Are you in need of financial help? Do you have no other means of supporting yourself? If this is the case, the BC income assistance program might fit your needs.
The program helps those in need with financial assistance and encourages people to get back up on their feet.
With such a program, you wouldn’t have to worry about paying for food or anything else you need to survive.
Income assistance provides you with money to meet your basic needs while searching for a job.
The BC Income Assistance dates are updated each month and reflect the new payment checks for each client.
Therefore, it is essential to know how income assistance works and when to apply.
In this post, you will know about the BC income assistance dates, how it works, and how to apply for it.
What is Income Assistance?
Income assistance is an allowance provided by the government to assist you while you prepare to rejoin the workforce.
BC income assistance is provided to individuals in financial need and has no other resources to care for their needs.
Income assistance through the British Columbia 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 payments are issued every month’s third or fourth Wednesday.
To be eligible, you must be in financial need and have no other resources that would take care of your needs.
Therefore, if you are without savings and have no family to help, this benefit can give you the time and security you need to get back on your feet. PharmaCare prescription benefits and medical services plan coverage are also available where applicable.
How Does the Income Assistance Benefit Work?
The income assistance benefit provides support for people whose income is low, either because they cannot work or are looking for a job.
The amount you will receive will depend on your living situation and the size of your family.
The amount of money you can get is based on a scale that takes the number of people in your family into account.
People who can’t work because they are ill, disabled, or caring for someone else will also be considered.
Therefore, when receiving income assistance for the first time, you have three weeks to search for a job. Also, re-applying for income assistance will take three weeks.
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 center.
However, 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.
Your Responsibilities Under the Income Assistance Program
You should also do the following two things every month in addition to finding jobs.
1. Action your employment plan
If you are eligible for income assistance and can work, you must complete an employment plan. As long as you are capable, your plan will help you become self-sufficient.
When receiving income assistance, you may not be required to work. You can contact 1 866 866-0800 or visit your local office if you feel you shouldn’t be required to complete an employment plan.
However, the persistence and multiple obstacles to employment prevent some people from working. In this case, you might be able to get extra help while receiving income assistance.
2. Submit your monthly report
Monthly report forms must be completed when you receive income assistance. The form is also referred to as a cheque stub and must be submitted on or before the fifth of the month.
This document notifies the government that you are still in need of assistance. A private, provincial and federal agency will verify the information.
Your eligibility or the amount of your next assistance cheque will then be determined using this information.
Through My Self Serve, you can upload your monthly report. Alternatively, you may complete and send the manual monthly report (PDF) and mail it in or drop it off at your local office.
Who is Eligible for BC Income Assistance Benefits?
If you are in any of the following situations, you may be eligible for income assistance:
- There are other sources of funding that you’re awaiting
- You can’t work
- There are no jobs for you, or your earnings aren’t enough to meet your basic needs.
- You are in urgent need of shelter, food, or medical care
It is only possible for the ministry to provide resources to people who meet the eligibility requirements.
Therefore, you must assess all other income sources and assets before applying.
What if You’re Not Eligible For the Income Assistance Benefits?
In the event that you are in need but do not meet the income assistance eligibility requirements, you could still receive income support.
Income support is available to British Columbians in certain situations under the hardship assistance program.
The hardship assistance category explains when hardship assistance might be used to satisfy the basic requirements of people who are not eligible for income or disability benefits.
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. If you rent, bring a copy of your lease or fill out the Shelter Information form.
Your assistance will then begin if you’re found to be eligible.
How Much Can You Get From the Income Assistance Benefits?
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 2021, you may be able to get up to:
- 00 dollars if you’re single
- You can get up to $1,280.00 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 $1,525.00
- A couple receiving assistance who have one child receives $1,720.00
The Income Assistance program includes coverage for medical services plans and no-deductible PharmaCare prescriptions.
You may also get coverage for other expenses, and you’ll remain covered for your basic health care if you have children.
As part of this benefit, you will receive 100 percent 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
BC Income Assistance Payment Dates
Monthly payment is issued for income and disability assistance.
On December 15, 2021, the next payment will be made.
Income Assistance Payment Dates for 2021
| Income Assistance Payment For | Payment Dates |
| February 2021 | January 20, 2021 |
| March 2021 | February 17, 2021 |
| April 2021 | March 24, 2021 |
| May 2021 | April 21, 2021 |
| June 2021 | May 19, 2021 |
| July 2021 | June 23, 2021 |
| August 2021 | July 21, 2021 |
| September 2021 | August 25, 2021 |
| October 2021 | September 22, 2021 |
| November 2021 | October 20, 2021 |
| December 2021 | November 17, 2021 (for December 2021) |
| January 2022 | December 15, 2021 |
The benefit payment is issued a few days before the end of every benefit month, and the January 2021 payment was issued on December 16th, 2020.
You can use Checks or direct deposits in your bank account to receive payments.
Having the assistance amounts deposited directly into your account appropriately is a safe, convenient, and preferred option.
2022 BC Income Assistance Payment Dates
| Income Assistance Payment For | Payment Dates |
| February 2022 | January 19, 2022 |
| March 2022 | February 16, 2022 |
| April 2022 | March 23, 2022 |
| May 2022 | April 27, 2022 |
| June 2022 | May 25, 2022 |
| July 2022 | June 22, 2022 |
| August 2022 | July 20, 2022 |
| September 2022 | August 24, 2022 |
| October 2022 | September 21, 2022 |
| November 2022 | October 26, 2022 |
| December 2022 | November 23, 2022 (for December 2022) |
| January 2023 | December 21, 2022 |
How to Apply for the BC Income Assistance Benefits?
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 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
- There are any outstanding warrants against you
- A family member sponsored you to immigrate to Canada
Reconsideration and Appeals Under the Income Assistance Program
You may have questions about a decision that impacts your assistance. The first step is to speak to a worker about your concerns. If you still believe you should be eligible under the legislation, you can ask for a reconsideration.
Other Income Benefits in BC?
BC Affordability Childcare Benefit
Canada Revenue Agency 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 child care 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 need to register for the Affordable Childcare Benefit every year to continue receiving it.
Learn more about the BC Affordability here.
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 Benefit 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.
Conclusion
The BC income assistance program was created to help families meet their limited income.
Its main objective is to help individuals and families struggling with their finances due to various reasons.
Thus, the 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 keep track of when you don’t have in-depth knowledge.
The dates are updated every month, so it is essential to know when to apply before you apply.
Hopefully, now that you are done reading this article, I hope you now know the next income assistance payment date.
Hi, I'm Adeola Adegoke. I am a licensed Insurance Broker in Manitoba, and I hold a master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences (with a major in Financial Modeling) from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Tanzania.
Also, I have a second master's degree in Statistics from the University of Regina, and I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Manitoba.
The primary purpose of Money Reverie is to help everyday Canadians make better financial decisions by providing up-to-date financial news and information, reports, product reviews, and government programs.
