Web Version of New Rate Tables
September 16, 2008
Ministry of Social Development
Increases To Income Assistance Rates
- Rate increases took effect in April 2007 - and were reflected on clients' March 28, 2007, payments.
- All income assistance clients were eligible to receive an increase of up to $50 per month to the maximum shelter portion of their income assistance rates. This was the first across-the-board shelter rate increase since 1992 - benefiting 135,000 individuals.
- For example, a single Expected to Work client is now eligible to receive a monthly maximum of $375 for shelter.
- All single Expected to Work clients received an increased support payment of $50 per month - benefiting over 16,000 individuals.
- With the new rate, a single Expected to Work client now receives $235 per month, a 27 per cent increase - up from $185.
- Support and shelter rates for children were standardized, ensuring all children receive the same amount of support regardless of the classification of their parents. These changes immediately benefited 18,800 families.
- For example, a single Expected to Work parent with two children now receives $1,036 a month up from $881, an 18 per cent increase.
- The full cost of all rate increases was $58.1 million in 2007/08 - representing an additional $185 million over three years.
- Changes were also 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 were increased to reflect a percentage of what a two-person PPMB family would receive and both adults are now eligible for PPMB medical supplements and earnings exemptions.
- As well, effective June 1, 2007, standardized payments were 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 increased from $15 to $35 per month; and the Guide Animal Supplements increased to $95 per month - up from $62.
- A new transportation supplement was 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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The Ministry of Social Development Info Line at:
1 866 866-0800
For more information:
