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Ministry of Social Development

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October 9, 2008

Ministry of Social Development

Persons With Persistent Multiple Barriers

  • The Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) category recognizes individuals who are unable to achieve financial independence because of specific barriers to employment.
  • Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers are individuals who have received assistance for 12 of the last 15 months, and meet the following criteria;
    • Have severe multiple barriers to employment;
    • Have taken all reasonable steps to overcome their barriers; and
    • Have a medical condition (excluding addictions) that has lasted for at least one year, is likely to continue or reoccur frequently for at least two years and which seriously impedes their ability to search for, accept or continue employment; or,
    • Have a medical condition (excluding addictions) that has lasted for at least one year, is likely to continue or reoccur frequently for at least two years and which, by itself, precludes their ability to search for, accept or continue employment.
  • Effective April 1, 2007, the support rates for a family unit with one PPMB client have been standardized so that the support rate is based on a percentage of what a two-person PPMB family unit receives.
    • In addition, all family units with at least one adult classified as a PPMB are eligible for earnings exemptions of a combined $500 per month and are eligible for health supplements which include medical supplies and equipment, extended therapies, $1,000 dental services every two years and medical transportation.
  • All BC Employment and Assistance clients are also eligible for the Medical Services Plan, no-deductible PharmaCare, optical and emergency dental coverage.
  • PPMB clients are not subject to time limits.
Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers - Income Assistance Rates
Category Family Size Support Rate Maximum Shelter Total
Single   $283 $375 $658
Couple (both PPMBs)   $452 $570 $1022
Couple (one PPMB)   $396 $570 $966
Single Parent One Child $424 $570 $994
  Two Children $424 $660 $1084
  Three Children $424 $700 $1124
  Four Children $424 $750 $1174
  Five Children $424 $785 $1209
Two Parents (both PPMBs) One Child $546 $660 $1206
  Two Children $546 $700 $1246
  Three Children $546 $750 $1296
  Four Children $546 $785 $1331
  Five Children $546 $820 $1366
Two Parents (one PPMB) One Child $490 $660 $1150
  Two Children $490 $700 $1190
  Three Children $490 $750 $1240
  Four Children $490 $785 $1275
  Five Children $490 $820 $1310

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The Ministry of Social Development Info Line at:
1 866 866-0800

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