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British Columbia Government Benefits, Programs and Services
Government of British Columbia
Congratulatory Message Requests for BC Residents - request congratulatory messages from BC dignitaries for wedding anniversaries and birthdays.
For congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister, Governor General, or Her Majesty the Queen see Government Benefits - Canada.
Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction - for British Columbians in need of social or economic support
- BC Income Assistance Rate Tables
Consumer Protection BC - Help for businesses and for consumers - learn your rights as a consumer, and how to protect yourself.
BC Unclaimed Property Society (BCUPS) provides a searchable database of unclaimed funds on deposit in banks, trust companies and loan companies.
BC Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Rebates
The Province of BC offers incentives of up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and up to $6,000 for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. There is also a rebate for eligible electric vehicle chargers.
BC Homeowners
BC Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP)
Eligible homeowners will receive up to 50% of the cost of renovations, up to a maximum of $40,000, to help them create a new secondary suite on their property to be rented out for below market value for at least the first 5 years. This program began in April 2024.
The property must be located in the approved list of municipalities or regional districts in BC. This list also has a link to the Rent Affordability Limit (RAL) that will apply to newly created secondary suites under the program in that community.
Before embarking on a project like this, you might want to do some research on the difficulties faced by landlords in BC. You should also understand the BC Residential Tenancy Act.
See:
TI 2023-1000391E5 BC Secondary Suite Incentive Program - Income Tax Implications and
Life in the Tax Lane November 2024 from Video Tax News
Tax Tip: A separate suite in your house, or a laneway house on your property, may not qualify for the principal residence exemption.
BC Housing (formerly Homeowners Protection Office) Licensing & Consumer Services - Consumer Protection for Homeowners & Homebuyers - Find out about your rights, obligations and information that can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
First Time Home Buyers Program - exemption from property transfer tax
BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity (HOME) Partnership program for First Time Home Buyers - 25-year loan that is interest-free and payment-free for the first 5 years. Applications were accepted starting January 16, 2017, for purchases that closed on or after February 15, 2017. The program came to an end on March 31, 2018 due to its low participation rate.
Home Owner Grant - the home owner grant reduces the amount of property tax you pay for your principal residence, if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The grant application can be completed online if desired. Low income grant supplements can further reduce property taxes, and may be available retroactively if you were eligible last year and didn't apply. Grant supplement applications can be submitted by mail or email.
 | Low income grant supplement for seniors |
| Low income grant supplement for surviving spouses of veterans who received war veterans allowance |
| Low income grant supplement for people with disabilities |
Federal EcoENERGY program incentives
Property Tax Deferment Program - for families with children, or for ages 55+, a surviving spouse, or disabled.
BC Health Care & Dental Care
Hospice Palliative and End-of-Life Care - includes a range of services for dying people of all ages, including children, and their families, including provision of drugs and medical equipment. The link is for Vancouver Island Health Authority, but the other BC health authorities probably provide similar services. See the list of Regional Health Authorities in BC.
BC Healthy Kids Program - provides coverage for basic dental treatment, optical care and hearing assistance to children in low-income families, until the month after they turn 19 years of age.
TaxTips.ca Resources
Medical Services Plan - make sure you check to see if you are eligible for Supplementary Benefits.
PharmaCare - you have to register - make sure you do!
The above include links to BC Government information
BC Government Links
HealthLinkBC provides access to non-emergency health information and services. Phone 811 free of charge to speak to a nurse, pharmacist or dietitian. Phone 711 for deaf and hearing-impaired assistance (TTY).
Home and Community Care Services
Patient Care and Quality Review Boards - make a formal complaint regarding the quality of care that you or a loved one has received, or get more information about making a complaint.
BC Children and Families
Child and family benefits provided by federal and provincial/territorial governments.
BC Healthy Kids Program - provides coverage for basic dental treatment, optical care and hearing assistance to children in low-income families, until the month after they turn 19 years of age.
BC Early Childhood Tax Benefit, replaced by the BC Family Benefit (previously called the BC Child Opportunity Benefit).
Single Parent Employment Initiative - funded training for in-demand jobs, or on-the job training through a paid work-experience placement. Benefits could also include child-care costs, transportation costs, and exemptions for bursaries, scholarships and grants.
British Columbia Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG) - grants toward your child's Registered Education Savings Plan.
BC Students
Canada Benefits Finder - information for students - Use this tool to find financial aid, bursary and scholarship and other information for students.
BC Persons With Disabilities
Gifts and Assets Changes Now in Effect - As of Dec 1, 2015, family, friends, supporters and community groups can give regular gifts of cash to people receiving disability assistance, without affecting their assistance.
Services for People with Disabilities - LOTS to explore here!
Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
BC disability assistance rates
Fuel tax refund program for persons with disabilities
Property Tax Deferment Program - for ages 55+, a surviving spouse, or disabled.
Additional homeowner grant for disabled persons.
PST exemption for many medications, health-related equipment and supplies, and personal items purchased by persons with disabilities and handicaps. For more information from the BC government website, see the following bulletins from the Provincial Sales Tax Bulletins page:
Bulletin PST 301 Related Services (pdf)
Exempt related service - a service provided solely for the purpose of equipping a vehicle with an auxiliary driving control to facilitate the operation of the vehicle by an individual with a disability
Bulletin PST 308 - PST on Vehicles (pdf) - see page 7, Motor Vehicles Modified for Persons with Disabilities
BC Seniors
Relevant Services and Resources to the National Seniors Council - Federal/Provincial/Territorial - including benefits finder and more.
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) - rent subsidy program for seniors aged 60 and over.
Senior's supplement based on federal OAS/GIS/Allowance payment levels.
Income security programs providing financial assistance for seniors.
Seniors Guide - information on provincial and federal programs, with sections on benefits, health, lifestyle, housing, transportation, finances, safety and security, and other services.
Property Tax Deferment Program - for ages 55+, a surviving spouse, or disabled.
Additional homeowner grant for seniors.
Revised: November 30, 2024