This is the best summary I could come up with:

When Trudy Goold received a cost-of-living increase to her Canada Pension Plan disability payments earlier this year, she felt a sense of relief.

Goold, who is autistic and has a physical disability, receives support from various federal and provincial government programs, totalling just over $2,000 monthly.

According to Claire McNeil, a staff lawyer with Dalhousie Legal Aid Service, Nova Scotia's policy of not protecting cost-of-living increases has been around since the 1990s, and is keeping many people with disabilities in deep poverty.

"To account for any rise in the cost of living, CPP benefit amounts are increased each January to ensure that the purchasing power is maintained, as measured by the Consumer Price Index," spokesperson Maja Stefanovska said in an email.

Trudy said the provincial and federal payments don't allow disabled people to get ahead, and puts them in precarious positions.

A spokesperson from the Department of Community Services said she could not discuss Goold's case, but explained anyone eligible for income assistance or the disability support program must meet certain criteria.

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