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Updated: March 23, 2006

PERSONS WITH PERSISTENT MULTIPLE BARRIERS (PPMB)

• The Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) category recognizes those individuals who are unable to achieve financial independence because of specific barriers to employment.
• Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers are those individuals who h ave received assistance for 12 of the last 15 months, and meet the following criteria;
  • Have severe multiple barriers to employment;
  • Have taken all reasonable steps to overcome their barriers; and
  • Have a medical condition (excluding addictions) that has lasted for at least one year, is likely to continue or reoccur frequently for at least two years and which seriously impedes their ability to search for, accept or continue employment;
    OR
  • Have a medical condition (excluding addictions) that has lasted for at least one year, is likely to continue or reoccur frequently for at least two years and which, by itself, precludes their ability to search for, accept or continue employment.

• PPMB clients are not subject to time limits.

• All adults (applicant and spouse) in a family unit must be Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers to receive the PPMB support rate and be eligible for the earnings exemption.
  
• When both adults in the family unit are eligible for PPMB, the family unit is eligible for health supplements which include, medical supplies and equipment, extended therapies, $1000 dental services every two years, and medical transportation.
  
• All BC Employment and Assistance clients are also eligible for the Medical Services Plan, no deductible Pharmacare, optical and emergency dental coverage.

Page Updated: March 23, 2006