Along with Disability Alliance BC and BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, the Centre for Family Equity is calling on the Province to remove the spousal cap entirely for people who receive disability assistance in BC.
The spousal cap assumes a non-disabled partner is responsible for their disabled partner’s livelihood and wellbeing. It is in direct opposition with their right to independence and equal opportunity. As well, children and youth being raised in households impacted by parental disability status have a right to the full income of their parents and caregivers.
Poverty is a policy choice and so are its solutions. At the Centre for Family Equity, we consistently advocate for policies that remove systemic barriers to economic participation for people living in poverty. For parents with disabilities, this means improving access to income and creating stronger pathways into the workforce.
The spousal cap creates barriers that non-disabled persons do not face. This discrimination must stop.