UPDATE: Alberta Human Services called Global News on Tuesday evening to say the reduction in Nicole Daugherty’s support payment will be waived.
CALGARY – A Calgary mother in need who received a cash gift from a local radio station was dismayed to learn the provincial government is cutting her monthly support payment as a result.
Nicole Daugherty, the mother of a young disabled child, received $1,000 in cash and another $1,000 in gift certificates from CJAY 92’s Secret Wish Program.
The money was a welcome surprise for Daugherty, who stays home to look after three-year-old Izrahia, who needs 24-hour care. She also has two other children, and survives on a monthly support payment of $1,000.
When she checked in with Alberta Human Services, as she is required to do on a monthly basis, she was in for a shock.
“They asked if I received any cash gifts, so I reported that,” says Daugherty. “They kept back $570 from my next month’s benefits because they consider it (the gift) as income.”
Daugherty explained the money was for Christmas gifts for her kids, but didn’t get any sympathy from government officials.
That has shocked Ross MacLeod, CJAY 92’s program director.
“I think this is a mistake. To us, it’s simply a gift to this family that’s going through a horrible time, so it should not be considered income.”
Daugherty plans to appeal the government clawback, but a decision will come too late for her to buy presents for under the tree this Christmas.
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