 | Financial and Employment Resources |
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FINANCIAL RESOURCES
NOTE: The Lupus Society of Alberta is happy to assist you with your disability and insurance application process(es) and related issues.
- Government of Canada Persons With Disabilities Online - This website provides access to services and information for persons with disabilities, family members, caregivers and all Canadians.
- Guide to Government of Canada Services for People with Disabilities and their Families
- Government of AB - Alberta Supports - Need help accessing social programs but don't know where to start? Visit Alberta Supports, a new service designed to make it less complicated for Albertans to find information about programs and services - includes financial, employment, disabilty, housing and educational supports.
- Alberta Blue Cross - Health and dental benefit plans for individuals and families
- Government of AB - Alberta Supports Contact Centre - Toll-free in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits
- Government of Canada Employment Insurance
- Services for People with Disabilities: Guide to Government of Canada Services for People with Disabilities and their Families
- Government of AB - Special Needs Assistance for Seniors Information Booklet
- Government of AB - Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) - provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults with a disability. The disability must be permanent and substantially limit the person's ability to earn a living. AISH clients may also be eligible to receive supplemental assistance (a child benefit and personal benefits) through the AISH program. AISH health benefits and supplemental assistance may also assist a client's cohabiting partner and dependent children.
- Government of AB - Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) - helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes by providing financial assistance to buy medical equipment and supplies. An assessment by a health care professional determines the equipment and supplies that an Albertan can receive through this program.
- Alberta Seniors Benefit Program
- The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors Program - is available to help seniors with the cost of appliances, minor home repairs and some medical costs. Only one-time extraordinary expenses are funded. The program provides a lump-sum payment to eligible low-income seniors. The maximum assistance available is $5,000 in a benefit year (July 1 to June 30).
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
- Canada Pension Plan Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program - Offers vocational counselling, financial support for training, and job search services to recipients of Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits to help them return to work.
- Government of Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) - Career and Education Planning
RECOMMENDED READING
'Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working Girlfriend!' (2008) by Rosalinde Joffe, and Joan Friedlander. A very useful exploration of the issues involved with remaining employed or finding employment when one has a chronic health condition. Lots of practical advice. NOTE: In-spite of the title, this book would also be helpful for men who are struggling with issues of employment with a chronic condition.
'Life Disrupted: Getting Real About Chronic Illness in Your Twenties and Thirties' (2008) by Laurie Edwards. An inspiring guide to maintaining your health while getting on with your life in spite of having a chronic illness. Written by an author who truely understands what it's like t live with a chronic condition. While Laurie Edwards doesn't have lupus, she does have a chronic condition (a rare genetic respiratory disease). She deals with challenges that many people face in their twenties and thirties such as accessing appropriate health care, completing your desired education goals, having a productive and satisfying career that accommodates your health needs, building strong relationships, and starting a family, but with the added pressures of having chronic illness.
Visit the LSA Lending Library for more excellent book suggestions and descriptions.
