1,300 1,700 one 7 dependent children 1,500 1,950 144/04 s17 ; 50/05 s7 ; 52/23 s11 Determination of support 18. (1) When determining the amount of income support to be granted under these regulations, an officer shall deduct from the total income support to which the applicant or recipient is entitled under section 13 and section 16 if applicable, (a) all non-exempt income; and (b) all partially exempt income minus (i) the deduction described in section 11 , and (ii) the exemptions described in section 12 . (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a person under the age of 21 years is applying for income support while boarding with a relative and that person, as determined by an officer, has no barriers or impairments which would limit that person's pursuit of employment or training, the financial resources of that person's parents or legal guardians shall be considered in determining the amount of income support to be granted. (3) An officer may only grant income support to an employable person between the ages of 18 and 21 years who is living with a relative if (a) that employable person’s parents or legal guardians are receiving income support; or (b) the combined income of that employable person’s parents is below the maximum income threshold for the Newfoundland and Labrador child benefit as determined by the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit Regulations, 2004 under the Income Tax Act, 2000 . (4) Subsections (2) and (3) shall not apply where the person under the age of 21 years referred to in those subsections has, in the opinion of an approved professional, a barrier or impairment which would limit the person’s pursuit of employment or training. 144/04 s18 ; 52/23 s12 ; 30/24 s6 ; 88/25 s7 Back to Top Other income support 19. (1) Other monthly income support for which an applicant or recipient may be eligible is: (a) a fuel supplement for an applicant or recipient maintaining a residence in Labrador , up to a maximum of $132, where the cost of heat is not included in the amount of rent; (b) a fuel supplement for an applicant or recipient maintaining a residence on the island portion of the province, up to a maximum of $71, where the cost of heat is not included in the amount of rent; (c) for housekeeping services where the person providing the service is a relative, up to a maximum of $239; (d) for housekeeping services where the person providing the service is not a relative, up to a maximum of $298; (e) where licensed child care is unavailable or does not meet the needs of the particular child as determined by an officer, up to $450 for the first child and up to $250 for each additional child for private unlicensed child care; (f) an amount of $105 for each applicant or recipient who is 65 years of age or older and eligible for income support except where within 2 months following (i) the date of the applicant’s application, the applicant will no longer be eligible for income support, or (ii) the recipient’s 65 th birthday, the recipient will no longer be eligible for income support; (g) a child benefit adjustment in an amount approved by the minister; (h) for a recipient maintaining a residence in a coastal Labrador community, an amount of $150; (i) an amount of $89 for each recipient or dependent receiving income support who is legally blind as certified by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind or an approved professional; (j) an amount of $60 for each recipient or dependent with diabetes receiving income support where that person’s diabetes has been certified by an approved professional; (k) for an applicant or recipient boarding with non-relatives who requires additional support due to a persistent and permanent social impairment as certified by an approved professional, an additional amount up to $362; (l) for items of special need, an amount determined by the minister; (m) [Rep. by 88/25 s8] (n) for a recipient with a dependent who begins employment, a payment of $250 once in a 12 month period; (o) for a recipient without a spouse, co-habitating partner or dependent who begins employment, $125 once in a 12 month period; and (p) for an applicant or recipient who has a dependent but does not have a spouse or cohabiting partner, an amount of $168. (2) Where an applicant or recipient who has no spouse, cohabiting partner or dependent students is hospitalized or in an emergency shelter approved by the minister (a) the applicant may receive an amount of income support up to $175 a month; and (b) the recipient may continue to receive income support under subsection (1), section 13 and section 16 if applicable for 90 days from the date of admission, and after that time period, the recipient may, on the approval of an officer, continue to receive income support for an additional 90 days under paragraph 16(1)(b) if applicable and an amount of income support up to $175 a month. (3) Where an applicant or recipient with dependants is hospitalized or admitted to an emergency shelter approved by the minister, that applicant or recipient may receive or continue to receive income support under subsection (1), section 13 and section 16 if applicable, and effective the month following the month of admission, the applicant or recipient may receive an additional amount of income support up to $175 a month. (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(b), the minister may, in certain circumstances, extend the time period for which the recipient referred to in that subsection may receive income support under subsection (1), section 13 and section 16 if applicable. (5) Other income support for which an applicant or recipient may be eligible is: (a) for transportation, an amount determined by the prevailing commercial rates; (b) for board and lodging for temporary periods only, a daily amount that the minister may approve; (c) for a recipient who has been receiving income support continuously for at least 90 days, an amount for municipal taxes and fees levied by a municipality, local service district or regional service board retroactive to the date the recipient began receiving income support; (d) a contribution of up to $522 towards a security deposit, not to exceed three-quarters of the amount of rent payable for one month; (e) for a recipient with one or more school-aged dependents, an annual contribution towards school-related expenses in the amount of $100 a year in respect of each school-aged dependent of the recipient; and (f) for a recipient who is 18 years of age or older but under 21 years of age who attends high school, an annual contribution towards school-related expenses in the amount of $100 a year. 144/04 s19 ; 50/05 s8 ; 70/05 s1 ; 107/05 s1 ; 51/06 s9 ; 71/07 s1 ; 41/08 s3 ; 42/15 s1 ; 25/16 s1 ; 14/18 s3 ; 52/23 s13 ; 84/23 s1 ; 30/24 s7 ; 58/25 s2 ; 88/25 s8 Back to Top Overpayment 19.1 A contribution towards a security deposit received by an applicant or recipient under paragraph 19(5)(d), other than the first contribution received by the applicant or recipient under that paragraph, shall be considered an overpayment and shall be recovered by the minister in the manner prescribed in the Act and these regulations. 88/25 s9 Back to Top Frequency and manner of payment 20. (1) Income support may be paid (a) daily; (b) semi-monthly; (c) monthly; or (d) at an interval determined by the minister. (2) Notwithstanding another provision of this Part, a recipient's income support may be used to provide the recipient’s employment support in the manner referred to in section 44 . 144/04 s20 ; 52/23 s14 Back to Top Special needs -furniture 21. (1) An applicant or recipient may, at the discretion of an officer, be eligible for special needs assistance for the following items of furniture: (a) for electric stoves, up to $300; (b) for refrigerators for applicants or recipients with dependents, up to $400; (c) for washers, for applicants or recipients with dependents, up to $350; (d) for beds, for the dependents of applicants or recipients only (i) up to $125 towards the cost of the mattress, (ii) up to $75 towards the cost of a box spring, or (iii) up to $200 for a bed; (e) for a crib or for a crib mattress or for both, up to $100. (2) All amounts referred to in this section include HST. 144/04 s21 ; 51/06 s10 Back to Top Special needs - eye examinations 22. (1) Vision care in the form of an eye examination may be provided to (a) a recipient who has been receiving income support for a period of at least 3 months; or (b) an applicant who was receiving a level of income equal to the level of income support for which the applicant may have been eligible for the 3 months preceding the request for vision care, plus the cost of vision care. (2) Special needs assistance for vision care for an eligible applicant or recipient covers no more than one eye examination every 36 months except where there is a medically verified eye disease or condition, then more frequently than every 36 months. (3) Special needs assistance for vision care covers one eye examination every 12 months for dependents. (4) The amount for eye examinations is $100. 144/04 s22 ; 51/06 s11 ; 41/08 s4 ; 52/23 s15 ; 88/25 s10 Back to Top Special needs - eye glasses 23. (1) Vision care in the form of eye glasses may be provided to (a) a recipient who has been receiving income support for a period of at least 3 months; or (b) an applicant who was receiving a level of income equal to the level of income support for which the applicant may have been eligible for the 3 months preceding the request for vision care, plus the cost of the vision care. (2) Special needs assistance for eye glasses may be provided to an eligible applicant or recipient every 36 months except where there is a medically verified eye disease or condition which would warrant more frequent changes, then more often as medically indicated. (3) Dependents may be covered for eyeglasses once every 12 months if there is a verified change in the dependent's prescription. (4) Repairs to eyeglasses may be considered at the discretion of an officer and frames shall be reused where possible. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), the cost for repair of eye glasses shall not exceed one half the amount special needs assistance for eyeglasses. (6) Special needs assistance for eye glasses shall be (a) for single vision eye glasses , up to $290; or (b) for bi-focal eye glasses , up to $350. 144/04 s23 ; 50/05 s9 ; 51/05 s12 ; 41/08 s5 ; 52/23 s16 ; 88/25 s11 Back to Top Special needs - dentures 24. (1) Where a recipient has been receiving income support for a 6 month period and that recipient, including that recipients dependents, has a special needs assistance requirement for dentures, the recipient may receive the following: (a) the maximum amounts where denture service is provided by a dentist are, for (i) an upper set, including laboratory fees, up to $718, (ii) a lower set, including laboratory fees, up to $718, (iii) a complete set, including upper, lower and laboratory fees, up to $1118, (iv) partial dentures including laboratory fees, up to $360, (v) an immediate post extraction insertion, up to $532, (vi) a reline including laboratory fees, up to $211, and (vii) repairs at an amount of $42 per 15 minutes to maximum of $120; or (b) the maximum amounts where denture service is provided by a denturist are, for (i) an upper set, up to $580, (ii) a lower set, up to $580, (iii) a complete set, including upper and lower set, up to $931, (iv) a re-line, up to $127, (v) repairs at an amount of $34 per 15 minute maximum, up to $90; and (vi) partial dentures, including laboratory fees, up to $300. 41/08 s6 ; 52/23 s17 Back to Top Support trust 25. An officer may grant income support to an applicant or recipient over the age of 18 years who requires supportive services and for whose use and benefit there is a support trust. 144/04 s25 ; 50/05 s11 ; 52/23 s18 Back to Top Maximum permissible liquid assets 26. (1) An officer may grant income support to an applicant or recipient where the applicant's or recipient's liquid assets do not exceed the following maximum permissible limits: (a) for one person, $6,000; and (b) for 2 or more people, combined liquid assets of $11,000. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a severance package (a) is exempt from the provisions of this section for the covering period of the severance package; and (b) after the period referred to in paragraph (a) has expired, shall be considered a liquid asset. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), Registered Retirement Savings Plans owned by an applicant or recipient with a cumulative value of $20,000 or less are exempt from the other provisions of this section. (4) Where an applicant or recipient owns Registered Retired Savings Plans with a cumulative value greater than $20,000, the value of the Registered Retirement Savings Plans in excess of $20,000 shall, where the Registered Retirement Savings Plans may be liquefied, be considered a liquid asset. 144/04 s26 ; 62/11 s1 ; 52/23 s19 Back to Top Where death is involved 27. (1) An officer may grant to the relative of a deceased person or the representative of a deceased person an amount up to $5,000 for one or more of the following expenses related to the deceased person: (a) cremation; (b) aquamation; (c) funeral; and (d) burial. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), an officer may also grant to a person referred to in subsection (1) (a) an amount of $1.25 a kilometre for each kilometre in excess of 8 kilometres, up to a maximum of $850, where the remains of a deceased person are being transported; (b) an additional amount not exceeding $1,500 for other related expenses that the officer considers reasonable; and (c) an additional amount for extraordinary and out-of-pocket expenses due to special circumstances where approved by an officer designated for that purpose by the minister. (3) An officer, when determining the amount for the expenses referred to in subsections (1) and (2), shall deduct (a) [Rep. by 58/25 s3] (b) any monies held in trust for the deceased person’s expenses referred to in subsections (1) and (2 ); (c) any money held in a bank account, credit union or other financial institution by the deceased at the time of death; and (d) a death benefit from any source to which the estate of the deceased person is entitled. (4) In determining an amount under subsection (3), an officer shall consider the income and assets of the deceased person's spouse or cohabiting partner. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (3), when determining the amount for expenses referred to in subsections (1) and (2) with respect to a deceased person who was a recipient of income support at the time of death, or during the 12-month period immediately before the time of death, an officer shall deduct only (a) any monies held in trust for the deceased person's expenses referred to in subsections (1) and (2); and (b) a death benefit from any source to which the estate of the deceased person is entitled. 144/04 s27 ; 51/06 s14 ; 96/17 s1 ; 52/23 s20 ; 49/24 s1 ; 58/25 s3 Back to Top Emergencies, disasters and other circumstances 28. (1) Where income support is required as a result of circumstances that, in the opinion of an officer, create an emergency situation, the officer may grant the income support that is necessary to meet the emergency needs of the applicant or recipient. (2) Where income support is required because of a disaster in the community as determined by the minister, the officer may grant the income support that is necessary to meet the needs of the person related to the disaster. (3) Where income support is required for a person who has been a victim of violence, an officer may grant the income support necessary to ensure the safety of those individuals and their dependents. 144/04 s28 ; 51/06 s15 Back to Top Review of eligibility 29. The amount of income support payable to a recipient shall be reviewed by an officer periodically in order to determine the continued eligibility of the recipient and may also be reviewed at the request of the recipient. 144/04 s29 PART II EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT Back to Top Employment support 30. (1) An applicant or recipient may be considered for employment supports and services contingent upon (a) that person's eligibility for particular employment supports and services; and (b) the availability of resources to provide those employment supports and services. (2) Eligibility for employment support under sections in this Part which consider income support status may be extended to (a) a person who meets the eligibility criteria for income support prescribed by the Act and the regulations but who may not be receiving income support; (b) a former recipient of income support who has an employment plan with the department; or (c) a person applying for employment support who is a dependent of (i) a recipient of income support; or (ii) a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b). 144/04 s30 ; 51/06 s16 Back to Top Financial employment supports 31. (1) Financial employment supports may be offered through (a) wage subsidies; (b) linkages with community based employment agencies; (c) employment development supports; (d) employment supports for persons with disabilities; and (e) any other employment supports and services that may assist applicants or recipients prepare for, access and keep work. (2) Employment supports may vary for applicants and recipients in order to address their different circumstances and needs, and the eligibility of those applicants or recipients may depend on the type of employment support for which the applicant or recipient has applied. 144/04 s31 ; 52/23 s21 Back to Top Application for employment support 32. (1) An application for employment support may be made in person or by (a) telephone application process; (b) mail; or (c) by other means acceptable to the minister, including electronic means where available, and an applicant shall provide the information that an officer may require to assess the application. (2) An application for employment support shall not be considered to be received by the minister and shall not be assessed unless it is in a form or made in a manner approved by the minister. (3) An application for employment support shall be completed within 30 days and where an application has not been completed within that time period , a new application shall be made. 144/04 s32 Back to Top Residency required 33. (1) An applicant and recipient shall live in the province to be eligible for employment support. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a recipient may be temporarily absent from the province for the purpose of training, education or employment supported by an individual's employment plan and that absence shall, before the recipient leaves the province, be approved by an officer. 144/04 s33 Back to Top Criteria to assess application 34. (1) An applicant for employment support shall participate in an assessment and planning process which is satisfactory to the minister. (2) An application for employment support shall be assessed on criteria which may include (a) whether an applicant has participated in the assessment and planning process referred to in subsection (1 ); (b) the individual’s interests, motivation, preferences, aptitude and goals with regard to self-sufficiency and support needed to prepare for, access and keep employment; (c) barriers preventing participation in training, employment supports and employment and services required to address those barriers; (d) the applicant’s qualifications and employment background, including education, training, the location and circumstances of the applicant's last work experience and any transferable skills the applicant may have; (e) the applicant’s previous experiences in employment support and the outcomes of other interventions, including details of the applicant’s attendance at those interventions; (f) whether the intervention for which the applicant has applied builds on, but does not duplicate, previous interventions to help the applicant progress with an employment plan; (g) links with other supports as required; (h) labour market opportunities; and (i) those other criteria which may be specific to the particular program of employment support for which the applicant wishes to be considered. 144/04 s34 ; 52/23 s22 Back to Top Information which may be required to assess or review eligibility 35. (1) The information which may be required in an application for employment support includes an applicant's (a) personal information; (b) citizenship or residency status, including whether an applicant or recipient is a landed immigrant or refugee claimant; (c) consent for release, obtaining or verifying information about the applicant; (d) financial information that may be required by the minister; and (e) other information that may be required to assess eligibility as determined by an officer.

(2) For the purpose of determining eligibility for employment support, an officer may assess whether an applicant is eligible for or receives income support or receives employment insurance or other benefits or supports under Part II of the Employment Insurance Act ( Canada ). (3) In order to assess an application for employment support material proof of the following may be required: (a) certification of the disability by an approved professional where an applicant is a person with a disability as defined in subsection 43(1); (b) an applicant's required personal information; (c) a written employment offer to the applicant; and (d) other information that may be required by the minister. (4) Where information is required under this section, a photocopy is considered acceptable. (5) An applicant or recipient shall, within 30 days from the original date of the application for employment support, comply fully with an officer's request for documentation to determine the applicant or recipient’s eligibility for employment support. (6) An officer may, in certain circumstances, make exceptions to the time period referred to in subsection (5). (7) Where an applicant or recipient fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (5), and no exception has been made under subsection (6), an officer may deny, vary, suspend or cancel an applicant's or recipient's employment support. 144/04 s35 ; 52/23 s23 Back to Top Responsibilities of an applicant or recipient 36. (1) An applicant or recipient shall immediately report to an officer any circumstances which may affect the applicant or recipient's eligibility for employment support, including (a) change in transportation expenses; (b) change in intervention participation; (c) change in employment status; (d) change in income; (e) the absence of the applicant or recipient from the province; and (f) any other circumstances that the minister may determine. (2) An officer may deny, vary, suspend or cancel employment support where a circumstance referred to in subsection (1) has been confirmed and shall notify the applicant or recipient in writing of that action and of the right to request an internal review of the decision of the officer and pending the outcome of the internal review, of the right to appeal under the authority of the Act and these regulations. 144/04 s36 ; 52/23 s24 Back to Top Wage subsidy programs 37. (1) Under the authority of section 8 of the Act, the minister or an officer designated by the minister may enter into agreements with for profit or not for profit employers on wage subsidy programs. (2) Employment support under this section shall be determined by negotiation between the employer and the minister or an officer designated by the minister. (3) Employers shall pay local prevailing wage rates. (4) In order to be eligible under this section, an applicant or recipient (a) shall be legally entitled to work in Canada ; (b) shall not be an immediate family member of the employer, owner or operator; (c) shall not be part of the regular staff, including seasonal staff, of the employer, owner or operator; (d) shall be unemployed or underemployed and actively seeking work; (e) shall meet any other specific eligibility criteria established by the minister for particular wage subsidy programs, which may include a requirement that (i) the applicant or recipient be receiving income support referred to in subparagraph 2(k)(i) of the Act, (ii) the applicant or recipient shall not be currently employed, receiving a federal or provincial pension, workplace health, safety and compensation benefits, employment insurance benefits or another benefit prescribed by the minister, (iii) the applicant or recipient be non-EI eligible, and (iv) the applicant or recipient have an employment plan; and (f) shall meet any other eligibility requirements prescribed by the Act or these regulations. (5) The employer in a wage subsidy program solely determines whether to employ an eligible applicant or recipient. (6) In exceptional circumstances, the minister or an officer designated by the minister may vary or suspend (a) the terms and conditions of a wage subsidy agreement; or (b) the prohibitions contained in subparagraph (4)(e)(ii) or (iii). (7) Notwithstanding the requirement contained in subparagraph (4)(e)(i), eligibility under this section may be extended to an applicant or recipient who meets the criteria prescribed in subsection 30(2). 144/04 s37 ; 50/05 s12 ; 51/06 s17 ; 52/23 s25 Back to Top Employment development supports 38. (1) An applicant or recipient may be eligible for employment development supports in order to further their employment plan. (2) In order to be eligible under this section, an applicant or recipient shall (a) be receiving or be eligible to receive income support under subparagraph 2(k)(i) of the Act; (b) reside in the province; (c) have an approved employment plan; (d) be non-EI eligible; and (e) meet any other applicable eligibility criteria prescribed by the Act or these regulations. (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(d), the minister or an officer designated by the minister may dispense with the requirements of that paragraph in exceptional circumstances. (4) An eligible applicant or recipient may receive an amount of employment development support as approved by the minister or an officer designated by the minister which may include: (a) a placement support allowance; (b) short term training; (c) work supports; and (d) financial supports for assessment, counselling and testing services. (5) Notwithstanding the requirement contained in paragraph (2)(a), eligibility under this section may be extended to an applicant or recipient who meets the criteria prescribed in subsection 30(2). 144/04 s38 ; 50/05 s13 ; 51/06 s18 Back to Top Placement support allowance 39. (1) A placement support allowance may be available to an eligible applicant or recipient for the purpose of (a) literacy skills development; (b) adult basic education; (c) short term training referred to in subsection 40(1); and (d) Employment Exploration and Training. (2) In order to qualify for a placement support allowance, an applicant or recipient shall participate in a program approved by an officer. (3) Eligible applicants or recipients may receive the following employment support under this section (a) an annual start up allowance; (b) a monthly stipend; and (c) transportation costs by the most economical and appropriate means. (4) Eligibility under this section may be extended to an applicant or recipient who meets the requirements of this section and who (a) is receiving income support; or (b) meets the criteria prescribed in subsection 30(2). 144/04 s39 ; 50/05 s14 ; 51/06 s19 Back to Top Short term training 40. (1) Where an applicant or recipient applies to participate in a course that is less than 12 weeks in duration and that program is ineligible for student assistance or Labour Market Development Agreement skills development funds, the applicant or recipient may be eligible for employment support for the costs of that training. (2) An applicant or recipient personally ineligible for student aid assistance wishing to enter a training program which is eligible for student aid assistance shall not be assisted. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the minister or an officer designated by the minister may dispense with the requirement contained in that subsection. (4) The training referred to in subsection (1) shall be directly related to the employment needs of the applicant or recipient and that person's employment opportunity, and the applicant or recipient shall provide a written confirmation of that employment opportunity. (5) Training under this section shall be provided by a registered provider. (6) Eligibility under this section may be extended to an applicant or recipient who meets the requirements of this section and who (a) is receiving income support; or (b) meets the criteria prescribed in subsection 30(2). 144/04 s40 ; 50/05 s15 ; 51/06 s20 Back to Top Work supports 41. (1) An applicant or recipient may be eligible for work supports directly associated with the applicant's or recipient's work placement. (2) Work supports under this section may include: (a) work clothing and other work related essentials; (b) occupation specific tools; (c) the cost of transportation for an applicant or recipient only, by the most economical and appropriate means, to relocate to a place of work; and (d) fees, dues or certificates that may be required. (3) Eligibility under this section may be extended to an applicant or recipient who meets the requirements of this section and who (a) is receiving income support; or (b) meets the criteria prescribed in subsection 30(2). 144/04 s41 ; 51/06 s21 ; 52/23 s26 Back to Top Assessment and counselling 42. (1) An applicant or recipient may be eligible to receive funding to pay for career, academic, psychological or physical assessments to support employment placements or placements within adult basic education, training, or employment programs. (2) Eligibility under this section may be extended to an applicant or recipient who meets the requirements of this section and who (a) is receiving income support; or (b) meets the criteria prescribed in subsection 30(2). 144/04 s42 ; 51/06 s22 Back to Top Employment supports for people with disabilities 43. (1) For the purpose of determining eligibility for services under this section, "person with a disability" means a person who, because of a persistent and permanent physical, sensory, speech, communication, psychological, psychiatric, developmental or other disability, demonstrates significant challenges in accessing education, training or employment. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where the definition in that subsection limits a person’s ability to participate in the Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities, the Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities shall apply. (3) A person with a disability may be eligible for employment supports and services to acquire the skills, experience and supports necessary to successfully prepare for, access and keep work. (4) Employment support under this section may be provided under the Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities or its successor agreement or through other employment supports and services for persons with disabilities. (5) Where an applicant or recipient (a) self-identifies as having a disability; and (b) that applicant or recipient demonstrates, to the satisfaction of an officer, that the disability poses significant challenges to the applicant or recipient in accessing education, training or employment that applicant or recipient may be eligible to participate in Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities supports and services or supports and services under a successor agreement or in other employment supports and services for persons with disabilities. (6) Supports and services for which an applicant or recipient may be eligible under this section include: (a) job trainer support for an eligible applicant or recipient with a developmental disability; (b) training services, to be eligible for which an applicant or recipient shall have significant challenges in accessing education, training or employment as a result of their disability; (c) enabling supports, including maintenance, transportation, tuition and other needs; (d) assessment services; (e) restorative services, including support for wheelchairs, prosthetics and other aids; and (f) tools and equipment, including support for tools, special clothing, equipment, special aids and modifications to physical structures as approved. 144/04 s43 PART III GENERAL Back to Top Use of income support to provide employment support 44. (1) A recipient's income support may, under the authority of subsection 19(2) of the Act and according to this section, be used to provide the recipient’s employment support. (2) Where a recipient has an employment plan approved by an officer which confirms that the use of income support to provide employment support is appropriate and where that recipient has been receiving income support for 3 consecutive months, that recipient shall enter into an agreement regarding the manner in which that use may be undertaken. (3) An agreement referred to in subsection (2) shall contain: (a) a provision outlining the limits of the use of income support for employment support; (b) a statement that the recipient has no eligibility for additional income support during the period in which the use of income support for employment support is in place; and (c) evidence of the spouse or cohabiting partner's consent for the use of the recipient's income support to finance the recipient’s employment support. (4) A maximum of 3 month’s entitlement of income support may be used to provide a recipient's employment support. (5) Income support funds which are to be used to provide employment support may be paid (a) in a lump sum; or (b) in instalments to the maximum of eligibility. (6) Where a recipient is provided with additional income support during the time period for which the recipient has already received income support under this section, that additional income support shall be considered an overpayment and shall be recovered in the manner prescribed by the Act and these regulations. (7) Notwithstanding another provision of this section, the minister may, in exceptional circumstances, vary the time periods referred to in subsections (2) and (4). 144/04 s44 ; 52/23 s27 Back to Top Conjugal relationship 45. (1) In order to determine whether cohabiting partners as defined by the Act share a conjugal relationship, an officer shall evaluate (a) the economic interdependence of the 2 people; (b) the parental connections of the 2 people based on the evidence of shared dependents or whether they share parental roles; or (c) the societal perception of the 2 people, including whether they present themselves as a couple in the community and if the officer so determines based on the criteria referred to above, a conjugal relationship shall, for the purpose of these regulations, be considered to exist. (2) Where a conjugal relationship has been determined to exist under subsection (1), the financial resources of the cohabiting partner shall be evaluated and the income support of an applicant or recipient may, as determined by an officer, be confirmed, denied, varied, suspended or cancelled accordingly. 144/04 s45 ; 51/06 s23 Back to Top Investigations 46. (1) An officer shall, in determining continued eligibility for income or employment support, verify the information provided by the applicant or recipient as required under these regulations to assess eligibility. (2) Where a determination of eligibility is incomplete or unsatisfactory or new information regarding the eligibility of an applicant or recipient has come to the attention of and been verified by an officer, an officer may, under the authority of subsection 18(2) of the Act, perform those investigations that are necessary to determine an applicant's or recipient’s eligibility for income or employment support. (3) An officer performing an investigation (a) may (i) access the applicant's or recipient's personal information that may be necessary to complete the investigation, (ii) contact third parties to obtain information about an applicant or recipient to complete an investigation, (iii) make visits to an applicant's or recipient's residence to obtain information to complete an investigation, (iv) at the conclusion of the investigation, recommend that an applicant’s or recipient’s income or employment support be confirmed, denied, varied, suspended or cancelled under the authority of these regulations, or (v) make a referral for prosecution where there is evidence that an applicant or recipient has committed an offence under section 48 of the Act; and (b) shall (i) only conduct an investigation of a recipient on the approval of a manager, (ii) identify themself as an officer and describe the purpose of the contact, (iii) interview an applicant or recipient personally where possible, (iv) at all times provide the applicant or recipient with the opportunity to respond, (v) complete the investigation within 4 months of it being assigned, (vi) only disclose personal information to third parties for the purpose of obtaining facts related to an investigation, and (vii) not disclose the identity of third parties without their permission to do so and, in addition to the powers and duties prescribed in this subsection, an officer may, with the approval of the minister, do those other things necessary to complete an investigation. (4) An officer who has received a recommendation from an officer performing an investigation under this section shall (a) confirm, deny, vary, suspend or cancel the income or employment support of the applicant or recipient who was the subject of the investigation; and (b) inform the applicant or recipient in writing of any action taken under paragraph (a) and of the right to request an internal review of that action and pending the outcome of the internal review, of the right to appeal under the authority of the Act and these regulations. 144/04 s46 ; 52/23 s28 Back to Top Temporary or permanent incapacity 47. Whether an applicant or recipient is permanently or temporarily incapable of managing the applicant's or recipient's financial affairs shall be determined by an officer based on an assessment of the applicant or recipient which shall include (a) a recommendation by the applicant's or recipient's parents, guardians or others as the minister may determine, together with an opinion by an approved professional with supporting documentation; (b) an opinion by an approved professional alone, with supporting documentation; or (c) a determination by the court. 144/04 s47 ; 52/23 s29 Back to Top Other powers and duties of officers 48. (1) A support applications social worker may assist any person, including recipients of income or employment support, to obtain child or spousal support where appropriate. (2) A support applications social worker may, under subsection (1), (a) assess potential eligibility for child or spousal support; (b) provide information about child or spousal support; (c) assist a person completing an application for child or spousal support; (d) provide information about the court and court documents, Child Support Guidelines and how they are applied; (e) provide general information about the support orders enforcement process; (f) explain departmental policies; and (g) do those other things that are appropriate in the capacity as an officer appointed by the minister. (3) A support applications social worker referred to in this section may appear in court on behalf of the minister where authorized to do so by an Act of the province. 144/04 s48 ; 52/23 s30 Back to Top Information exchange 49. For the purpose of determining eligibility for income or employment support and under the authority of section 7 of the Act, the minister may exchange information with the entities listed in the Schedule. 144/04 s49 PART IV UNDERPAYMENT, OVERPAYMENT AND RECOVERY Back to Top Rate of recovery 50. (1) Where an overpayment has accrued, the minister may recover that overpayment (a) where a recipient receives income support only, at a rate of 5% of the recipient's income support referred to in section 13 ; (b) where a recipient receives employment support only, at a rate of 5% of the recipient's employment support; or (c) where a recipient receives both income and employment support, at a rate of 5% of the recipient's income support referred to in section 13 . (2) The employment support referred to in this section includes monetary employment support only. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the minister may, in the minister’s discretion, (a) recover the overpayment at a rate lower than the rate prescribed in that subsection; or (b) decline to recover the overpayment. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a child benefit adjustment is paid to a recipient under paragraph 19(1)(g) and that recipient receives a retroactive payment of the Newfoundland and Labrador child benefit or the Canada Child Benefit, or both benefits with respect to the same period, the amount of child benefit adjustment that was paid or the retroactive payment, whichever is less, shall be recovered in full from the recipient's income support entitlement. 144/04 s50 ; 14/18 s4 ; 52/23 s31 ; 30/24 s8 ; 88/25 s13 Back to Top Apportionment 51. (1) Where an overpayment of income support accrues during a marriage or cohabitation, it shall be apportioned equally between the recipient and the recipient's spouse or cohabiting partner for the time period during which they both received the benefit of that overpayment of the income support during the marriage or cohabitation. (2) Subsection (1) applies notwithstanding the subsequent dissolution of the marriage or cohabitation. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the minister may, in exceptional circumstances, vary the manner of apportionment prescribed in that subsection. 144/04 s51 Back to Top Certificate of judgment 52. A certificate of judgment referred to in section 34 of the Act shall only be issued against former income support recipients who have an overpayment. 144/04 s52 Back to Top Set off 53. Where a former recipient who is owed money from an underpayment according to section 23 of the Act also owes a debt to the Crown in the form of an overpayment under section 24 of the Act, the money owing to the Crown may be recovered from the money owing to the former recipient and the remainder, if any, shall be paid to the former recipient. 144/04 s53 Back to Top Amount and rate of garnishment 54. The amount and rate of garnishment under section 29 of the Act shall be the same as that under section 49 of the Judgment Enforcement Regulations under the Judgment Enforcement Act. 144/04 s54 PART V APPEALS Back to Top Request for internal review 55. (1) An applicant or recipient may request that a decision of an officer be reviewed by an officer or officers appointed by the minister to perform an internal review. (2) A request under subsection (1) shall be in writing. 144/04 s55 Back to Top Internal review 56. (1) An internal review shall be performed in the time period referred to in subsection 41(5) of the Act and the outcome of an internal review shall be communicated to the applicant or recipient in the time period referred to in that subsection. (2) A communication referred to in subsection (1) shall include (a) the reasons for the finding or decision; (b) a notice specifying the right of appeal to the appeal board; (c) the time within which the right of appeal may be exercised; (d) the appeal procedure; (e) the manner in which an appeal may be conducted; and (f) that the applicant or recipient may access the applicant's or recipient's appeal file in anticipation of the appeal, including any record of the appeal. 144/04 s56 ; 52/23 s32 Back to Top Appeal to the appeal board 57. An applicant or a recipient aggrieved by the outcome of an internal review may, in writing, appeal that outcome to the appeal board under section 43 of the Act in the time period referred to in that section. 144/04 s57 ; 50/05 s16 Back to Top Board practice and procedure 58. The board may set its policy and procedure but it shall, at all times, (a) receive sworn evidence in relation to an appeal; and (b) give clear reasons, in writing, for its decisions. 144/04 s58 Back to Top Remuneration and costs 59. (1) The rate of remuneration of appeal board members for meetings convened under the Act and regulations shall be according to the rates of remuneration for boards, commissions and agencies as set by Treasury Board. (2) The members of the appeal board shall, in accordance with government policy, be paid all travel, accommodation and other expenses necessarily incurred by them in carrying out their duties under the Act and regulations. (3) The department may, in the most reasonably economic manner, support the reasonable costs of an appellant relating to an appeal, but those costs shall not include any fees for legal services. 144/04 s59 Back to Top Shorter time period by agreement 60. Notwithstanding section 43 of the Act, where there is an agreement among all the parties to the appeal, the hearing of an appeal may be rescheduled with less than 7 days notice. 144/04 s60 PART VI COMMENCEMENT Back to Top Commencement 62. These regulations shall come into force on the date the Income and Employment Support Act comes into force. 144/04 s62 Back to Top Schedule Entities or Agencies With Whom or With Which The Minister May Exchange Information under subsection 7(3) of the Act Federal Government Departments including: Department of Citizenship and Immigration Department of Finance Department of Health Department of Human Resources and Social Development Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Department of Justice Canada Department of Labour Department of National Revenue Department of Social Development Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Agencies, including: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Canada Revenue Agency Insurance Bureau of Canada Provincial Government Departments including: Department of Education Department of Finance Department of Government Services Department of Health and Community Services Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Department of Justice Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs Government departments of other provinces or territories of Canada including any self-governing aboriginal entities Provincial Agencies, including: Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Regional Health and Community Services and Integrated Boards under the Health and Community Services Act Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission Memorial University College of the North Atlantic Private post secondary institutions affiliated with employment support programs Community Agencies affiliated with employment support programs Employers affiliated with employment support programs 144/04 Sch ; 59/06 s2