(05-28-2021, 09:09 AM)tomh009 Wrote:(05-27-2021, 05:14 PM)Bob_McBob Wrote: Why is access to income data a challenge? Anyone applying for ATP who isn't receiving OW/ODSP is required to submit extensive verification of their household income on an annual basis, including CRA assessments, bank statements, and pay stubs.
Yes, you can ask people to bring in paperwork and have someone go through it and validate it. It will take time, for both the passenger and the staff, and it's no fun for the passenger and it costs money for the region.
Ideally, the GRT staff would scan in an ID card or enter a SIN, and the GRT system would make a request to the CRA system for the family income, and then determine the discount level. The staff member would never see any personal documents or income information, the system would just indicate that this person qualifies for a 40% discount, for example -- and that would automatically be tied to the person's pass or EasyGo card.
Here is the catch: The region is looking for "household income". Revenue Canada can only give "Family Income".
Here is the difference: Suppose I have an 19 year old finishing out high school or simply look for his first real job, but still not earning much (saying under $10,000), and I am taking care of an aging parent (this is more factual in my case). The CRA see's 3 families here, me, my son, my mother. We all get separate benefits (if we qualify) based on our NOA and living arrangements (who's paying property taxes, for example).
Region is looking for household income, that is, combined income of 3 different families, in this case.
Another example: suppose a single mother taking care of a young child (say 7 years old), and two teenagers. She works PT earning $25/hour (so a decent job) for 24 hours a week. That's $31,200. Both her teens have summer jobs, with reduced hours during school year, each earning $4,500/year. That takes the household income up to $40,700, and doesn't qualify them for reduced ticket prices, since they are rich.
Again, with the above case, the CRA doesn't hold the kids income against her as 'family income'. Her benefits, like the GST, Trillium, and CCB, is based on her income only. Yet, the region would count the kids income as household income.
It's petty and disgusting. And it leaves family with zero dignity. And by that, I mean families that actually qualify, have to bring all this proof of poverty to the region. In this day and age, you'd expect better.
I really hope someone from the region is reading this, like Redman, because you guys are creepy as hell. Bunch of dingbats running the system over there.
Oh, folks, btw, if you work for the region and you're on the Sunshine List, guess what! You GET A DISCOUNT! Yep, this is what this region has become. What a disgrace. Man...I am so livid.