Policy & Procedure

Policy and Procedure as compiled by the formerly, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) now known as Aboriginal Affairs of Northern Development Canada (AANDC):

Section 1.5

Rights and Responsibilities of Applicants and Recipients

General Principal

Every person applying for or receiving social assistance has certain rights and responsibilities.

Rights
Applicants and recipients have the following rights:

• To make an application when they believe they are in need
• To be given the information and assistance needed for them to make a proper application for the program
• To have all personal information treated as private and confidential
• To be free of any consideration of race, gender, colour, creed, or political affiliation in the administration of this program
• To receive prompt, courteous, efficient, and fair treatment
• To have their eligibility determined on the basis of objective evidence as required by program policy
• To receive all assistance and benefits for which they qualify under the policy and procedures established in this manual
• To be informed of eligibility entitlement in writing if they so request
• To appeal decisions concerning an application for, or provision of a benefit
• To be informed of their responsibilities regarding initial and continuing eligibility

Responsibilities
The responsibilities of applicants and recipients are:

• To disclose any information that is required under the policy and procedures established in this manual
• To complete all required eligibility forms in a proper manner
• To take maximum personal responsibility for achieving increased or complete independence
• To, if required by policy, seek work at all times, and to be available for all work for which they are qualified
• To, if employable, participate in employability programs that may be available
• To use all available resources and income to support themselves as the preferred alternative to social assistance
• To inform the administering authority promptly of changes in their circumstances that may affect eligibility.