Your Guide to Employment and AssistancePDF Version Of This Document Personal responsibility, active participation equals sustainable employmentThe BC Employment and Assistance Program assists British Columbians in achieving their potential by moving people from income assistance to sustainable employment, and by providing income assistance to those in need. BC Employment and Assistance is an income- and asset-tested program intended to assist people temporarily while they find work, and to assist those who are unable to fully participate in the workforce. Personal responsibility and active participation are the key principles of BC Employment and Assistance. Employable applicants are expected to look for work before they receive assistance, and people receiving income assistance are expected to complete an Employment Plan, seek work, and participate in job placement and job training programs so they may reach their goal of self-reliance. People with disabilities who can work are supported by employment programs that recognize the cyclical nature of some disabilities. Assistance is also available to those in need who are not expected to gain independence through employment. How do I Enquire about BC Employment and Assistance?
What is the Three-Week Work Search?Prior to the application interview date, you are expected to look for employment. This three-week work search gives you the opportunity to look for work and access other sources of support, such as family, friends and the community. It also gives you time to collect the documents you need for the application interview. During the work search period, you will need to:
What do I bring to the Application InterviewIf you do not find work during the three-week work search period, and you return to the ministry for an application interview, ministry staff will:
You must bring proof of your work search activities, including a current resume and a record of employer contacts, along with the other documentation required. Information from the Work Search Activities Record will assist you and your Employment and Assistance Worker in determining your degree of job readiness. The application form is a legal document which lists your income, assets, family situation and expenses. You must provide correct and accurate information. When you sign the form, you agree that all the information is correct. The ministry has legal authority to confirm the information you have given. Ministry staff will check and verify that the information you have provided is correct. Job Placement / Job Training ProgramsThe Ministry of Housing and Social Development continues to invest in employment-related programs that will assist BC Employment and Assistance clients into employment and self-reliance. Some of these programs include the Job Placement Program, Training for Jobs, the Confirmed Job Program, the Community Assistance Program, and the Bridging Employment Program. Job placement and training for jobs programs help individuals on income assistance find and keep employment. Employable people receiving income assistance are expected to seek work, complete an Employment Plan, and participate in a ministry job placement or job training program. There are some exceptions to the requirement to seek work, such as a single parent with a child under the age of three or a person with a disability. If you feel you should be temporarily exempt from being required to seek work, talk to your Employment and Assistance Worker. For More Information?Contact the Employment and Income Assistance Centre by calling: 1 866 866-0800 |
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