Municipal Fee Assistance Q&A
Questions:
What is the Municipal Fee Assistance Program?
Why does the City have a fee assistance program?
How does the City determine if I qualify for the Municipal Fee Assistance Program?
When will I know if my household and I are eligible?
What do I need to bring with me to the drop-in eligibility session?
Is there a deadline for applications?
What if I want to access more than one program — do I have to apply to them separately?
What is the maximum level of assistance I can access?
How do I access the program once I am approved?
I am on Ontario Works (or ODSP) already. Can my caseworker just look up my file and approve me?
Can I use my Drug Card statement as a form of identification?
I am a full-time post-secondary student with a family. Can I apply?
Answers:
What is the Municipal Fee Assistance Program?
A: The Fee Assistance Program provides Kingston residents and their households with low incomes an opportunity to receive assistance for Kingston Transit Monthly My Card passes through the Affordable Transit Pass program (APT), municipal recreational programs through Subsidy Program for Affordable Recreation in Kingston (SPARK) and community recreation programs through Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids (P.R.O. Kids).
Why does the City have a fee assistance program?
A: The City wants to eliminate service barriers to residents with low income and encourage more active living by providing:
- A discount transit program offered on Kingston Transit Monthly My Card passes only.
- Subsidies on city-run recreation and leisure programs to children, youth and adults under the Subsidy Program for Affordable Recreation in Kingston (SPARK) program as well.
- Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids (P.R.O. Kids) was established to provide financial support for children and youth to access community-delivered programs.
These three programs make up the new Municipal Fee Assistance Program.
How does the City determine if I qualify for the Municipal Fee Assistance Program?
A:
The City uses the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) set by Statistics Canada to determine each
family member's eligibility for programs accessed through the Municipal Fee Assistance
Program.
[See: YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MAY BE ELIGIBLE]
A: The funds for the program are applicable for the 2012 calendar year. Bring your application and and required identification (as outlined in the application) to one of these drop-in sessions:
Community Services, 362 Montreal St.
- Mondays, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon (and, during the week of Nov. 21, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Application forms are available for download here, or may be picked up at Community and Family Services at 362 Montreal St., City Hall, any branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, the INVISTA Centre, Artillery Park Aquatic & Fitness Centre, and the Wally Elmer Neighbourhood Centre.
When will I know if my household and I will receive assistance?
A: You will find out the level of assistance for which you and your household members are eligible on-the-spot when your application is reviewed by a Community and Family Services staff member.
What do I need to bring with me to the drop-in eligibility session?
A: Bring the completed application, and proof of your identity and income as indicated on the application form. These are required for the City to complete the assessment.
Is there a deadline for applications?
A: No. Applicants can apply throughout the year. However recreational program assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds ($117,000) are spent. Kingston Transit Monthly My Card discounts will be available for the balance of each calendar year.
What if I want to access more than one program — do I have to apply to them separately?
A: No. Only one Municipal Fee Assistance application is required to access all these programs. Individuals have to identify the program in which they would like participate. Please Note: Individuals cannot receive assistance from both a municipal recreation program (through SPARK) and a community recreational program offered through P.R.O. Kids. Eligible individuals must select which of these programs they prefer to access.
What is the maximum level of assistance I can access?
A: The maximum levels of assistance are:
- Affordable Transit Pass: a 32 per cent discount on a Kingston Transit Monthly My Card pass. Your discount will be available for the entire year.
- SPARK municipal recreation programs: a maximum of $300 per person per year. This will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis until all the programs funds are spent.
- P.R.O. Kids community programs: a maximum of $75 per person per season. The specific amount will vary depending on your choice of program and your ability to contribute.
How do I access the program once I am approved?
A: Once you are approved the program can be accessed as follows:
- Affordable Transit Pass: You will be provided with a card which allows you to obtain a discount when you purchase your first Kingston Transit Monthly My Card at City Hall. Your My Card can then be renewed each month at City Hall, Cataraqui Town Centre, Pharma Plus at the Kingston Centre, Shoppers Drug Mart at 156 Princess St. and W. J. Henderson Recreation Centre in Amherstview. If you already have a discounted Monthly My Card, you can continue to renew your monthly bus pass at any locations where bus passes are sold by presenting your current ATP card. Affordable Transit Pass cards should be renewed before the month noted on the face of the card.
- SPARK municipal recreation programs: A credit (maximum $300) will be entered in the City's recreation payment system in your name. As you register for ongoing or drop-in city recreation or leisure programs the cost will be deducted from this amount. You will be able to register for programs or use drop-in programs without carrying an extra card or letter.
- P.R.O. Kids community programs: Once eligibility is confirmed and your P.R.O. Kids placement form is complete, contact P.R.O. Kids to setup an appointment.
I am on Ontario Works (or ODSP) already. Can my caseworker just look up my file and approve me?
A: No. Although this program is being administered by Community and Family Services, it is separate from other programs. Therefore you need to complete the application and go to a drop-in eligibility session. Staff can also not access information from your existing files therefore you must bring your drug benefit card and completed application to your scheduled appointment.
A: Full time post-secondary students are not eligible for the subsidy whether they are living on their own or living at home with their parents. Students already have access to recreation programs through their educational facilities and to transit passes.
Can I use my Drug Card statement as a form of identification?
A: Single individuals (without dependents) on Ontario Works or ODSP can bring in either their Drug Card or their recent statement. Those with families are asked to bring in the Drug Card as it lists the family members.
I am a full-time post-secondary student with a family. Can I apply?
A: Full-time post secondary students are not eligible — but their family members may be. If you have children and/or a partner you can apply for your family members to receive Municipal Fee Assistance.
