September 4, 2008
Ministry of Social Development
Hepatitis-C Compensation Exemption
- Persons who contracted the Hepatitis-C virus by receiving blood or blood products in Canada before January 1, 1986 or after July 1, 1990 may be eligible to receive compensation payments from the federal government.
- The final settlement agreement, approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia on June 8, 2007, sets out the guidelines for providing the payments.
- For Employment and Income Assistance clients this means:
- A payment received for pain and suffering will not affect a client’s eligibility for income, disability and hardship assistance;
- A payment received for income replacement may affect a client’s eligibility for income, disability and hardship assistance; and,
- Clients are advised to contact their ministry office to discuss their individual circumstances.
- Compensation is also available to families of eligible applicants who are deceased.
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The Ministry of Social Development Info Line at:
1 866 866-0800
For more information: