The province is announcing a new program to provide support for low-income Manitobans with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Premier Brian Pallister says the new Disability Economic Support Program will provide a total of $4.6 million dollars to help Manitobans with disabilities adjust to the financial challenges that COVID-19 has created for them.

"More than 23,000 Manitobans need to rely on monthly benefits under the disability category of employment and income assistance. Under the Disability Economic Support Program, each of these Manitobans will receive a $200 cheque in one-time support in the mail in early June. This payment will not be considered taxable income...and this financial support will provide recipients with some of the additional help they need during this very challenging time and it will arrive quickly."

The Disability Economic Support Program is part of the Manitoba Protection Plan which also includes the recently announced Seniors Economic Recovery Credit as well as plans to provide additional support to Manitoba’s essential workers.