BC Employment and AssistanceAdditional Assistance for British Columbians in Need
Senior's SupplementThe Senior's Supplement is a monthly payment provided by the Province of British Columbia through the Employment and Assistance Act. The Senior's Supplement ensures a conditionally guaranteed income level for B.C. residents receiving federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income supplement or federal Allowances. If the income level of an eligible senior's total income falls below the level guaranteed by the province, the supplement is provided to make up the difference. The maximum monthly supplement will be $49.30 for single seniors and $120.50 for senior couples and is paid automatically to eligible recipients. Seniors do not have to apply. Please see our Questions: Answers page for additional information. For more information please call 1-866-866-0800 (press 4, then 1) Senior's Supplement Program
Bus PassAn annual pass for public transit systems is available to assist eligible individuals to participate more fully in their communities. Applicants must apply each year. Annual bus passes may be purchased by people:
The cost of the bus pass is $45 per calendar year or portion thereof. Applications for the next calendar year are mailed during the month of October of the current year to individuals who hold a valid pass at the time. Applicants should mail the application and their payment promptly or take the application to their bank and make the payment. The following year's passes are mailed in mid-December. For more information call: 1-866-866-0800 (press 4 then 3) or write to: Bus Pass Program
BC Transit Internet site: http://www.transitbc.com/
Special Transportation Subsidy (STS)Special Transportation Subsidy (STS) is provided to recipients of disability assistance who live in areas where the Bus Pass program is available, but are unable to use public transportation due to their disability or because it would make their disability worse. To qualify for the STS, people must:
BC Family BonusThe BC Family Bonus is a program administered by the Ministry of Small Business & Revenue that provides a tax-free payment to moderate-income families with dependent children. The BC Family Bonus makes it easier for families with children to leave and stay off income assistance because they can continue to receive the bonus for their children while working or going to school. Families receive the BCFB as part of a payment called the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). Also included in this payment are the federal Child Tax Benefit, the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) and the BC Earned Income Benefit (BCEIB). The CCTB payment is calculated on the previous year's income tax return, so it is important that all families, including BC Employment and Assistance clients remember to file their returns on time. Clients should also know that lump sum CCTB payments do affect eligibility for income assistance. Clients can receive the CCTB through either the mail or electronic deposits to their bank accounts. Go to: Schedule of CCTB Payment Dates (Gov't of Canada) For more information on the CCTB, or any of the individual payments, please contact Canada Custom and Revenue Agency at 1 800 387-1193.
BC Healthy KidsThe BC Healthy Kids Program helps low income families with the costs associated with basic dental care and prescription eyewear for their children. Dependent children under 19 years of age, in families receiving any level of Medical Services Plan (MSP) premium assistance through the Ministry of Health, are eligible for the BC Healthy Kids Program. More information on the BC Healthy Kids Program 1-866-866-0800 press 4, then 2 BC Healthy Kids Program
Community Assistance ProgramThe Community Assistance Program (CAP) helps community groups in urban centres provide services to people who experience multiple barriers to independence. Service can also provide more support for those who wish to participate in pre-employment and employment training programs. Services supported through this fund are targeted to people with multiple barriers, including:
Hostels and SheltersThe Ministry of Housing and Social Development teams with community partners to add emergency shelter beds and improve co-ordination of shelter services to homeless people year round in cold and wet weather. See fact sheets for more information. |
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