Introduction to Welfare (21:I) - Revision history

LSLAP: /* 1. Income Assistance */

2025-10-14T07:34:32Z

1. Income Assistance

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	=== 1. Income Assistance ===		=== 1. Income Assistance ===
	This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the ''Employment and Assistance Act'' ''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 [EAA]]'', and the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' (EAR)		This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the ''Employment and Assistance Act'' ''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 [EAA]]'', and the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' (''EAR'')

	On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1060 per month''', consisting of '''$560 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs Minimum shelter costs are available regardless of actual (proven) shelter costs'''. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles also have access to some shelter benefits. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities. The amounts available to one receiving income assistance will depend on one’s family size. Family units of two or more (e.g. couples, single parents, or couples with kids) have higher support and shelter rates (both minimum and maximum). Income assistance rates based on family unit size can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table.		On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1060 per month''', consisting of '''$560 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs Minimum shelter costs are available regardless of actual (proven) shelter costs'''. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles also have access to some shelter benefits. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities. The amounts available to one receiving income assistance will depend on one’s family size. Family units of two or more (e.g. couples, single parents, or couples with kids) have higher support and shelter rates (both minimum and maximum). Income assistance rates based on family unit size can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table.

LSLAP at 19:43, 13 October 2025

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LSLAP: /* 4. Hardship Assistance */

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4. Hardship Assistance

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	=== 4. Hardship Assistance ===		=== 4. Hardship Assistance ===
	This is a support and shelter allowance provided under [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002#section5 s 5 of the ''EAA''] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section6 s 6 of the ''EAPWDA''] to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance ~~(see also~~ [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAR''] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAPWDR'']). Hardship assistance is usually temporary. Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable; i.e., a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue a debt owing to the government. People with the PPMB or PWD designation may also receive hardship assistance if they are not otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits for very specific reasons. Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance.		This is a support and shelter allowance provided under [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002#section5 s 5 of the ''EAA''] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section6 s 6 of the ''EAPWDA''] to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance for very specific reasons . The specific criteria for hardship assistance are found in [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAR''] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAPWDR'']). Hardship assistance is usually temporary. Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable; i.e., a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue a debt owing to the government. People with the PPMB or PWD designation may also receive hardship assistance if they are not otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits for very specific reasons. Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance.

	On regular (income assistance) hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives a maximum of '''$1060 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.		On regular (income assistance) hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives a maximum of '''$1060 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

LSLAP: /* 4. Hardship Assistance */

2025-10-01T04:56:06Z

4. Hardship Assistance

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	=== 4. Hardship Assistance ===		=== 4. Hardship Assistance ===
	This is a support and shelter allowance provided under [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002#section5 s 5 of the ''EAA''] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section6 s 6 of the ''EAPWDA''] to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance (see also [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAR''] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAPWDR'']). Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable, i.e. a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue a debt owing to the government~~. It is usually temporary assistance~~. People with the PPMB or PWD designation may also receive hardship assistance, if they are not otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits. Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance		This is a support and shelter allowance provided under [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002#section5 s 5 of the ''EAA''] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section6 s 6 of the ''EAPWDA''] to persons who are not otherwise eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance (see also [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAR''] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part4 part 4 of the ''EAPWDR'']). Hardship assistance is usually temporary. Some (but not all) categories of hardship assistance are repayable; i.e., a person receiving hardship assistance may accrue a debt owing to the government. People with the PPMB or PWD designation may also receive hardship assistance if they are not otherwise eligible for PPMB or PWD benefits for very specific reasons. Therefore, there are different rates of hardship assistance.

	On regular (income assistance) hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives a maximum of '''$1060 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.		On regular (income assistance) hardship assistance, a single person under age 65 currently receives a maximum of '''$1060 per month''' to cover housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

LSLAP: /* 3. Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Assistance */

2025-10-01T04:54:57Z

3. Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Assistance

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	=== 3. Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Assistance ===		=== 3. Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Assistance ===
	This is a slightly higher income assistance rate for people with “persistent multiple barriers” to employment for those who meet the PPMB definition set out in [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section2 s 2] of the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' [[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002 EAR]]. It is for people with a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to look for work or to keep a job. ~~Technically, it falls within~~ the ~~definition of “income assistance” but this chapter will refer to it~~ as ~~a distinct form of welfare~~ benefits.		This is a slightly higher income assistance rate for people with “persistent multiple barriers” to employment for those who meet the PPMB definition set out in [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section2 s 2] of the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' [[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002 EAR]]. It is for people with a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to look for work or keep a job. PPMB benefits are provided under the same legislation as income assistance benefits.

	On PPMB assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1110.00 per month, consisting of $610.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs'''. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.		On PPMB assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1110.00 per month, consisting of $610.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs'''. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

LSLAP: /* 2. Disability Assistance (For Persons with Disability Designation - PWD) */

2025-10-01T04:52:45Z

2. Disability Assistance (For Persons with Disability Designation - PWD)

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	=== 2. Disability Assistance (For Persons with Disability Designation - PWD) ===		=== 2. Disability Assistance (For Persons with Disability Designation - PWD) ===
	This is a slightly higher, but still modest, monthly support and shelter allowance provided under the ''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act'' [''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act EAPWDA]''] to those who meet the definition of “person with disabilities” in [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section2 s 2] of that Act. To determine if one is eligible for PWD designation, please refer to [[Welfare Eligibility (21:III)\|Section III. M. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Designation]].		This is a slightly higher, but still modest, monthly support and shelter allowance provided under the ''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act'' [''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act EAPWDA]''] and ''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation'' (EAPWDR) to those who meet the definition of “person with disabilities” in [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act#section2 s 2] of that Act. To determine if one is eligible for PWD designation, please refer to [[Welfare Eligibility (21:III)\|Section III. M. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Designation]].

	On disability assistance, a single person under age 65 can receive up to '''$1483.50 per month''', consisting of '''$983.50 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs'''. This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, clothing, and all other basic necessities.		On disability assistance, a single person under age 65 can receive up to '''$1483.50 per month''', consisting of '''$983.50 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs'''. This total amount is to cover housing, utilities, food, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

LSLAP: /* 1. Income Assistance */

2025-10-01T04:51:05Z

1. Income Assistance

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	This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the ''Employment and Assistance Act'' ''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 [EAA]]'', and the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' (EAR)		This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the ''Employment and Assistance Act'' ''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 [EAA]]'', and the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' (EAR)

	On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1060 per month''', consisting of '''$560~~.00~~ per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs~~''',~~ regardless of ~~their~~ actual shelter ~~cost~~. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles ~~will~~ also have ~~some~~ access to shelter benefits. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.		On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1060 per month''', consisting of '''$560 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs Minimum shelter costs are available regardless of actual (proven) shelter costs'''. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles also have access to some shelter benefits. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities. The amounts available to one receiving income assistance will depend on one’s family size. Family units of two or more (e.g. couples, single parents, or couples with kids) have higher support and shelter rates (both minimum and maximum). Income assistance rates based on family unit size can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table.

	The amounts available to one receiving income assistance will depend on one’s family size. Family units of two or more (e.g. couples, single parents, or couples with kids) have a higher minimum ~~shelter rate~~. Income assistance rates based on family size can be found here:
	https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/income-assistance-rate-table

	Recipients of income, disability, or hardship assistance also receive PharmaCare prescription coverage with no deductible through what is called Plan C. The enrollment of eligible persons under Plan C commences when the Ministry can confirm eligibility under the ''EAA'' or ''EAPWDA''.		Recipients of income, disability, or hardship assistance also receive PharmaCare prescription coverage with no deductible through what is called Plan C. The enrollment of eligible persons under Plan C commences when the Ministry can confirm eligibility under the ''EAA'' or ''EAPWDA''.

LSLAP: /* 1. Income Assistance */

2025-10-01T04:47:35Z

1. Income Assistance

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	=== 1. Income Assistance ===		=== 1. Income Assistance ===
	This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the ''Employment and Assistance Act'' ''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 [EAA]]''~~. This is~~ the ~~benefit most people get when they receive welfare.~~		This basic monthly support and shelter allowance is provided under the ''Employment and Assistance Act'' ''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 [EAA]]'', and the ''Employment and Assistance Regulation'' (EAR)

	On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1060 per month''', consisting of '''$560.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs''', regardless of their actual shelter cost. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles will also have some access to shelter benefits. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.		On income assistance, a single person under age 65 currently can receive up to '''$1060 per month''', consisting of '''$560.00 per month for support, plus a minimum of $75 and up to a maximum of $500 for shelter costs''', regardless of their actual shelter cost. This means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles will also have some access to shelter benefits. This total amount covers housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and all other basic necessities.

LSLAP at 04:46, 1 October 2025

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	This chapter gives a general overview of a very complex area of law governed by lengthy and detailed legislation. Users should not read it on its own. Users of this chapter should be sure to refer to the applicable welfare legislation in each case.		This chapter gives a general overview of a very complex area of law governed by lengthy and detailed legislation. Users should not read it on its own. Users of this chapter should be sure to refer to the applicable welfare legislation in each case.

	This chapter only deals with BC welfare law. If one is applying to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for disability (or other) benefits, they should refer to the following link:		This chapter only deals with BC welfare law. If one is applying to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for disability (or other) benefits, they should refer to the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/eligibility.html. For information on applying for the Canada Disability Benefit (new in 2025), see https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html
	https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/eligibility.html.

	Please be advised that the Law Student Legal Advice Program is not able to help with CPP disability benefits issues. If one requires assistance with CPP disability, they should reach out to [https://disabilityalliancebc.org/ Disability Alliance BC.]		Please be advised that the Law Student Legal Advice Program is not able to help with CPP disability benefits issues. If one requires assistance with CPP disability, they should reach out to [https://disabilityalliancebc.org/ Disability Alliance BC.]

LSLAP: /* 6. Supplements */

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6. Supplements

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	=== 6. Supplements ===		=== 6. Supplements ===
	~~The Ministry~~ may ~~provide~~ more money or services to cover extra costs, such as clothing, moving costs, and identification fees. These other forms of assistance are provided on a case-by-case basis for specific purposes set out under the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 ''EAA''] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act ''EAPWDA''] and their associated regulations. See especially, [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part5 Part 5 of ''EAPWDR''] and the Ministry website (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/on-assistance/supplements).		Welfare recipients may also qualify for other forms of supplements, which can include more money or services to cover extra costs, such as clothing, shelter costs, moving costs, and identification fees. These other forms of assistance are provided on a case-by-case basis for specific purposes set out under the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/bc-employment-and-assistance-act-263-2002 ''EAA''] and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-laws/employment-and-assistance-for-persons-with-disabilities-act ''EAPWDA''] and their associated regulations. See especially, [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#part5 Part 5 of the ''EAR''], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part5 Part 5 of ''EAPWDR''] and the Ministry website (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/on-assistance/supplements).


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