Hardship assistance is available to people who are not eligible for BCEA income or disability assistance, and have proven that all other funding sources have been exhausted; they must apply for BCEA to initiate the request. It is issued for only one month at a time, and eligibility must be re-established for each month it is requested. To be eligible, individual must enter into an employment plan when requested. There is a three-month limit if applicants have been refused BCEA because they have income or assets in excess, are awaiting other income, have not established their identity, or have not met Social Insurance Number (SIN) card requirements. The three-month limit does not apply in situations when individuals are awaiting employment insurance benefits, are involved in strikes or lockouts due to labour disputes, or are ineligible for income assistance due to citizenship requirements not being met. In many instances, hardship assistance must be repaid. Phone service is available from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.