Raises Work Exemption for Social Solidarity

Summary#

This Québec bill would let people on the Social Solidarity Program keep more money from work without losing their monthly benefit. It sets their “earnings exemption” (the amount you can earn from work before your benefit is cut) to the same level used in the Basic Income Program.

• Raises the annual work-income amount Social Solidarity recipients can keep with no benefit cut, to match the Basic Income Program.
• Aims to support “active contribution to society” by making part-time or occasional work pay.
• Does not change who qualifies for Social Solidarity, or the basic benefit amounts.
• Applies only to work income; other rules of the program stay the same.
• Would take effect on the date the bill is officially approved.

What it means for you#

• Social Solidarity recipients

  • You could earn more from a job before your benefit is reduced, up to the same yearly limit used in the Basic Income Program.
  • Part-time, seasonal, or occasional work would be easier to try without risking a quick benefit cut.
  • Your basic eligibility and monthly benefit rates do not change.
  • This change applies to Social Solidarity only. Other programs (like housing or tax credits) may have their own income rules.

• Basic Income recipients

  • No changes. Your current earnings exemption and benefits stay the same.

• Employers and community groups

  • Easier to hire or place people on Social Solidarity for part-time or flexible work without harming their benefits right away.
  • Clearer, more consistent rules across two major programs.

• General public

  • More recipients may take paid work while keeping their safety net.
  • Government benefit costs could rise because fewer dollars are clawed back when people work.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Reduces the “welfare wall” by letting people keep more of what they earn.
• Encourages gradual return to work, which can support health, routine, and social ties.
• Aligns rules with the Basic Income Program, making the system fairer and easier to understand.
• Could widen the pool of available workers for part-time and entry-level jobs.
• May reduce long-term dependence on benefits if more people can test work without penalty.

Opponents' View#

• Could increase program costs because benefits would be reduced less when recipients earn income.
• May mainly help those healthy enough to work, offering little to people who cannot work at all.
• Might create new gaps with other programs (like basic Social Assistance) that still have lower earnings exemptions.
• Details on administration and how this interacts with other income-tested supports are not yet clear.