Welfare Payments Switch From Paper to Plastic

There are quite a few people on the welfare system in Vancouver, so when "Welfare Wednesday" rolls around, there is a significant amount of cash floating around in less desirable neighborhoods. In an effort to minimize violence and conflicts, the BC government is planning to issue direct-debit cards to more than 20,000 welfare recipients.

This strategy will largely be used with individuals who do not have a bank account and, as a result, cannot take advantage of a direct deposit system. By giving these people a debit card, they won't have to go cash their welfare cheques and thus, will not have to risk getting robbed on the day they receive their welfare payments. The debit cards can then be used at just about any store and cash can be attained from just about any ATM machine.

The program is set to start later this year.

Source: The Province

( Add your comments )

Recent Entries:
· Celebration of Light Fireworks Makes Another Comeback
· Views of Vancouver: Point Atkinson Lighthouse
· Views of Vancouver: Yaletown

[ READER COMMENTS ]

Welfare Payments Switch From Paper to Plastic

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.