The provincial government has created a new basic income program offering additional financial supports of over $600 monthly to young people receiving housing assistance.
The program, announced by Children, Seniors and Social Development Minister John Abbott, takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.
It will cover about 300 youth clients receiving housing support who are between the ages of 16 and 21. The province said the program will also improve supports like financial and employment counselling, mental health and addictions services, tutoring and other education services and life skills programming.
The program is meant to help the youth transition to the workforce or an education program, the province said. On average these youth typically receive $1,200 monthly, but will now receive approximately $1,800 as a result of the newly-announced support.
Waypoints executive director Rick Kelly said he is pleased to see the additional financial support offered to youth in the program.
“This is a very challenging time in our economy and the extra support for the young people will certainly make a difference for their standard of living by increasing their financial security and assisting them as they transition into adulthood,” said Kelly.
