Difference between revisions of "Governing Legislation and Resources for Welfare (21:II)"

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{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= July 30, 2021}}
{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 1st, 2023}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = welfare}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = welfare}}


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''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation'', BC Reg 265/2002 [[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002 EAPWDR]].
''Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation'', BC Reg 265/2002 [[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002 EAPWDR]].


Forms regulations under the EAA and EAPWDA create many of the forms that the Ministry uses in administering welfare. See also the Child in the Home of a Relative Transition Regulation, BC Reg 48/2010.  
See also the ''Child in the Home of a Relative Transition Regulation'', BC Reg 48/2010.


== B. Tips for Navigating Welfare Law Issues ==
== B. Tips for Navigating Welfare Law Issues ==
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*'''Be alert to mandatory versus discretionary wording.'''  Welfare legislation contains a mix of mandatory provisions (requiring the government to do or provide something) and discretionary provisions (which permit, but do not require, the government to act in a particular way).  Consider whether the legislative provisions relevant to the client’s case are mandatory or discretionary.
*'''Be alert to mandatory versus discretionary wording.'''  Welfare legislation contains a mix of mandatory provisions (requiring the government to do or provide something) and discretionary provisions (which permit, but do not require, the government to act in a particular way).  Consider whether the legislative provisions relevant to the client’s case are mandatory or discretionary.


== C. Referrals ==
== C. Referrals to Other Organizations ==


See '''Chapter 22: Referrals''' for additional referrals.  
See '''[[General Legal Help Resources (23:I)|Chapter 23: Referrals]]''' for additional referrals.  


=== Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) ===
=== Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) ===
Line 42: Line 42:
* Has also created a library of useful help sheets about disability assistance from the Ministry, and guides to applications and appeals ([https://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/])
* Has also created a library of useful help sheets about disability assistance from the Ministry, and guides to applications and appeals ([https://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/])
{{ResourcesLSLAP
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| address = 1400 - 605 Robson Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3
| address = 1450 - 605 Robson Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3
| phone = Advocacy Access Program: (604) 872-1278 <br /> Fax: (604) 875-9227 <br /> TTY: (604) 875-8835
| phone = Advocacy Access Program: (604) 872-1278 <br /> Fax: (604) 875-9227 <br /> TTY: (604) 875-8835
| online = [http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org/ Website] <br />  
| online = [http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org/ Website] <br />  
Line 48: Line 48:


=== First United Church ===
=== First United Church ===
* Serves the Downtown Eastside. Provides advocacy and assistance for welfare, housing, and other poverty law issues. Operates a drop-in intake clinic. Hours are posted on their website.  
* Serves the Downtown Eastside, providing advocacy and assistance for welfare, housing, and other poverty law issues. Have shifted primarily to remote intake, with limited in-person intake for urgent issues (eviction or loss of income).
{{ResourcesLSLAP
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| address = 320 East Hastings Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C.,  V6A 1P4
| address = 542 East Hastings Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C.,  V6A 1P8
| phone = (604) 681-8365 <br /> Fax: (604) 681-8928
| phone = (604) 251-3323 <br /> Fax: (604) 251-2488
| online = [https://firstunited.ca/our-work/legal-advocacy/ Website] <br /> }}
| online = [https://firstunited.ca/how-we-help/legal-advocacy/ Website] <br /> E-mail: advocacy@firstunited.ca <br /> }}


=== Kettle Friendship Society Advocacy Centre ===
=== Kettle Friendship Society Advocacy Centre ===
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{{ResourcesLSLAP
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| address = 1725 Venables Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C.,  V5L 2H3
| address = 1725 Venables Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C.,  V5L 2H3
| phone = (604) 251-2801 <br /> Fax: (604) 251-6354
| phone = (604) 253-0669 <br> Housing Division Telephone: (604) 251-5664 <br /> Fax: (604) 251-6354
| online = [http://www.thekettle.ca/ Website] <br /> }}
| online = [http://www.thekettle.ca/ Website] <br /> }}


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* Focuses on providing legal and non-legal support and advocacy for women with mental health issues.  
* Focuses on providing legal and non-legal support and advocacy for women with mental health issues.  
{{ResourcesLSLAP
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| address = '''Drop-in shelter:''' <br /> 302 Columbia Street <br /> Vancouver, BC, V6A 4J1 <br /> <br /> '''Emergency shelter''' <br /> 412 Cordova Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C.,  V6A 4J1
| address = '''Drop-in centre:''' <br /> 302 Columbia Street <br /> Vancouver, BC, V6A 4J1 <br /> <br /> '''Emergency shelter''' <br /> 412 Cordova Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C.,  V6A 4J1
| phone = (604) 681-8480 <br /> Fax: (604) 681-8470
| phone = (604) 423-4807 <br /> Fax: (604) 681-8470
| online = [http://www.dewc.ca/ Website] <br /> }}
| online = [http://www.dewc.ca/ Website] <br /> }}


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* Focuses on providing support for abused women and women on the downtown eastside. Their legal advocate program can provide advice, advocacy, and support with appealing welfare issues, and other poverty law issues.   
* Focuses on providing support for abused women and women on the downtown eastside. Their legal advocate program can provide advice, advocacy, and support with appealing welfare issues, and other poverty law issues.   
{{ResourcesLSLAP
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| address = 101 East Cordova Street, <br /> Vancouver, B.C.
| address = 101 East Cordova Street <br /> Vancouver, B.C., V6A 1K7
| online = [https://atira.bc.ca/what-we-do/program/legal-advocacy/ Website] <br /> E-mail: legaladvocate@atira.bc.ca
| online = [https://atira.bc.ca/what-we-do/program/legal-advocacy/ Website] <br /> E-mail: legaladvocate@atira.bc.ca
| phone = (604) 800-8887 (103)
| phone = (604) 331-1407 ext 114
}}
}}


=== AIDS Vancouver Community Resource Centre ===
=== AIDS Vancouver ===
* Can provide case management services and possible short-term financial assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS.  
* Can provide case management services and possible short-term financial assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
{{ResourcesLSLAP_phoneonline
 
| phone = 604-893-2201 <br />
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| online = [http://www.aidsvancouver.org/ Website] <br /> E-mail: contact@aidsvancouver.org}}
| address = 1101 Seymour Street <br /> Suite 401, 4th floor <br/> Vancouver, B.C., V6B 0R1
| online = [http://www.aidsvancouver.org/ Website] <br /> E-mail: contact@aidsvancouver.org
| phone = (604) 893-2201
}}


=== Povnet: Find an Advocate ===
=== Povnet: Find an Advocate ===
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== D. Useful Publications and Outside Agencies ==
== D. Useful Publications and Outside Agencies ==
In addition to this LSLAP manual chapter, other useful publications include:  
In addition to this LSLAP manual chapter, other useful publications include:  
*'''BC Disability Benefits Help Sheets'''. Disability Alliance BC publishes 19 guides available at http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/ which over many areas relating to applying for benefits and appealing decisions. '''''This includes a guide on COVID-19 Supports and Programs.'''''
*'''BC Disability Benefits Help Sheets'''. Disability Alliance BC publishes 20 guides available at http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/ which over many areas relating to applying for benefits and appealing decisions.
*'''How to Apply for welfare, Applying for welfare online''' and '''Welfare Benefits:''' plain language guides published by Legal Aid BC for welfare applicants are available at the following links.
*'''How to Apply for welfare, Welfare Benefits and When You're on Welfare:''' plain language guides published by Legal Aid BC for welfare applicants are available at the following links.
**'''How to apply for Welfare:''' https://lss.bc.ca/publications/pub.php?pub=491
**'''How to Apply for Welfare:''' https://legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-welfare-rights-how-apply-welfare
**'''Applying for Welfare Online:''' https://lss.bc.ca/publications/pub.php?pub=497
**'''Applying for Welfare Online:''' https://legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-welfare-rights-applying-welfare-online
**'''Welfare Benefits:''' https://lss.bc.ca/publications/pub.php?pub=499
**'''Welfare Benefits:''' https://legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-welfare-rights-welfare-benefits
**'''When You're on Welfare:''' https://lss.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-welfare-rights-when-youre-welfare
**'''When You're on Welfare:''' https://lss.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-welfare-rights-when-youre-welfare
**'''Income Assistance on Reserve in British Columbia:''' https://lss.bc.ca/publications/pub/income-assistance-reserve-british-columbia


== E. Notable Changes to BC Welfare Law ==
== E. Notable Changes to BC Welfare Law ==
=== 1. Eliminated the two-year financial independence test for all welfare applicants ===
=== 1. Benefit rate and supplement rate changes ===
Prior to January 1, 2020, many people were required to show that they had been financially independent for two years before accessing welfare benefits.
Effective August 1, 2023, there is an increase of $125 per month in the maximum shelter rate for all family units who receive welfare benefits. This change was made by Order in Council 402/2023. For more information see [[Welfare Rates and Payment Issues (21:VIII)|Section VIII.D. Calculating the Shelter Allowance]].
As of January 1, 2020, regulation change OIC # 705 (B.C. Reg. 270/2019) removed the two-year financial independence eligibility requirement. Applicants are no longer required to demonstrate that they have been financially independent for at least two consecutive years prior to applying for assistance.
 
=== 2. Changed the definition of "spouse": cohabitation period increased from 3 months to 1 year ===
Prior to January 1, 2020, the ministry considered two people who lived together for three months as “spouses”, if the ministry was satisfied that they were living in a marriage-like relationship, with specific aspects of dependence or inter-dependence.
 
The BC government has since changed the definition of “spouse” to require people to live together for one year in a marriage-like relationship before being considered spouses under the welfare legislation. Therefore, two people who live together, but are not married, cannot be deemed “spouses” until they have lived together for one year, and have specific aspects of dependence or inter-dependence.  See the definition of “spouse” in section 1.1 of the EA Act and the EAPWD Act.
 
=== 3. Ended the requirements to apply for Canada Pension Plan early retirement benefits: ===
Previously, people between the ages of 60 and 64 who received welfare (other than disability assistance) were forced to take early pension payments with the Canada Pension Plan. This means they received lower CPP retirement benefits when they turned 65.  
 
As of January 1, 2020, people between the ages of 60 and 64 are not required to apply for federal early Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement benefits to be eligible for income or disability assistance, or to avoid a reduction in the amount of their assistance. Applicants and recipients of early CPP have the option to cancel the CPP early retirement benefit up to six months after it starts. In order to do so, they must request cancellation in writing and pay back to the federal government the benefits they have received.
 
=== 4. Expanded supplements for people receiving hardship assistance: alcohol or drug treatment. ===
Previously, hardship assistance recipients were not eligible for supplements for addiction treatment and special care.


As of January 1, 2020, supplements for addiction treatment and special care were expanded to recipients of hardship assistance. Recipients of hardship assistance now have the same access to supplements for alcohol or drug addiction treatment and counselling or related services as recipients of income assistance.
Also effective August 1, 2023, the monthly amount of several supplements increased, including:
* Crisis supplements for food rose from a maximum of $40 per month to $50 per month for each person in a family unit;
* The monthly rates for all special diet supplements rose (e.g. high protein diet, diabetic diet, gluten free diet etc)
* The natal supplement for people who are pregnant increased, and is now available until a newborn is one year old (up from 6 months)
* The school start up and winter supplement (formerly called the Christmas supplement) increased


=== 5.Security, pet and utility deposits ===
The Ministry has a useful chart showing the new supplement rates payable as of August 1, 2023, and how they have changed: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/policies-for-government/bc-employment-assistance-policy-procedure-manual/additional-resources/summary_of_changes_ppm.pdf
Previously, a person on welfare usually could not have more than two repayable security deposits outstanding with the ministry, and the ministry was not able to pay pet damage deposits that a landlord can require under the Residential Tenancy Act.   The government has since removed the limit on the number of housing security deposits people on assistance can access and has introduced a repayable supplement for pet damage deposits.  


See The monthly repayment rate for deposit debt including for repayable security deposits, pet damage deposits and utility deposits is $20 unless a greater amount is consented to.
For more detail on diet and nutritional supplements see [[Welfare and Health Supplements (21:X)|Section X: Health Supplements]] below.  For more detail on eligibility criteria for crisis supplements, see [[Additional Allowances and Welfare Benefits (21:IX)|Section IX. B: Crisis Supplements]].  


For more information on repayable pet deposit supplements visit the Ministry policy at:  
=== 2. Forthcoming increase in earnings exemptions ===
Effective January 1, 2024, the earnings exemption for people receiving income assistance, PPMB and PWD benefits will increase. This change was made by Order in Council 402/2023.  See [[Welfare Eligibility (21:III)|Section III. D. 3: Earnings Exemptions]] on earnings exemptions below for more detail.


https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/pet-damage-deposits#:~:text=the%20pet%20damage%20deposit%20does,owned%20by%20a%20cooperative%20association
=== 3. Expanded welfare eligibility for people fleeing armed conflict ===
Effective July 1st, 2023, immigration status requirements for welfare have been amended to allow persons in Canada under a temporary resident visa issued through an emergency authorization process for humanitarian reasons related to armed conflict to qualify for all forms of welfare. This category was created when Canada was receiving many people fleeing the war in Ukraine.


=== 6. Increasing crisis supplements for housing-related costs ===
Prior to this change, people with this immigration status were only eligible for a limited duration of hardship assistance. As a result of their expanded eligibility for welfare, previous sections in the legislation dealing with hardship assistance for people fleeing armed conflict have been repealed. This change was made through Order in Council 343/2023. See [[Welfare Eligibility (21:III)|Section III. E: Immigration Status Requirements]] for more information.
Crisis supplements for housing-related costs when a person on welfare has an unexpected need related to their housing costs, which threatens the health of someone in the family or risks removal of their children, are no longer limited to a family unit’s maximum shelter rate. Crisis supplements for housing related costs can now be issued for a family for up to a family unit’s monthly benefit rate.   See section 59 of the EA Regulation and section 57 of the EAPWD Regulation.  


=== 4. New legislation exempting Indigenous Financial Settlements ===
As of 2023 ‘Indigenous Financial Settlements’ are exempt as both income and assets when determining eligibility for welfare. Section 1(1) of the EAR and the EAPDR define “Indigenous financial settlement’ and associated terms very precisely. Before 2023, only specific settlements named in the legislation were exempt. Order in Council 218/2023 amends both the EAR and the EAPDR to exempt money paid under or from Indigenous financial settlements more generally. See [[Welfare Eligibility (21:III)|Section III. C. 1: Exempt Assets]] for more details.


=== 5. New Federal Benefit Exemptions ===
Effective December 19th, 2022, new sections were added to the EAR and EAPWDR which exempt the new federal Rental Housing Benefit and Dental Benefit as either income or assets for all forms of welfare. Receiving benefits under these new programs should not affect a person’s welfare eligibility or the amount of assistance they are entitled to receive. This change was made through Order in Council 681/2022.


=== 6. Housing Stability Supplement formally added to the legislation ===
The Housing Stability Supplement formally codifies a supplement that was previously only available under BCEA policy. It was introduced through Order in Council 56/2023. The Housing Stability Supplement may be provided to an eligible family unit in certain scenarios if there is a temporary absence of member of the family unit from the usual place of residence or there is a death of a member of the family unit. See [[Welfare and Health Supplements (21:X)|Section X. A: Housing Stability Supplement]] for more information.


=== 7. Changes to Disability and Income Assistance Shelter Payments ===
Before May 2022, one could only receive shelter payments if they could show that they were paying for rent, a mortgage, or various other related expenses. This meant there was a minimum of $0 for a single person. Now, no matter what your shelter costs are, a single person is guaranteed a minimum $75 shelter allowance each month. Larger family units (e.g., couples, or single parents and couples with kids) have a higher minimum shelter rate. This change means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles, for example, will have some access to shelter benefits. For maximum shelter rates see [[Introduction to Welfare (21:I)|Section I. C. 1: Benefit rate and supplement rate changes]] and [[Welfare Rates and Payment Issues (21:VIII)|Section VIII. D. Calculating the Shelter Allowance]].


=== 8. Security, Pet, and Utility Deposits ===
Previously, a person on welfare usually could not have more than two repayable security deposits outstanding with the ministry, and the ministry was not able to pay pet damage deposits that a landlord can require under the Residential Tenancy Act. The government has since removed the limit on the number of housing security deposits people on assistance can access and has introduced a repayable supplement for pet damage deposits.


The monthly repayment rate for deposit debt, including for repayable security deposits, pet damage deposits and utility deposits is $20 unless a greater amount is consented to.


For more information on repayable pet deposit supplements, visit the Ministry policy at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/pet-damage-deposits.




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{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters15-23}}

Latest revision as of 17:58, 12 September 2023

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 1st, 2023.



A. Governing Legislation

The following statutes and regulations govern welfare law in BC and are available at www.bclaws.ca:

Employment and Assistance Act, SBC 2002, c 40 [EAA];

Employment and Assistance Regulation, BC Reg 263/2002 [EAR];

Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, SBC 2002, c 41 [EAPWDA]; and

Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation, BC Reg 265/2002 [EAPWDR].

See also the Child in the Home of a Relative Transition Regulation, BC Reg 48/2010.

B. Tips for Navigating Welfare Law Issues

Please keep in mind the following important points when dealing with a welfare law issue.

  • Be current. The statutes and especially the regulations governing welfare in BC can change often. Therefore, it is very important to check the BC Laws website and confirm that one is dealing with the most current legislation.
  • Be comprehensive. Be sure to read the relevant section of the appropriate act or regulation in its entirety and to scan the legislation for other relevant sections. The legislation is complex and often a number of provisions work together to govern a particular program or benefit.
  • Be alert to mandatory versus discretionary wording. Welfare legislation contains a mix of mandatory provisions (requiring the government to do or provide something) and discretionary provisions (which permit, but do not require, the government to act in a particular way). Consider whether the legislative provisions relevant to the client’s case are mandatory or discretionary.

C. Referrals to Other Organizations

See Chapter 23: Referrals for additional referrals.

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

  • May advise on general welfare matters and help clients with judicial reviews.
Online Website
Address 300 - 1140 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C., V6E 4G1
Phone (604) 685-3425
Fax: (604) 685-7611


Disability Alliance of BC

  • Offers one-on-one assistance to individuals applying for benefits or appealing the denial of benefits. Particularly experienced in appeals about eligibility for the Persons with Disabilities ("PWD") designation from MSDPR needed to qualify for welfare disability assistance. Disability Alliance of BC also hosts a disability law clinic that may assist with general welfare issues and judicial reviews.
  • Has also created a library of useful help sheets about disability assistance from the Ministry, and guides to applications and appeals ([1])
Online Website
Address 1450 - 605 Robson Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3
Phone Advocacy Access Program: (604) 872-1278
Fax: (604) 875-9227
TTY: (604) 875-8835


First United Church

  • Serves the Downtown Eastside, providing advocacy and assistance for welfare, housing, and other poverty law issues. Have shifted primarily to remote intake, with limited in-person intake for urgent issues (eviction or loss of income).
Online Website
E-mail: advocacy@firstunited.ca
Address 542 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C., V6A 1P8
Phone (604) 251-3323
Fax: (604) 251-2488


Kettle Friendship Society Advocacy Centre

  • Advocacy focused on welfare, debt, housing, and child protection problems for clients with mental health issues. Also has a weekly Pro Bono Legal Clinic (please call ahead if you wish to refer a client).
Online Website
Address 1725 Venables Street
Vancouver, B.C., V5L 2H3
Phone (604) 253-0669
Housing Division Telephone: (604) 251-5664
Fax: (604) 251-6354


Downtown Eastside Women's Centre

  • Focuses on providing legal and non-legal support and advocacy for women with mental health issues.
Online Website
Address Drop-in centre:
302 Columbia Street
Vancouver, BC, V6A 4J1

Emergency shelter
412 Cordova Street
Vancouver, B.C., V6A 4J1
Phone (604) 423-4807
Fax: (604) 681-8470


ATIRA Women's Resource Society

  • Focuses on providing support for abused women and women on the downtown eastside. Their legal advocate program can provide advice, advocacy, and support with appealing welfare issues, and other poverty law issues.
Online Website
E-mail: legaladvocate@atira.bc.ca
Address 101 East Cordova Street
Vancouver, B.C., V6A 1K7
Phone (604) 331-1407 ext 114


AIDS Vancouver

  • Can provide case management services and possible short-term financial assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Online Website
E-mail: contact@aidsvancouver.org
Address 1101 Seymour Street
Suite 401, 4th floor
Vancouver, B.C., V6B 0R1
Phone (604) 893-2201


Povnet: Find an Advocate

  • A service for finding other advocates and organization that can help with welfare issues in all parts of BC.
Online Website


D. Useful Publications and Outside Agencies

In addition to this LSLAP manual chapter, other useful publications include:

E. Notable Changes to BC Welfare Law

1. Benefit rate and supplement rate changes

Effective August 1, 2023, there is an increase of $125 per month in the maximum shelter rate for all family units who receive welfare benefits. This change was made by Order in Council 402/2023. For more information see Section VIII.D. Calculating the Shelter Allowance.

Also effective August 1, 2023, the monthly amount of several supplements increased, including:

  • Crisis supplements for food rose from a maximum of $40 per month to $50 per month for each person in a family unit;
  • The monthly rates for all special diet supplements rose (e.g. high protein diet, diabetic diet, gluten free diet etc)
  • The natal supplement for people who are pregnant increased, and is now available until a newborn is one year old (up from 6 months)
  • The school start up and winter supplement (formerly called the Christmas supplement) increased

The Ministry has a useful chart showing the new supplement rates payable as of August 1, 2023, and how they have changed: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/policies-for-government/bc-employment-assistance-policy-procedure-manual/additional-resources/summary_of_changes_ppm.pdf

For more detail on diet and nutritional supplements see Section X: Health Supplements below. For more detail on eligibility criteria for crisis supplements, see Section IX. B: Crisis Supplements.

2. Forthcoming increase in earnings exemptions

Effective January 1, 2024, the earnings exemption for people receiving income assistance, PPMB and PWD benefits will increase. This change was made by Order in Council 402/2023. See Section III. D. 3: Earnings Exemptions on earnings exemptions below for more detail.

3. Expanded welfare eligibility for people fleeing armed conflict

Effective July 1st, 2023, immigration status requirements for welfare have been amended to allow persons in Canada under a temporary resident visa issued through an emergency authorization process for humanitarian reasons related to armed conflict to qualify for all forms of welfare. This category was created when Canada was receiving many people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Prior to this change, people with this immigration status were only eligible for a limited duration of hardship assistance. As a result of their expanded eligibility for welfare, previous sections in the legislation dealing with hardship assistance for people fleeing armed conflict have been repealed. This change was made through Order in Council 343/2023. See Section III. E: Immigration Status Requirements for more information.

4. New legislation exempting Indigenous Financial Settlements

As of 2023 ‘Indigenous Financial Settlements’ are exempt as both income and assets when determining eligibility for welfare. Section 1(1) of the EAR and the EAPDR define “Indigenous financial settlement’ and associated terms very precisely. Before 2023, only specific settlements named in the legislation were exempt. Order in Council 218/2023 amends both the EAR and the EAPDR to exempt money paid under or from Indigenous financial settlements more generally. See Section III. C. 1: Exempt Assets for more details.

5. New Federal Benefit Exemptions

Effective December 19th, 2022, new sections were added to the EAR and EAPWDR which exempt the new federal Rental Housing Benefit and Dental Benefit as either income or assets for all forms of welfare. Receiving benefits under these new programs should not affect a person’s welfare eligibility or the amount of assistance they are entitled to receive. This change was made through Order in Council 681/2022.

6. Housing Stability Supplement formally added to the legislation

The Housing Stability Supplement formally codifies a supplement that was previously only available under BCEA policy. It was introduced through Order in Council 56/2023. The Housing Stability Supplement may be provided to an eligible family unit in certain scenarios if there is a temporary absence of member of the family unit from the usual place of residence or there is a death of a member of the family unit. See Section X. A: Housing Stability Supplement for more information.

7. Changes to Disability and Income Assistance Shelter Payments

Before May 2022, one could only receive shelter payments if they could show that they were paying for rent, a mortgage, or various other related expenses. This meant there was a minimum of $0 for a single person. Now, no matter what your shelter costs are, a single person is guaranteed a minimum $75 shelter allowance each month. Larger family units (e.g., couples, or single parents and couples with kids) have a higher minimum shelter rate. This change means that people who are unhoused or living in vehicles, for example, will have some access to shelter benefits. For maximum shelter rates see Section I. C. 1: Benefit rate and supplement rate changes and Section VIII. D. Calculating the Shelter Allowance.

8. Security, Pet, and Utility Deposits

Previously, a person on welfare usually could not have more than two repayable security deposits outstanding with the ministry, and the ministry was not able to pay pet damage deposits that a landlord can require under the Residential Tenancy Act. The government has since removed the limit on the number of housing security deposits people on assistance can access and has introduced a repayable supplement for pet damage deposits.

The monthly repayment rate for deposit debt, including for repayable security deposits, pet damage deposits and utility deposits is $20 unless a greater amount is consented to.

For more information on repayable pet deposit supplements, visit the Ministry policy at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/pet-damage-deposits.


© Copyright 2023, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.