I am a person living with disabilities in British Columbia, Canada. Many of my friends and family members are also in similar situations. We find it profoundly unfair, and frankly, insulting, that the disabilities benefits we receive are significantly less than minimum wage. The current monthly benefits of $1,483.50 for a single individual are insufficient to cover even the most basic living expenses given the high living costs in the province. As per Living Wage Canada, a living wage in Vancouver, for instance, should be around $19.50 per hour, greatly exceeding what a person with disability receives.

We are fully aware that our disabilities set limits on our employment potential. However, we adamantly believe this does not mean we should be forced to live in poverty or financial stress. Studies indicate that people with disabilities are much more likely to live in poverty than their non-disabled counterparts. This not only affects our possibility to live self-sufficiently but also restricts our capacity to partake in society and live with dignity.

By raising the Person with Disabilities (PWD) benefits to at least match the minimum wage, we will be helping thousands of disabled persons to meet their basic living needs adequately. It is not a luxury, it is a right, and it should be reflected in our social policies. By increasing the PWD benefits, we honor the fundamental human rights of those living with disabilities and recognize the value of all human lives. Increasing the PWD benefits will help disabled people do so much more, things such as; dental work, extra mobility aids, uncovered medical expenses, housing, food, bills and more.

Another key aspect to how this would benefit disabled persons, would be the ability to soundly provide for an animal. Animals not only uplift a persons mood, but can ultimately improves someones life. With the current rate at which PWD is set, it is next to impossible for those receiving it to afford a support animal, both emotional and medical. Currently, PWD offers a $95 extra for those who have a registered service animal, however this barely covers food for a month. By having the funds to purchase pet insurance, disabled pet owners can have a peace of mind that their pet is well fed and in good hands.

It is my recommendation that at this time, PWD gets raised from $1483.50 to $2,200. Using Talent.com's tax calculator, I was able to provide a rough estimate to the current income for minimum wage in BC. This does not include any further deductions, breaks, sick days, etc. 

This is an average income of a full time (40 hrs per week) employee at BC's current minimum wage ($17.40) before any tax deductions.

This is the average tax deductions on a full time pay check, referencing this, we can see that the average full time employee brings home just over $2,200 a month. Which is more than $700 than a disabled persons monthly income, of course when a person receiving PWD decides to try and work, some if not most of that money gets deducted from the monthly cheque. Persons with disabilities should not have to sacrifice necessities, or decide which ones to buy for the month.

The average rent for a 1 bedroom in BC is currently $2,494 according to CKPGToday as of September 22nd, 2024. We are seeing a bit of a price drop over the past few months, but it is far too hard for disabled individuals to find housing. With some places even limiting their rentals to full time employees. By increasing our housing limit from $500, people with disabilities would hopefully be able to find better suited homes.

We kindly request the relevant provincial authorities to raise the monthly PWD benefits, so it corresponds to at least the provincial minimum wage as it changes. Please sign this petition to support our cause and help bring a positive change in the lives of people living with disabilities in British Columbia, Canada.

Banner credits to Pana on Storyset.com.