COVID-19 Support for Income & Disability Assistance – April 7, 2020
Call 1-866-866-0800 or use My Self Serve instead of coming into an office if you have:
- COVID-19 symptoms like cough, shortness of breath or fever
- Been around someone sick, like a family member
- Not completed 14-day isolation after travel abroad
Due to COVID-19, new emergency measures are in place to ensure that people on income or disability assistance and low-income seniors, do not encounter additional barriers.
Income & Disability Assistance
If you are not receiving federal Employment Insurance (EI) or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and are on:
- Income Assistance
- Disability Assistance
- Comforts Allowance
- BC Senior’s Supplement
You will automatically receive a $300 supplement on your cheques issued in April, May, and June. No action is required on your part.
If you are receiving federal EI or the CERB and receiving:
- Income Assistance
- Disability Assistance
You will not be eligible for the $300 supplement.
CERB and EI are temporarily exempt, meaning they will have no effect on your regular Income Assistance or Disability Assistance.
Apply for the CERB
Applications will open on April 6, please visit the federal website for instructions.
BC Bus Pass Program
If you are on Disability Assistance and receiving the BC Bus Pass:
- There is a current province-wide suspension of BC Transit and Translink bus fares
- You will automatically receive the $52 Transportation Supplement on your cheque starting in April
- This will continue for as long as BC Transit and Translink are suspending fares
- No action is required on your part. Your bus pass will not be cancelled and will remain active for use on Sky Train and Sea Bus services. You will not need to re-apply once fares are re-instated
- For people already receiving the Transportation Supplement of $52, there is no change and no action is required on your part
Receiving payments
Direct Deposit is a safe and dependable way to receive payments. Money is deposited directly to your Bank or Credit Union account. You have immediate access to your money.
Accessing Service
If you have documents to submit, you can mail them or place them in the drop box at any office or phone 1-866-866-0800 to discuss options.
To avoid coming into an office, access services by phone or via My Self Serve.
Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) is also available:
- Vancouver: 604-775-0303
- Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-661-8773
In-person service support may be impacted by COVID-19. Check your local office for hours of operation before visiting.
Office Health & Safety
Changes to in-person services are in place due to COVID-19. To protect the health of our citizens and employees, we are:
- Supporting physical distancing in our offices through signage, temporary shields and visual cues
- Enhancing the cleaning services in our waiting areas
- Posting information about proper hygiene practices and health precautions