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Today, both the federal government and provincial governments provide various social assistance programs designed to help people who are struggling financially. Most of these programs offer financial aid to help individuals pay for the essentials, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. 

If you live in British Columbia, you can apply for the income assistance program. 

Key Points

  • The BC income assistance program provides financial assistance to individuals and families struggling to pay for basic needs.
  • To be eligible for the program you must provide proof of need. 
  • The amount of assistance you can receive is based on family size.
  • Additional coverage for expenses such as medical services and prescriptions is also available. 
  • You can apply for the program online using your My Self Serve account.

What Is The BC Income Assistance Program?

British Columbia runs various social assistance programs, one of which is income assistance. The purpose of income assistance is to provide financial relief to individuals who face difficulty paying for their basic needs. 

Who Is Eligible For The BC Income Assistance Program? 

You may be eligible for income assistance if:

  • You’re currently not working. 
  • You’re not able to work.
  • You’re not earning enough to pay for basic living expenses.
  • You need food, shelter, medical services, or other necessities but have no means of paying for them.

Income assistance is administered by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Conditions Of The BC Income Assistance Program

Once you’ve been approved for the program and you receive income assistance payments, you must adhere to two conditions to remain in the program:

Complete An Employment Plan

If you’re able to work, you must show that you’re actively working to secure employment adequate to support yourself. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to abstain from searching for work while receiving income assistance payments. 

To be exempt from this requirement, you must present your case to the ministry and explain why you’re not in a position to seek employment.

Submit A Monthly Report

The monthly report, also known as the “cheque stub,” is due by the fifth of each month. This report is a legal document that verifies that you’re still in need of income assistance. The ministry will examine your report’s details to determine if you’re still eligible for income assistance payments. 

You can complete the report online through your My Self Serve account or using a paper copy, which you can submit to a nearby ministry office or your local Service BC office.

How Much Can You Receive Through The BC Income Assistance Program?

The amount you can expect to receive in income assistance is based on your current circumstance and the number of members in your family. You can get up to: 

  • $1,060 if you’re single.
  • $1,650 if both you and your spouse are on income assistance and have no children.
  • $1,405 if you’re single and have one child.
  • $1,845 if both you and your spouse are on income assistance and have one child.

You’ll also receive medical services coverage and pharmacare prescription coverage.

Extra Coverage Under the BC Income Assistance Program

In addition to the monthly base amount, you may qualify for additional funds to cover other expenses. These supplementary benefits are classified under two categories: general and health. Each benefit under both categories has its unique eligibility criteria. You’ll have to contact the ministry to find out if you qualify.

General Supplements Include

Bus Pass A discounted bus pass is available to low-income seniors and those designated as Persons with Disabilities.
ClothingIf you live in a special care facility, you may receive extra money to purchase clothing.
Crisis Supplement This is an extra payment intended to help with unexpected emergencies requiring an immediate cash outlay
Moving, transportation, and living costsYou may be eligible to receive money to cover transportation costs incurred for important reasons, such as starting a new job or attending a court hearing.
School start-upYou may get extra funds to cover school supplies for your children.
Security deposit If you rent your living space, you may receive funds to help pay for the security deposit. You’re required to repay this benefit.

Health Supplements Include

Dental This benefit helps to pay for basic dental coverage.
Extended medical therapiesYou may be eligible to receive extra money to help pay for such services as acupuncture, massage therapy, podiatry, and physical therapy.
Hearing instrumentsThis extra payment helps cover hearing instruments’ costs and any associated supplies and repairs.
Natal supplementIf you’re pregnant or have a child less than seven months old, you may qualify for an additional $45 per month.
Nutritional supplementThis benefit provides additional money for up to three months to cover the cost of dietary supplements essential to help you recover from surgeries, diseases, and medical treatment.

For a complete list of general and health supplements, visit the Government of British Columbia website.

Will My Coverage Stop If I Start Working?

No, you won’t stop receiving assistance if you start working, up to a limit. 

Effective January 1, 2024, the earnings exemption for income assistance recipients is:

  • $600.00 for single individuals or couples without children
  • $900.00 for families with children
  • $1,080.00 for families who have a child with a disability.
  • $1,080.00 for single individuals or families where at least one adult falls under the Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers category.

British Columbia Income Assistance Payment Dates 2024

Income assistance payments are issued each month. Below is the schedule for 2024 payments.

Payment DatePeriod Covered
January 17, 2024February 2024
February 14, 2024March 2024
March 20, 2024April 2024
April 17, 2024May 2024
May 15, 2024June 2024
June 19, 2024July 2024
July 17, 2024August 2024
August 21, 2024September 2024
September 18, 2024October 2024
October 23, 2024November 2024
November 20, 2024December 2024
December 18, 2025January 2025

How To Apply For The BC Income Assistance Program

The most efficient way to apply for income assistance is online by using a My Self Serve account. My Self Serve is an online account where you can view personal messages and submit necessary reports and documents. You can also complete the application process by calling 1-866-866-0800 or visiting your local ministry office or Service BC center.

You’ll need to supply various personal details as part of the application process, such as: 

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s income assistance program is a valuable financial resource for those who lack an income or earn an income too low to cover basic living costs. While other government-benefit programs can offer financial aid during difficult times, such as EI, these tend to provide only temporary aid. With income assistance, you get the benefit of regular monthly payments for an extended period, allowing you to improve your present situation gradually, without the stress of running out of money. You may also qualify for a wide range of supplementary benefits, making income assistance one of the province’s most versatile social assistance programs. 

BC Income Assistance FAQs

How long will it take to get approved for Income Assistance in BC?

The length of time it takes to get approved for Income Assistance in BC varies depending on your situation. After applying you should hear back within 5 business days. Then it can take up to an additional 45 days for a final decision.

When will I receive my Income Assistance?

Income assistance payment dates are around the 20th of each month, give or take a few days. You can find a full list of the exact payment dates on the Government of BC website.

Is there a limit to how long I can receive Income Assistance?

Income Assistance in BC is intended to provide temporary support to individuals and families during times of need. Recipients are encouraged to work towards self-sufficiency. Assistance may be provided as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Mark Gregorski avatar on Loans Canada
Mark Gregorski

Mark is a writer who specializes in writing content for companies in the financial services industry. He has written articles about personal finance, mortgages, and real estate and is passionate about educating people on how to make smart financial decisions. Mark graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a degree in finance and has more than ten years' experience as an accountant. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing poker, going to the gym, composing music, and learning about digital marketing.

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