BC Income Assistance Dates (2024): Benefits & Eligibility

The BC Income Assistance benefits offer monthly payments to individuals who need financial help to meet their basic needs while transitioning to employment or unable to work. 

If you are out of work or not earning enough to meet your basic needs, are waiting for other sources of money to arrive, cannot work at all, or urgently need food, shelter or medical attention, you should consider applying for the BC welfare benefit.

Eligible applicants receive financial support, health coverage, supplements, and other support. In this blog post, you will discuss everything about BC income assistance, payment amounts, eligibility, how to apply, and the scheduled BC welfare dates for 2024.

Key Takeaways

• The BC Income Assistance program provides two main types of financial support for those transitioning to employment: a “support allowance” and a “shelter allowance.”
• The specific amount you’ll receive for BC welfare is determined by factors like your family size and financial circumstances.
• For single individuals, the monthly support allowance can go up to $1,060, while couples without children may receive up to $1,650.
• Additionally, eligible individuals may qualify for additional supplements to cover essential expenses such as bus passes, transportation costs, and health supplements.

BC Income Assistance Dates 2024

Also known as the ‘Welfare Wednesday” in BC, income assistance payments are usually made on the third or fourth Wednesday of the month.

The following are the income assistance dates for BC 2024:

You can choose to receive your payments by cheque and have them mailed to you. The cheques are sent out earlier by Sunday to ensure you receive them on the welfare dates in BC.

If you choose the pickup option at a government office, the cheques will be sent to the offices earlier by Monday and will be available for pickup afterwards.

However, setting up direct deposits for your BC income assistance payments is best. It can help to ensure you receive your payments on the scheduled BC income assistance benefit payment dates.

RELATED: Learn more on how to set up direct deposits 

What is BC Income Assistance?

The government of British Columbia provides income assistance to assist individuals in need who have no other means of supporting themselves.

Income assistance through the BC government is given to those earning less than a particular monthly income scale and can no longer support themselves. The benefits vary but usually include housing and deposits for rent, utilities, and food.

The income assistance program also provides access to medical services and PharmaCare prescription coverage.

The amount you will receive depends on your situation and family size. The amount of money you can get is based on a scale that considers the number of people in your family. 

To be eligible, you must be in financial need and have no other resources to take care of your needs. People who can’t work because they are ill, disabled, or caring for someone else will also be considered. 

BC Income Assistance Benefits

The BC Income Assistance program includes different benefits for eligible individuals. If you are eligible, you can receive any one of the following benefits:

Financial Support

BC income assistance offers a monthly financial benefit to eligible individuals to help them cover their basic needs. The financial support is made up of a support rate and shelter allowance.

The amount you will receive monthly depends on your situation and the size of your family. The larger your family size, the more money you will receive.

You can receive up to a maximum of $1,060 monthly if you are single with no dependants. However, if you are married with no children, you could receive up to $1,525 monthly as income assistance payments.

Supplement

In addition to the monthly financial support, you can also receive additional services through the supplement benefit. Like the financial support, it also comes in two categories that cover more than 30 supplements:

The General supplements include:

• Bus passes
• Funeral costs
• Guide and service dogs
• Transportation
• Camp fees
• Christmas expenses
• Travel
• Utility security deposits
• Security deposits
• Pet damage deposits
• Prenatal shelter

The Health supplements include: 

• Alcohol and drug treatment
• Medical transportation
• Infant formula
• Pharmacare
• Tube feeding
• Medical equipment
• Extended medical therapies
• Optical services
• Alternative hearing assistance
• Diet supplements
• Dental and orthodontic services

> Check out the full list of supplement

Employment Support Through WorkBC

If you can work, BC Income Assistance will assist you to get a job. They will help you secure employment or increase your chances of securing employment by granting you access to training, etc.

If you currently receive income assistance benefits and can work, you will have to look for a job. You will be required to fill out an employment plan.

The employment plan is developed with an Employment Assistance worker. You may be referred to WorkBC or other similar programs to help you in your job search and training.

You will need to keep track of your job searches, and it can be done using the Work Search Activities (PDF) form. For assistance with your job search, locate your local WorkBC centre.

RELATED: AISH Payment Dates 2024: Benefits, Eligibility & Application

Who is Eligible for Income Assistance in BC?

If you are in urgent need of food, shelter, or medical attention, out of work and cannot cover your basic needs, or your income isn’t enough to cover your needs, unable to work, waiting to receive other government assistance, you may be eligible to receive the BC income assistance benefits.

However, if you are a new or returning applicant, you must prove that you have actively searched for work for three weeks before qualifying for the benefits. 

There are certain circumstances in which you may not need to conduct a job search:

• Your child is under three years old, and you are a single parent
• You are 65 years old or above
• A health condition prevents you from seeking employment
• A relative or spouse abuses you
• You or any of your family members have a disability
• The law prohibits you from working in Canada

Nevertheless, an intake worker will explain the work search to you and tell you if it is appropriate for you.

What Happens If You’re Not Eligible For the Income Assistance Benefits?

If you are deemed ineligible for the BC income assistance benefits, you could still receive income support from the BC government.

Income support is available to British Columbians in certain situations under the hardship assistance program.

As a temporary measure, hardship assistance is offered for one month, and eligibility must be established each time applied. The following circumstances may qualify for hardship assistance:

• In families whose applicants or dependents cannot provide a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• In the case of applicants waiting to receive income from a different source
• Families with assets that exceed the exemption level but are not immediately available and are part of specified family units
• Those who are waiting for Employment Insurance (EI) from Service Canada
• An applicant who is on strike or locked out and is unable to receive the necessary assistance from the union
• Those without sufficient identification
• Family units with dependent children whose income does not amount to the maximum amount for their family unit and whose excess income cannot meet basic needs
• Candidates in need of food, shelter, or medical care but who have not satisfactorily completed the 3-week work search requirement
• For applicants whose Sponsorship Undertaking has been verified as default

Income Assistance Eligibility Assessment

You will be required to attend an eligibility assessment if you cannot find work during your job search. In either case, a worker will:

• Examine your employment readiness
• Make sure you have provided the correct information
• Create your employment with you
• Find out if you qualify for income assistance
• Verify whether you rent or plan to rent a place. Bring a copy of your lease or fill out the Shelter Information form if you rent.

Your assistance will then begin if you’re found to be eligible.

How Much is Welfare in BC?

As soon as you have been approved for income assistance, the monthly income assistance rate you receive depends on your situation and your family size.

For instance, if you receive a benefit payment during August 2022, you may be able to get up to:

• $1,060 if you’re single with no children
• You can get up to $1,405.00 if you’re a single parent with one child.
• If both you and your spouse are on welfare and you have no children, you will receive $1,650.00
• A couple receiving assistance who have one child receives $1,845.00

The Income Assistance program includes coverage for medical services plans and no-deductible PharmaCare prescriptions.

You may also get coverage for other expenses and remain covered for your basic health care if you have children.

As part of this benefit, you will receive 100% coverage under the medical services plan and PharmaCare for one year after leaving income assistance for employment.

Income Assistance Payment Exemptions

With effect from January 1, 2021, the following earnings exclusions apply to people on income assistance:

• An income-assistance recipient who is single or has no children receives $500.00 a month
• Monthly payment of $750.00 for families with children
• $900.00 a month for families with a disabled child
• Individuals and families whose at least one adult has persistent multiple barriers receive $900.00 a month

How to Apply for Welfare in BC?

The application process for income assistance is straightforward. It is best to apply as soon as possible if you do not have any income. If you have an adult child dependent on you, you may be eligible for income assistance on the first payment date.

There are several ways to access income assistance services.

• Online with My Self-Serve
• Toll-free with 1-866-866-0800
• In-person at an office location

Online

You can apply for assistance through My Self Serve and assess your eligibility with the BC government.

Toll-free

Call 1-866-866-0800:

• For programs and services of the ministry
• Reach out to a representative during regular business hours

Office locations

Alternatively, you can visit an office location for service. Smaller communities without dedicated offices can still get help from Service BC.

Office hours are:

• From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, Monday to Friday
• Closed between 12 and 1 pm
• Easter Monday, Boxing Day, and other statutory holidays are closed

Application Requirements

You will need to provide information about your current financial situation, financial assets, and income. Please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Identify yourself and your family
• The Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Rent and utility costs
• Your bank statement
• What do you owe on your car if you have one

In addition, you will be asked if:

• Your employment insurance (EI) or worker’s compensation (WCB) benefits have been paid or are in the process of being paid
• Are there any outstanding warrants against you
• A family member sponsored you to immigrate to Canada

Reconsideration and Appeals Under the Income Assistance Program

If you are deemed ineligible and your application is unapproved, you can request a reconsideration of the decision within 20 business days.

You will receive a form within 48 hours of your request. Complete and return the form to the office within 20 business days.

The BC government office will make a reconsideration decision within ten working days.

> Read more on Reconsiderations and Appeals

What are Other Income Benefits Available in BC?

1. BC Affordability Childcare Benefit

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the Affordable Childcare Benefit each month to qualified British Columbian families in place of the Child Care Subsidy.

The Affordable Childcare Benefit is the equivalent of other provincial/territorial childcare assistance programs in Canada, helping families with the cost of raising children.

In reality, not all eligible families receive the same amount. How much you receive will depend on the size of the family, the income level, and the type of care you need.

Depending on your family situation on the Affordable Childcare Benefit dates, you may receive a partial or complete benefit.

Additionally, you must register for the Affordable Childcare Benefit every year to continue receiving it.

> Read more on BC Affordable Childcare Benefit

2. Child Tax Benefit

The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is a tax-free supplementary payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to low-income families to aid in paying for the expenses of raising their under-18 children.

It was founded in 1998 and was replaced by the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in 2016. It was replaced to improve coverage of the child tax benefit.

However, to be eligible for the Child Tax Benefits Increase of 2021, you must meet the eligibility requirements. That means you must:

• Be living with a child under 18 years of age
• Assume responsibility for a child’s upbringing.
• Be a taxpayer in Canada.
• You, your spouse, or your common-law partner must be a permanent resident of Canada or a citizen.

> Read more on Canada Child Benefits

Final Thoughts on BC Income Assistance Dates

The BC Income Assistance program was created to help families and individuals in BC with income. Its main objective is to help individuals and families struggling with finances for various reasons.

Thus, BC income assistance is essential for everyone who lives in BC and is experiencing unexpected hard times.

However, the BC income assistance dates can be challenging to track when you need in-depth knowledge. The dates are updated monthly, so knowing when to apply before applying is essential.

Hopefully, now that you are done reading this article, you will know the next income assistance payment date.