Your Guide to Employment and Assistance
The BC Employment and Assistance program assists British Columbians by helping people move from income assistance to sustainable employment, and by providing income assistance to those who are unable to fully participate in the workforce.
The ministry has a responsibility to ensure that available resources go to those people who need them most. That is why applicants are expected to take advantage of all other sources of income and assets before qualifying.
People with disabilities who can work are supported by specialized employment programs that assist them to work as they are able. Continuous assistance is also available to those in need who are not expected to gain independence through employment.
Personal responsibility and active participation are the key principles of BC Employment and Assistance. Employable applicants are expected to look for work before they receive assistance and, where able, people receiving income assistance are expected to complete an Employment Plan, seek work, and participate in employment programs, so they may reach their goal of self-reliance.
Who is Eligible?
If a person is:
- out of work or earning very little;
- awaiting other income;
- unable to work; or,
- in immediate need of food, shelter or urgent medical attention
He or she may be able to receive income assistance or be referred to employment opportunities. Eligibility and monthly assistance rates depend on income and asset levels and the number of people in the family unit. If it is determined that an applicant has an immediate need, eligibility will be determined on an urgent basis.
Hardship assistance may be issued in some situations when an individual is not eligible for income assistance
How to Apply
- Go to the Self Service Assessment and Application at www.iaselfserve.gov.bc.ca
or
- Call toll free 1-866-866-0800; or
- Visit your nearest Employment and Income Assistance Office to set up an appointment for an eligibility interview. Interviews are typically scheduled three weeks after your initial enquiry;
- Obtain a copy of the Work Search Guidelines and the Work Search Activities Record;
- Prior to the eligibility interview, you are expected to conduct a three-week work search (unless exempt) and have an orientation;
- Attend interview with an Employment and Assistance Worker to determine your eligibility.
What is the Three-Week Work Search?
Prior to the eligibility interview date, you are expected to look for employment. You are exempt from the three-week work search if you have reached 65 years of age, if you are fleeing an abusive spouse or relative, or if you or any person in your family unit has an immediate need for food, shelter or urgent medical attention or is a person with disabilities (see www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/application/threeweek/policy.html for more information). During the work search period, you will need to:
- complete an orientation;
- access other potential sources of income such as family, friends and the community;
- collect the documents you need for the application interview; and
- keep a detailed record of your search on the Work Search Activities Record.
You
- Access Self-Serve online, call 1-866-866-0800, or visit an Employment and Assistance office. If you still want to proceed...
- Complete and submit Stage 1 HSD0080A consent form and receive document checklist and eligibility interview date.
- Gather the documentation required as indicated on the checklist.
- If required to do the three-week work search, contact your local office after 14 days for review.
- Attend the “eligibility interview” and provide documentation and report any changes.
- If eligible, discuss next steps and if applicable, develop employment plan.
- If not eligible, discuss ineligible reasons and provide reconsideration package/options.
SD will
- Provide general information and orientation;
- Create a file, Conduct third-party checks, Provide date for eligibility interview;
- Review client status at 14 days and provide eligibility interview;
- Provide eligibility decision.
Orientation Session
All applicants must have an orientation, either online or in person, that outlines work search requirements, job search tips and the application process. There are a few exceptions to this requirement, including applicants who:
- have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from completing; or
- are 65 or more years of age.
The orientation will also provide details about the necessary documents, income and assets levels, eligibility rules, and work search expectations when applying for BC Employment and Assistance.
The Self Serve Assessment & Application Tool is available online at: www.iaselfserve.gov.bc.ca.
What to bring to the Eligibility Interview
If you do not find employment during your work search period, and you return to the ministry for an eligibility interview, ministry staff will:
- verify the information you provide;
- determine your eligibility for income assistance;
- assess your readiness for employment; and
- work with you to develop an Employment Plan.
You must bring proof of your work search activities, including a current resume and a record of employers contacted, along with the other documentation required. Information from the Work Search Activities Record will assist you and your employment and assistance worker in determining your level of job readiness.
The application form is a legal document which lists your income, assets, family situation, and expenses. When you sign the form, you agree that all the information is correct. The ministry has legal authority to confirm the information you have given.
Employment Programs
Employment programs help those on income assistance to find and keep jobs. The Ministry of Social Development continues to invest in employment-related programs and services that will assist recipients gain employment and self-reliance including the BC Employment Program, the Bridging Employment Program, and the Confirmed Job Supplement.
There are some exceptions to the requirement to seek work while on assistance, such as a single parent with a child under the age of three, or a person with a disability or persistent multiple barriers. If you feel you should be temporarily exempt from being required to seek work, talk to your employment and assistance worker.
Other Assistance
As an income assistance recipient, you may be eligible for other forms of assistance including:
- Disability Assistance
- Identification Fees
- Security Deposit
- Emergency Moving Assistance
- Natal Supplement
- Diet Assistance
- Christmas Supplement
- School Start-Up Supplement
- Camp Fees
- Crisis Supplement
- Co-Operative Housing Association Share Purchase Supplement
- Community Volunteer Supplement
- Assistance with Transportation Costs for medical appointments, paternity testing and/or court attendance
- Guide Animal Supplement
For more information on these programs visit: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/programs/OtherBen.htm
For More Information
Contact the Ministry of Social Development by calling toll-free:
1-866-866-0800
For more information on these programs visit the SD Online Resource.
