PDF Version Of Fact Sheet (61KB)

PDF Version Of New Rate Tables (46KB)

Web Version of New Rate Tables

INCREASES TO INCOME ASSISTANCE RATES

• Rate increases will take effect in April 2007 - and will be reflected on clients'March 28, 2007 payments.

• All income assistance clients will be eligible to receive an increase of up to $50 per month to the maximum shelter portion of their income assistance rates. This is the first across the board shelter rate increase since 1992 - and will benefit 135,000 individuals.
  • For example, a single Expected to Work client will be eligible to receive a monthly maximum of $375 for shelter.

• All single Expected to Work clients will receive an increased support payment of $50 per month - benefiting over 16,000 individuals.
  • With the new rate, a single Expected to Work client will receive $235 per month, a 27 per cent increase - up from $185.

• Support and shelter rates for children will be standardized, ensuring all children receive the same amount of support regardless of the classification of their parents. These changes will immediately benefit 18,800 families.
  • For example, a single Expected to Work parent with two children will receive $1,036 a month up from $881, an 18 per cent increase.

• The full cost of all rate increases will be $58.1 million in 2007/08 - representing an additional $188 million over four years.

• Changes will also be made to existing policy benefiting a family unit in which only one adult is classified as a Person with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) and the other as Expected to Work. Support rates will be increased to reflect a percentage of what a two-person PPMB family would receive and both adults will be eligible for PPMB medical supplements and earnings exemptions.

• As well, effective June 1, 2007, standardized payments will be made to the approximately 5,000 clients residing in Community Living BC facilities, providing all clients in CLBC facilities with the maximum monthly disability rate - leaving clients with $190 per month for personal expenses.
  
  
• The Diabetic Diet Supplement will increase from $15 to $35 per month; and, the Guide Animal Supplements will increase to $95 per month - up from $62.

• A new transportation supplement will be made available to help clients who are required to travel in order to receive drug or alcohol treatment at an approved facility. The cost of the supplement will be based on the least expensive, appropriate mode of transportation.
  
  
• In addition to provincial income assistance, low income B.C. families benefit from a variety of programs offered by both the provincial and federal governments, including: Medical Service Plan and PharmaCare coverage; the Christmas and School Start-Up Supplements; the B.C. Sales Tax Credit; child tax credits; basic dental coverage; the GST Credit; the National Child Benefit; and, the $100 monthly Universal Child Care Benefit for children under six.

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