Time Limits. What You Need to Know
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What Are Time Limits?
The BC Employment and Assistance Program supports British Columbians in achieving their potential, by helping move people from income assistance to sustainable employment and by providing assistance to those most in need.
As part of the province’s emphasis on employment and personal responsibility, time limits were introduced to help motivate employable income assistance clients to find jobs as quickly as possible.
In accordance with legislation, you may be eligible for income assistance for a maximum of 24 out of 60 months. After this time limit is reached, you may become ineligible for assistance or face reductions to your assistance.
Please note that there are exemptions to the time limit rule. Some of these exemptions are listed under the Time Limits Exemptions.
What is Your Responsibility?
As an income assistance client, you are responsible for following your Employment Plan obligations. Your Employment Plan outlines employment objectives for you and identifies expected outcomes and requirements.
Need Help Finding a Job?
You can access a variety of employment supports through both ministry and non-ministry services. Supports may be provided through a range of employment programs tailored to meet your individual needs.
For example, you may be able to access programs such as the Community Assistance Program, Bridging Employment Program, or BC Employment Program. Talk to ministry staff about which program is best for you and what supports are available.
Time Limits Exemptions
You may be exempt from time limits if you:
- have been designated a Persons with Disabilities;
- have a dependent child under the age of three;
- are under 19 years of age;
- are pregnant;
- are a refugee claimant who has not yet achieved “landed” status in Canada;
- are a parent caring for a disabled child;
- have persistent multiple barriers to employment;
- have a drug or alcohol problem, mental health condition, or temporary medical condition that prevents employment;
- are residing in a special care facility or private hospital; or
- are unable to work or actively search for work and comply with your Employment Plan at your 24 month limit.
For a complete list of time limits exemptions, ask ministry staff or access one on the ministry’s web site at: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2004/timelimits.htm.
In addition, you may remain eligible for assistance beyond the 24 month time limit if you follow your Employment Plan obligations.
What happens if employment obligations are not followed?
Non-compliance occurs when a client does not agree to enter into an Employment Plan or does not comply with the plan’s requirements. Non-compliance may also occur if a client refuses to sign an amended Employment Plan.
If you do not follow your employment obligations, you and your family unit may be ineligible for assistance or have reductions made to your income assistance.
Your eligibility for assistance may be reassessed if your personal circumstances change during the time period that you are subject to a reduction to your income assistance due to non-compliance.
Other Resources
You may find the following list of resources useful as you search for employment:
How do time limits affect single parents and pregnant women?
Pregnant women and single parents with children under three years of age are not affected by time limits. In addition, no family with children will be found ineligible for assistance due to time limits. However, single parents and families may have their assistance reduced if employment obligations are not followed.
Do most employable clients find jobs before the 24 month time limit?
Yes, because of the extensive Employment Plans and supports available, the vast majority of clients are working well before the 24-month mark. Very few clients have been denied assistance on reaching their time limit marks because most comply with their Employment Plan.
Need More Information?
Contact the Ministry of Social Development by calling toll-free:
1-866-866-0800
