Updated: March 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

BC Income Assistance 2025: Guide to BC Welfare

BC Income Assistance is British Columbia's social assistance program for people who need financial help and are expected to look for work. If you are facing financial hardship in BC and cannot meet your basic needs, Income Assistance can provide temporary financial support while you work toward employment.

What Is BC Income Assistance?

BC Income Assistance (sometimes called BC welfare) is administered by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. It provides monthly financial assistance to BC residents who are in financial need and are expected to work or prepare for work.

A separate program — BC Disability Assistance — exists for people with significant disabilities who are unlikely to be able to work. That program provides higher monthly amounts and different eligibility criteria.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for BC Income Assistance, you must:

• Be a resident of British Columbia
• Be 19 years of age or older (or be an emancipated minor, or a minor with a dependent child)
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have qualifying immigration status
• Be in financial need — your income and assets must be below program limits
• Be willing to participate in employment-related activities

Asset Limits

• Single person: up to $2,000 in liquid assets
• Couple: up to $4,000 in liquid assets
• Your primary home is generally exempt

How to Apply

1. Apply online at the My Self Serve portal at myselfserve.gov.bc.ca
2. Or call the BC Income Assistance line at 1-866-866-0800
3. Or visit a local Service BC Centre in person

You will need to provide identification, proof of residency, income information, and details about your housing situation. If you have dependent children, you will also need their information.

Supplements and Additional Benefits

Beyond the basic monthly amount, BC Income Assistance recipients may be eligible for:

• Medical Services Plan (MSP) — BC's health coverage is included
• Dental supplements — basic dental coverage for recipients and dependents
• Optical supplements — eye exams and eyeglasses
• Prescription drug coverage — through BC PharmaCare Plan C
• Crisis supplement — one-time help for urgent unexpected needs
• Transportation supplement — help with costs to attend employment activities
• Bus pass supplement — subsidized transit in certain cases

Working While on BC Income Assistance

You can earn income while on BC Income Assistance. The earnings exemption allows you to keep some income without it affecting your benefits:

• Single person: exempt earnings up to $500/month
• Families: exempt earnings up to $750/month

Beyond the exemption, earned income is deducted dollar for dollar from your assistance. The exemption ensures that working part-time always puts you ahead financially.

Employment Expectations

Most recipients are expected to take steps toward employment, which can include:

• Actively looking for work
• Completing a skills assessment
• Participating in job training or upgrading
• Attending work experience programs

If you have circumstances that limit your ability to work — such as caring for a young child, a health condition, or a recent crisis — you may be exempt from employment requirements. Talk to your worker about your specific situation.

BC Disability Assistance

If you have a significant disability that is expected to last at least two years and severely limits your ability to work, you may qualify for BC Disability Assistance instead. This program provides higher monthly amounts and more stable, ongoing support. Ask your worker about the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation process if you think this applies to you.

Additional Resources in BC

• BC 211 — call or text 211 for local community services and resources
• BC Housing — subsidized and supportive housing programs
• Food banks — over 100 food banks across BC, findable at foodbanksbc.com
• Legal Aid BC — free legal help for Income Assistance issues