Earnings exemptions for disability assistance in BC: effects on social enterprises and their employees

People living with mental illness are underemployed in Canada. This study addresses how disability assistance in British Columbia is contributing to the financial and social empowerment of these people. My research addresses how the current $500 monthly exemption rate for beneficiaries with disabilities is contributing to their ability to gain adequate work experience and reintegrate into the labour market. My methodology includes interviews with social enterprise managers and focus groups with social enterprise employees in BC and Ontario. I find the flat exemption in BC is limiting the ability of some recipients from working to their maximum potential, and beneficiaries are not adequately informed of relevant policies and regulations. Based on key findings, I recommend that BC adopt a communication strategy in conjunction with a graduated earnings exemption. Further empirical research is needed to determine whether a straight 50 percent graduated scale or a mixed method is most cost effective.