Denying Grandparents a Little Financial Support is Pennywise and Pound Foolish

A recent Social Benefits Tribunal decision constitutes a big win for Ontario’s grandparents as it overrides this narrow and rigid interpretation. It concluded that a ‘large

and liberal interpretation’ must be afforded decisions regarding eligibility for the

Provincial benefit. The Tribunal also said that termination of benefits without a prior review is unfair. CARP, Pro-Bono Law Ontario and Cangrands are calling for the reinstatement of TCA to all families who lost their benefits as a result of these directives.

When confronted with the Tribunal decision in the Ontario Legislature, the Minister of Community and Social Services declined to reverse the directives saying instead that people should just appeal if cut off. CARP will continue to press for a more enlightened response. Click here to this story.

Although some jurisdictions make aid available to grandparents through Children’s Aid Society programs the majority of kin caregivers (90%) would prefer to keep the child out of state care for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that the system often forces them to relinquish their rights as guardians.

British Columbia is currently the country’s best case scenario, grandparents there are eligible to receive up to $400 per month under the Children in the Home of A Relative Program. But since support for grandparents falls far short of the support available to foster parents, thus saving the system money in the long run, denying these grandparents any support is pennywise and pound foolish.

“Doing public policy correctly helps reinforce the social and economic fabric of your country,” says Eng. “When we’re talking about grandparents taking on a responsibility for grandkids, we’re talking about social glue. They shouldn’t be kicked to the sidelines.”

Keywords: caregivers, grandparents, income