BC Employment and Assistance
Additional Assistance for British Columbians in Need
BC Family Bonus
The BC Family Bonus is a program administered by the Ministry of Small Business & Revenue that provides a tax-free payment to moderate-income families with dependent children.
The BC Family Bonus makes it easier for families with children to leave and stay off income assistance because they can continue to receive the bonus for their children while working or going to school.
Families receive the BCFB as part of a payment called the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). Also included in this payment are the federal Child Tax Benefit, the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) and the BC Earned Income Benefit (BCEIB).
The CCTB payment is calculated on the previous year's income tax return, so it is important that all families, including BC Employment and Assistance clients remember to file their returns on time. Clients should also know that lump sum CCTB payments do affect eligibility for income assistance.
Clients can receive the CCTB through either the mail or electronic deposits to their bank accounts.
Go to: Schedule of CCTB Payment Dates (Gov't of Canada)
For more information on the CCTB, or any of the individual payments, please contact Canada Custom and Revenue Agency at 1 800 387-1193.
BC Healthy Kids
The BC Healthy Kids Program helps low income families with the costs associated with basic dental care and prescription eyewear for their children. Dependent children under 19 years of age, in families receiving any level of Medical Services Plan (MSP) premium assistance through the Ministry of Health Services, are eligible for the BC Healthy Kids Program.
More information on the BC Healthy Kids Program
1-866-866-0800 (press 4, then 2)
BC Healthy Kids Program
9950 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria V8W 9R3
Community Assistance Program
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) helps community groups in urban centres provide services to people who experience multiple barriers to independence. Service can also provide more support for those who wish to participate in pre-employment and employment training programs.
Services supported through this fund are targeted to people with multiple barriers, including:
- persons with a diagnosed mental illness;
- persons with an identified substance abuse problem;
- persons with less than grade 10 who have an identified problem with basic literacy;
- any age group where high unemployment exists; and
- homeless persons.
Hostels and Shelters
The Ministry of Social Development teams with community partners to add emergency shelter beds and improve co-ordination of shelter services to homeless people year round in cold and wet weather.
For more information on the BC Employment and Assistance Program, please see quick links.
Senior's Supplement
The Senior's Supplement is a monthly payment provided by the Province of British Columbia through the Employment and Assistance Act. The Senior's Supplement ensures a conditionally guaranteed income level for B.C. residents receiving federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income supplement or federal Allowances.
If the income level of an eligible senior's total income falls below the level guaranteed by the province, the supplement is provided to make up the difference. The maximum monthly supplement will be $49.30 for single seniors and $120.50 for senior couples and is paid automatically to eligible recipients. Seniors do not have to apply.
For more information please call 1-866-866-0800 (press 4, then 1)
Senior's Supplement Program
9950 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria V8W 9R3
Special Transportation Subsidy (STS)
Special Transportation Subsidy (STS) is provided to recipients of disability assistance who live in areas where the Bus Pass program is available, but are unable to use public transportation due to their disability or because it would make their disability worse.
To qualify for the STS, people must:
- be in receipt of a disability allowance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act;
- reside in an area where the Bus Pass program is available;
- provide certification from a physician verifying:
- that they are unable to use the Bus Pass program or any other form of subsidized public transportation service (such as handyDART and Taxi Savers) due to their disability, or, that their disability would be aggravated by using public transportation; and
- the alternative form of transportation required to accommodate the disability (examples: operating a personal vehicle or paying others for transportation)
Other Assistance
Additional Help for BC Employment and Assistance Clients
The Ministry of Social Development provides money for food and shelter costs, plus a variety of other assistance through BC Employment and Assistance.
The following are some additional assistance that may be available to you if you are an Employment and Assistance client.
Identification Fees
If you do not have the identification you need to apply for BC Employment and Assistance, the cost of getting a BC Identification card or other documents may be paid on your behalf. This assistance is available on a one-time only basis.
Security Deposit
If you are renting accommodation, you may be eligible for this assistance to cover the cost of your security deposit. These are repayable benefits. Security deposits are recovered from income assistance cheques at $20 per month. The security deposit deduction occurs on the second cheque after the security deposit is issued.
Co-operative Housing Association Share Purchase Benefit
If you are moving into co-op housing, you may be eligible for money to pay for your membership share. This benefit must be repaid to the ministry when you move or leave BC Employment and Assistance.
Emergency Moving Benefit
If you are forced to move because the accommodation you are renting has been sold or condemned, or a move to a new place would significantly reduce your expenses, you may receive money to pay your moving expenses.
Natal Supplement
If you are pregnant or have a child less than seven months old, you may qualify for this monthly assistance to help cover miscellaneous extra costs.
Diet Assistance
If you require a special diet for a specific medical condition, you may be eligible for this monthly assistance to help cover the extra cost. (See quick link for details.)
Guide Animal Supplement
If you use the services of a registered guide animal, you may be eligible for a monthly benefit to help you maintain the animal.
Christmas Supplement
Available as part of the December cheque, this money helps with extra expenses at Christmas.
School Start-Up Supplement
If you have dependent children, you may receive money to buy back-to-school supplies.
Camp Fees
If you have dependent children or are an adult with a disability, you may receive money to pay part or all of the fee to attend a recognized camp.
Crisis Assistance
If you face an unexpected, emergency need that could affect the health of yourself or your family, or the safety of a child, you may be eligible for this one-time grant to cover the cost.
Community Volunteer Supplement
The Community Volunteer Supplement is a monthly payment of up to $100 to assist eligible clients who volunteer with a non-profit agency. The supplement assists clients with transportation, clothing or other related expenses related to volunteering.
For more information about this supplement, contact your Employment and Assistance worker.
Assistance With Transportation Costs
Medical Transportation
If you have frequent, local medical appointments, or the medical treatment you need is not available in your community, you may receive money for transportation to your medical appointments.
Court Attendance
You may receive money for your transportation and living expenses if you are required to attend court outside your community for:
- a court action through the Family Maintenance Program; or
- a child protection action under the Child, Family and Community Service Act
Paternity Testing
If you are required to attend a blood testing clinic to determine paternity as a result of a court action through the Family Maintenance Program, you may receive money for transportation.
For more information about the BC Employment and Assistance programs, contact your local Employment and Assistance Office.
