December 8, 2009
New Website Helps Manitobans Determine Eligibility for Financial Benefits, Find Social Services
– – –ServiceLink Designed to Make Search Fast, Easy: Mackintosh
A new website gives Manitobans a quick and easy way to find information about financial benefits and social services offered by the province, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“There is no better way to ensure people get the financial benefits and social services they need than by making it easy for them to find out what they are eligible for,” said Mackintosh. “That information is now available simply by checking the ServiceLink website.”
ServiceLink is an interactive online tool that allows individuals and families to determine what programs are available, lets them know whether they are eligible for them, gives a rough estimate of how much money they could be eligible for, tells them who they can contact for more information and provides a Google map link to help give directions to the services outlets.
This online service, created with an investment of $220,000, will supplement the existing service and front-line information available from social service staff.
Information is available online about the following:
-
financial assistance and subsidized housing
o employment and income assistance
o 55 PLUS
o school tax assistance for tenants aged 55 and older (STAT 55+)
o Manitoba child benefit
o Manitoba shelter benefit
o child-care subsidy
o Manitoba Housing – public housing
o Manitoba prenatal benefits
- support for homeowners
- emergency repair program
- homeowner emergency loan program
- Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Homeowners
- home adaptations for seniors’ independence program
- help for Manitobans with disabilities
- children’s special services
- supported living program
- vocational rehabilitation program
- Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for people with disabilities
- Information for parents
- For the Sake of the Children program.
ServiceLink can be accessed from home, work or at public access computers in libraries or community agencies. It will also be available to staff in provincial offices to assist them in directing individuals to the most appropriate services.
The site does not collect any identifying information, such as names or addresses, and does not save any of the data entered by users. Individuals will still need to make a formal application for benefits with the appropriate provincial office.
ServiceLink is a feature of ALL Aboard: Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Providing clear, helpful information on the availability of financial benefits and social services is an important way to help Manitobans take charge of their lives and move forward, the minister said.
ServiceLink can be accessed at www.manitoba.ca/servicelink.
- 30 -