Persons with Disabilities
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BC Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
The Province of British Columbia is committed to improving employment and assistance programs for persons with disabilities and providing resources to those most in need.
The British Columbia Employment and Assistance (BCEA) Program aims to promote greater independence for people with disabilities, including greater income security and increased participation in the community.
In addition, the BCEA program recognizes that persons with disabilities may require additional supports, such as a higher assistance rate, supplementary assistance and specialized employment supports in order to meet the challenges of daily living and move towards greater independence.
Persons with disabilities who leave assistance for employment keep their Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation and maintain their medical assistance. They are not required to reapply for the designation if they reapply for assistance in the future.
Who is Eligible?
The Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act defines a person with disabilities as a person who is at least 18 years of age, with a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to continue for at least two years, and who:
- Is significantly restricted in his or her ability to perform daily living activities
- Requires assistance with daily living activities from another person, an assistive device or an assistance animal
The criteria specifically includes:
- Individuals with mental health disorders
- Individuals with episodic illnesses that restrict daily living activities continuously or periodically for extended periods
Application Process
Application forms are available only at Employment and Assistance offices. The PWD designation application form is intended only for persons who need assistance under the BCEA Program.
Applicants who are not yet 18 years of age may submit their application up to six months prior to their 18th birthday.
The form has three sections:
- Applicant information completed by the applicant.
- Physician report completed by a physician or medical practitioner.
- Assessor report completed by a prescribed professional of the applicant’s choice. (e.g. if the applicant is applying due to mental illness, a registered psychologist and/or registered psychiatric nurse).
The following is a list of authorized prescribed professionals for this purpose:
- Medical practitioner
- Registered psychologist
- Nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or registered psychiatric nurse
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
- Social worker
- Chiropractor
Disability and Supplementary Assistance
A person with the PWD designation may be eligible for:
- Monthly support and shelter assistance
- Medical coverage which includes Medical Services Plan and PharmaCare coverage with no deductible, as well as other health supplements such as dental and optical coverage
- A $500 earnings exemption per month
- A low-cost annual bus pass
- Exemptions from time limits and employment obligations for receiving assistance
Other Related Brochures and Websites
For More Information
Contact the Ministry of Social Development by calling toll-free:
1-866-866-0800
