"alternate application for income assistance form" means a report submitted to the minister under section 4.21 (2) using the applicable form specified by the minister for the purpose of section 33 [reporting requirement] [B.C. Reg. 244/2024];

"application for income assistance (part 1) form" means an application for income assistance (part 1) form specified by the minister;

"application for income assistance (part 2) form" means an application for income assistance (part 2) form specified by the minister;

"asset" means

(a) equity in any real or personal property that can be converted to cash,

(b) a beneficial interest in real or personal property held in trust, or

"assistance" means income assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement;

"basic child tax benefit" means the Canada child tax benefit minus the national child benefit supplement;

"BC basic family bonus" means an amount calculated for the purposes of section 10 (3) (a) of the Income Tax Act;

"BC child adjustment amount", in relation to a dependent child in a family unit, means the amount of

(a) $195.02 for the first dependent child in the family unit,

(b) $172.54 for the second dependent child in the family unit, or

and each of these amounts is adjusted every year on July 1, beginning on July 1, 2018, by the percentage increase, if any, of the consumer price index for the 12 month period ending September 30 of the previous year;

“BC child opportunity benefit” means an amount deemed to be an overpayment on account of an individual’s liability for the taxation year determined under section 13.092 [BC child opportunity benefit] of the Income Tax Act as it read before January 1, 2023;

"BC early childhood tax benefit" means an amount deemed to be an overpayment on account of an individual's liability for the taxation year determined under section 13.071 [BC early childhood tax benefit] of the Income Tax Act;

"BC earned income benefit" means an amount calculated for the purposes of section 10 (3) (b) of the Income Tax Act;

“BC family benefit” means an amount deemed to be an overpayment on account of an individual's liability for the taxation year determined under section 13.092 of the Income Tax Act as it read on or after January 1, 2023;

"Canada child benefit" means an amount deemed to be an overpayment on account of a person's liability for the taxation year determined under section 122.61 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as it read on or after July 1, 2016;

"Canada child tax benefit" means an amount deemed to be an overpayment on account of a person's liability for the taxation year determined under section 122.61 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as it read before July 1, 2016 and includes the child disability benefit;

"cash assets" in relation to a person, means

(a) money in the possession of the person or the person's dependant,

(b) money standing to the credit of the person or the dependant with

(i) a savings institution, or

(ii) a third party

that must pay it to the person or the dependant on demand,

(d) the amount of an immediately negotiable cheque payable to the person or the dependant;

"child benefits cheque" means a cheque for one, or the sum of two or more, of the following:

(a) the BC basic family bonus;

(b) the BC earned income benefit;

(d) the national child benefit supplement;

(e) the BC early childhood tax benefit;

(f) the Canada child benefit;

(g) the BC child opportunity benefit;

(h) the BC family benefit;

"child disability benefit" means a supplement to the Canada Child Tax Benefit received by families with a child who meets the criteria for the Disability Tax Credit provided under the Income Tax Act (Canada);

"child in care" has the same meaning as in the Child, Family and Community Service Act;

"Community Living BC" means Community Living British Columbia established under the Community Living Authority Act;

"consumer price index" means the Consumer Price Index for Canada, as published by Statistics Canada under the authority of the Statistics Act (Canada);

“cooperative association” means a cooperative association as defined in the Real Estate Development Marketing Act;

"dietitian" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of dietetics;

"disability assistance" has the same meaning as in the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act;

"earned income" means

(a) any money or value received in exchange for work or the provision of a service,

(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 1 (a).]

(d) money or value received from providing room and board at a person's place of residence, or

(e) money or value received from renting rooms that are common to and part of a person's place of residence;

"employment-related program" means any of the following categories of programs that are established or funded under section 7 of the Act:

(a) employment search;

(b) training;

(d) self-employment;

(e) volunteer;

"family bonus" means an amount consisting of the sum of the BC basic family bonus and the national child benefit supplement;

"former recipient" means an applicant or recipient who, before making the current application under the Act or receiving the current income assistance under the Act, previously received

(a) income assistance under the Act or a former Act, or

(b) disability assistance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act or under a former Act within the meaning of that Act;

"full-time student" has the same meaning as in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations (Canada);

"funded program of studies" means a program of studies for which funding provided to students under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act may be provided to a student enrolled in it;

"gift" does not include

(a) money or other value received, by will or as the result of intestacy, from the estate of a deceased person, or

(b) money or other value received from a trust;

"government corporation" has the same meaning as in the Financial Administration Act

"income assistance application date" means the date of an applicant's submission of

(a) an application for income assistance (part 2) form, or

(b) an alternate application for income assistance form [B.C, Reg. 151/2018];

"indigenous financial settlement" means an order of a court, an award or order of a tribunal or arbitrator, or a settlement agreement, if the order, award or settlement agreement satisfies both of the following conditions:

(a) the order, award or settlement agreement relates to one or more of the following:

(i) Indigenous identity;

(ii) a right recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;

(iii) an obligation of a relevant government entity in relation to section 91 (24) of the Constitution Act, 1867

(iv) one or more of the grounds for a claim that are set out in section 14 of the Specific Claims Tribunal Act (Canada);

(b) the terms of the order, award or settlement agreement require a relevant government entity to pay money to an Indigenous governing body or to an individual who is a member of a class of persons on whose behalf the order, award or agreement is made;

"Indigenous governing body" has the same meaning as in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act;

“Insurance Corporation of British Columbia” means the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia continued by section 2 (1) of the Insurance Corporation Act;

“legal proceeding” includes a civil, criminal, quasi-criminal, administrative or regulatory action or proceeding;

"midwife" Health Professions Act who is authorized to use the title "midwife";

"minister", in relation to a power, duty or function that the minister has delegated under section 34 of the Act to another person, includes that other person;

"national child benefit supplement" means the amount that is 1/12 the value of "C" in the formula calculated under section 122.61 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as it read before July 1, 2016;

"parent", in relation to a dependent child, includes the following other than for the purposes of sections 20 [assignment of maintenance rights] and 65[burial or cremation supplements] of this regulation and section 6 [people receiving room and board] of Schedule A of this regulation:

(a) a guardian of the person of the child, other than

(i) a director under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, or

(ii) an administrator or director under the Adoption Act;

(b) a person legally entitled to custody of a child, other than an official referred to in paragraph (a) (i) or (ii);

(c) if the child is a dependent child of a parenting dependent child, a person who is the parent of the parenting dependent child;

"parenting dependent child" means a dependent child who is the parent of a dependent child;

"part-time student" has the same meaning as in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations (Canada);

"private hospital" means a private hospital licensed under the Hospital Act;

“recurring supplement” means a supplement under any of the following provisions:

(a) section 56.2 [pre-natal shelter supplement];

(b) section 61 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus];

(d) section 62 [guide dog or service dog supplement];

(e) section 67 [general health supplements], as it relates to supplements described in section 2 (1) (f) or (3) of Schedule C;

(f) section 73 [diet supplement];

(g) section 75 [natal supplement];

(h) section 77 [supplement for alcohol or drug treatment];

(i) section 77.7 [housing stability supplement]; .

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

"Relevant government entity" means one of the following:

(a) the government;

(b) a government corporation;

(d) the government of a province;

(e) a corporation that is

(i) established by or incorporated under an Act of Canada or a province, and
(ii) equivalent to a government corporation;.

"registered education savings plan" means a registered education savings plan as defined by section 146.1 of the Income Tax Act (Canada);

"sole", in relation to an applicant or a recipient, means the applicant's or recipient's family unit includes no other applicant, recipient or adult dependant;

"special care facility" means a facility that is a licensed community care facility under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act or a specialized adult residential care setting approved by the minister under subsection (3);

"student financial assistance" means funding provided to students under

(a) the British Columbia Student Assistance Program,

(b) the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, or

"supported child" means any of the following:

(a) a child in care;

(b) a child who is described in section 1 (a) or (b) of the Child in the Home of a Relative Transition Regulation, B.C. Reg. 48/2010;

(c) a child who is subject to an agreement under section 8 or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;

"unearned income" means any income that is not earned income, and includes, without limitation, money or value received from any of the following:

(a) money, annuities, stocks, bonds, shares, and interest bearing accounts or properties;

(b) cooperative associations;

(d) insurance benefits, except insurance paid as compensation for a destroyed asset;

(e) superannuation benefits;

(f) any type or class of Canada Pension Plan benefits;

(g) employment insurance;

(h) union or lodge benefits;

(i) financial assistance provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act or provided by another province or jurisdiction;

(j) workers' compensation benefits and disability payments or pensions;

(k) surviving spouses' or orphans' allowances;

(l) a trust or inheritance;

(m) rental of tools, vehicles or equipment;

(n) rental of land, self-contained suites or other property except the place of residence of an applicant or recipient;

(o) interest earned on a mortgage or agreement for sale;

(p) maintenance under a court order, a separation agreement or other agreement;

(q) education or training allowances, grants, loans, bursaries or scholarships;

(r) a lottery or a game of chance;

(s) awards of compensation under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act or awards of benefits under the Crime Victim Assistance Act, other than an award paid for repair or replacement of damaged or destroyed property;

(t) any other financial awards or compensation;

(u) Federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments;

(v) financial contributions made by a sponsor pursuant to an undertaking given for the purposes of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or the Immigration Act (Canada);

(w) tax refunds;

(x) gifts of money, annuities, stocks, bonds, shares, and interest bearing accounts or properties;

(y) gifts in the form of payment by another person of a debt or obligation;

"unfunded program of studies" means a program of studies for which a student enrolled in it is not eligible for funding provided to students under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act;

“vote” has the same meaning as in the Financial Administration Act;

“voted support payment” means a support payment made to a family unit from the voted appropriation described under the heading “Income Assistance” in the vote for the ministry of the minister.

(2) Subsection (2.1) applies to a child if

(a) the child relies on both parents for the necessities of life, and

(b) the child resides

(i) with each parent for 50% of each month in circumstances where the parents live in different residences, or

(ii) with both parents in circumstances where the parents live in the same residence but are not spouses.

(2.1) For the purposes of the Act and this regulation, a child described in subsection (2)

(a) is a dependent child of the parent who is an applicant or recipient, provided only one of the parents is an applicant or recipient, or

(b) if both parents are applicants or recipients, is a dependent child only of the parent who is designated in writing by both parents.

(3) For the purposes of the definition of "special care facility", the minister may approve as a specialized adult residential care setting a place that provides accommodation and care for adults and for which a licence under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act is not required.

(4) The definition of "parent" in subsection (1) applies for the purposes of the definition of "dependent child" in section 1 (1) of the Act.

(5) For the purposes of the Act and this regulation, two persons who are married to each other are not spouses if the minister is satisfied that the relationship does not demonstrate

(a) financial dependence or interdependence, and

(b) social and familial interdependence

consistent with a marriage-like relationship.

[am. B.C. Regs. 461/2003, s. 1 (a); 256/2004, s. (a); 344/2004; 518/2004, s. 5; 86/2005; 304/2005, s. 1; 305/2005, Sch. 1, s. 1; 192/2006, s. 1; 400/2007, s. 1; 317/2008, s. 1; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (a); 84/2012, Sch. 1, s. 1; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 1 and 2; 363/2012, s. 1; 41/2015, Sch. 1, s. 1; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 1; 204/2015, App. 1, s. 1; 283/2016, Sch. 1, s. 1; 34/2017, App. 1, s. 1.]

Persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment

2 (1) In this section, "health professional" means a person who is

(a) authorized under an enactment to practise the profession of

(i) chiropractor,

(ii) medical practitioner,

(iii) nurse practitioner,

(iv) occupational therapist,

(v) physical therapist,

(vi) registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse,

(vii) registered psychologist, or

(viii) registered social worker,

(b) a registered clinical counsellor in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, or

(i) an authority, as that term is defined in section 1 (1) of the Independent School Act, or

(ii) a board or a francophone education authority, as those terms are defined in section 1 (1) of the School Act,

if qualifications in psychology are a condition of such employment.

(2) A person qualifies as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment if the person

(a) is a recipient of income assistance or hardship assistance,

(b) has a health condition that is confirmed by a health professional and that,

(i) in the opinion of the health professional,

(A) has continued for at least one year and is likely to continue for at least 2 more years, or

(B) has occurred frequently in the past year and is likely to continue for at least 2 more years, and

(ii) in the opinion of the minister, is a barrier that seriously impedes the person's ability to search for, accept or continue in employment, and

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) (c), an additional barrier is any of the following:

(a) any of the following circumstances if, in the opinion of the minister, the circumstance seriously impedes the person's ability to search for, accept or continue in employment:

(i) currently experiencing homelessness or having experienced homelessness in the past 12 months;

(ii) currently experiencing domestic violence or having experienced domestic violence in the past 6 months;

(iii) needing English language skills training;

(iv) not having basic skills for employment;

(v) having a criminal record;

(vi) having an education below grade 12;

(vii) having accessed emergency health, mental health or addiction services multiple times in the past 12 months;

(viii) being a Convention refugee as determined under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or the Immigration Act (Canada), or having been such a refugee in the past 24 months, or being in the process of having a claim for refugee protection, or application for protection, determined or decided under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada);

(ix) being a person who was a child in care or received similar care under an enactment of another Canadian jurisdiction;

(b) a circumstance that the minister considers to be a circumstance that seriously impedes the person's ability to search for, accept or continue in employment.

(4) If a person qualified as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment on June 30, 2019, the person qualifies, subject to section 34, as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment.

[en. B.C. Reg. 368/2002, B.C. Reg. 122/2019.]

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency

2.1 (1) This section applies in relation to the provision of assistance for a calendar month after April, 2020 to or for

(a) a family unit that was eligible on April 2, 2020, or includes a person who was in a family unit that was eligible on April 2, 2020, for

(i) income assistance, or

(ii) hardship assistance, other than hardship assistance provided under section 43 because an applicant applied for

(A) an income support payment under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act, or

(B) employment insurance, or

(b) a family unit that is described in section 2.01 (1) (a) of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.

(2) Section 11 (1) is to be read as though it also provided that the following assets are exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1):

(a) an income support payment under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act;

(a.1) a benefit under the Canada Recovery Benefits Act;

(a.2) a benefit under the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Act;

(b) employment insurance for a period ending before November 21, 2021;

(3) Section 1 (a) of Schedule B is to be read as though it also provided that the following are exempt from income when calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of this regulation:

(a) an income support payment under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act;

(a.1) a benefit under the Canada Recovery Benefits Act;

(a.2) a benefit under the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Act;

(b) employment insurance for a period ending before November 21, 2021;

(4) Section 6 of Schedule D is to be read as though it also provided that no deduction is to be made for the following when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant’s family unit is eligible under section 2 of that Schedule:

(a) an income support payment under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act;

(a.1) a benefit under the Canada Recovery Benefits Act;

(a.2) a benefit under the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Act;

(b) employment insurance for a period ending before November 21, 2021;

(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 322/2021, s. 1.]

(6) For the purposes of this regulation, pandemic pay is to be read as though it is unearned income.

(7) In this section:

“COVID-19 emergency” means the emergency that is the subject of

(a) the notice provided on March 17, 2020 by the provincial health officer under section 52 (2) of the Public Health Act, and

(b) the declaration of a state of emergency made on March 18, 2020, and any extension of that declaration, under section 9 of the Emergency Program Act;

“essential service” has the same meaning as in the COVID-19 (Limits on Actions and Proceedings) Regulation;

“pandemic pay” means additional income received for work, or the provision of a service, that

(a) the minister considers is an essential service, and

(b) is received

(i) on a temporary basis during the COVID-19 emergency, and

(ii) in addition to the earned income that is received in exchange for the same work or the provision of the same service.

[en. B.C. Reg. 102/2020, App. 1; am. B.C. Reg. 191/2020, App. 1; am. B.C. Reg. 270/2020, App. 1. B.C. Reg 193/2021]

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – CESB

2.2 (1) This section applies in relation to the provision of assistance to or for

(a) a family unit that was eligible on May 1, 2020, or includes a person who was in a family unit that was eligible on May 1, 2020, for

(i) income assistance, or

(ii) hardship assistance, other than hardship assistance provided under section 43 because an applicant applied for

(A) an income support payment under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act, or

(B) employment insurance, or

(b) a family unit that is described in section 2.02 (1) (a) of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.

(2) Section 11 (1) is to be read as though it also provided that a Canada emergency student benefit under the Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act is exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1).

(3) Section 1 (a) of Schedule B is to be read as though it also provided that a Canada emergency student benefit under the Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act is exempt from income when calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of this regulation.

(4) Section 6 of Schedule D is to be read as though it also provided that no deduction is to be made for a Canada emergency student benefit under the Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant’s family unit is eligible under section 2 of that Schedule.

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency - Indigenous emergency assistance

2.3 (1) In this section:

“COVID-19 emergency” means the emergency that is the subject of

(a) the notice provided on March 17, 2020 by the provincial health officer under section 52 (2) of the Public Health Act, and

(b) the declaration of a state of emergency made on March 18, 2020, and any extension of that declaration, under section 9 of the Emergency Program Act;

“Indigenous emergency assistance” means an amount provided as assistance in relation to the COVID-19 emergency by

(a) an Indigenous nation, or

(b) an Indigenous organization that provides services to Indigenous individuals.

(2) The definition of “assistance” in section 1 (1) does not apply in relation to the definition of “Indigenous emergency assistance” in this section.

(3) Section 11 (1) is to be read as though it also provided that Indigenous emergency assistance is exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1).

(4) Section 1 (a) of Schedule B is to be read as though it also provided that Indigenous emergency assistance is exempt from income when calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of this regulation.

(5) Section 6 of Schedule D is to be read as though it also provided that no deduction is to be made for Indigenous emergency assistance when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant’s family unit is eligible under section 2 of that Schedule.

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – federal one-time payment for seniors

2.4 (1) In this section:

“allowance” means an allowance under Part III of the Old Age Security Act (Canada);

“COVID-19 emergency” means the emergency that is the subject of

(a) the notice provided on March 17, 2020 by the provincial health officer under section 52 (2) of the Public Health Act, and

(b) the declaration of a state of emergency made on March 18, 2020, and any extension of that declaration, under section 9 of the Emergency Program Act;

“federal one-time payment for seniors” means any of the following payments granted by the government of Canada in relation to the COVID-19 emergency:

(a) a payment of $300 to an individual who is eligible in June 2020 for a federal old age security payment;

(b) a payment of $200 to an individual who is eligible in June 2020 for a federal guaranteed income supplement payment;

(d) a payment under section 7 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act (Canada) to an individual whose federal guaranteed income supplement or allowance payments were ceased or reduced as a result of the person receiving

(i) an income support payment under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act, or

(ii) a benefit under the Canada Recovery Benefits Act.

(2) Section 11 (1) is to be read as though it also provided that a federal one-time payment for seniors is exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1).

(3) Section 1 (a) of Schedule B is to be read as though it also provided that a federal one-time payment for seniors is exempt from income when calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of this regulation.

(4) Section 6 of Schedule D is to be read as though it also provided that no deduction is to be made for a federal one-time payment for seniors when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant’s family unit is eligible under section 2 of that Schedule.

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency - reconsideration of decisions

2.5 (1) In this section:

"affected decision" means a decision

(a) that may be reconsidered after a request made under section 17 (1) of the Act, and

(b) that has a deadline for reconsideration that has been waived, suspended or extended as a result of the COVID-19 emergency;

"COVID-19 emergency" means the emergency that is the subject of

(a) the notice provided on March 17, 2020 by the provincial health officer under section 52 (2) of the Public Health Act, and

(b) the declaration of a state of emergency made on March 18, 2020, and any extension of that declaration, under section 9 of the Emergency Program Act;

"requesting person", in respect of an affected decision, means a person who makes a request for reconsideration under section 17 (1) of the Act.

(2) This section applies in the case of an affected decision in respect of which a requesting person has requested reconsideration under section 17 (1) of the Act.

(3) Section 26 (2.01) is to be read as though the date a family unit became eligible for a supplement referred to in that subsection were the earliest of the following:

(a) the date referred to in section 26 (2.01) (a);

(b) the date referred to in section 26 (2.01) (b);

(4) Section 26 (3.01) is to be read as though the date a family unit became eligible to receive the income assistance referred to in that subsection were the earliest of the following:

(a) the date referred to in section 26 (3.01) (a);

(b) the date referred to in section 26 (3.01) (b);

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – federal one-time payment for persons who have disabilities

2.6 (1) In this section, “federal one-time payment for persons who have disabilities” means the one-time federal payment of up to $600 made by the federal Minister of Employment and Social Development to persons who have disabilities for reasons related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) authorized by section 10 of An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures (Canada), S.C. 2020, c. 11.

(2) Section 11 (1) is to be read as though it also provided that the federal one-time payment for persons who have disabilities is exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1).

(3) Section 1 (a) of Schedule B is to be read as though it also provided that the federal one-time payment for persons who have disabilities is exempt from income when calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of this regulation.

(4) Section 6 of Schedule D is to be read as though it also provided that no deduction is to be made for the federal one-time payment for persons who have disabilities when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant’s family unit is eligible under section 2 of that Schedule.

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – BC recovery benefit

2.7 (1) In this section:

“BC recovery benefit” means the one-time payment, of up to $500 in the case of an individual and up to $1 000 in the case of a family or single parent, provided by the government in relation to the COVID-19 emergency;

“COVID-19 emergency” means the emergency that is the subject of

(a) the notice provided on March 17, 2020 by the provincial health officer under section 52 (2) of the Public Health Act, and

(b) the declaration of a state of emergency made on March 18, 2020, and any extension of that declaration, under section 9 of the Emergency Program Act.

(2) Section 11 (1) is to be read as though it also provided that the BC recovery benefit is exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1).

(3) Section 1 (a) of Schedule B is to be read as though it also provided that the BC recovery benefit is exempt from income when calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of this regulation.

(4) Section 6 of Schedule D is to be read as though it also provided that no deduction is to be made for the BC recovery benefit when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant’s family unit is eligible under section 2 of that Schedule.

Part 2 — Eligibility for Income Assistance

Division 1 — Applications and Applicant Requirements

Repealed

3 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 304/2005, s. 2.]

Process for assessment of eligibility for income assistance

4 (1) The eligibility of a family unit for income assistance must be assessed on the basis of the 2-stage process set out in sections 4.1 and 4.2.

(2) Despite subsection (1), the eligibility of a family unit for income assistance may, at the minister's discretion, be assessed on the basis of the process set out in section 4.21, if income assistance or disability assistance has been provided to or for a person in the family unit in at least one of the 6 calendar months immediately preceding the calendar month for which the eligibility of that family unit is being assessed [B.C. Reg. 151/2018].

[en. B.C. Reg. 304/2005, s. 3.]

Application for income assistance — stage 1

4.1 (1) The first stage of the process for assessing the eligibility of a family unit referred to in section 4 (1) for income assistance is fulfilling the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The applicants for income assistance in a family unit

(a) must complete and submit to the minister an application for income assistance (part 1) form and must include as part of the application

(i) the social insurance number of each applicant in the family unit who is a person described in section 7 (2), and

(ii) the information, authorizations, declarations and verifications specified by the minister, as required in the application for income assistance (part 1) form, and

(b) subject to subsections (4) and (6), must

(i) complete searches for employment as directed by the minister for the 3 weeks immediately following the date of the application under paragraph (a), or

(ii) demonstrate that each of the applicants has completed a search for employment satisfactory to the minister within the 30 day period prior to the date of the application under paragraph (a),

and in either case provide information about and verification of the searches for employment, in the form specified by the minister.

(2.1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s 3 (b).]

(3) Subsection (2) does not affect the minister's powers under section 10 of the Act.

(4) Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to a person who

(a) is prohibited by law from working in Canada,

(b) has reached 65 years of age,

(d) has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the person from completing a search for employment as directed by the minister, or

(e) is fleeing an abusive spouse or relative.

(f) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 6/2008, s. 1.]

(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 3 (e).]

(6) Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to a sole applicant who

(a) has a dependent child, or

(b) provides care to a supported child

if the child has not reached 3 years of age.

[en. B.C. Reg. 304/2005, s. 3; am. B.C. Regs. 6/2008, s. 1; 98/2009, s. 1; 99/2009, s. 1; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b) and (c); 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 1; 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 3; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 2.]

Application for income assistance — stage 2

4.2 (1) In this section, "applicant orientation program" means a program established by the minister to ensure that applicants are provided with information about their rights and obligations under the Act, including but not limited to information about all or any combination of

(a) rules about eligibility for income assistance or supplements,

(b) the process of applying for disability assistance,

(d) mutual obligations of the minister, applicants and recipients,

(e) client needs assessments and employability plans,

(f) the minister's authority to collect and verify information, and

(g) the availability of alternate resources, such as, federal programs and other Provincial programs.

(2) The second stage of the process for assessing the eligibility of a family unit referred to in section 4 (1) for income assistance is fulfilling the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.

(3) Subject to section 47.2 (2), on completion of the first stage process provided for in section 4.1, the applicants for income assistance in the family unit must complete and submit to the minister an application for income assistance (part 2) form and must include as part of the application

(a) proof of the identity of the persons in the family unit and of their eligibility under the Act,

(b) subject to subsection (5), proof that the applicants have each completed an applicant orientation program, and

(c) the information, authorizations, declarations and verifications specified by the minister as required in the application for income assistance (part 2) form.

(4) Subsection (3) does not affect the minister's powers under section 10 of the Act.

(5) Subsection (3) (b) does not apply to a person who

(a) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

(b) has reached 65 years of age,

(c) is not described in 7 (2) [citizenship requirements] and is in a family unit that satisfies the requirement under section 7 (1), or

(d) has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the person from completing an applicant orientation program.

[en. B.C. Reg. 304/2005, s. 3; am. B.C. Regs. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 2; 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 4; 198/2012, Sch. 1, s. 1; 240/2015 App. 1, s. 1.]

Alternate application for income assistance

4.21 (1) The process for assessing the eligibility of a family unit referred to in section 4 (2) for income assistance is fulfilling the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The applicants for income assistance in a family unit must complete and submit to the minister a report using the applicable form specified by the minister for the purpose of section 33 [ reporting requirement]. [B.C. Reg. 244/2024]

Repealed

4.3 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (a).]

Repealed

4.4 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

Applicant requirements

5 (1) For a family unit to be eligible for income assistance or a supplement, an adult in the family unit must apply for the income assistance or supplement on behalf of the family unit unless

(a) the family unit does not include an adult, or

(b) the spouse of an adult applicant has not reached 19 years of age, in which case that spouse must apply with the adult applicant.

(2) A child who is not residing with the child's parent is not eligible to receive assistance unless, after reasonable efforts by the minister to have the parent assume responsibility for the financial support of the child, the minister decides to grant income assistance to the child.

(3) If a family unit includes a parenting dependent child, an application under subsection (1) may include in the family unit both the parenting dependent child and that individual's dependent child.

(4) Despite subsection (1), if

(a) a parenting dependent child is a dependent youth residing with a parent, and

(b) the parent of the dependent youth is a recipient under the Act or a recipient within the meaning of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,

the dependent youth may apply for income assistance or a supplement for a family unit composed of the dependent youth and any dependant of that dependent youth.

(5) The minister may provide income assistance or a supplement to a family unit described in subsection (4) if the minister considers that this is appropriate in the circumstances.

(6) If income assistance or a supplement is provided to a family unit described in subsection (4), the minister may not provide income assistance or a supplement on account of a person in that family unit as part of any other family unit.

[am. B.C. Regs. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (d); 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5.]

Repealed

6 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

Citizenship requirements

7 (1) For a family unit to be eligible for income assistance at least one applicant or recipient in the family unit must be ordinarily resident in British Columbia and must be

(a) a Canadian Citizen,

(b) authorized under an enactment of Canada to take up permanent residence in Canada,

(c) determined under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or the Immigration Act (Canada) to be a Convention refugee,

(d) in Canada under a temporary resident permit issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or on a minister's permit issued under the Immigration Act (Canada),

(e) in the process of having a claim for refugee protection, or application for protection, determined or decided under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada),

(f) subject to a removal order under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that cannot be executed, or

(g) a person who is in Canada under a temporary resident visa under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that was issued through an emergency authorization process for humanitarian reasons related to armed conflict. , and

(2) If a family unit satisfies the requirement under subsection (1), income assistance and supplements may be provided to or for the family unit on account of each person in the family unit who is ordinarily resident in British Columbia and who is

(a) a Canadian citizen,

(a.1) the applicant or recipient is ordinarily resident in British Columbia;.

(b) authorized under an enactment of Canada to take up permanent residence in Canada,

(c) determined under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or the Immigration Act (Canada) to be a Convention refugee,

(d) in Canada under a temporary resident permit issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or on a minister's permit issued under the Immigration Act (Canada),

(e) in the process of having a claim for refugee protection, or application for protection, determined or decided under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada),

(f) subject to a removal order under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that cannot be executed,

(g) a dependent child, or,

(h) a person who is in Canada under a temporary resident visa under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that was issued through an emergency authorization process for humanitarian reasons related to armed conflict.

(3) If a family unit includes a person who is not described in subsection (2),

(a) the person's income and assets must be included in the income and assets of the family unit for the purposes of determining whether the family unit is eligible for assistance, except as otherwise provided in this regulation, and

(b) the family unit is not eligible for any income assistance under Schedule A, hardship assistance under Schedule D or supplements under Division 1, 2, 3, 5 or 8 of Part 5 of this regulation on account of or for the use or benefit of that person.

[am. B.C. Regs. 253/2005, s. (a); 69/2008, s. 1 (a) and (b); 198/2012, Sch. 1, s. 2.]

Exemption from citizenship requirements

7.1 (1) Despite section 7 (1), a family unit that does not satisfy any of paragraphs (a) to (g) of that subsection is eligible for income assistance if the minister is satisfied that all of the following apply:

(a) the applicant is a sole applicant or, in the case of a recipient, the recipient is a sole recipient;

(a.1) the applicant or recipient is ordinarily resident in British Columbia;

(b) the applicant or recipient has one or more dependent children who are Canadian citizens;

(d) the applicant or recipient has applied for status as a permanent resident under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada);

(e) the applicant or recipient cannot readily leave British Columbia with the dependent children because

(i) a court order, agreement or other arrangement with respect to one or more of the dependent children provides custody, guardianship or access rights to another person who resides in British Columbia and leaving British Columbia with the dependent children would likely contravene the provisions of the court order, agreement or other arrangement,

(ii) another person who resides in British Columbia is claiming custody, guardianship or access rights with respect to one or more of the dependent children and the person's claims have not yet been resolved, or

(iii) the applicant or recipient, or a dependent child of the applicant or recipient, is being treated for a medical condition and leaving British Columbia would result in imminent danger to the physical health of the applicant, recipient or dependent child.

(2) If a family unit satisfies the requirement under subsection (1), income assistance and supplements may be provided to or for the family unit on account of

(a) the sole applicant or sole recipient in that family unit, and

(b) each person in the family unit who is a dependent child.

[en. B.C. Reg. 244/2024.]

Division 2 — Income and Asset Restrictions

Effect of applying for other sources of income

8 (1) For the purposes of subsection (2), "income" does not include

(a) earned income described in paragraphs (a), (d) or (e) of the definition in section 1, or

(b) income exempt under section 1 of Schedule B.

(2) A family unit is not eligible for income assistance if an applicant in the family unit has applied for income from another source.

Requirement to apply for CPP benefits

9 If a family unit includes a recipient who may be eligible for a benefit under the Canada Pension Plan (Canada), for the family unit to continue to be eligible for income assistance, the recipient, when requested by the minister, must complete a Consent to Deduction and Payment under the Canada Pension Plan (Canada) directing that

(a) an amount up to the amount of income assistance provided to or for the family unit from the date that the recipient becomes eligible for the Canada Pension Plan benefit be deducted from the amount of that benefit, and

(b) the amount deducted be paid to the minister.

[am. B.C. Reg. 463/2003, s. 1.]

Limits on income

10 (1) For the purposes of the Act and this regulation, "income", in relation to a family unit, includes an amount garnished, attached, seized, deducted or set off from the income of an applicant, a recipient or a dependant.

(2) A family unit is not eligible for income assistance if the net income of the family unit determined under Schedule B equals or exceeds the sum of the following:

(a) the amount of income assistance determined under Schedule A for a family unit matching that family unit;

(b) if the family unit includes a person who was a recipient in the previous calendar month, the total amount of recurring supplements that a family unit matching that family unit would be eligible to receive.

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

Asset limits

11 (1) The following assets are exempt for the purposes of subsections (2) and (2.1):

(a) clothing and necessary household equipment;

(b) one motor vehicle generally used for day to day transportation needs;

(b.1) any income earned by a dependent child [B.C, Reg. 455/2024];

(c.1) money received from the sale of a family unit’s place of residence, during the exemption period described in subsection (1.2) [B.C, Reg. 455/2024];

(d) money received or to be received from a mortgage on, or an agreement for sale of, the family unit's previous place of residence if the money is

(i) applied to the amount owing on the family unit's current place of residence, or

(ii) used to pay rent for the family unit's current place of residence;

(e) a Canada child tax benefit;

(e.1) a Canada child benefit;

(f) a goods and services tax credit under the Income Tax Act (Canada);

(g) a tax credit under section 8 [refundable sales tax credit], 8.1 [climate action tax credit] or 8.2 [BC harmonized sales tax credit] or 8.3 [renter's tax credit] of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia);

(h) an uncashed life insurance policy with a cash surrender value of $1 500 or less;

(i) business tools;

(j) seed required by a farmer for the next crop-year;

(k) basic breeding-stock held by a farmer at the income assistance application date, and female stock held for stock replacement;

(l) essential equipment and supplies for farming and commercial fishing;

(m) fishing craft and fishing gear owned and used by a commercial fisher;

(n) prepaid funeral costs;

(o) individual redress payments granted by the government of Canada to a person of Japanese ancestry;

(p) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus;

(q) individual payments granted by the government of British Columbia to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus;

(r) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to thalidomide victims;

(s) money that is

(i) paid or payable to a person if the money is awarded to the person by an adjudicative panel in respect of claims of abuse at Jericho Hill School for the Deaf and drawn from a lump sum settlement paid by the government of British Columbia, or

(ii) paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. C980463, Vancouver Registry;

(t) money paid under the 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreement made June 15, 1999, except money paid under section 4.02 or 6.01 of Schedule A or of Schedule B of that agreement;

(u) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 6 (e).]

(v) and (v.1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023,App.1, s. 2 (aq).],

(w) post adoption assistance payments provided under section 28 (1) or 30.1 of the Adoption Regulation, B.C. Reg. 291/96;

(x) for a recipient who is participating in a self-employment program funded or established by the minister under section 7 of the Act,

(i) up to a maximum of $5 000 kept by the recipient in a separate account described in section 4 (2) (b) (ii) of Schedule B, and

(ii) up to a maximum of $50 000, or a greater amount approved by the minister, consisting of

(A) the value of assets used by the recipient in operating a small business under the self-employment program, and

(B) a loan that is not greater than the amount contemplated by the recipient's business plan, accepted by the minister under section 77.2 of this regulation, and received and used for the purposes set out in the business plan;

(y) assets exempted under

(i) section 12 (2) [asset development accounts],

(ii) section 13 (2) [assets held in trust for person receiving special care], or

(iii) section 13.1 (2) [temporary exemption of assets for person applying for disability designation or receiving special care];

(z) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 3.]

(aa) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under section 8 [agreement with child's kin and others] of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;

(bb) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program;

(cc) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 3.]

(dd) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, for contributions to the support of a child;

(dd.1) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 12.4 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act [B.C, Reg. 455/2024];

(ee) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's

(i) Autism Funding: Under Age 6 Program, or

(ii) Autism Funding: Ages 6 — 18 Program;

(ff) funds held in a registered education savings plan;

(gg) payments provided by Community Living BC to assist with travel expenses for a recipient in the family unit to attend a self-help skills program, or a supported work placement program, approved by Community Living BC;

(hh) a Universal Child Care Benefit provided under the Universal Child Care Benefit Act (Canada);

(hh.1) a rental housing benefit provided under the Rental Housing Benefit Act (Canada);

(hh.2) a dental benefit provided under the Dental Benefit Act (Canada);

(ii) money paid by the government of Canada, under a settlement agreement, to persons who contracted Hepatitis C by receiving blood or blood products in Canada prior to 1986 or after July 1, 1990, except money paid under that agreement as income replacement;

(jj) funds held in, or money withdrawn from, a registered disability savings plan;

(kk) a working income tax benefit provided under the Income Tax Act (Canada);

(ll) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 180/2010, s. 1 (b).]

(mm) the climate action dividend under section 13.02 of the Income Tax Act;

(nn) money paid or payable to a person under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act as compensation for non-pecuniary loss or damage for pain, suffering mental or emotional trauma, humiliation or inconvenience that occurred when the person was under 19 years of age;

(oo) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. S024338, Vancouver Registry;

(oo.1) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement and Supplementary Agreement approved by the Federal Court June 22, 2018 in Court File No. T-370-17, Todd Edward Ross et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen;

(oo.2) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement approved by the Federal Court January 30, 2019 in Court File No. T-1068-14, Raymond Michael Toth v. Her Majesty the Queen;

(pp) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Family Support Services program;

(qq) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Supported Child Development program;

(rr) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Aboriginal Supported Child Development program;

(ss) a tax refund;

(tt) a BC basic family bonus;

(uu) money paid or payable from a fund that is established by the government of British Columbia, the government of Canada and the City of Vancouver in relation to recommendation 3.2 of the final report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry;

(vv) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Temporary Education Support for Parents program;

(ww) a BC early childhood tax benefit;

(ww.1) a BC child opportunity benefit;

(ww.2) a BC family benefit;

(xx) money that is paid or payable by or for Community Living BC to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by Community Living BC, an employee of Community Living BC or a person retained under a contract to perform services for Community Living BC;

(yy) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the minister, the ministry, an employee of the ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for the ministry;

(yy.1) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the Minister of Children and Family Development, that ministry, an employee of that ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for that ministry;

(yy.2) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person because the person was a resident of Woodlands School;

(zz) a disabled contributor's child's benefit paid or payable under the Canada Pension Plan;

(aaa) payments granted under an agreement referred to in section 94 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act ;

(bbb) money that is paid or payable, in respect of a child, from property that comes into the control of, or is held by, the Public Guardian and Trustee;

(ccc) and (ddd) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1,s.2(a)]

(eee) money that is paid or payable under the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders established under the authority of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act (Canada);

(fff) money, or goods or services in kind, received or to be received by a participant in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's Work Experience Opportunities Grant program from a grant under the program;

(ggg) a rebate of all or part of a premium paid to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and the plan operated under that Act

(hhh) an amount that is paid or payable, as a single payment or series of payments, as follows:

(i) the amount is paid or payable by a person who is or was a landlord, owner or manager, or a person who holds or held a similar position, in relation to leased, rented or licensed residential premises, whether or not the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act applies to that premises;

(ii) the amount is paid or payable to a person who is or was a tenant, lessee, licensee or occupant, or a person who has or had a similar right or permission to use the premises for residential purposes;

(iii) the amount is paid or payable as full or partial compensation for loss of the residential use of the premises, including for eviction, relocation, demolition, temporary displacement during repair, renovation or redevelopment, or as an inducement to cease or suspend residential use;

(iv) the amount is paid or payable under an enactment, a policy or a contract, or voluntarily or at the discretion of the person referred to in subparagraph (i).

(iii) money that is exempt under section 8 of Schedule B;

(jjj) to (mmm) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App.1,s.2(a).]

(nnn) a voted support payment.

(ooo) money that is paid or payable under or from an Indigenous financial settlement.

(ppp) money that is paid or payable to or for an injured person in relation to the injury if

(i) the money is paid or payable for the purpose of covering expenses that are necessary only because of the injury, or

(ii) the money is not paid or payable for a specific purpose and the minister is satisfied that the money will be used to cover expenses that are necessary only because of the injury. [B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), assets described in subsection (1) (x) (ii) (A) are not exempt under subsection (1) (i), (j), (k), (l) or (m).

(1.2) The exemption under subsection (1) (c.1) applies to

(a) the calendar month in which a person receives the money referred to in that subsection and the 3 subsequent calendar months, and

(b) if the minister is satisfied that the person is making reasonable efforts to purchase another primary residence for the family unit, one or more further calendar months approved by the minister.

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

(2) A family unit is not eligible for income assistance if any of the following apply:

(a) subject to paragraph (c), a sole applicant or sole recipient has no dependent children and has assets with a total value of more than $5 000;

(b) subject to paragraph (c), an applicant or a recipient has one or more dependants and the family unit has assets with a total value of more than $10 000;

(c) one applicant or recipient in the family unit receives accommodation and care in a private hospital or a special care facility, other than an alcohol or drug treatment centre, or is admitted to a hospital for extended care, and the family unit has assets with a total value of more than $100 000;

(d) 2 applicants or recipients in the family unit receive accommodation and care in a private hospital or a special care facility, other than an alcohol or drug treatment centre, or are admitted to a hospital for extended care, and the family unit has assets with a total value of more than $200 000.

(2.1) Despite subsection (2), a family unit that includes an applicant or a recipient who has applied for and has not been denied, or who the minister is satisfied has a genuine intention to apply for, designation as a person with disabilities under section 2 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act may receive income assistance, subject to all other eligibility criteria, if the family unit has assets with a total value of no more than

(a) in the case of a family unit that includes one applicant or recipient who has applied for and has not been denied, or who the minister is satisfied has a genuine intention to apply for, designation as a person with disabilities, $100 000, or

(b) in the case of a family unit that includes 2 applicants or recipients who have applied for and have not been denied, or who the minister is satisfied have a genuine intention to apply for, designation as a person with disabilities, $200 000.

(2.2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019]

(2.3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019]

(3) The minister may authorize one or more of the following:

(a) that for a family unit that includes a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment or a person who has reached 65 years of age, the total cash surrender value of an uncashed life insurance policy of an applicant or recipient is not to be included as an asset for the purposes of subsection (2) for the period specified by the minister;

(b) that saleable acreage and buildings owned by an applicant or recipient are to be treated as though they were the place of residence of the applicant's or recipient's family unit for the period specified by the minister.

(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch.1, s. 9.]

(5) If money is paid under or from an Indigenous financial settlement to an Indigenous governing body, the exemption under subsection (1) (ooo) includes investment income earned on that money by the Indigenous governing body before it is distributed to a person.

[am. B.C. Regs. 115/2003, Sch. 1, s. 1; 209/2003, Sch. 1, s. 1; 235/2003, s. 1; 462/2003, Sch. A, s. 1; 276/2004, s. 1 (a); 22/2005, Sch. s. 1 (a); 304/2005, s. 4; 305/2005, Sch. 1, s. 2; 192/2006, s. 2; 250/2006, s. 1 (a); 195/2007, s. 1; 362/2007, s. (a); 48/2008, s. 1 (a); 87/2008, s. 1 (a); 94/2008, s. 1 (a); 86/2008, s. 1; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (e); 180/2010, s. 1; 242/2010, s. 1; 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 3; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 6 to 9; 20/2013, s. 1; 31/2014, Sch. 1, s. 1; 172/2014, Sch. 1, s. 1; 41/2015, Sch. 1, s. 2; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 3; 204/2015, App. 1, s. 2; 283/2016, Sch. 1, s. 2; 96/2017, App. 1, s. 1; 34/2017, App. 1, s. 2; 179/2017, App. 1, s. 1; 150/2018, s. 1 (a); 151/2018, App. 1, s. 6; 189/2018, App. 1, s. 1 (a); 194/2021, s. 1; 232/2021, Sch. 1, s. 1; 189/2021, App. 3; 303/2021, Sch. 1, s. 1.]

Asset development accounts

12 (1) In this section:

"asset development account" means a savings institution account that is

(a) established exclusively for the purpose of enabling an applicant or a recipient to participate in an asset development account program, and

(b) comprised exclusively of deposits of money contributed by an applicant or a recipient and additional amounts that

(i) are contributed by or through the operator of the asset development account program, and

(ii) equal the percentage of the applicant's or recipient's contributions established for the applicant or recipient under the program;

"asset development account program" means a saving program that is

(a) designed to assist individuals to achieve savings for the purposes of future self-sufficiency or future enhanced self-sufficiency, and

(b) approved by the minister for the purposes of this regulation.

(2) For the period that an applicant or recipient is participating in an asset development account program, the applicant's or recipient's asset development account is exempt as an asset for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1)[asset limits].

(3) If an applicant or recipient does not use all or part of the money contributed to an asset development account for the purposes specified under the program, subsection (2) ceases to apply to that portion of the money not used for those purposes.

[am. B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 10.]

Assets held in trust for person receiving special care

13 (1) In this section, "disability-related cost" means the cost of providing any of the following to a person receiving accommodation or care in a private hospital or a special care facility, other than a drug or alcohol treatment centre:

(a) devices, or medical aids, related to improving the person's health or well-being;

(b) caregiver services or other services related to the person's disability;

(d) any other item or service that promotes the person's independence.

(2) For a person

(a) who is receiving accommodation or care in a private hospital or special care facility, other than a drug or alcohol treatment centre, or to whom section 11 (2.1) applies, and

(b) who complies with subsection (4),

up to $200 000, or a higher limit if authorized by the minister under subsection (3), of the aggregate value of the person's beneficial interest in real or personal property held in one or more trusts, calculated as follows:

(c) the sum of the value of the capital of each trust on the later of April 26, 1996 or the date the trust was created, plus

(d) any capital subsequently contributed to a trust referred to in paragraph (c)

is exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1)[asset limits].

(3) If the minister is satisfied that, because of special circumstances, the lifetime disability-related costs of a person referred to in subsection (2) will amount to more than $200 000, the minister may authorize a higher limit for the person for the purposes of subsection (2).

(4) A person referred to in subsection (2) who has a beneficial interest in one or more trusts must keep records of the following and make the records available for inspection at the request of the minister:

(a) for a trust created before April 26, 1996, the capital of the trust on that date;

(b) for a trust created on or after April 26, 1996, the capital of the trust on the date the trust was created;

(d) all payments made after April 26, 1996 to or on behalf of the person from a trust in which that person has a beneficial interest.

(5) For the purposes of this section, the real or personal property of a "patient", as defined in the Patients Property Act, is to be treated as if the real or personal property were held in trust for the patient by the patient's committee.

[am. B.C. Regs. 86/2008, s. 2; 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 11.]

Temporary exemption of assets for person applying for disability designation or receiving special care

13.1 (1) In this section:

"person applying for a disability designation" means a person to whom section 11 (2.1) applies;

"person receiving special care" means a person who is receiving accommodation or care in a private hospital or special care facility, other than a drug or alcohol treatment centre.

(2) During the exemption period described in subsection (3), an asset received by a person applying for a disability designation or by a person receiving special care is exempt for the purposes of section 11 (2) and (2.1)[asset limits] if the minister is satisfied that the person intends to

(a) establish a registered disability savings plan or trust, and

(b) contribute some or all of the asset to the registered disability savings plan or trust.

(3) The exemption under subsection (2) starts on the date the person receives the asset and ends 3 months after that date unless

(a) the exemption period is extended to a later date under subsection (4), or

(b) the exemption ceases to apply under subsection (5).

(4) The minister may extend the exemption period to a specified date if the minister is satisfied that the person is making reasonable efforts to establish a registered disability savings plan or trust.

(5) The exemption under subsection (2) ceases to apply if

(a) the person contributes all of the asset to a registered disability savings plan or trust, in which case the exemption ceases to apply to the asset on the date of the contribution,

(b) the person contributes a portion of the asset to a registered disability savings plan or trust, in which case the exemption ceases to apply to that portion on the date of the contribution, or

(i) the person does not intend to contribute any portion of the asset to a registered disability savings plan or trust, in which case the exemption ceases to apply to the asset on the date specified by the minister, or

(ii) the person has contributed some of the asset to a registered disability savings plan or trust but does not intend to contribute any remaining portion of the asset to a registered disability savings plan or trust, in which case the exemption ceases to apply to the remaining portion on the date specified by the minister.

(6) Amounts expended from an asset to which the exemption under subsection (2) applies are deemed to be money or value received from a trust within the meaning of paragraph (l) of the definition of "unearned income" in section 1 (1).

[en. B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 12.]

Division 3 — Specific Circumstances of an Applicant or Recipient That Affect Eligibility

Effect of strike or lockout on eligibility

14 A family unit is not eligible for income assistance if an applicant is on strike or locked out.

Effect of being in prison or other lawful place of confinement

15 A person is not eligible for income assistance, hardship assistance or supplements, other than a supplement under Division 8 [Housing Stability Supplement] of Part 5, while the person

(a) is detained in a lawful place of confinement, such as a federal or provincial correctional institution, jail, lockup, prison or camp, or

(b) is absent from a lawful place of confinement under a temporary absence program and is residing at a halfway house that is funded, sponsored or contracted for by the federal, or a provincial, government.

Effect of family unit including full-time student

16 (1) Subject to subsection (1.1), a family unit is not eligible for income assistance for the period described in subsection (2) if an applicant or a recipient is enrolled as a full-time student

(a) in a funded program of studies, or

(b) in an unfunded program of studies without the prior approval of the minister.

(1.1) Subsection (1) (a) does not apply to a family unit that includes a recipient who is enrolled in a funded program of studies with the prior approval of the minister under subsection (1.2) during the period described in subsection (2).

(1.2) For the purposes of subsection (1.1), the minister may approve a person to enroll in a funded program of studies if the person

(a) is a recipient of income assistance,

(b) is required to enroll in the program of studies as a condition of an employability plan, and

(c) was receiving income assistance, hardship assistance or disability assistance in each of the immediately preceding 3 calendar months, unless the minister is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist.

(2) The period referred to in subsection (1)

(a) extends from the first day of the month following the month in which classes commence and continues until the last day of the month in which exams in the relevant program of studies are held, and

(b) is not longer than 2 years.

[am. B.C. Regs. 284/2003; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 4. B.C. Reg. 194/2021]

Effect of recipient being absent from BC for more than 30 days

17 A recipient who is outside of British Columbia for more than 30 consecutive days ceases to be eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance unless the minister has given prior authorization for the continuance of income assistance or hardship assistance for the purpose of

(a) permitting the recipient to participate in a formal education program,

(b) permitting the recipient to obtain medical therapy prescribed by a medical practitioner, or

[ B.C. Reg 244/2024]

Repealed

18 Repealed [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 3.]

Division 4 — Assignment of Maintenance Rights

Definitions for Division

19 In this Division:

"assignor" means a person who has made an assignment;

"maintenance" has the same meaning as in section 1 (1) of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act;

"maintenance agreement" means a written agreement containing provisions respecting the payment of maintenance;

"maintenance order" has the same meaning as in section 1 (1) of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act;

"maintenance right" means a right relating to the receipt of maintenance and includes the following:

(a) the right to make an application under an enactment of British Columbia for a maintenance order;

(b) the right to enter into a maintenance agreement;

[am. B.C. Regs. 313/2006, s. 1; 363/2012, s. 2; 62/2015, Sch. 1, s. 1.]

Assignment of maintenance rights

20 (1) An applicant or recipient who has or may have in the future a maintenance right for the applicant or recipient or for a dependant may, with the consent of the minister, assign the maintenance right to the minister.

(2) An assignment under this section is terminated if

(a) repealed [B.C. Reg. 244/2024]

(b) the minister or the assignor delivers written notice to the other of the termination.

[en. B.C. Reg. 62/2015, Sch. 1, s. 2. am B.C. Reg. 244/2024]

Repealed

21 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 62/2015, Sch. 1, s. 2.]

Notice of assignment

22 (1) Before taking any steps to enforce maintenance rights assigned under this Division, the minister must give written notice of the assignment to the person against whom the minister intends to exercise the assigned maintenance rights.

(2) A person to whom notice of assignment is given under subsection (1) must promptly serve the minister with a copy of any application made by the person to vary, rescind or suspend a maintenance order or to reduce or cancel arrears of payments under a maintenance order.

(3) The minister's inability, after reasonable effort, to give notice under subsection (1) does not affect the validity of proceedings under this Division.

(4) Notice under subsection (1) may be given by ordinary mail.

Repealed

23-25 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 62/2015, Sch. 1, s. 2.]

Division 5 — Amount and Duration of Income Assistance

Effective date of eligibility

26 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), (2.01), (2.1), (3.01) or (3.1), a family unit is not eligible for income assistance or supplements in respect of a period that occurred before the date the minister determines the family unit is eligible for the income assistance or supplements, as applicable.

(2) A family unit becomes eligible

(a) for a support allowance under sections 2 and 3 of Schedule A on the income assistance application date, [B.C. Reg. 151/2018]

(b) for a shelter allowance under sections 4 and 5 of Schedule A on the first day of the calendar month that includes the income assistance application date, but only for that portion of that month's shelter costs that remains unpaid on the date of that submission, and

(c) for income assistance under sections sections 6, 7 and 8 (2) (b) of Schedule A on the income assistance application date .

(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (f).]

(2.01) If the minister decides, on a request made under section 17 (1) [reconsideration and appeal rights] of the Act, to provide a supplement, the family unit is eligible for the supplement from the earlier of

(a) the date the minister makes the decision on the request made under section 17 (1) of the Act, and

(b) the applicable of the dates referred to in section 80 (1) of this regulation.

(2.1) If the tribunal rescinds a decision of the minister refusing a supplement, the family unit is eligible for the supplement on the earlier of the dates referred to in subsection (2.01).

(3) If a family unit includes a person who qualifies as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, the family unit becomes eligible to receive income assistance at the rate specified under Schedule A for a family unit that matches that family unit on the first day of the month after the month in which the minister determines that the person qualifies as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment.

(3.01) If the minister decides, on a request made under section 17 (1) of the Act, that a person qualifies as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, the person's family unit becomes eligible to receive income assistance at the rate specified under Schedule A for a family unit that matches that family unit on the first day of the month after the month containing the earlier of

(a) the date the minister makes the decision on the request made under section 17 (1) of the Act, and

(b) the applicable of the dates referred to in section 80 (1) of this regulation.

(3.1) If the tribunal rescinds a decision of the minister determining that a person does not qualify as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, the person's family unit is eligible to receive income assistance at the rate specified under Schedule A for a family unit that matches that family unit on the first day of the month after the month containing the earlier of the dates referred to in subsection (3.01).

(4) If a family unit that includes a person who qualifies as a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment does not receive income assistance at the applicable rate under Schedule A from the date the family unit became eligible for it, the minister may backdate payment but only to whichever of the following results in the shorter payment period:

(a) the date the family unit became eligible under subsection (3) or (3.1), as applicable, for the applicable rate;

(b) 12 calendar months before the date of payment.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), a family unit is not eligible for any assistance in respect of a service provided or a cost incurred before the calendar month in which the assistance is requested.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply to assistance in respect of moving costs as defined in section 57.

[am. B.C. Regs. 304/2005, s. 5; 400/2007, s. 4; 340/2008, s. 1; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (f); 264/2013, s. 1.]

Repealed

27 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 13.]

Amount of income assistance

28 (1) Income assistance may be provided to or for a family unit, for a calendar month, in an amount that is not more than the difference between

(a) the amount determined under Schedule A, and

(b) the adjusted net income of the family unit determined under subsection (2).

(2) The adjusted net income of a family unit for the purposes of subsection (1) (b) is the following amount:

(a) if the family unit includes a person who was a recipient in the previous calendar month, the greater of zero and the difference between

(i) the net income of the family unit determined under Schedule B, and

(ii) the total amount of recurring supplements that the family unit is eligible to receive;

(b) in any other case, the net income of the family unit determined under Schedule B.

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

Part 3 — Other Factors That Affect Eligibility for Income Assistance or Hardship Assistance

Division 1 – Factors Related to Client Needs Assessments and Employability Plans

Consequences of failing to meet employment-related obligations

29 (1) The following consequences are prescribed for the purposes of section 13 (1) [consequences of not meeting specified obligations] of the Act for a family unit:

(a) a reduction of $50, for each recipient in the family unit who is in a circumstance described in section 13 (1) of the Act, in the amount of income assistance or hardship assistance, as applicable, that is provided to or for the family unit for a calendar month;

(b) if a consequence under paragraph (a) of this subsection is imposed for at least 6 consecutive calendar months in relation to the same recipient and circumstance, a declaration that the recipient is ineligible for assistance.

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a family unit of a recipient who is in any of the following categories:

(a) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 116/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2 (a).]

(b) sole recipients who have at least one dependent child who

(i) has not reached 3 years of age, or

(ii) has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the sole applicant or recipient from leaving home for the purposes of employment;

(d) sole recipients who are providing care to a child in care who

(i) has not reached 3 years of age, or

(ii) has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the sole recipient from leaving home for the purposes of employment;

(e) persons who receive accommodation and care in a special care facility or private hospital;

(f) recipients admitted to hospital because they require extended care;

(g) persons who reside with and care for a spouse who has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the person from leaving home for the purposes of employment;

(h) recipients in a family unit that includes only recipients who are

(i) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 160/2004, s. 2.]

(ii) persons who are participating in a treatment or rehabilitation program approved by the minister, if their participation in that program, in the minister's opinion, interferes with their ability to search for, accept or continue in employment,

(iii) persons who have separated from an abusive spouse or relative within the previous 6 months, if, in the minister's opinion, the abuse or the separation interferes with their ability to search for, accept or continue in employment,

(iv) persons not described in section 7 (2) [citizenship requirements],

(v) persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment, or

(vi) persons who have reached 65 years of age;

(i) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

(j) sole recipients who are providing care under an agreement referred to in section 8 [agreements with child's kin and others] of the Child, Family and Community Service Act for a child who

(i) has not reached 3 years of age, or

(ii) has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the sole recipient from leaving home for the purposes of employment;

(k) sole recipients who are providing care under an agreement referred to in section 93 (1) (g) (ii) [other powers and duties of directors] of the Child, Family and Community Service Act for a child who

(i) has not reached 3 years of age, or

(ii) has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the sole recipient from leaving home for the purposes of employment.

[am. B.C. Regs. 367/2002, Sch. 1; 116/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2; 331/2003, s. 2; 160/2004, s. 2; 304/2005, s. 4; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 6. 455-2024]

(l) recipients who the minister is satisfied are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

(5) Subsection (1) (b) does not apply to a family unit that includes

(a) a dependent child, or

(b) a recipient who is providing care to a supported child.

[am 255/2024]

Consequences if dependent youth fails to enter into or comply with employment plan

30 Repealed [am 255-2024]

Division 2 — Factors Related to Income and Assets

Effect of failing to pursue or accept income or assets or of disposing of assets

31 (1) For the purposes of section 14 (3) (a) [consequences of not accepting or disposing of property] of the Act in relation to a failure to accept or pursue income, assets or other means of support referred to in section 14 (1) (a) of the Act, the amount of a reduction is $100 for each calendar month for each applicant or recipient in the family unit and the period of the reduction is

(a) if the income, assets or other means of support are still available, until the failure is remedied, and

(b) if the income, assets or other means of support are no longer available, for one calendar month for each $2 000 of the value of the forgone income, assets or other means of support.

(2) For a family unit that is declared ineligible under section 14 (3) (b) of the Act for income assistance or hardship assistance because an applicant or recipient in the family unit failed to accept or pursue income, assets or other means of support referred to in section 14 (1) (a) of the Act, the period of ineligibility is,

(a) if the income, assets or other means of support are still available when the declaration is made, until the failure is remedied, and

(b) if the income, assets or other means of support are no longer available when the declaration is made, one calendar month for each $2 000 of the value of the forgone income, assets or other means of support.

(3) For the purposes of section 14 (3) (a) of the Act in relation to the family unit of an applicant or recipient who has disposed of real or personal property for consideration that, in the minister's opinion, is inadequate,

(a) the amount of the reduction is $100 for each calendar month for each applicant or recipient in the family unit, and

(b) the period of the reduction is one calendar month for each $2 000 of the value of the forgone consideration.

(4) For the purposes of section 14 (3) (b) of the Act in relation to the family unit of an applicant or recipient who has disposed of real or personal property for consideration that, in the minister's opinion, is inadequate, the period of the ineligibility is one calendar month for each $2 000 of the value of the forgone consideration.

(5) For the purposes of section 14 (2) (a) of the Act, the period of ineligibility is 2 calendar months for each $2 000 of the value of the real or personal property that was disposed of to reduce assets.

Retirement pension available before age 65

31.1 For the purposes of section 14 (1) (a) of the Act, the minister must not consider retirement pension payments available under the Canada Pension Plan or the Quebec Pension Plan (Quebec) to an applicant or recipient before the applicant or recipient reaches 65 years of age to be income, assets or other means of support that would, if accepted or pursued, enable the applicant or recipient to be completely or partly independent of income assistance, hardship assistance or supplements.

Division 3 — Factors Related to Providing Information and Verification

Consequences of failing to provide information or verification when directed

32 Repealed [am 255-2024]

(0.1) For the purposes of section 10 (4) (a) [information and verification] of the Act,

(a)the amount by which the minister may reduce the income assistance or hardship assistance of the recipient's family unit is $25 for each calendar month, and

(b)the period for which the minister may reduce the income assistance or hardship assistance of the recipient's family unit lasts until the recipient complies with the direction.

(1)For the purposes of section 10 (4) (b) [information and verification] of the Act, the period for which the minister may declare the family unit ineligible for assistance lasts until the applicant or recipient complies with the direction.

(1.1) Section 10 (4) (b) of the Act does not apply if the minister is satisfied that the family unit is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

Consequences for providing inaccurate or incomplete information

32.1 Repealed [am 255-2024]

Reporting requirements

33 (1) This section sets out reporting requirements for the purposes of section 11 [reporting requirements] of the Act.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), a monthly report must be submitted to the minister in accordance with the following requirements:

(a) the report must be submitted by the fifth day of each calendar month;

(b) the report must be in a form specified by the minister;

(i) whether the family unit requires further assistance;

(ii) changes in the family unit’s assets;

(iii) all income received by the family unit and the source of that income;

(iv) the employment and educational circumstances of recipients in the family unit;

(v) changes in family unit membership or the marital status of a recipient;

(vi) any warrants described in section 15.2 (1) of the Act.

(3) If the family unit includes a qualifying person within the meaning of section 66.1 of this regulation, subsection (2) of this section does not apply and the following reporting requirements apply instead:

(a) a report must be submitted by the fifth day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which one or more of the following occur:

(i) a change described in paragraph (c) (i) to (v);

(ii) a family unit receives earned income referred to in paragraph (c) (vi).

(b) the report must be in a form specified by the minister;

(i) changes in the family unit’s assets;

(ii) changes in income received by the family unit and the source of that income;

(iii) changes in the employment and educational circumstances of a recipient in the family unit;

(iv) changes in family unit membership or the marital status of a recipient;

(v) changes in respect of warrants described in section 15.2 (1) of the Act;

(vi) the amount of earned income received by the family unit in the calendar month and the source of that income.

(4) If there is a change in a family unit’s circumstances that is not disclosed in a report submitted under subsection (2) or (3), and if the change could affect the eligibility of the family unit to receive income assistance or hardship assistance, a report must be submitted by the fifth day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which the change occurs.

(5) The accuracy of information provided in each report under this section must be confirmed by a signed statement of each recipient in the family unit.

[am. B.C. Regs. 334/2007; 400/2007, s. 5; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 4; am BC Regs. 244/2024.]

Requirement for eligibility audit

34 (1) For the purposes of auditing eligibility for assistance or ensuring a recipient's continuing compliance with the Act and the regulations, the minister may do either or both of the following:

(a) require the recipient to attend in person on the date, and at the ministry office, specified by the minister;

(b) require the recipient to complete a form specified by the minister for use under this section and deliver the form to a ministry office specified by the minister.

(2) A recipient who is required under subsection (1) (b) to complete a form but who is not required to attend in person at a ministry office must deliver that form to the specified ministry office within 20 business days after being notified of the requirement to complete the form.

(3) Delivery of the form under subsection (2) may be made by

(a) leaving it with an employee in the ministry office, or

(b) mailing it to that office.

(4) The minister may declare a family unit to be ineligible for assistance if

(a) a recipient in the family unit fails to attend in person at the ministry office when required to do so by the minister under subsection (1) (a), or

(b) a recipient in the family unit fails to complete and deliver the form when required to do so by the minister under subsection (1) (b).

(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

[am. B.C. Regs. 400/2007, s. 6; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 84/2012, Sch. 1, s. 2.]

Repealed

34.1 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

Division 4

Repealed

35-38 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 149/2015, Sch. s. 1.]

Division 5 — Outstanding Arrest Warrants

Consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants

38.1 Section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act does not apply to a family unit of an applicant or recipient for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 of the Act has been issued and who

(a) is pregnant,

(b) is in the end stage of a terminal illness, or

[en. B.C. Reg. 73/2010, s. 1.]

Part 4 — Hardship Assistance

Hardship assistance — eligibility and limitations

39 (1) For a family unit to be eligible for hardship assistance, the family unit

(a) must be ineligible for income assistance for one or more reasons set out in sections 41 to 47.2, and

(b) must not be ineligible for income assistance for any other reason.

(2) A family unit that is eligible for hardship assistance must be provided with hardship assistance

(a) in accordance with Schedule D,

(b) only for the calendar month that includes the income assistance application date, and [B.C. Reg. 151/2018]

(c) only from the date in that calendar month on which the minister determines that the family unit is eligible for hardship assistance, subject to

(i) section 4 (2) of Schedule D for hardship assistance provided under sections 41 to 46, and

(ii) section 4 (3) of Schedule D for hardship assistance provided under section 47.2.

(3) A family unit to which hardship assistance has been provided for 3 consecutive calendar months because of the circumstances described in

(a) section 41, 44 or 46, or

(b) section 43, unless the source is employment insurance,

is not eligible for hardship assistance under any of those sections for the 3 consecutive calendar months immediately following those 3 consecutive calendar months of receipt.

(3.1) repealed

(4) If

(a) hardship assistance has been provided to a family unit under section 47.2 for the calendar month referred to in subsection (2) (c) of this section,

(b) the family unit continues to be ineligible for income assistance because a member of the family unit has not satisfied the requirement under section 4.1 (2) (b) respecting the completion of searches for employment, and

(c) the member of the family unit who has not satisfied that requirement is, if applicable, taking the steps to satisfy the requirement as directed by the minister,

hardship assistance may be provided under section 47.2 for a further 2 consecutive calendar months following the initial calendar month for which the hardship assistance is provided.

[en. B.C. Reg. 161/2004, s. 1; am. B.C. Regs. 304/2005, s. 6; 102/2008, s. 1; 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 14; 149/2015, Sch. s. 2.]

Rules about applications, payments, etc.

40 Subject to this Part, the following sections apply in respect of hardship assistance:

(a) section 4 [application and applicant orientation requirements];

(a.1) section 4.1 [application for income assistance — stage 1];

(a.2) section 4.2 [application for income assistance — stage 2];

(b) section 5 [applicant requirements];

(c.1) section 7.1 [exemption from citizenship requirements];

(d) section 8 [effect of applying for other sources of income];

(e) section 9 [requirement to apply for CPP benefits];

(f) section 10 [limits on income];

(g) section 11 [asset limits].

[am. B.C. Regs. 313/2007, s. 1 (b); 198/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5.]

Applicants who do not meet requirement for social insurance number or proof of identity

41 The minister may provide hardship assistance to a family unit that is not eligible for income assistance because of the failure to provide a social insurance number or proof of identity required under section 4.1 (2) (a) (i) or 4.2 (3) (a) if

(a) the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur, and

(b) the minister is satisfied that the applicant is making every effort to supply the social insurance number or proof of identity.

[am. B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (c).]

Repealed

42 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 69/2008, s. 1 (c).]

Applicants who fail to provide sponsorship information

42.1 The minister may provide hardship assistance to the family unit of an applicant described in section 7 (1) (a) or (b)[citizenship requirements] that is not eligible for income assistance because of the failure to provide the information and verifications required under section 4.2 (3) (c) for the minister to determine whether unearned income described in paragraph (v) of the definition in section 1 (1) of "unearned income" is available to the family unit, if

(a) the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur, and

(b) the minister is satisfied that the applicant is making every effort to supply the information and verifications.

[en. B.C. Reg. 161/2004, s. 2; am. B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (d).]

Applicants who have applied for income from another source

43 The minister may provide hardship assistance to a family unit that is not eligible for income assistance because an applicant has applied for income from another source if

(a) the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur, and

(b) the applicant provides the type of security specified by the minister for the repayment of the hardship assistance.

Family units that have excess income

44 The minister may provide hardship assistance to a family unit that is not eligible for income assistance because the income of the family unit exceeds the limit under section 10 [limits on income] if

(a) the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur,

(b) the applicant provides the type of security specified by the minister for the repayment of the hardship assistance,

(d) the income that causes the family unit to be ineligible for income assistance could not, in the minister's opinion, reasonably be expected to be used to meet the family unit's basic needs.

Applicant on strike or locked out

45 The minister may provide hardship assistance to a family unit that is not eligible for income assistance because an applicant is on strike or locked out if

(a) the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur,

(b) the applicant provides the type of security specified by the minister for the repayment of the hardship assistance, and

(c) the applicant satisfies the minister that the financial assistance that the applicant who is on strike or locked out is eligible for from the applicant's trade union, combined with the other resources of the family unit, is inadequate to meet the basic needs of the family unit.

Family units that have excess assets

46 The minister may provide hardship assistance to a family unit that is not eligible for income assistance because the assets of the family unit exceed the applicable limit under section 11 (2) and (2.1) [asset limits] if

(a) the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur,

(b) the applicant provides the type of security specified by the minister for the repayment of the hardship assistance,

(i) the assets that caused the family unit to be ineligible are not immediately available to meet the family unit's basic needs, and

(ii) every effort has been made and continues to be made to sell the assets, and

(d) the family unit

(i) includes one or more dependent children, or

(ii) includes only persons who have reached 65 years of age or persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment.

[am. B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 15.]

Repealed

47-47.1 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 149/2015, Sch. s. 3.]

Applicants who do not meet work search requirements

47.2 (1) The minister may provide hardship assistance to a family unit that is ineligible for income assistance because a member of the family unit has not satisfied the requirement under section 4.1 (2) (b) respecting the completion of searches for employment, if

(a) the applicants who submitted the application for income assistance (part 1) form also submit to the minister an application for income assistance (part 2) form that, subject to this section, complies with section 4.2, and

(b) the minister considers that

(i) any person in the family unit has an immediate need for food or shelter or needs urgent medical attention, and

(ii) undue hardship will occur if the hardship assistance is not provided.

(2) An applicant may submit an application for income assistance (part 2) form under subsection (1) (a) for the purpose of applying for hardship assistance even though the requirements under section 4.1 (2) (b) respecting the completion of searches for employment have not been satisfied.

Applicants fleeing armed conflict abroad

47.21 Repealed [B.C. reg. 141/2023, Sch. 1, s 3.]

Hardship assistance not repayable

47.3 (1) Hardship assistance provided to a family unit under section 44 or 46 is not repayable if requiring the family unit to use the income or sell the assets, as applicable, that cause the family unit to be ineligible for income assistance would put a person in the family unit at risk of domestic violence.

(2) If hardship assistance is provided to a family unit, the family unit is not required to repay the amount of the hardship assistance, if any, that is calculated in accordance with section 5 (c.1) of Schedule D as it pertains to section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A.

[en. B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 16.]

Part 5 — Supplements

Division 0.1 — Supplements — General

Recurring supplements – limits on income

47.4 (1) The total amount of recurring supplements that may be provided to or for a family unit that includes a person who was a recipient in the previous calendar month may not exceed the difference between

(a) the total amount of recurring supplements that the family unit is eligible to receive, and

(b) the net income of the family unit.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) (b), the net income of a family unit is the following:

(a) if the family unit is eligible for income assistance, the net income of the family unit determined under Schedule B;

(b) if the family unit is eligible for hardship assistance, the net income of the family unit determined for the purposes of section 2 (1) of Schedule D.

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

Division 1 — Supplements — Family Unit Eligible for Income Assistance

Supplement for purchase of co-op housing shares

48 (1) To enable the family unit of a recipient of income assistance to obtain residential accommodation, the minister may provide a lump sum to or for the family unit for the purchase of membership shares in a cooperative association.

(2) A lump sum may be paid under subsection (1) only if

(a) the family unit has received income assistance or disability assistance for at least the 3 previous calendar months, and

(b) the recipient agrees in writing to repay the lump sum.

(3) The amount of the lump sum under subsection (1) is limited to the smaller of the following:

(a) $850;

(b) 50% of the cost of the membership shares.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (2),

"disability assistance" includes a disability allowance under the Disability Benefits Program Act as it read immediately before its repeal;

"income assistance" includes

(a) income assistance under the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act as it read immediately before its repeal, and

(b) a youth allowance under the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act as it read immediately before its repeal.

Repealed

48.1–49 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 10

Repealed

50 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 196/2012, Sch. 1, s. 1.]

Repealed

51 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 192/2006, s. 3.]

Repealed

52 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 148/2011, s. (a).]

Repealed

53–54 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 10.]

Division 2 — Supplements — Family Unit Eligible for Hardship Assistance

Repealed

55 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 7.]

Division 3 — Supplements — Family Unit Eligible for Income Assistance or Hardship Assistance

Supplements related to employment plan

56 (1) The minister may provide any of the following supplements to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance to assist recipient or a dependent youth in the family unit to participate, in accordance with an employability plan, in an employment-related program:

(a) up to $100 for each calendar month to assist with transportation and attendance costs associated with participating in the employment-related program;

(b) the costs of tuition, books and supplies required to participate in the employment-related program;

(c) up to $200 for the cost of safety clothing required to participate in the employment-related program if the employment-related program is a workplace training or work experience program.

(2) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance of up to $100 for each calendar month to assist a recipient or a dependent youth in the family unit to participate, in accordance with an employability plan, in a volunteer incentive program as preparation for employment.

(3) Only 6 monthly payments may be made under subsection (2) to or for a family unit in respect of a recipient or dependent youth over any period of 36 consecutive calendar months, beginning with the calendar month for which the family unit first received the supplement on account of the recipient or dependent youth, unless the minister authorizes up to 6 more monthly payments.

Confirmed job supplement

56.1 The minister may provide a supplement of up to a maximum of $1 000 to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if

(a) a recipient in the family unit obtains confirmed employment that, in the opinion of the minister, will enable the family unit to become independent of income assistance or hardship assistance,

(b) in the opinion of the minister, the recipient requires transportation, clothing, tools or other employment-related items in order to commence the employment, and

[en. B.C. Reg. 312/2002, s. 1.]

Pre-natal shelter supplement

56.2 (1) The minister may provide a pre-natal shelter supplement of up to $195 per month for the duration of the pregnancy if the supplement is provided to a sole recipient without dependants who is a recipient of

(a) income assistance under section 2 [monthly support allowance], 4 [monthly shelter allowance] or 6 [people receiving room and board] of Schedule A, or

(b) hardship assistance under section 2 [maximum amounts of hardship assistance] or 5 (c) [calculation of maximum amounts] of Schedule D.

(2) A sole recipient is eligible to receive the pre-natal shelter supplement while the sole recipient is pregnant, as confirmed in writing by a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or midwife.

Winter supplement

56.3 (1) The minister may provide an annual winter supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance.

(2) The minister may specify

(a) the amount to be provided as a winter supplement, which may be different for different categories of family units, and

(b) the time when the supplement is to be provided.

Clothing supplement for people in special care facilities

56.4 The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance for the purchase of necessary clothing for a recipient in the family unit who resides in a special care facility, except an alcohol or drug treatment centre, if

(a) clothing is not provided in the facility,

(b) there are no funds available from the recipient’s comforts allowance to purchase the clothing, and

Transportation to special care facilities supplement

56.5 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may provide a supplement to a recipient who is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance for transportation to a special care facility that is an alcohol or drug treatment centre.

(2) A supplement may be provided under this section only

(a) if the recipient receives the minister’s approval before incurring the transportation costs,

(b) if there are no resources available to the recipient’s family unit to pay the transportation costs, and

Reconsideration or appeal supplement

56.6 (1) For the purposes of this section, a reconsideration or appeal is determined when

(a) a decision of the minister or a decision of the tribunal has been made in the reconsideration or appeal, if the decision can be implemented without a further decision as to amount, or

(b) if a decision of the tribunal requires a further decision of the minister as to amount, the decision of the minister as to amount has been made.

(2) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if a recipient in the family unit delivers a request for a reconsideration under section 79 [how a request to reconsider a decision is made] or submits an appeal form under section 84 [commencing an appeal] in respect of a decision that,

(a) in the case of a family unit that is eligible for income assistance, resulted in a discontinuation or reduction of income assistance or a supplement, or

(b) in the case of a family unit that is eligible for hardship assistance, resulted in a discontinuation or reduction of a supplement,

but only if the recipient agrees in writing to repay the amount of the supplement provided under this section.

(3) A supplement under this section may be provided for the shorter of

(a) the period between the date that a request for reconsideration or an appeal form is delivered or submitted and the date that the reconsideration or appeal is determined, and

(b) the period between the date that the income assistance or supplement was reduced or discontinued and the date that the reconsideration or appeal is determined.

(4) A supplement under this section is limited to the following amounts, as applicable:

(a) if the request for a reconsideration or the appeal form is in respect of a decision that resulted in a discontinuation of income assistance or a supplement, the amount of the discontinued income assistance or supplement;

(b) if the request for a reconsideration or the appeal form is in respect of a decision that resulted in a reduction of income assistance or a supplement, the amount by which the income assistance or supplement was reduced.

(5) If the determination of a reconsideration or appeal that rescinded the decision being reconsidered or appealed did not require a further decision of the minister as to amount, the amount of a supplement provided under this section is not repayable and must be considered to have been paid in place of

(a) the discontinued income assistance or supplement, or

(b) the amount by which the income assistance or supplement was reduced.

(6) If the determination of a reconsideration or appeal that rescinded the decision being reconsidered or appealed required a further decision of the minister as to amount, the recipient must repay the difference between

(a) the total amount paid to the recipient under this section for the period under subsection (3), and

(b) the total amount of any adjustment in favour of the recipient under the determination for the same period.

Supplements for moving, transportation and living costs

57 (1) In this section:

"living cost" means the cost of accommodation and meals;

"moving cost" means the cost of

(a) moving a family unit and the family unit's personal effects from one place to another, and

(b) storing the family unit's personal effects while the family unit is moving if the minister is satisfied that storing the personal effects is necessary to preserve the personal effects;

"transportation cost" means the cost of travelling from one place to another.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance to assist with one or more of the following:

(a) moving costs required to move anywhere in Canada, if a recipient in the family unit is not working but has arranged confirmed employment that would significantly promote the financial independence of the family unit and the recipient is required to move to begin that employment;

(b) moving costs required to move to another province or country, if the family unit is required to move to improve its living circumstances;

(c) moving costs required to move anywhere in British Columbia because the family unit is being compelled to vacate the family unit's rented residential accommodation for any reason, including the following:

(i) the accommodation is being sold;

(ii) the accommodation is being demolished;

(iii) the accommodation has been condemned;

(d) moving costs required to move anywhere in British Columbia if the family unit's shelter costs would be significantly reduced as a result of the move;

(e) moving costs required to move anywhere in British Columbia to avoid an imminent threat to the physical safety of any person in the family unit;

(f) transportation costs and living costs required to attend a hearing relating to a child protection proceeding under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, if a recipient is given notice of the hearing and is a party to the proceeding;

(g) transportation costs, living costs, child care costs and fees resulting from

(i) the required attendance of a recipient in the family unit at a hearing, or

(ii) other requirements a recipient in the family unit must fulfill

in connection with the exercise of a maintenance right assigned to the minister under section 20 [assignment of maintenance rights].

(3) A family unit is eligible for a supplement under this section only if

(a) there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the costs for which the supplement may be provided, and

(b) subject to subsection (3.1), a recipient in the family unit receives the minister's approval before incurring those costs.

(3.1) A supplement may be provided even if the family unit did not receive the minister's approval before incurring the costs if the minister is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist.

(4) A supplement may be provided under this section only to assist with

(a) in the case of a supplement under subsection (2) (a) to (e), the least expensive appropriate moving costs, and

(b) in the case of a supplement under subsection (2) (f) or (g), the least expensive appropriate transportation costs and the least expensive appropriate living costs.

[am. B.C. Regs. 275/2004, s. 1; 122/2019, s. 8.]

Supplement to pay a security deposit

58 (1) In this section, “security deposit” means a security deposit as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act, or an amount required by a cooperative association to be paid by a recipient to the cooperative association for the same or a similar purpose as a security deposit under the Residential Tenancy Act.

(2) The minister may provide a security deposit to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if

(a) the security deposit is necessary to enable the family unit to rent residential accommodation,

(b) a recipient in the family unit agrees in writing to repay the amount paid under this section, and

(3) The minister may recover the amount of a security deposit provided under subsection (2) in accordance with section 89 (2.1).

(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 12 (d).]

(5) For the purposes of subsection (3), "security deposit" includes a security deposit provided on or after April 1, 2002 under the

(a) Income Assistance Regulation, B.C. Reg. 75/97,

(b) Youth Works Regulation, B.C. Reg. 77/97,

(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 12 (d).]

[am. B.C. Regs. 518/2004, s. 6; 315/2008, s. (a); 270/2019, App. 1, s. 12.]

Supplement to pay a utility security deposit

58.1 (1) In this section, "utility security deposit" means an amount required by a utility provider of electricity or natural gas services to secure payment for the provision of residential electricity or natural gas services to a family unit.

(2) The minister may provide a utility security deposit to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance, in an amount not to exceed the minimum amount required by a utility provider from a recipient, if

(a) the utility security deposit is necessary to enable the family unit to obtain or continue to obtain the services of the utility, and

(b) a recipient in the family unit agrees in writing to repay the amount paid under this section.

(3) The minister may recover the amount of a security deposit provided under subsection (2) in accordance with section 89 (2.1).

[en. B.C. Reg. 312/2006; am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 13.]

Supplement to pay a pet damage deposit

58.2 (1) In this section, “pet damage deposit” means a pet damage deposit as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act, or an amount required by a cooperative association to be paid by a recipient to the cooperative association for the same or a similar purpose as a pet damage deposit under the Residential Tenancy Act.

(2) The minister may provide a pet damage deposit to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if

(a) the pet damage deposit is necessary to enable the family unit to rent residential accommodation,

(b) a recipient in the family unit agrees in writing to repay the amount paid under this section, and

(3) The minister may recover the amount of a pet damage deposit provided under subsection (2) in accordance with section 89 (2.1).

[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 14.]

Crisis supplement

59 (1) The minister may provide a crisis supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if

(a) the family unit or a person in the family unit requires the supplement to meet an unexpected expense or obtain an item unexpectedly needed and is unable to meet the expense or obtain the item because there are no resources available to the family unit, and

(b) the minister considers that failure to meet the expense or obtain the item will result in imminent danger to the health of any person in the family unit.

(2) A crisis supplement may be provided only for the calendar month in which the application or request for the supplement is made.

(3) A crisis supplement may not be provided for the purpose of obtaining

(a) a supplement described in Schedule C, or

(b) any other health care goods or services.

(4) A crisis supplement provided for food, shelter or clothing is subject to the following limitations:

(a) if for food, the maximum amount that may be provided in a calendar month is $50 for each person in the family unit,

(b) if for shelter, the maximum amount that may be provided in a calendar month is the smaller of

(i) the family unit's actual shelter cost, and

(ii) the sum of

(A) the maximum set out in section 2 of Schedule A, the maximum set out in section 4 of Schedule A and any supplements provided under section 56.2 [pre-natal shelter supplement] or Division 8 [Housing Stability Supplement] of Part 5 of this regulation, or

(B) the maximum set out in Table 1 of Schedule D, the maximum set out in Table 2 of Schedule D and any supplements provided under section 56.2 or Division 8 of Part 5 of this regulation,

as applicable, for a family unit that matches the family unit, and

(c) if for clothing, the maximum amount that may be provided in the 12 calendar month period preceding the date of application for the crisis supplement is $110 for each person in the family unit.

(5) and (6)Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 248/2018, App. 1, s. 2.]

(7) Despite subsection (4) (b), a crisis supplement may be provided to or for a family unit for the following:

(a) fuel for heating;

(b) fuel for cooking meals;

(d) hydro.

[am. B.C. Regs. 12/2003; 248/2018, App. 1; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 15; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 6; 161/2023, App. 1, s. 3.]

Advance for lost or stolen family bonus cheque

60 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance as an advance for a lost or stolen family bonus cheque if

(a) the minister is satisfied that an unendorsed child benefits cheque, the payee of which is a person in the family unit, has been lost or stolen,

(b) the minister considers that the advance is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter,

(d) a recipient in the family unit does either or both of the following:

(i) agrees in writing to repay the advance;

(ii) authorizes deduction of the amount of the advance from subsequent payments of assistance.

(2) The amount that may be advanced under subsection (1) is all or part of the amount of the lost or stolen child benefits cheque that is attributed to family bonus.

(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

[am. B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

Advance for lost or stolen child benefits cheque - Canada child benefit

60.1 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance as an advance for a lost or stolen child benefits cheque for the Canada child benefit in respect of a dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be, if

(a) the minister is satisfied that an unendorsed child benefits cheque for the Canada child benefit, the payee of which is a person in the family unit, has been lost or stolen,

(b) the minister considers that the advance is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter,

(d) a recipient in the family unit does either or both of the following:

(i) agrees in writing to repay the advance;

(ii) authorizes deduction of the amount of the advance from subsequent payments of assistance.

(2) The amount that may be advanced under subsection (1) is the lesser of

(a) the amount of the lost or stolen child benefits cheque that is attributed to the Canada child benefit, and

(b) the BC child adjustment amount in respect of the dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be.

[en. B.C. Reg. 34/2017, App. 1, s. 3.]

Supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus

61 (1) In this section, "maximum national child benefit supplement", in relation to a family unit, means the amount the family unit would receive for a calendar month as the national child benefit supplement if

(a) the family unit were entitled to receive the national child benefit supplement for the calendar month, and

(b) the income of the family unit, for the purposes of calculating the national child benefit supplement, were zero.

(2) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if

(a) payment of the family bonus for a calendar month to a person in the family unit is delayed, suspended or cancelled under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) for any reason other than that

(i) the person refuses to apply for the family bonus,

(ii) the person refuses to provide information necessary to determine eligibility for the family bonus, or

(iii) the person refuses to accept the family bonus, and

(b) the minister considers that the supplement is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter.

(3) The amount that may be provided for a calendar month as a supplement under subsection (2) is equal to

(a) the maximum national child benefit supplement, minus

(b) the family bonus, if any, received by the family unit for the preceding calendar month.

[en. B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 17.]

Supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled Canada child benefit

61.1 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if

(a) payment of the Canada child benefit for a calendar month to a person in the family unit in respect of a dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be, is delayed, suspended or cancelled under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for any reason other than that

(i) the person refuses to apply for the Canada child benefit,

(ii) the person refuses to provide information necessary to determine eligibility for the Canada child benefit, or

(iii) the person refuses to accept the Canada child benefit, and

(b) the minister considers that the supplement is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter.

(2) The amount that may be provided for a calendar month as a supplement under subsection (1) is equal to

(a) the BC child adjustment amount, minus

(b) the Canada child benefit, if any,

received by the family unit in respect of the dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be, for the preceding calendar month.

(3) If the amount calculated under subsection (2) is less than zero, it is deemed to be zero for the purposes of this section.

[en. B.C. Reg. 34/2017, App. 1, s. 3.]

Guide dog or service dog supplement

62 The minister may provide a supplement of $95 for each calendar month to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance for the maintenance of a dog if the dog and a person in the family unit are a guide dog team, a service dog team or a retired guide or service dog team, as those terms are defined in section 1 of the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.

[en. B.C. Reg. 223/2015, App. 3, s. 1.]

School start-up supplement

62.1 (1) The minister may provide an annual school start-up supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if the family unit includes a person under 19 years of age who is attending school full time.

(2) The minister may specify

(a) the amount to be provided as a school start-up supplement, which may be different for persons of different age groups, and [B.C. Reg. 161/2017]

(b) the time when the supplement is to be provided.

[en. B.C. Reg. 196/2012, Sch. 1, s. 2; am. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 1.]

Repealed

63 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 21/2005, s. (a).]

Supplement to obtain proof of identity

63.1 The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or for hardship assistance to cover the cost of obtaining proof of the identity of a person in the family unit that

(a) is required for the family unit to be eligible for income assistance, or

(b) in the minister's opinion, is required for a person in the family unit, or the family unit, to access services in British Columbia or for a similar purpose in British Columbia.

[en. B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 9.]

Division 4 — Supplements — Persons who Demonstrate Eligibility

Repealed

64 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 108/2021, s. 3]

Burial or cremation supplements

65 (1) In this section:

"extraprovincial transportation", with respect to a person who dies in Canada but outside British Columbia, means transporting the deceased person's body within the province or territory in which death occurred for the purposes of providing a service described in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of "funeral costs";

"funeral costs" means the costs of the following items, as set out in Schedule F:

(a) intraprovincial transportation costs;

(b) services of a funeral provider, as defined in the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act;

"interprovincial transportation" means preparing the deceased person's body for transport to British Columbia and transporting the body to British Columbia;

"intraprovincial transportation" means transporting a deceased person's body within British Columbia for the purposes of providing a service described in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of "funeral costs";

"responsible person", with respect to a deceased person, means,

(a) a spouse of the person,

(b) in the case of a minor, a parent of the person, or

(c) in the case of a person sponsored to immigrate to Canada under the Immigration Act (Canada) or the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), a sponsor or co-sponsor of the person, if the undertaking given or co-signed by the sponsor is still in effect.

(2) If neither the estate of a deceased person nor any responsible person has the resources available to pay any of the following costs when payable, the minister may provide a supplement for those costs in the circumstances specified:

(a) necessary funeral costs, if

(i) the person died in British Columbia, and

(ii) the burial or cremation is to take place or has taken place in British Columbia;

(b) necessary funeral costs and, with the prior approval of the minister, the necessary interprovincial transportation costs, if

(i) the person died in Canada but outside British Columbia,

(ii) immediately before the death, the deceased person was a recipient of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, and

(iii) the burial or cremation is to take place or has taken place in British Columbia;

(c) with the prior approval of the minister, the necessary extraprovincial transportation costs and necessary funeral costs, if

(i) the person died in Canada but outside British Columbia,

(ii) immediately before the death, the deceased person was a recipient of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, and

(iii) the burial or cremation is to take place in the province or territory in which the death occurred;

(d) necessary funeral costs, if

(i) the person died outside British Columbia, or in the case of a recipient of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, died outside Canada,

(ii) immediately before the death, the person was ordinarily resident in British Columbia, and

(iii) the burial or cremation is to take place or has taken place in British Columbia.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), funeral costs, and interprovincial transportation and extraprovincial transportation costs are necessary if the minister determines that

(a) the item or service in relation to which a supplement is requested is a necessary item or service, and

(b) the item or service is or was appropriate.

(3.1) The amount of a supplement payable under subsection (2) is,

(a) in respect of a funeral provider's fee for services, an amount that is, in the opinion of the minister, the lowest reasonable cost,

(b) in respect of a particular item or service that is a funeral cost, other than a service included in a funeral provider's fee for services,

(i) the cost for the item or service set out in Schedule F, or

(ii) if there is no cost set out for the item or service in Schedule F, the cost that is, in the opinion of the minister, the lowest reasonable cost for that item or service, and

(c) in respect of interprovincial transportation or extraprovincial transportation, the cost that is, in the opinion of the minister, the lowest reasonable cost.

(4) The amount of a supplement paid under this section is a debt due to the government and may be recovered by it from the deceased's estate.

[en. B.C. Reg. 147/2007; am. B.C. Regs. 63/2010, ss. 1 to 4; 79/2010, s. 2.]

Bus pass supplement

66 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit, other than the family unit of a recipient of disability assistance, that contributes $45 to the cost, to provide an annual pass for the personal use of a person in the family unit who

(a) receives the federal spouse's allowance or federal guaranteed income supplement,

(b) is 60 or more years of age and receives income assistance under section 2 [monthly support allowance], 4 [monthly shelter allowance] or 6 [people receiving room and board] of Schedule A, or

(c) is 65 years of age or more and meets all of the eligibility requirements for the federal guaranteed income supplement except the 10 year residency requirement.

(2) In this section, "annual pass" means an annual pass to use a public passenger transportation system in a transit service area established under section 25 of the British Columbia Transit Act or in a transportation region, as defined in the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Act.

[am. B.C. Regs. 175/2016, App. 2; 85/2022, App. 1, s. 3.]

Division 5 — Health Supplements

Definitions

66.1 In this Division:

"continuation date",

(a) in relation to a person who is a main continued person under section 66.3 (1) [access to medical services only] or 66.4 (1) [access to transitional health services] as a result of having been part of a family unit on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, means that date, and

(b) in relation to a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2) or 66.4 (2) of a main continued person, means the continuation date of the main continued person;

"continued person" means

(a) a main continued person under section 66.3 (1) or 66.4 (1), or

(b) a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2) or 66.4 (2);

"nutrition-related supplement" means any of the following supplements:

(a) a supplement under section 73 [diet supplement];

(b) a supplement under section 74 [nutritional supplement — short-term];

(d) a supplement under section 2 (3) of Schedule C that is related to nutrition;

"qualifying federal benefit" means a supplement under Part II or an allowance under Part III of the Old Age Security Act (Canada);

"qualifying person" means a person who

(a) has persistent multiple barriers to employment, or

(b) is a recipient of income assistance who is described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 7; am. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 7.]

Repealed

66.2 Repealed [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 10.]

Access to medical services only

66.3 (1) Subject to subsection (4), a person is a main continued person if

(a) the person was

(i) part of a family unit identified in subsection (3) on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, and

(ii) a qualifying person on that date, and

(b) the person has not, since that date, been part of a family unit in receipt of income assistance, hardship assistance or disability assistance.

(2) Subject to subsection (6), a person is a dependent continued person if

(a) the person was a dependant of a main continued person under subsection (1) on the main continued person's continuation date, and

(b) the person is currently a dependant of that main continued person.

(3) A family unit is identified for the purposes of subsection (1) (a) if the family unit, while in receipt of income assistance, ceased to be eligible for income assistance

(a) on a date the family unit included a person aged 65 or older,

(b) as a result of a person in the family unit receiving an award of compensation under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act or an award of benefits under the Crime Victim Assistance Act, or

(c) as a result of a person in the family unit receiving a payment under the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. S50808, Kelowna Registry.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), a person's status as a main continued person under subsection (1) is suspended for a calendar month if

(a) the person fails to meet an applicable income test under subsection (7) in the calendar month and in each of the immediately preceding 12 calendar months, and

(b) the person's continuation date is before those immediately preceding 12 calendar months.

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a person who is a main continued person under subsection (1) as a result of having been part of a family unit identified in subsection (3) (c).

(6) A person's status as a dependent continued person under subsection (2) of a main continued person under subsection (1) is suspended if the main continued person's status is suspended under subsection (4).

(7) For the purposes of subsection (4), a main continued person under subsection (1) meets the income test for a calendar month if,

(a) in the case that the main continued person is aged 65 or older or the main continued person's family unit includes a person aged 65 or older, the main continued person or another person in the family unit is in receipt of a qualifying federal benefit, and

(b) in the case that neither the main continued person nor another person in the main continued person's family unit is aged 65 or older, the adjusted net income of the main continued person does not exceed the amount set out in section 11 (3) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation.

(7.1) For the purposes of subsection (7) (b),

(a) "adjusted net income" has the same meaning as in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, and

(b) a reference in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation to an "eligible person" is to be read as a reference to the main continued person.

(8) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the person's continuation date occurs.

(9) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a dependent continued person under subsection (2) of a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the main continued person's continuation date occurs.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 7; am. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 1.]

Access to transitional health services

66.4 (1) Subject to subsection (4), a person is a main continued person if

(a) the person was, on or after September 1, 2015,

(i) part of a family unit identified in subsection (3) on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, and

(ii) a recipient of income assistance on the date referred to in subparagraph (i), and

(b) the person has not, since the date referred to in paragraph (a) (i), been part of a family unit in receipt of income assistance, hardship assistance or disability assistance.

(2) A person is a dependent continued person if

(a) the person was a dependent child of a main continued person under subsection (1) on the main continued person's continuation date, and

(b) the person is currently a dependent child of that main continued person.

(3) A family unit is identified for the purposes of subsection (1) (a) if the family unit, while in receipt of income assistance,

(a) ceased to be eligible for income assistance as a result of employment income, and

(b) included on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance

(i) a dependent child, or

(ii) a person providing care to a supported child.

(4) Subject to subsection (1) (b), a person ceases be a main continued person under subsection (1) one year after the first day of the calendar month immediately following the calendar month in which the person's continuation date occurred.

(5) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the person's continuation date occurs.

(6) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a dependent continued person under subsection (2) of a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the main continued person's continuation date occurs.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 7.]

General health supplements

67 (1) The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 2 [general health supplements] or 3 [medical equipment and devices] of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if

(i) the family unit includes a qualifying person, or

(ii) the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age,

(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age, or

(i) is a continued person under section 66.3 (1) or (2) [access to medical services only], or

(ii) is a continued person under section 66.4 (1) [access to transitional health services] and was, on the person's continuation date, a qualifying person or part of a family unit that then included a qualifying person, or

(iii) is a continued person under section 66.4 (2).

(1.1) and (1.2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 8 (b).]

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 2 [general health supplements] or 3 [medical equipment and devices] of Schedule C to or for a family unit if the health supplement is provided to or for a recipient in the family unit who

(a) has received income assistance under the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act or the Act continuously from March 31, 1997 and on March 30, 1997 was eligible under section 37 (1) (a) of the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Regulations, B.C. Reg. 272/96, as it read on March 30, 1997, for the health care services and benefits referred to in that provision, or

(b) is a dependant of a recipient referred to in paragraph (a).

(3) Subsection (2) applies only until the earlier of the following dates:

(a) the date the recipient ceases to receive income assistance;

(b) the first day of the calendar month after the minister makes a determination that the recipient, or any dependant of the recipient other than a dependent child, is capable of accepting employment.

(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 8 (b).]

[am. B.C. Regs. 89/2005; 57/2007, s. 1; 170/2008, App. 1, s. 1; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 67/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1; 114/2010, Sch. 1, s. 2; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 8; 161/2017, App. 1, s. 2.]

Optical supplements

67.1 The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 2.1 [optical supplements] of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance,

(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, or

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]

Eye examination supplements

67.2 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the minister may provide a health supplement under section 2.2 [eye examination supplements] of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance,

(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, or

(2) A health supplement under subsection (1) may only be provided to or for a person once in any 24 calendar month period.

(3) A health supplement under subsection (1) may only be provided if payment for the service is not available under the Medicare Protection Act.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]

Dental supplements

68 The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 4 [dental supplements] of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if

(i) the family unit includes a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment, or

(ii) the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age,

(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age, or

(i) is a continued person, and

(ii) meets any of the following criteria:

(A) the person is under 19 years of age;

(B) the person was, on the person's continuation date, a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment or part of a family unit that then included a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9; am. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 2.]

Crown and bridgework supplement

68.1 The minister may provide a crown and bridgework supplement under section 4.1 of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, or

(b) a family unit, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who

(i) is a continued person, and

(ii) was, on the person's continuation date, a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]

Denture supplement

69 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 5 [denture supplements] of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, or

(b) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is a continued person.

(2) A person is not eligible for a health supplement under subsection (1) unless

(a) the person is not eligible for a supplement under section 68 [dental supplements], and

(b) the person has had tooth extractions that were performed in the last 6 months because of pain and resulted in the person requiring a full upper denture, a full lower denture or both.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9; am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16.]

Emergency dental and denture supplements

70 The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 6 [emergency dental supplements] of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance,

(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, or

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]

Orthodontic supplement

71 (1) The minister may provide orthodontic supplements to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance if the orthodontic supplements are provided to or for a person in the family unit who meets the conditions under subsection (2) and who is under 19 years of age.

(2) For a person referred to in subsection (1) to be eligible for orthodontic supplements, the person's family unit must have no resources available to cover the cost of the orthodontic supplements and the person must

(a) have severe skeletal dysplasia with jaw misalignment by 2 or more standard deviations, and

(b) obtain prior authorization from the minister for the orthodontic supplements.

(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (f).]

[am. B.C. Regs. 313/2007, s. 1 (f); 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (k); 161/2017, App. 1, s. 3.]

Dental and optical supplements — healthy kids program

72 The minister may provide a health supplement in accordance with section 7 [dental and optical services — healthy kids program] of Schedule C to or for a family unit if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who is not eligible to receive the supplement under another provision of this Division or under Division 4 [Health Supplements] of Part 5 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.

[en. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 4; am. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 2.]

Hearing instrument supplement - healthy kids program

72.1 The minister may provide a health supplement in accordance with section 7.1 [hearing instruments — healthy kids program] of Schedule C to or for a family unit if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who is not eligible to receive the supplement under another provision of this Division or under Division 4 [Health Supplements] of Part 5 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.

[en. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 4; am. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 2.]

Diet supplement

73 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may pay for a diet supplement in accordance with section 8 [diet supplements] of Schedule C that is provided to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who

(a) is described in section 8 (1) of Schedule C, and

(b) is not described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A.

(2) A person is not eligible for a supplement under subsection (1) unless

(a) the person is not receiving another nutrition-related supplement, and

(b) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian confirms in writing the need for the special diet.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 10; am. B.C. Regs. 123/2019, App. 1, s. 2; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 8.]

Nutritional supplement — short-term

74 The minister may provide a nutritional supplement for up to 3 months to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if

(a) the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is not receiving another nutrition-related supplement, and

(b) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian confirms in writing that the person has an acute short-term need for caloric supplementation to a regular dietary intake to prevent critical weight loss while recovering from

(i) surgery,

(ii) a severe injury,

(iii) a serious disease, or

(iv) side effects of medical treatment.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 10; am. B.C. Regs. 123/2019, App. 1, s. 3; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16.]

Tube feed nutritional supplement

74.01 (1) In this section, "tube feed nutritional supplement" means a liquid nutritional product that is fed to a person via a tube to the stomach or intestines of the person and the pumps, tubes, bags and other medical equipment or supplies that are required to feed the liquid nutritional product to the person.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the minister may provide a tube feed nutritional supplement to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is not described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A, or

(b) a family unit, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who

(i) is a continued person, and

(ii) was, on the person's continuation date, receiving the supplement.

(3) The minister may provide a tube feed nutritional supplement under this section if

(a) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian confirms in writing that the person's primary source of nutrition is through tube feeding,

(b) the person is not receiving another nutrition-related supplement, and

[en. B.C. Reg. 338/2008; am. B.C. Regs. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 67/2010, Sch. 1, s. 7; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 11; 123/2019, App. 1, s. 4; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 8.]

Infant formula supplement

74.1 The minister may provide the type of health supplement referred to in section 10 [infant formula] of Schedule C, in accordance with that section, to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a dependent child in the family unit,

(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a dependent child in the family unit, or

(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a dependent child in the family unit who is a continued person.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 12.]

Natal supplement

75 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may provide a natal supplement in accordance with section 9 [natal supplement] of Schedule C to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is not described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A.

(2) A family unit is not eligible to receive a supplement under subsection (1) unless

(a) a person in the family unit is pregnant, as confirmed in writing by a medical practitioner, a nurse practitioner or a midwife, or

(b) the family unit includes a dependent child who is 12 months of age or younger.

[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 12; am. B.C. Regs. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16; 206/2020, s. 4; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 8; 161/2023, App. 1, s. 4.]

Health supplement for persons facing direct and imminent life threatening health need

76 (1) The minister may provide to a family unit any health supplement set out in sections 2 (1) (a) and (f) [general health supplements] and 3 [medical equipment and devices] of Schedule C, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is otherwise not eligible for the health supplement under this regulation, and if the minister is satisfied that

(a) the person faces a direct and imminent life threatening need and there are no resources available to the person's family unit with which to meet that need,

(b) the health supplement is necessary to meet that need,

(c) the adjusted net income of any person in the family unit, other than a dependent child, does not exceed the amount set out in section 11 (3) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, and,

(d) the requirements specified in the following provisions of Schedule C, as applicable, are met:

(i) paragraph (a) or (f) of section (2) (1);

(ii) sections 3 to 3.12, other than paragraph (a) of section 3 (1).

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) ( c),

(a) "adjusted net income" has the same meaning as in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, and

(b) a reference in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation to an "eligible person" is to be read as a reference to a person in the family unit, other than a dependent child

[en. B.C. Reg. 61/2010, s. 1; am. B.C. Regs. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 19; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 13; 180/2019, App. 4, s. 3.]

Supplement for alcohol or drug treatment

77 (1) The minister may provide a supplement for the cost of treatment, counselling or related services for an alcohol or drug problem that is provided to a person in a family unit who is a recipient of income assistance or hardship assistance or a dependent child of a recipient of income assistance or hardship assistance, if

(a) the minister considers that the recipient or dependent child needs the treatment, counselling or related services and there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the costs, and

(b) the recipient or dependent child receives the minister's approval before incurring those costs.

(2) The amount of the supplement under this section is limited to a total of not more than $500 for all treatment, counselling and related services provided to any one person over the previous 12 consecutive calendar months.

[am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 17.]

Repealed

77.01 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 14.]

Alternative hearing assistance supplement

77.02 The minister may provide a health supplement set out in section 11 of Schedule C to or for

(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if

(i) the family unit includes a qualifying person, or

(ii) the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age,

(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age, or

(i) a main continued person under section 66.3 (1),

(ii) a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2),

(iii) a main continued person under section 66.4 (1) and was, on the person's continuation date, a qualifying person, or part of a family unit that included a qualifying person, on that date, or

(iv) a dependent continued person under section 66.4 (2).

[en. B.C. Reg. 118/2017, App. 1, s.1; am. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 5.]

Alternative hearing assistance supplement - healthy kids program

77.03 The minister may provide a health supplement set out in section 11 of Schedule C if all of the following conditions apply:

(a) the supplement is provided to or for a family unit that includes a person who

(i) is eligible for supplemental services under section 10 (1) (c), (e) or (f) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, or

(ii) has been determined to be eligible for supplemental services under section 11 of that regulation

(b) the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who is not eligible to receive the supplement under

(i) another provision of this Division, or

(ii) Division 4 [Health Supplements] of Part 5 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.

[en. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 4.]

Division 6 — Supplements — Eligibility for Employment-related Programs

Eligibility for self-employment program

77.1 To be eligible to participate in a self-employment program established or funded by the minister under section 7 of the Act, a recipient must qualify under section 2 of this regulation as a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment.

[en. B.C. Reg. 462/2004, Sch. A, s. 2.]

Business plan

77.2 (1) The minister may require a recipient who is

(a) applying to participate in a self-employment program, or

(b) participating in a self-employment program

to provide, for the acceptance of the minister and within the time specified by the minister, a business plan for the small business the recipient is operating or proposes to operate under the self-employment program.

(2) If a recipient provides a business plan under subsection (1) that is not acceptable to the minister, the minister may return the business plan to the recipient with directions and the recipient may resubmit the business plan within the time specified by the minister for that purpose.

(3) If

(a) a recipient fails to provide a business plan in the time specified under subsection (1) or (2), as applicable, or

(b) a recipient provides a business plan that is not acceptable to the minister,

the recipient is not or ceases to be eligible to participate in the self-employment program.

[en. B.C. Reg. 462/2004, Sch. A, s. 2.]

Monthly report

77.3 If a recipient who is participating in a self-employment program is operating a small business under the program, the recipient must, in addition to the report required under section 33, provide a monthly report to the minister in the form and at the time specified by the minister, setting out, for the period covered by the report, as required by the form, the business activities, earnings, expenses, assets and liabilities of the small business the recipient is operating.

[en. B.C. Reg. 462/2004, Sch. A, s. 2.]

Division 7 — Consequences in Relation to Outstanding Arrest Warrants

Supplement to prevent undue hardship while dealing with outstanding arrest warrant

77.4 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit of an applicant or recipient for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act has been issued for the purposes of section 15.2 (2) (a) of the Act, if the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur.

(2) A supplement under this section may be provided only for the calendar month in which the supplement is requested.

(3) A supplement under this section may be provided for only three consecutive calendar months unless the minister authorizes up to three more consecutive monthly payments.

(4) Despite any other section of this regulation, the maximum amount of a supplement provided under subsection (1) is the difference between

(a) the maximum amount of income assistance determined under Schedule A for the calendar month for a family unit that matches the family unit in size but does not include a person for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 of the Act has been issued, and

(b) the amount of income assistance provided for the calendar month to the family unit.

(5) A recipient of a supplement must agree in writing to repay the amount paid under this section.

[en. B.C. Reg. 73/2010, s. 3; am. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 9.]

Transportation supplement

77.5 (1) In this section, "living cost" means the cost of accommodation and meals required for a person or family unit to return to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant.

(2) The minister may provide a supplement to

(a) an applicant or recipient for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act has been issued for the purposes of section 15.2 (2) (b) (i) of the Act,

(b) the family unit of an applicant or recipient for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 of the Act has been issued for the purposes of section 15.2 (2) (b) (ii) of the Act, if

(c) there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the cost of returning to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant, and

(d) the minister is satisfied that the supplement will be used by the person or family unit to return to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant to deal with the warrant.

(3) Despite any other section of this regulation, a supplement provided under subsection (2) is limited to an amount not to exceed the cost of

(a) the least expensive appropriate mode of transportation, and

(b) the least expensive appropriate living cost

to return the person or family unit to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant.

(4) A recipient of a supplement must agree in writing to repay the amount paid under this section.

[en. B.C. Reg. 73/2010, s. 3.]

Division 8 – Housing Stability Supplement

Definitions

77.6 In this Division:

“detained person” means a person described in section 15 [effect of being in prison or other lawful place of confinement];

“person in special care” means a person who

(a) receives accommodation and care in a special care facility or a private hospital, or

(b) is admitted to a hospital because the person requires extended care;

“removed child”, in relation to a family unit, means a dependent child who is living away from the ordinary residence of the family unit under

(a) an interim order or temporary custody order under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, or

(b) an agreement under section 6, 7 or 8 of that Act;

“specified person” means

(a) a removed child,

(b) a detained person, or

[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]

Housing stability supplement

77.7 (1) The minister may provide a housing stability supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance on account of one or more of the following persons:

(a) a deceased person who was part of the family unit;

(b) a specified person who is part of the family unit.

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

(1.1) A supplement under this section may be provided on account of a person for any of the following calendar months:

(a) the calendar month the person dies or becomes a specified person, as applicable;

(b) the calendar month immediately after the calendar month referred to in paragraph (a);

(c) a subsequent calendar month, if the family unit has been eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance for each calendar month after the calendar month referred to in paragraph (a).

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

(2) The amount that may be provided as a supplement under this section for a calendar month on account of persons described in subsection (1) (a) or (b) is the lesser of

(a) the greater of zero and the difference between

(i) the actual shelter costs of the family unit for the month, and

(ii) the shelter allowance calculated under Schedule A or Schedule D, as applicable, for the family unit for the month, and

(b) the difference between

(i) the amount that would be determined under Schedule A, Schedule D, Schedule A of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation or Schedule D of that regulation, as applicable, for the family unit for the month if the persons were not deceased persons or specified persons, and

(ii) the amount determined under Schedule A or Schedule D, as applicable, of this regulation, excluding an amount described in section 8 (2) (b) (i) [people in special care] of Schedule A, for the family unit for the month.

[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]

Housing stability supplement – family unit with only detained persons

77.8 (1) The minister may provide a housing stability supplement to or for a family unit that includes only one or more detained persons if

(a) the family unit included the persons in the calendar months in which the persons became detained persons and all subsequent calendar months, and

(b) the family unit was, or would have been but for the detentions, eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance for the calendar months in which the persons became detained persons and all subsequent calendar months.

(2) The amount that may be provided as a supplement under this section for a calendar month on account of the detained persons is the lesser of

(a) the actual shelter costs of the family unit for the month, and

(b) the income assistance or hardship assistance, as applicable, for which the family unit would be eligible for the month if the persons were not detained persons.

[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]

Time limitations

77.9 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a supplement under this Division may be provided for only 3 consecutive calendar months unless the minister authorizes up to 3 more consecutive monthly payments.

(2) The time limit in subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a supplement that is provided on account of a removed child.

(3) The time limit in subsection (1) is restarted in relation to a supplement that is provided on account of a person if

(a) the person dies while a specified person, or

(b) the person

(i) was a detained person and becomes a person in care,

(ii) was a person in care and becomes a detained person,

(iii) was a person in care in a hospital or private hospital and becomes a person in care in a special care facility, or

(iv) was a person in care in a special care facility and becomes a person in care in a hospital or private hospital.

[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]

Part 6 — Reconsiderations and Appeals

Definitions for Part

78. In this Part:

"appellant" means a person who commences an appeal under section 21 of the Act;

"party" means, in relation to an appeal to the tribunal, the appellant and the minister whose decision is under appeal.

How a request to reconsider a decision is made

79. (1) A person who wishes the minister to reconsider a decision referred to in section 17 (1) of the Act must make a request for reconsideration in the form specified by the minister.

(2) A request under subsection (1) must be received by the minister within 20 business days after the date the person is notified of the decision referred to in section 17 (1) of the Act

(a) leaving it with an employee in the ministry office, or

(b) being received through the mail at that office.

(3) Despite subsection (2), the minister may extend the time limit set out in that subsection if the minister is satisfied that special circumstances exist

[am. B.C. Reg. 98/2024, Sch. 1.]

Time limit for reconsidering decision

80 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister must reconsider a decision referred to in section 17 (1) of the Act, and send a written determination on the reconsideration to the person who made the request under section 79 (1) [how a request to reconsider a decision is made],

(a) within 10 business days after receiving the request, or

(b) if the minister considers it necessary in the circumstances and the person consents, within 20 business days after receiving the request.

(2) The time limit set out in subsection (1) (a) or (b), as applicable, may be extended by the minister by one business day if the person who made the request under section 79 (1) provides additional information to the minister

(a) after the date on which the request was made, and

(b) before the minister makes a determination under subsection (1) of this section.

[en. B.C. Reg. 77/2008; am. B.C. Reg. 98/2024, Sch. 1.]

Decisions that may not be appealed

81 (1) The following categories of supplements are not appealable to the tribunal:

(a) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (g).]

(b) reconsideration and appeal supplements under section 56.6;

(d) access to a program established or funded under the Act;

(e) confirmed job supplements under section 56.1;

(f) supplements under section 77.4;

(g) supplements under section 77.5.

(2) A decision to refuse to provide income assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement is not appealable to the tribunal if the person who would bring the appeal is awaiting a reconsideration of the minister or the decision of a panel on an earlier request for reconsideration he or she made, or an appeal the person brought, respecting the same matter.

(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2002, s. 2; 313/2007, s. 1 (g); 400/2007, s. 8; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 73/2010, s. 4; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 18; 35/2020, App. 1, s. 5.]

Prescribed qualifications for members, vice-chairs and the chair of the tribunal

82 (1) To be eligible for appointment as a member to the tribunal, a person must

(a) have an understanding of the essential elements for the conduct of a fair and objective appeal,

(b) have an understanding of the key aspects of the Act and its regulations, the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act and its regulations, and the Child Care Subsidy Act and its regulations,

(c) not be an employee, or have been an employee within the past 6 months, in the ministry of a minister charged with the administration of the Act,

(d) not be a recipient under the Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, and

(e) not have a personal, professional, financial or other interest in matters coming before the tribunal that would cause a reasonably informed person to have a reasonable perception that the tribunal member would not be independent and impartial.

(2) To be eligible for appointment as a chair or vice-chair of the tribunal, a person must, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1),

(a) have demonstrated skills regarding management, financial administration and human resource development, and

(b) have demonstrated knowledge of administrative law.

[am. B.C. Reg. 267/2008.]

Rate of remuneration

83 Repealed [am. B.C. Reg. 244/2024]

Commencing an appeal

84 (1) To commence an appeal, an applicant or recipient must complete an appeal form specified by the minister and must submit that form to the tribunal.

(2) The appeal form referred to in subsection (1) must be received by the tribunal within 20 business days after the date the person is notified of the decision in respect of which the appeal is made.

(3) Despite subsection (2), the chair of the tribunal may extend the time limit set out in that subsection if the chair is satisfied that special circumstances exist.

[AM BC Regs 244/2024]

Time period for scheduling and conducting hearing

85 (1) A hearing must be held within 15 business days after the appeal form is delivered under section 84, unless the chair of the tribunal and the parties consent to a later date.

(2) The chair of the tribunal must notify the parties of the date, time and place of a hearing described in subsection (1) at least 2 business days before the hearing is to commence.

Procedures

86 The practices and procedures of a panel include the following:

(a) a party to an appeal may be represented by an agent;

(b) the panel may hear an appeal in the absence of a party if the party was notified of the hearing;

(d) a witness may not be present at the hearing before giving evidence unless the witness is

(i) an expert witness in the proceedings,

(ii) a party to the appeal, or

(iii) an agent representing a party to the appeal;

(e) the chair of the tribunal may

(i) consolidate 2 or more appeals involving the same parties, and

(ii) direct that 2 or more appeals involving different parties will be heard together if the appeals involve substantially similar facts

only if

(iii) the appeals involve substantially similar facts, and

(iv) each of the parties to each of the appeals agrees to the appeals being consolidated or heard together;

(f) repealed. [AM BC Regs 244/2024].

Notice of determinations and reasons

87 (1) The written determination of a panel under section 24 of the Act must be in the form specified by the minister and must

(a) specify the decision under appeal,

(b) summarize the issues and relevant facts considered in the appeal,

(d) specify the outcome of the appeal.

(2) The panel must within 5 business days of the conclusion of the hearing provide to the chair of the tribunal its determination in accordance with subsection (1).

(3) On the request of the chair of a panel, the chair of the tribunal may extend the time limit under subsection (2) for the panel by no more than 10 additional business days if the chair of the tribunal is satisfied that

(a) the panel is making all reasonable efforts to provide the chair of the tribunal with its determination in a timely manner, and

(b) the best interest of the parties are served by the extension.

(4) If the panel's determination is not provided to the chair of the tribunal within the later of

(a) the end of the 5th business day following the conclusion of the hearing, and

(b) the date approved under subsection (3) by the chair of the tribunal,

the determination is invalid, the panel is disbanded without receiving any remuneration, and another panel must be appointed under section 22 of the Act.

(5) If another panel is appointed under section 22 of the Act as a result of subsection (4), section 85 applies to this other panel as though an appeal form had been delivered on the date of the appointment of the panel.

(6) The chair of the tribunal must within 5 business days of receipt of a determination of a panel mail a copy of the panel's determination to the parties.

Confidentiality

88 (1) The tribunal and a panel must keep confidential all documents and information submitted to it respecting the hearing of an appeal.

(2) Determinations of a panel must not be disclosed by the chair and members of the panel to any person other than the chair of the tribunal.

(3) Appeal proceedings before a panel are confidential and the hearing is not open to the public.

(4) Despite subsections (1) to (3),

(a) the chair of the tribunal may publish determinations of panels if all names, addresses and other identifying information are removed from the decision before publication, and

(b) documents, information, determinations of a panel and matters arising in the course of appeal proceedings before a panel may be disclosed for purposes of the investigation for, or prosecution of, an offence under the laws of Canada or British Columbia.

Part 7 — General and Transitional Provisions

Deductions for debts owed

89 (1) In this section and section 89.1 and 89.2:

"Act offence" means an offence under the Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act;

"benefit month", in relation to a family unit, means a calendar month for which the family unit is eligible for an amount of assistance under the Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, and, for certainty, consecutive benefit months need not be consecutive calendar months;

"criminal code offence" means an offence under the Criminal Code in relation to obtaining money, under the Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, by fraud or false or misleading representation;

"deposit debt” means a supplement provided to or for a family unit on a repayable basis under

(a) section 58 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 58.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 58.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit], or

(b) section 56 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 56.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 56.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation;

"offence overpayment" means an overpayment that is or was provided to or for a family unit as a result of a criminal code offence or Act offence for which a recipient in the family unit has been or is convicted, whether the conviction occurred before or after the date this section came into force;

"overpayment" means

(a) an overpayment described in section 27 (1) [overpayments] of the Act or section 18 (1) [overpayments] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,

(b) an amount of assistance provided under the Act to or for a family unit on a repayable basis, other than a supplement under section 58 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 58.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 58.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit] of this regulation,

(c) an amount of assistance provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act to or for a family unit on a repayable basis, other than a supplement under section 56 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 56.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 56.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation, or

(d) a debt referred to in section 42 [indebtedness under former Act] of the Act or section 33 [indebtedness under former Act] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act.

(2) Subject to sections 89.1 and 89.2, for a family unit that includes one or more recipients who are liable for one or more overpayments, the amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) [liability for and recovery of debts under Act] of the Act is $10 each benefit month, regardless of the number of overpayments.

(2.1) Subject to sections 89.1 and 89.2, for a family unit that includes one or more recipients who are liable for one or more deposit debts, the amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of the Act is $20 each benefit month, regardless of the number of deposit debts.

(3) Subject to sections 89.1 and 89.2, for a family unit that includes one or more recipients who are liable for one or more offence overpayments, the amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of the Act for a benefit month is

(a) $100 for each recipient in the family unit whose conviction for a criminal code offence or Act offence resulted in an offence overpayment, or

(b) if the balance of the amounts of offence overpayments in relation to a recipient in the family unit is less than $100, that balance in relation to that recipient.

(4) A deduction under subsection (3) in relation to an offence overpayment provided to or for a family unit as a result of a criminal code offence

(a) begins for the first benefit month following the date the recipient is convicted of the criminal code offence, and

(b) continues for each consecutive benefit month until the amount of the offence overpayment is recovered.

(5) A deduction under subsection (3) in relation to an offence overpayment provided to or for a family unit as a result of an Act offence

(a) begins for the first benefit month following the date the recipient is convicted of the Act offence, and

(b) continues, unless the amount of the offence overpayment is earlier recovered,

(i) after a first conviction of the recipient for an Act offence, until the deduction has been made for 12 consecutive benefit months in relation to the first offence overpayment,

(ii) after a second conviction of that recipient for an Act offence, until the deduction has been made for 24 consecutive benefit months in relation to the second offence overpayment, and

(iii) after a third or subsequent conviction of that recipient for an Act offence, until the amount of the third or subsequent offence overpayments is recovered.

(6) Despite subsections (1) to (5), if the amount of assistance for which a family unit is eligible for a benefit month is less than the minimum amount to be deducted under this section, the minimum amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of the Act for the benefit month is the amount of assistance for which the family unit is eligible for that benefit month.

(7) Despite subsections (4) (a) and (5) (a), if the conviction referred to in those subsections occurred before the date this section came into force, a deduction under subsection (4) or (5) begins for the first benefit month following the date this section came into force.

[en. B.C. Reg. 149/2015, Sch. s. 4; am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 19.]

Exemptions from minimum deductions

89.1 (1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 20 (a).]

(2) Section 89 (2) does not apply to a family unit for a benefit month if

(a) the family unit receives income assistance under section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A for the benefit month, or

(b) section 89 (2.1) or (3) applies to the family unit for that benefit month.

(2.1) Section 89 (2.1) does not apply to a family unit for a benefit month if

(a) the family unit receives income assistance under section 8 (2) (b) of Schedule A for the benefit month, or

(b) section 89 (3) applies to the family unit for that benefit month.

(3) Section 89 (3) does not apply to a family unit for a benefit month if

(a) the family unit receives income assistance under section 8 (2) (b) of Schedule A for the benefit month,

(b) the minister is satisfied that the family unit is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless,

(c) the minister is satisfied that a deduction under that section would result in danger to the health of a person in the family unit, or

(d) a recipient in the family unit is liable for an offence overpayment but the person convicted of the criminal code offence or Act offence that resulted in the offence overpayment is not a member of the family unit for the benefit month.

(4) Despite section 89 (2), (2.1) and (3), a deduction under section 28 (1) (b) of the Act may not be made from a supplement under Division 8 [Housing Stability Supplement] of Part 5.

[en. B.C. Reg. 149/2015, Sch. s. 4; am. B.C. Regs. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 20; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 11.]

Recovery of more than one type of debt

89.2 (1) Subsection (2) applies if the minister is entitled to recover more than one of the following types of debt in respect of a family unit or a recipient in a family unit:

(a) overpayments under section 89 (2);

(b) deposit debts under section 89 (2.1);

(2) The minister may recover the debts referred to in subsection (1) from the family unit or recipient in the family unit, as applicable, by

(a) making a deduction respecting only one of the types of debt per benefit month, and

(b) making the deduction in accordance with the following:

(i) if the minister is entitled to recover debt as set out in subsection (1) (a), (b) and (c), subsection (1) (a) and (c) or subsection (1) (b) and (c), by deducting the amount set out in section 89 (3) until the total debt the minister is entitled to recover under section 89 (3) is fully recovered;

(ii) if the minister is entitled to recover debt as set out in subsection (1) (a) and (b), by deducting the amount set out in section 89 (2.1) until the total debt the minister is entitled to recover under section 89 (2.1) is fully recovered.

[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 21.]

Prescribed enactments for purposes of sections 28 (1) (b) and 29 (2) of the Act

90 The following Acts are prescribed:

(a) for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of the Act, the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act;

(b) for the purposes of section 29 (2) of the Act, the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act.

How assistance is provided

90.1 The minister may provide

(a) income assistance or hardship assistance to or for a recipient by cheque or electronic funds transfer or in vouchers, and

(b) a supplement to or for a recipient by cheque or electronic funds transfer or in vouchers or in kind.

[en. B.C. Reg. 7/2008.]

Repealed

91 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 8/2006, s. (a).]

Replacement of lost or stolen assistance cheque

92 If satisfied that an unendorsed assistance cheque has been lost or stolen, the minister may issue a replacement as long as,

(a) in the case of theft, the matter has been reported to police, and

(b) in the case of loss or theft, the recipient

(i) makes a declaration of the facts, and

(ii) undertakes to promptly deliver the lost or stolen cheque to the minister if it is recovered.

93-95 Repealed [am BC Regs. 244/2024]

Schedule A

[am. B.C. Regs. 286/2003, s. 1 (b); 521/2004, s. 1; 161/2005; 304/2005, s. 7; 57/2007, s. 4; 88/2008, s. 2; 316/2008, s. (a); 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b) and (o); 62/2010, s. (a); 73/2010, ss. 5 and 6; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 20 and 21; 34/2017, App. 1, s. 4; 153/2017, App. 1, s. 1.]

Income Assistance Rates

(section 28 (1) (a) )

Maximum amount of income assistance before deduction of net income

1 (1) Subject to this section and sections 3 and 6 to 10 of this Schedule, the amount of income assistance referred to in section 28 (1) (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the sum of

(a) the monthly support allowance under section 2 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the family unit of the applicant or recipient, plus

(b) the shelter allowance calculated under sections 4 and 5 of this Schedule.

(2) Despite subsection (1) but subject to subsection (3), income assistance may not be provided in respect of a dependent child if support for that child is provided under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act.

(3) If

(a) an application is made by a parenting dependent child under section 5 (4) [application by parent who is dependent youth] of this regulation,

(b) the family unit is found eligible for income assistance, and

(c) support is provided for the parenting dependent child or that individual's dependent child, or for both, under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act,

the restriction in subsection (2) does not apply, but the amount of income assistance that may otherwise be provided to the family unit is to be reduced by the amount of that support.

Monthly support allowance

2 (0.1) For the purposes of this section:

"deemed dependent children", in relation to a family unit, means the persons in the family unit who are deemed to be dependent children under subsection (5);

"warrant" has the meaning of a warrant in section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act.

(1) A monthly support allowance for the purpose of section 1 (a) is the sum of

(a) the amount set out in Column 3 of the following table for a family unit described in Column 1 of an applicant or a recipient described in Column 2, plus

(b) the amount calculated in accordance with subsections (2) to (4) for each dependent child in the family unit.

Item	Column 1 Family unit composition	Column 2 Age or status of applicant or recipient	Column 3 Amount of support
1	Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age	$560.00
2	Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment	$610.00
3	Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children	Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age	$860.00
4	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age	$710.00
5	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment	$760.00
6	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age	$1 010.00
7	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$955.00
8	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$1 005.00
9	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons with persistent multiple barriers to employment	$1 055.00
10	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age	$1 255.00
11	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age	$1 505.00
12	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$1 055.00
13	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$1 105.00
14	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment	$1 155.00
15	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age	$1 355.00
16	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age	$1 605.00
17	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient	$610.00
18	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient	$660.00
19	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient	$910.00
20	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for one	$610.00
21	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient, and the other is under 65 years of age	$610.00
22	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient.	$660.00
23	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient, and the other is 65 years of age or older	$910.00
24	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is 65 years of age or older and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient	$660.00
25	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient, and the other is 65 years of age or older	$910.00
26	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age, and the other is 65 years of age or older and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient	$610.00
27	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one	$910.00
28	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both have persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for one	$660.00
29	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for one	$955.00
30	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for both	$905.00
31	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for one	$1 005.00
32	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for both	$955.00
33	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one	$1 255.00
34	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for both	$1 205.00
35	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one	$1 255.00
36	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for both	$1 205.00
37	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one	$1 505.00
38	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are 65 years of age or older and a warrant has been issued for both	$1 455.00
39	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both have persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for one	$1 055.00
40	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both have persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for both	$1 005.00

(2) If the family unit includes one or more dependent children or deemed dependent children, the support allowance under subsection (1) for a calendar month is increased by an amount equal to

(a) the total BC child adjustment amount for all dependent children and all deemed dependent children in the family unit, minus

(b) the sum of

(i) the family bonus, if any, paid to the family unit for the preceding calendar month,

(ii) the Canada child benefit, if any, paid to the family unit for the preceding month in respect of dependent children in the family unit, up to a maximum of the BC child adjustment amount in respect of those dependent children, and

(iii) the total amount of the supplements, if any, provided to or for the family unit under section 61 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus] or 61.1 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled Canada child benefit] of this regulation for the current calendar month.

(2.1) If the amount calculated under section (2) is less than zero, it is deemed to be zero for the purposes of this section.

(3) In calculating the adjustment under subsection (2), an amount that, under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) or the Income Tax Act (Canada), is deducted or set off from the family bonus or the Canada child benefit must be treated as if it were paid to a person in the family unit.[B.C. Reg. 34/2017]

(4) The support allowance under subsection (1) for a calendar month is not increased under subsection (2) if a person in the family unit refuses to

(a) apply for the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month, or

(b) accept the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month

in respect of a dependent child in the family unit who is, or may be, a qualified dependant within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

(5) If a family unit includes a person who

(a) immediately before reaching 19 years of age was a dependent child in the family unit, and

(b) reached that age while attending secondary school,

the person is deemed to be a dependent child, for the purposes of this section, until the earlier of

(d) the date the person stops attending secondary school.

(6) For the purposes of this section, if the family unit includes a deemed dependent child, the BC child adjustment amount applies in respect of the deemed dependent child as if the deemed dependent child was a dependent child.

Prorating of support allowance

3 In the calendar month that includes the income assistance application date, the monthly support allowance is prorated based on the number of days remaining in that calendar month, beginning with the date of that submission. [B.C. Reg. 151/2018]

Monthly shelter allowance

4 (1) For the purposes of this section:

"family unit" includes a child who is not a dependent child and who relies on the parent for the necessities of life and resides in the parent's place of residence for not less than 40% of each month;

"warrant" has the meaning of a warrant in section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act

(2) The monthly shelter allowance for a family unit other than a family unit described in section 15.2 (1) of the Act is the greater of

(a) the minimum set out in the following table for the family unit, and

(b) the lesser of

(i) the family unit’s actual shelter costs, and

(ii) the maximum set out in the following table for the family unit.

Item	Column 1 Family Unit Size	Column 2 Minimum	Column 3 Maximum
1	1 person	$75	$500
2	2 persons	$150	$695
3	3 persons	$200	$790
4	4 persons	$225	$840
5	5 persons	$250	$890
6	6 persons	$275	$940
7	7 persons	$300	$990
8	8 persons	$325	$1 040
9	9 persons	$350	$1 090
10	9 persons	$375	$1 140

(2.1) The monthly shelter allowance for a family unit described in section 15.2 (1) of the Act is the greater of

(a) the minimum set out in the following table for the family unit, and

(b) the lesser of

(i) the family unit’s actual shelter costs, and

(ii) the maximum set out in the following table for the family unit.

Item	Column 1 Family Unit Composition	Column 2 Minimum	Column 3 Maximum
1	Two applicants/recipients, no dependent children and a warrant has been issued for one	$75	$500
2	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 2 persons	$150	$695
3	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 3 persons	$200	$790
4	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 4 persons	$225	$840
5	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 5 persons	$250	$890
6	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 6 persons	$275	$940
7	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 7 persons	$300	$990
8	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 8 persons	$325	$1 040
9	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 9 persons	$350	$1 090
10	Family with dependent children, family unit size = 10 persons	$375	$1 140

(3) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (2.1), the minimum and maximum monthly shelter allowance amount for a family unit of more than 10 persons is to be calculated as follows:

(a) the minimum is to be calculated by adding $25 for each additional person;

(b) the maximum is to be calculated by adding $50 for each additional person.

(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 62/2010, s. (a).]

(5) Despite subsection (2) (b) (i) or (2.1) (b) (i), if the actual shelter costs of a recipient increase as a result of the recipient remortgaging the recipient's place of residence, the amount of the mortgage payments is deemed, for the term of the new mortgage, to equal the amount before the remortgaging unless

(a) the remortgaging was necessary because of the expiry of the mortgage term, and

(b) the amount borrowed under the mortgage is not increased.

(6) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 22 (b).]

How actual shelter costs are calculated

5 (1) For the purpose of this section, utility costs for a family unit's place of residence include only the following costs:

(a) fuel for heating;

(b) fuel for cooking meals;

(d) hydro;

(e) garbage disposal provided by a company on a regular weekly or biweekly basis;

(f) rental of one basic residential single-line telephone.

(2) When calculating the actual monthly shelter costs of a family unit, only the following items are included:

(a) rent for the family unit's place of residence;

(b) mortgage payments on the family unit's place of residence, if owned by a person in the family unit;

(d) property taxes for the family unit's place of residence if owned by a person in the family unit;

(e) utility costs;

(f) the actual cost of maintenance and repairs for the family unit's place of residence if owned by a person in the family unit and if these costs have received the minister's prior approval.

(3) If utility costs fluctuate, they may be averaged over the periods

(a) beginning on October 1 and ending on March 31, and

(b) beginning on April 1 and ending on September 30.

(4) If 2 or more family units share the same place of residence, the actual shelter costs of any one of them are the smaller of

(a) the amount calculated by

(i) dividing the actual shelter costs for all the family units by the number of persons occupying that place of residence, and

(ii) multiplying the result by the number of persons in that one family unit, and

(b) the amount declared by the family unit as the shelter costs for that family unit.

People receiving room and board

6 (1) For a family unit receiving room and board other than in a facility mentioned in section 8 (2) (b) (i) [people in special care] of this Schedule, the amount referred to in section 28 (1) (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the smaller of the following amounts:

(a) the sum of

(i) the actual cost of the room and board, plus

(ii) $60 for each calendar month for each applicant or recipient, plus

(iii) $40 for each calendar month for each dependent child in the family unit;

(b) the amount calculated under sections 1 to 5 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the applicant's or recipient's family unit.

(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 11 (b).]

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) (a) (i), if the actual cost of room and board is less than the minimum determined under section 4 (2) (a) or (2.1) (a) for the family unit, the actual cost is conclusively deemed to be that minimum.

People over 65 years of age

7 (1) For a family unit that includes a person who has reached 65 years of age and receives federal old age security payments and includes a dependant, the amount referred to in section 28 (1) (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the sum of

(a) the support allowance calculated under section 2 and 3 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the applicant's or recipient's family unit, plus

(b) the maximum shelter allowance calculated under section 4 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the applicant's or recipient's family unit.

(2) Subsection (1) applies regardless of the family unit's actual shelter costs or whether the family unit is sharing residential accommodation or receiving room and board.

People in special care or otherwise living away

8 (1) In this section, “person in special care” and “specified person” have the same meanings as in section 77.6 [definitions – housing stability supplement] of this regulation.

(2) For a family unit that includes one or more specified persons, the amount referred to in section 28 (1) (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the sum of

(a) the amount that would be calculated under this Schedule if the specified persons were not part of the family unit, and

(b) for each specified person who is a person in special care,

(i) the actual cost, if any, to the person of the accommodation and care at the rate approved by the minister for the type of the facility, and

(ii) a comforts allowance of $115.

(3) For certainty, this section applies in relation to a family unit that includes only one or more persons in special care and, in that case, the amount referred to in subsection (2) (a) is to be considered to be zero.

Repealed

9 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2022, App. 1, s. 4 (e).]

Repealed

10 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 12.]

Repealed

11 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

Schedule B

[am. B.C. Regs. 57/2003, s. 1; 115/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2; 209/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2; 235/2003, s. 2; 276/2004, s. 1 (b); 462/2003, Sch. A, s. 3; 429/2004; 22/2005, Sch. s. 1 (b); 87/2005, s. (b); 90/2005, s. 1; 91/2005, s. 1; 292/2005, s. 1 (a); 43/2006, s. 1; 192/2006, s. 4; 250/2006, s. 1 (b); 57/2007, s. 5; 195/2007, s. 2; 362/2007, s. (b); 48/2008, s. 1 (b); 87/2008, s. 1 (b); 94/2008, s. 1 (b); 4/2010, s. 3; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b), (p) and (q); 180/2010, s. 1; 242/2010, Sch. s. 2; 32/2012, Sch. 3, s. 1; 83/2012, s. 1; 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 22 to 25; 31/2014, Sch. 1, s. 2; 172/2014, Sch. 1, s. 2; 41/2015, Sch. 1, s. 3; 73/2015, App. 3, s. 1; 145/2015, Sch. 1, ss. 15 to 17; 148/2015, App. 1, s. 1; 204/2015, App. 1, ss. 3 and 4; 81/2016, App. A, s. 1; 233/2016, App. 1; 283/2016, Sch. 1, s. 3; 96/2017, App. 1, s. 2; 34/2017, App. 1, ss. 5 to 9; 179/2017, App. 1, s. 2; 169/2017, App. 1, s. 1; 150/2018, s. 1 (b); 151/2018, App. 1, s. 9; 189/2018, App. 1, s. 1 (b); 19/2019, App. 1, s. 1 (b); 122/2019, App. 1, s. 13; 226/2019, App. 1, s. 2; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 23; 259/2020, App. 1, s. 3; 268/2020, App. 1, s. 2 and App. 3; 278/2020, App. 1, s. 2; 21/2021, App. 1, s. 1 (b); 108/2021, App. 1, s. 5; 194/2021, s. 3; 232/2021, Sch. 1, s. 2; 189/2021, App. 3; 303/2021, Sch. 1, s. 2; 246/2022, App. 1, ss. 4 and 5; 272/2022, App. 1, s. 3; 52/2023, App. 1, s. 1; 99/2023, App. 1, s. 3; 161/2023, App. 1, s. 6 and App. 2.]

Net Income Calculation

(section 28 (1) (b) )

Deduction and exemption rules

1 When calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation,

(a) the following are exempt from income:

(i) any income earned by a dependent child;

(ii) Repealed [B.C. Reg. 96/2017];

(iii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]

(iv) a family bonus, except the portion treated as unearned income under section 10 (1) of this Schedule;

(iv.1) the Canada child benefit, except the portion treated as unearned income under section 10 (1) of this Schedule;

(v) the basic child tax benefit;

(vi) a goods and services tax credit under the Income Tax Act (Canada);

(vii) a tax credit under section 8 [refundable sales tax credit], 8.1 [climate action tax credit] or 8.2 [BC harmonized sales tax credit] or 8.3 [renter's tax credit] of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia);

(viii) individual redress payments granted by the government of Canada to a person of Japanese ancestry;

(ix) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus;

(x) individual payments granted by the government of British Columbia to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus or to the surviving spouse or dependent children of that person;

(xi) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to thalidomide victims;

(xii) money that is

(A) paid or payable to a person if the money is awarded to the person by an adjudicative panel in respect of claims of abuse at Jericho Hill School for the Deaf and drawn from a lump sum settlement paid by the government of British Columbia, or

(B) paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. C980463, Vancouver Registry;

(xiii) the BC earned income benefit;

(xiv) money paid or payable under the 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreement made June 15, 1999, except money paid or payable under section 4.02 or 6.01 of Schedule A or of Schedule B of that agreement;

(xv) a rent subsidy provided by the provincial government, or by a council, board, society or governmental agency that administers rent subsidies from the provincial government;

(xvi) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 22 (a).]

(xvii) and (xvii.1)Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 3 (a).]

(xviii) post adoption assistance payments provided under section 28 (1) or 30.1 of the Adoption Regulation, B.C. Reg. 291/96;

(xix) a rebate of energy or fuel tax provided by the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia, or an agency of either government;

(xx) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5.]

(xxi) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under section 8 [agreement with child's kin and others] of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;

(xxii) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program;

(xxiii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5.]

(xxiv) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, for contributions to the support of a child;

(xxiv.1) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 12.4 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act [B.C, Reg. 455/2024];

(xxv) a loan that is

(A) not greater than the amount contemplated by the recipient's business plan, accepted by the minister under section 77.2 of this regulation, and

(B) received and used for the purposes set out in the business plan;

(xxvi) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's

(A) Autism Funding: Under Age 6 Program, or

(B) Autism Funding: Ages 6 — 18 Program;

(xxvii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 148/2015, App. 1, s. 1 (a).]

(xxviii) payments made by a health authority or a contractor of a health authority to a recipient, who is a "person with a mental disorder" as defined in section 1 of the Mental Health Act, for the purpose of supporting the recipient in participating in a volunteer program or in a mental health or addictions rehabilitation program;

(xxix) a refund provided under Plan I as established under the Drug Plans Regulation;

(xxx) payments provided by Community Living BC to assist with travel expenses for a recipient in the family unit to attend a self-help skills program, or a supported work placement program, approved by Community Living BC;

(xxxi) a Universal Child Care Benefit provided under the Universal Child Care Benefit Act (Canada);

(xxxi.1) a rental housing benefit provided under the Rental Housing Benefit Act (Canada);

(xxxi.2) a dental benefit provided under the Dental Benefit Act (Canada);

(xxxii) money paid by the government of Canada, under a settlement agreement, to persons who contracted Hepatitis C by receiving blood or blood products in Canada prior to 1986 or after July 1, 1990, except money paid under that agreement as income replacement;

(xxxiii) money withdrawn from a registered disability savings plan;

(xxxiv) a working income tax benefit provided under the Income Tax Act (Canada);

(xxxv) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 180/2010, s. 1 (b).]

(xxxvi) the climate action dividend under section 13.02 of the Income Tax Act;

(xxxvii) money paid or payable to a person under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act as compensation for non-pecuniary loss or damage for pain, suffering mental or emotional trauma, humiliation or inconvenience that occurred when the person was under 19 years of age;

(xxxviii) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. S024338, Vancouver Registry;

(xxxvii.1) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement and Supplementary Agreement approved by the Federal Court June 22, 2018 in Court File No. T-370-17, Todd Edward Ross et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen;

(xxxvii.2) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement approved by the Federal Court January 30, 2019 in Court File No. T-1068-14, Raymond Michael Toth v. Her Majesty the Queen;

(xxxix) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Family Support Services program;

(xl) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Supported Child Development program;

(xli) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Aboriginal Supported Child Development program;

(xlii) money paid or payable from a fund that is established by the government of British Columbia, the government of Canada and the City of Vancouver in relation to recommendation 3.2 of the final report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry;

(xliii) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Temporary Education Support for Parents program;

(xliv) a BC early childhood tax benefit;

(xliv.1) a BC child opportunity benefit;

(xliv.2) a BC family benefit;

(xlv) child support;

(xlvi) orphan's benefits under the Canada Pension Plan Act (Canada);

(xlvii) gifts, other than recurring gifts;

(xlviii) compensation paid or payable under Division 5 [Compensation in Relation to Death of Worker] of Part 4 [Compensation to Injured Workers and Their Dependants] or section 225 [compensation in relation to worker death before July 1, 1974] of the Workers Compensation Act to a dependant, as defined in section 1 of that Act, who is a child, as defined in section 165 ( 1) of that Act;

(xlix) money that is paid or payable by or for Community Living BC to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by Community Living BC, an employee of Community Living BC or a person retained under a contract to perform services for Community Living BC;

(l) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the minister, the ministry, an employee of the ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for the ministry;

(l.1) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the Minister of Children and Family Development, that ministry, an employee of that ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for that ministry;

(l.2) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person because the person was a resident of Woodlands School;

(li) a disabled contributor's child's benefit paid or payable under the Canada Pension Plan;

(lii) payments granted under an agreement referred to in section 94 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;

(iii.1) money received from the sale of a family unit’s place of residence [B.C, Reg. 455/2024];

(liii) money that is paid or payable, in respect of a child, from property that comes into the control of, or is held by, the Public Guardian and Trustee;

(liv) money that is paid or payable from a settlement in respect of Treaty No. 8 agricultural benefits;

(lv) money that is paid or payable from a settlement under

(A) the Cadboro Bay Litigation Settlement Agreement, dated for reference November 1, 2017, between the Esquimalt Nation and Canada, or

(B) the settlement agreement, dated for reference October 30, 2017, between the Songhees Nation and Canada;

(lvi) money that is paid or payable under the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders established under the authority of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act (Canada);

(lvii) money, or goods or services in kind, received or to be received by a participant in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's Work Experience Opportunities Grant program from a grant under the program;

(lviii) a rebate of all or part of a premium paid to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and the plan operated under that Act;

(lix) an amount that is paid or payable, as a single payment or series of payments, as follows:

(A) the amount is paid or payable by a person who is or was a landlord, owner or manager, or a person who holds or held a similar position, in relation to leased, rented or licensed residential premises, whether or not the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act applies to that premises;

(B) the amount is paid or payable to a person who is or was a tenant, lessee, licensee or occupant, or a person who has or had a similar right or permission to use the premises for residential purposes;

(C) the amount is paid or payable as full or partial compensation for loss of the residential use of the premises, including for eviction, relocation, demolition, temporary displacement during repair, renovation or redevelopment, or as an inducement to cease or suspend residential use;

(D) the amount is paid or payable under an enactment, a policy or a contract, or voluntarily or at the discretion of the person referred to in clause (A);

(lx) to (lxiii)Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 3 (a).]

(lxiv) a voted support payment.

(lxv) money that is paid under or from an Indigenous financial settlement.

(lxvi) money that is paid to or for an injured person in relation to the injury if

(A) the money is paid for the purpose of covering expenses that are necessary only because of the injury, or

(B) the money is not paid for a specific purpose and the minister is satisfied that the money will be used to cover expenses that are necessary only because of the injury [B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

(b) any amount garnished, attached, seized, deducted or set off from income is considered to be income, except the deductions permitted under sections 2 and 6 of this Schedule,

(b.1) if money is paid under or from an Indigenous financial settlement to an Indigenous governing body, the exemption under paragraph (a) (lxv) includes investment income earned on that money by the Indigenous governing body7 before it is distributed to a person.

(c) all earned income must be included, except the deductions permitted under section 2 and any earned income exempted under sections 3 and 4 of this Schedule, and

(d) all unearned income must be included, except the deductions permitted under section 6 and any income exempted under sections 7 and 8 of this Schedule.

Deductions from earned income

2 The only deductions permitted from earned income are the following:

(a) any amount deducted at source for

(i) income tax,

(ii) employment insurance,

(iii) medical insurance,

(iv) Canada Pension Plan,

(v) superannuation,

(vi) company pension plan, and

(vii) union dues;

(b) if the applicant or recipient provides both room and board to a person at the applicant's or recipient's place of residence, the essential operating costs of providing the room and board;

(c) if the applicant or recipient rents rooms that are common to and part of the applicant's or recipient's place of residence, 25% of the gross rent received from the rental of the rooms.

Exemption — earned income

3 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the amount of earned income calculated under subsection (6) is exempt for a family unit.

(2) A family unit may not claim an exemption under this section in relation to the first calendar month for which the family unit becomes eligible for income assistance unless a member of the family unit received disability assistance or income assistance in at least one of the 6 calendar months immediately preceding that first calendar month. [B.C. Reg. 151/2018]

(3) to (5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 16. ]

(6) The exempt amount for a family unit is the lesser of the family unit's total earned income in the calendar month of calculation and the following:

(a) $600, if the family unit is not described in paragraph (b), (c) or (d);

(b) $900, if the family unit

(i) includes a recipient who

(A) has a dependent child, or

(B) provides care to a supported child, and

(ii) is not described in paragraph (c) or (d);

(i) the family unit includes a recipient who

(A) has a dependent child, or

(B) provides care to a supported child,

(ii) the child has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the recipient from leaving home for the purposes of employment or working, on average, more than 30 hours each week, and

(iii) the family unit is not described in paragraph (d);

(d) $1 080, if the family unit includes a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment.

(7) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 13.]

Small business exemption

4 (1) In this section and section 5,

"permitted operating expenses" means costs, charges and expenses incurred by a person in the operation of a small business, under a self-employment program in which the person is participating, for the following:

(a) purchase of supplies and products;

(b) accounting and legal services;

(d) taxes, fees, licences and dues incurred in the small business;

(e) business insurance;

(f) charges imposed by a savings institution on an account and interest;

(f.1) payments, including principal and interest, on a loan that is

(i) not greater than the amount contemplated by the recipient's business plan, accepted by the minister under section 77.2 of this regulation, and

(ii) received and used for the purposes set out in the business plan;

(g) maintenance and repairs to equipment;

(h) gross wages paid to employees of the small business, but not including wages paid to

(i) the person participating, or

(ii) a person in the family unit of the person participating;

(i) motor vehicle expenses;

(j) premiums for employment insurance or workers' compensation benefits;

(k) employer contributions for employment insurance, workers' compensation or the Canada Pension Plan;

(l) rent and utilities, excluding rent and utilities for the place of residence of the persons described in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph (h) unless

(i) there is an increase for rent or utilities and the increase is attributable to the small business, and

(ii) the increase is not provided for in the calculation of the family unit's shelter allowance under Schedule A of this regulation;

(m) office expenses;

(n) equipment purchases or rentals;

(o) contributions made under the Canada Pension Plan in respect of the person’s self-employment earnings.

(2) Earned income of a recipient of income assistance is exempted from the total income of the recipient's family unit if

(a) the recipient is participating in a self-employment program, and

(b) the earned income is derived from operating a small business under the self-employment program in which the recipient is participating and

(i) is used for permitted operating expenses of the small business, or

(ii) is deposited in a separate account, established by the recipient in a savings institution, which account

(A) consists exclusively of funds reserved by the recipient for the purpose of paying permitted operating expenses of that small business, and

(B) the amount deposited does not increase the current balance of the separate account to a sum that exceeds $5 000, or

(iii) is used for costs of renovations to the recipient's place of residence up to but not exceeding $5 000 in total or a greater amount accepted by the minister, if the renovations are part of a business plan accepted by the minister under section 77.2 of this regulation.

Withdrawals and expenditures from reserve account

5 The amount of any expenditure or withdrawal out of a separate account described in section 4 (2) (b) (ii) of this Schedule is earned income for all purposes of this regulation, unless

(a) the expenditure or withdrawal is for the payment of permitted operating expenses of the small business referred to in section 4 (2) of this Schedule, and

(b) in the case of a withdrawal, the amount withdrawn is used within one month after the date of withdrawal to pay permitted operating expenses of the small business referred to in section 4 (2) (b) (i) of this Schedule.

Deductions from unearned income

6 The only deductions permitted from unearned income are the following:

(a) any income tax deducted at source from employment insurance benefits;

(b) essential operating costs of renting self-contained suites.

Exemptions — unearned income

7 (0.1) In this section:

"disability-related cost" means a disability-related cost referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of disability-related cost in section 13 (1) [assets held in trust for person receiving special care] of this regulation;

"disability-related cost to promote independence" means a disability-related cost referred to in paragraph (d) of the definition of disability-related cost in section 13 (1) of this regulation;

"intended registered disability savings plan or trust", in relation to a person referred to in section 13.1 (2) [temporary exemption of assets for person applying for disability designation or receiving special care] of this regulation, means an asset, received by the person, to which the exemption under that section applies;

"structured settlement annuity payment" means a payment referred to in subsection (2) (b) (iii) made under the annuity contract referred to in that subsection.

(1) The following unearned income is exempt:

(a) the portion of interest from a mortgage on, or agreement for sale of, the family unit's previous place of residence if the interest is required for the amount owing on the purchase or rental of the family unit's current place of residence;

(b) $50 of each monthly Veterans Affairs Canada benefits paid to any person in the family unit;

(c) a criminal injury compensation award or other award, except the amount that would cause the family unit's assets to exceed, at the time the award is received, the limit applicable under section 11 [asset limits] of this regulation;

(d) a payment made from a trust to or on behalf of a person referred to in section 13 (2) [assets held in trust for person receiving special care] of this regulation if the payment is applied exclusively to or used exclusively for

(i) disability-related costs,

(ii) the acquisition of a family unit's place of residence,

(iii) a registered education savings plan, or

(iv) a registered disability savings plan;

(d.1) subject to subsection (2), a structured settlement annuity payment made to a person referred to in section 13 (2) (a) of this regulation if the payment is applied exclusively to or used exclusively for an item referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (d) of this subsection;

(d.2) money expended by a person referred to in section 13.1 (2) [temporary exemption of assets for person applying for disability designation or receiving special care] of this regulation from an intended registered disability savings plan or trust if the money is applied exclusively to or used exclusively for disability-related costs;

(d.3) any of the following if applied exclusively to or used exclusively for disability-related costs to promote independence:

(i) a payment made from a trust to or on behalf of a person referred to in section 13 (2) of this regulation;

(ii) a structured settlement annuity payment that, subject to subsection (2), is made to a person referred to in section 13 (2) (a) of this regulation;

(iii) money expended by a person referred to in section 13.1 (2) of this regulation from an intended registered disability savings plan or trust;

(e) the portion of Canada Pension Plan Benefits that is calculated by the formula (A-B) x C, where

A = the gross monthly amount of Canada Pension Plan Benefits received by an applicant or recipient;

B = (i) in respect of a family unit comprised of a sole applicant or a sole recipient with no dependent children, 1/12 of the amount determined under section 118 (1) (c) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as adjusted under section 117.1 of that Act, or

(ii) in respect of any other family unit, the amount under subparagraph (i), plus 1/12 of the amount resulting from the calculation under section 118 (1) (a) (ii) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as adjusted under section 117.1 of that Act;

C = the sum of the percentages of taxable amounts set out under section 117 (2) (a) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and section 4.1 (1) (a) of the Income Tax Act;

(f) a tax refund;

(g) a benefit paid under section 22, 23 or 23.2 of the Employment Insurance Act (Canada) to any person in the family unit.

(2) Subsection (1) (d.1) and (d.3) (ii) applies in respect of a person only if

(a) the person has entered into a settlement agreement with the defendant in relation to a claim for damages in respect of personal injury or death, and

(b) the settlement agreement requires the defendant to

(i) make periodic payments to the person for a fixed term or the life of the person,

(ii) purchase a single premium annuity contract that

(A) is not assignable, commutable or transferable, and

(B) is designed to produce payments equal to the amounts, and at the times, specified in the settlement agreement,

(iii) make an irrevocable direction to the issuer of the annuity contract to make all payments under that annuity contract directly to the person, and

(iv) remain liable to make the payments required by the settlement agreement.

(2.1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 204/2015, App. 1, s. 4 (b).]

(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 24 (f).]

Minister's discretion to exempt education related unearned income

8 (1) In this section:

"day care costs" means the difference between a student's actual day care costs and the maximum amount of child care subsidy that is available under the Child Care Subsidy Act to a family unit matching the student's family unit;

"education costs", in relation to a student and a program of studies, means the costs, including the costs of tuition, student fees, books, equipment, supplies and transportation, that, in the opinion of the minister, are reasonably required for the student to participate in the program of studies,

"education related living costs", in relation to a student and a program of studies, means the costs, other than education costs, including the costs of food, shelter, clothing, utilities and other living expenses, that, in the opinion of the minister, are reasonably required for the student to participate in the program of studies.

(2) The minister may authorize an exemption for a student described in subsection (3) up to the sum of the student's education costs and day care costs, for a period of study, from the total amount of the following received by the student for the period of study:

(a) a training allowance;

(b) student financial assistance;

(d) disbursements from a registered education savings plan.

(3) An exemption under subsection (2) may be authorized in respect of a student who is

(a) a dependent child enrolled as a student in either a funded or an unfunded program of studies,

(b) an applicant or a recipient enrolled

(i) as a part-time student in an unfunded program of studies, or

(ii) with the prior approval of the minister, as a full-time student in an unfunded program of studies, or

(c) a person in a category listed in section 29 (4) [consequences of failing to meet employment-related obligations] of this regulation enrolled as a part-time student in a funded program of studies.

(4) The minister may authorize an exemption for a student who is a recipient enrolled as a part-time student in a funded program of studies up to the sum of the student's education costs and day care costs, for a period of study, from the total amount of the following received by the student for the period of study:

(a) a training allowance;

(b) student grants, bursaries and scholarships, except student grants, bursaries and scholarships provided under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act;

(5) The minister may authorize an exemption for a student who is described in section 16 (1.1) [effect of family unit including full-time student] of this regulation up to the sum of the student's education costs, education related living costs and daycare costs, for a period of study, from the total amount of the following received by the student for the period of study:

(a) a training allowance;

(b) student grants, bursaries and scholarships, except student grants, bursaries and scholarships provided under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act;

Application of deductions and exemptions

9 (1) The deductions and exemptions in this Schedule apply only in the calendar month in which the income is actually received, despite any of the following:

(a) the date the income is payable;

(b) the period for which the income is payable;

(d) the date the minister receives notice of the income.

(2) Despite subsection (1), income that is received before the date that subsection (1) comes into force is subject to the application of section 9 of this regulation as it read immediately before subsection (1) came into force.

Backdated family bonus treated as unearned income

10 (0.1) In this section:

"backdated Canada child benefit payment", in relation to a child benefits cheque, means the portion of the cheque, if any, attributable to the Canada child benefit for one or more calendar months preceding the calendar month in which the cheque is issued; [B.C. Reg. 34/2017]

"backdated family bonus payment", in relation to a child benefits cheque, means the portion of the cheque, if any, attributable to the family bonus for one or more calendar months preceding the calendar month in which the cheque is issued;

"supplement" means a supplement referred to in section 61 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus] or 61.1 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled Canada child benefit] of this regulation.

(1) If a person in the applicant's or recipient's family unit receives a backdated family bonus payment or a backdated Canada child benefit payment and all or part of the payment is attributable to one or more calendar months for which the family unit was also provided with a supplement, the lesser of the following amounts must be treated as unearned income:

(a) the portion of the backdated family bonus payment or the backdated Canada child benefit payment, as applicable, that is attributable to those calendar months for which the family unit was provided with a supplement;

(b) the sum of the supplements that are attributable to those calendar months for which the family unit received the backdated family bonus payment or the backdated Canada child benefit payment, as applicable.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an amount that, under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) or the Income Tax Act (Canada), is deducted or set off from a family bonus or a Canada child benefit is considered to have been paid to a person in the applicant's or recipient's family unit. [B.C. Reg. 34/2017]

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to an amount included in that portion of a child benefits cheque attributable to family bonus or Canada child benefit

(a) to replace a lost or stolen cheque for which an amount was advanced under section 60 [advance for lost or stolen family bonus cheque] or 60.1 [advance for lost or stolen child benefits cheque - Canada child benefit] of this regulation, or

(b) to replace a cheque for which no amount was advanced under section 60 [advance for lost or stolen family bonus cheque] or 60.1 [advance for lost or stolen child benefits cheque - Canada child benefit] of this regulation if the replacement is received in the calendar month following the calendar month for which the lost or stolen cheque was issued.

Backdated CPP treated as unearned income

11 (1) In this section, "pension benefit" means a pension or other payment under the Canada Pension Plan (Canada).

(2) If

(a) income assistance is provided to a family unit for a calendar month or any portion of a calendar month that would not have been provided if a pension benefit had been paid for that calendar month, and

(b) subsequently a pension benefit becomes payable or payment of a pension benefit may be made under the Canada Pension Plan (Canada) to a recipient in the family unit for that calendar month or any portion of that calendar month,

the amount of the pension benefit that becomes payable for that month or portion of that month must be treated as unearned income and is considered to have been received by the recipient in that month.

Schedule C

[am. B.C. Regs. 236/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2; 285/2003, s. 1; 430/2003, s. 2; 8/2004; 10/2004, Sch. A, s. 1; 88/2005; 154/2005; 155/2005, s. 2; 160/2005; 162/2005; 314/2006; 53/2007, s. 1; 60/2007, s. 1; 75/2008; 317/2008, s. 5; 318/2008, s. 1; 412/2008, App. s. 2; 420/2008, App. s. 2; 421/2008, App. s. 2; 422/2008, App. s. 2; 423/2008, App. s. 2; 4/2010, s. 3; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (r); 61/2010, ss. 2 and 3; 64/2010, s. 2; 65/2010, App. 1, ss. 1 to 4; 66/2010, s. 1; 169/2010, App. s. 2; 144/2011, Sch. 1; 85/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 6 to 9; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 26 to 33; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 18; 118/2017, App. 1, ss. 2 and 3; 161/2017, App. 1, ss. 7 to 18; 94/2018, App. 1; 123/2019, App. 1, ss. 5 and 6; 180/2019, App. 4, ss. 5 and 6; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 24; 35/2020, App. 1, s. 7; 209/2020, s. 1; 206/2020, s. 4; 208/2022, Sch. 2; 52/2023, App. 1, s. 2; 66/2023, Sch., s. 1; 161/2023, App. 1, ss. 7 to 9.]

Health Supplements

Definitions

1 In this Schedule:

"acupuncturist" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of acupuncture;

"audiologist" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of audiology;

"basic dental service" means a dental service that

(a) if provided by a dentist,

(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and

(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of person receiving the service,

(b) if provided by a denturist,

(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and

(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of person receiving the service, and

(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dental Hygienist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and

(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of person receiving the service;

"basic eyewear and repairs" means any of the following items that are provided by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician:

(a) for a child who has a new prescription, one pair of eye glasses per year consisting of the least expensive appropriate

(i) single-vision or bifocal lenses, and

(ii) frames;

(b) for any other person who has a new prescription, one pair of eye glasses every 3 years consisting of the least expensive appropriate

(i) single-vision or bifocal lenses, and

(ii) frames;

(i) new lenses at any time if an optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician confirms a change in refractive status in either eye,

(ii) a case for new eye glasses or lenses, and

(iii) necessary repairs to lenses or frames that come within this definition;

"change in refractive status" means a change of not less than 0.5 dioptres to the spherical or cylinder lens, or a change in axis that equals or exceeds

(a) 20 degrees for a cylinder lens of 0.5 dioptres or less,

(b) 10 degrees for a cylinder lens of more than 0.5 dioptres but not more than 1.0 dioptre, and

"chiropractor" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of chiropractic;

"dental hygienist" means a dental hygienist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals;

"dentist" means a dentist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals;

"denture services" means services and items that

(a) if provided by a dentist

(i) are set out under fee numbers 51101 to 51302 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and

(ii) are provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service or item and the category of person receiving the service or item, and

(b) if provided by a denturist

(i) are set out under fee numbers 31310 to 31321 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and

(ii) are provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service or item and the category of person receiving the service or item;

"denturist" means a denturist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals;

"emergency dental service" means a dental service necessary for the immediate relief of pain that,

(a) if provided by a dentist,

(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Emergency Dental — Dentist, that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and

(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of the person receiving the service, and

(b) if provided by a denturist,

(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Emergency Dental — Denturist, that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and

(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of the person receiving the service;

"eye examination" means a full diagnostic examination of a person's eyes by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, that includes

(a) a determination of the refractive status of the eyes and of the presence of any observed abnormality in the person's visual system,

(b) any necessary tests connected to making determinations under paragraph (a), and

"hearing instrument" has the same meaning as in the Speech and Hearing Health Professionals Regulation, B.C. Reg. 413/2008;

"hearing instrument practitioner" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of hearing instrument dispensing;

"massage therapist" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of massage therapy;

"naturopath" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of naturopathic medicine;

"occupational therapist" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of occupational therapy;

"ophthalmologist" means a medical practitioner who practises ophthalmology;

"optician" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of opticianry;

"optometrist" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of optometry;

"orthotist" means a person who is certified by and in good standing with the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists;

"pedorthist" means a person who is certified by and in good standing with the College of Pedorthics of Canada;

"physical therapist" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of physical therapy;

"physical therapy" has the same meaning as in the Physical Therapists Regulation, B.C. Reg. 288/2008;

"podiatrist" means a person who is authorized under the Health Professions Act to practise the designated health profession of podiatry;

"pre-authorized eyewear and repairs" means eyewear and repairs provided by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician and for which pre-authorization is given by the minister, but does not include basic eyewear and repairs;

"specialist" means a medical practitioner recognized as a specialist in a field of medicine or surgery in accordance with the bylaws made by the board for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia under section 19 (1) (k.3) and (k.4) of the Health Professions Act.

General health supplements

2 (1) The following are the health supplements that may be paid for by the minister if provided to a family unit that is eligible under section 67 [general health supplements] of this regulation:

(a) medical or surgical supplies that are, at the minister's discretion, either disposable or reusable, if the minister is satisfied that all of the following requirements are met:

(i) the supplies are required for one of the following purposes:

(A) wound care;

(B) ongoing bowel care required due to loss of muscle function;

(D) incontinence;

(E) skin parasite care;

(F) limb circulation care;

(ii) the supplies are

(A) prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner,

(B) the least expensive supplies appropriate for the purpose, and

(iii) there are no resources available to the family unit to pay the cost of or obtain the supplies;

(a.1) the following medical or surgical supplies that are, at the minister's discretion, either disposable or reusable, if the minister is satisfied that all the requirements described in paragraph (a) (ii) and (iii) are met in relation to the supplies:

(i) lancets;

(ii) needles and syringes;

(iii) ventilator supplies required for the essential operation or sterilization of a ventilator;

(iv) tracheostomy supplies;

(a.2) consumable medical supplies, if the minister is satisfied that all of the following requirements are met:

(i) the supplies are required to thicken food;

(ii) all the requirements described in paragraph (a) (ii) and (iii) are met in relation to the supplies;

(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 236/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2 (b).]

(c) subject to subsection (2), a service provided by a person described opposite that service in the following table, delivered in not more than 12 visits per calendar year,

(i) for which a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner has confirmed an acute need,

(ii) if the visits available under the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, B.C. Reg. 426/97, for that calendar year have been provided and for which payment is not available under the Medicare Protection Act, and

(iii) for which there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the cost:

Item	Service	Provided by
1	acupuncture	acupuncturist
2	chiropractic	chiropractor
3	massage therapy	massage therapist
4	naturopathic medicine	naturopath
5	non-surgical podiatry	podiatrist
6	physical therapy	physical therapist

(d) and (e) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 75/2008, s. (a).]

(f) the least expensive appropriate mode of transportation to or from

(i) an office, in the local area, of a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner,

(ii) the office of the nearest available specialist in a field of medicine or surgery if the person has been referred to a specialist in that field by a local medical practitioner or nurse practitioner,

(iii) the nearest suitable general hospital or rehabilitation hospital, as those facilities are defined in section 1.1 of the Hospital Insurance Act Regulations, or

(iv) the nearest suitable hospital as defined in paragraph (e) of the definition of "hospital" in section 1 of the Hospital Insurance Act,

provided that

(v) the transportation is to enable the person to receive a benefit under the Medicare Protection Act or a general hospital service under the Hospital Insurance Act, and

(vi) there are no resources available to the person's family unit to cover the cost.

(g) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 75/2008, s. (a).]

(1.1) For the purposes of subsection (1) (a), medical and surgical supplies do not include nutritional supplements, food, vitamins, minerals or prescription medications.

(2) No more than 12 visits per calendar year are payable by the minister under this section for any combination of physical therapy services, chiropractic services, massage therapy services, non-surgical podiatry services, naturopathy services and acupuncture services.

(2.1) If eligible under subsection (1) (c) and subject to subsection (2), the amount of a general health supplement under section 67 of this regulation for physical therapy services, chiropractic services, massage therapy services, non-surgical podiatry services, naturopathy services and acupuncture services is $23 for each visit.

(3) If the minister provided a benefit to or for a person under section 2 (3) of Schedule C of the Income Assistance Regulation, B.C. Reg. 75/97, the Youth Works Regulation, B.C. Reg. 77/97 or the Disability Benefits Program Regulation, B.C. Reg. 79/97, as applicable, for the month during which the regulation was repealed, the minister may continue to provide that benefit to or for that person as a supplement on the same terms and conditions as previously until the earlier of the following dates:

(a) the date the conditions on which the minister paid the benefit are no longer met;

(b) the date the person ceases to receive income assistance.

Optical supplements

2.1 The following are the health supplements that may be paid for by the minister if provided to a family unit that is eligible under section 67.1 [optical supplements] of this regulation:

(a) basic eyewear and repairs;

(b) pre-authorized eyewear and repairs.

Eye examination supplements

2.2 The minister may pay a health supplement under section 67.2 [eye examination supplements] of this regulation for an eye examination that,

(a) if provided by an optometrist, is provided for a fee that does not exceed $44.83, or

(b) if provided by an ophthalmologist, is provided for a fee that does not exceed $48.90.

Medical equipment and devices

3 (1) Subject to subsections (2) to (5) of this section, the medical equipment and devices described in sections 3.1 to 3.12 of this Schedule are the health supplements that may be provided by the minister if

(a) the supplements are provided to a family unit that is eligible under section 67 [general health supplements] of this regulation, and

(b) all of the following requirements are met:

(i) the family unit has received the pre-authorization of the minister for the medical equipment or device requested;

(ii) there are no resources available to the family unit to pay the cost of or obtain the medical equipment or device;

(iii) the medical equipment or device is the least expensive appropriate medical equipment or device.

(2) For medical equipment or devices referred to in sections 3.1 to 3.8 or section 3.12, in addition to the requirements in those sections and subsection (1) of this section, the family unit must provide to the minister one or both of the following, as requested by the minister:

(a) a prescription of a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner for the medical equipment or device;

(b) an assessment by an occupational therapist or physical therapist confirming the medical need for the medical equipment or device.

(2.1) For medical equipment or devices referred to in section 3.9 (1) (b) to (g), in addition to the requirements in that section and subsection (1) of this section, the family unit must provide to the minister one or both of the following, as requested by the minister:

(a) a prescription of a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner for the medical equipment or device;

(b) an assessment by a respiratory therapist, occupational therapist or physical therapist confirming the medical need for the medical equipment or device.

(3) Subject to subsection (6), the minister may provide as a health supplement a replacement of medical equipment or a medical device, previously provided by the minister under this section or section 7.1 of this Schedule, that is damaged, worn out or not functioning if [B.C. Reg. 161/2017]

(a) it is more economical to replace than to repair the medical equipment or device previously provided by the minister, and

(b) the period of time, if any, set out in sections 3.1 to 3.12 of this Schedule, as applicable, for the purposes of this paragraph, has passed.

(4) Subject to subsection (6), the minister may provide as a health supplement repairs of medical equipment or a medical device that was previously provided by the minister if it is more economical to repair the medical equipment or device than to replace it.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), the minister may provide as a health supplement repairs of medical equipment or a medical device that was not previously provided by the minister if

(a) at the time of the repairs the requirements in this section and sections 3.1 to 3.12 of this Schedule, as applicable, are met in respect of the medical equipment or device being repaired, and

(b) it is more economical to repair the medical equipment or device than to replace it.

(6) The minister may not provide a replacement of medical equipment or a medical device under subsection (3) or repairs of medical equipment or a medical device under subsection (4) or (5) if the minister considers that the medical equipment or device was damaged through misuse.

Medical equipment and devices — canes, crutches and walkers

3.1 (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility:

(a) a cane;

(b) a crutch;

(d) an accessory to a cane, a crutch or a walker.

(2) A walking pole is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.

Medical equipment and devices — wheelchairs

3.2 (1) In this section, "wheelchair" does not include a stroller.

(2) Subject to subsection (4) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility:

(a) a wheelchair;

(b) an upgraded component of a wheelchair;

(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (2) of this section is 5 years after the minister provided the item being replaced.

(4) A high-performance wheelchair for recreational or sports use is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.

Medical equipment and devices — wheelchair seating systems

3.3 (1) The following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to achieve or maintain a person's positioning in a wheelchair:

(a) a wheelchair seating system;

(b) an accessory to a wheelchair seating system.

(2) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is 2 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.

Medical equipment and devices — scooters

3.4 (1) In this section, "scooter" does not include a scooter with 2 wheels.

(2) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if all of the requirements set out in subsection (3) of this section are met:

(a) a scooter;

(b) an upgraded component of a scooter;

(3) The following are the requirements in relation to an item referred to in subsection (2) of this section:

(a) an assessment by an occupational therapist or a physical therapist has confirmed that it is unlikely that the person for whom the scooter has been prescribed will have a medical need for a wheelchair during the 5 years following the assessment;

(b) the total cost of the scooter and any accessories attached to the scooter does not exceed $3 500 or, if subsection (3.1) applies, $4 500;

(3.1) The maximum amount of $4 500 under subsection (3) (b) applies if an assessment by an occupational therapist or a physical therapist has confirmed that the person for whom the scooter has been prescribed has a body weight that exceeds the weight capacity of a conventional scooter but can be accommodated by a bariatric scooter.

(4) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (2) of this section is 5 years after the minister provided the item being replaced.

(5) A scooter intended primarily for recreational or sports use is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.

Medical equipment and devices — toileting, transfers and positioning aids

3.5 (0.1) In this section:

"positioning chair" does not include a lift chair;

"transfer aid" means a transfer board, transfer belt or slider sheet.

(1) The following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to facilitate toileting or transfers of a person or to achieve or maintain a person's positioning:

(a) a grab bar in a bathroom;

(b) a bath or shower seat;

(d) a tub slide;

(e) a bath lift;

(f) a bed pan or urinal;

(g) a raised toilet seat;

(h) a toilet safety frame;

(i) a floor-to-ceiling pole in a bathroom or bedroom;

(j) a portable commode chair;

(k) a standing frame for a person for whom a wheelchair is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility;

(l) a positioning chair for a person for whom a wheelchair is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility;

(m) a transfer aid for a person for whom the transfer aid is medically essential to transfer from one position to another.

(2) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.

Medical equipment and devices — hospital bed

3.6 (1) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to facilitate transfers of a person to and from bed or to adjust or maintain a person's positioning in bed:

(a) a hospital bed;

(b) an upgraded component of a hospital bed;

(d) a positioning item on a hospital bed.

(3) The following items are not health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule:

(a) an automatic turning bed;

(b) a containment type bed.

Medical equipment and devices — pressure relief mattresses

3.7 (1) A pressure relief mattress is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the pressure relief mattress is medically essential to prevent skin breakdown and maintain skin integrity.

Medical equipment and devices — floor or ceiling lift devices

3.8 (1) In this section, "floor or ceiling lift device" means a device that stands on the floor or is attached to the ceiling and that uses a sling system to transfer a person.

(2) A floor or ceiling lift device is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the following requirements are met:

(a) the minister is satisfied that the floor or ceiling lift device is medically essential to facilitate transfers of a person in a bedroom or a bathroom;

(b) the cost of the floor or ceiling lift device does not exceed $4 200 or, if the cost of the floor or ceiling lift device does exceed $4 200, the minister is satisfied that the excess cost is a result of unusual installation expenses.

(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (2) of this section is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.

Medical equipment and devices — breathing devices

3.9 (1) Subject to subsection (4) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule:

(a) if all of the requirements set out in subsection (2) of this section are met,

(i) a positive airway pressure device,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a positive airway pressure device, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate a positive airway pressure device;

(a.1) if all of the requirements set out in subsection (2) of this section are met and the minister is satisfied that a patient is intolerant to a positive airway pressure device, a mandibular advancement device;

(b) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to monitor breathing,

(i) an apnea monitor,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate an apnea monitor, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate an apnea monitor;

(i) a suction unit,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a suction unit, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate a suction unit;

(d) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential for clearing respiratory airways,

(i) a percussor,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a percussor, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate a percussor;

(d.1) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential for clearing respiratory airways,

(i) a cough assist device,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a cough assist device, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate a cough assist device;

(e) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to avoid an imminent and substantial danger to health,

(i) a nebulizer,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a nebulizer, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate a nebulizer;

(f) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to moisturize air in order to allow a tracheostomy patient to breathe,

(i) a medical humidifier,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a medical humidifier, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate a medical humidifier;

(g) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to deliver medication,

(i) an inhaler accessory device,

(ii) an accessory that is required to operate an inhaler accessory device, or

(iii) a supply that is required to operate an inhaler accessory device.

(2) The following are the requirements in relation to an item referred to in subsection (1) (a) or (a.1) of this section:

(a) the item is prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner;

(b) a respiratory therapist has performed an assessment that confirms the medical need for the item;

(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is as follows:

(a) in the case of an item referred to in subsection (1) (a) (i) or (a.1), 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced;

(b) in the case of an item referred to in subsection (1) (a) (ii) or (iii), one year from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced;

(c) in the case of an apnea monitor, suction unit, percussor, cough assist device, nebulizer or medical humidifier, 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced;

(d) in the case of an inhaler accessory device, one year from the date on which the minister provided the device being replaced;

(e) in the case of an accessory or supply for an item referred to in paragraph (c) or (d), one year from the date on which the minister provided the device being replaced.

(4) A ventilator is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.

Medical equipment and devices — orthoses

3.10 (1) In this section:

"off-the-shelf", in relation to an orthosis, means a prefabricated, mass-produced orthosis that is not unique to a particular person;

"orthosis" means

(a) a custom-made or off-the-shelf foot orthotic;

(b) custom-made footwear;

(d) off-the-shelf footwear required for the purpose set out in subsection (4.1) (a);

(e) off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear;

(f) an ankle brace;

(g) an ankle-foot orthosis;

(h) a knee-ankle-foot orthosis;

(i) a knee brace;

(j) a hip brace;

(k) an upper extremity brace;

(l) a cranial helmet used for the purposes set out in subsection (7);

(m) a torso or spine brace;

(n) a foot abduction orthosis;

(o) a toe orthosis

(p) a walking boot.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) to (11) of this section, an orthosis is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if

(a) the orthosis is prescribed by a medical practitioner or a nurse practitioner,

(b) the minister is satisfied that the orthosis is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic functionality,

(i) to prevent surgery;

(ii) for post-surgical care;

(iii) to assist in physical healing from surgery, injury or disease;

(iv) to improve physical functioning that has been impaired by a neuro-musculo-skeletal condition, and

(d) the orthosis is off-the-shelf unless

(i) a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner confirms that a custom-made orthosis is medically required, and

(ii) the custom-made orthosis is fitted by an orthotist, pedorthist, occupational therapist, physical therapist or podiatrist.

(3) For an orthosis that is a custom-made foot orthotic, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, all of the following requirements must be met:

(a) a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner confirms that a custom-made foot orthotic is medically required;

(b) the custom-made foot orthotic is fitted by an orthotist, pedorthist, occupational therapist, physical therapist or podiatrist;

(d) the custom-made foot orthotic must be made from a hand-cast mold;

(e) the cost of one pair of custom-made foot orthotics, including the assessment fee, must not exceed $450.

(4) For an orthosis that is custom-made footwear, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the cost of the custom-made footwear, including the assessment fee, must not exceed $1 650.

(4.1) For an orthosis that is off-the-shelf footwear, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section,

(a) the footwear is required to accommodate a custom-made orthosis, and

(b) the cost of the footwear must not exceed $125.

(4.2) For an orthosis that is off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the cost of the footwear must not exceed $250.

(5) For an orthosis that is a knee brace, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the medical practitioner or nurse practitioner who prescribed the knee brace must have recommended that the knee brace be worn at least 6 hours per day.

(6) For an orthosis that is an upper extremity brace, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the upper extremity brace must be intended to provide hand, finger, wrist, elbow or shoulder support.

(7) For an orthosis that is a cranial helmet, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the cranial helmet must be a helmet prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner and recommended for daily use in cases of self abusive behaviour, seizure disorder, or to protect or facilitate healing of chronic wounds or cranial defects.

(8) For an orthosis that is a torso or spine brace, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the brace must be intended to provide pelvic, lumbar, lumbar-sacral, thoracic-lumbar-sacral, cervical-thoracic-lumbar-sacral, or cervical spine support.

(9) Subject to section 3 of this Schedule, the limit on the number of orthoses that may be provided for the use of a person as a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule is the number set out in Column 2 of Table 1 opposite the description of the applicable orthosis in Column1.

Table 1
Item	Column 1 Orthosis	Column 2 Limit
1	custom-made foot orthotic	1 or 1 pair
2	custom-made footwear	1 or 1 pair
3	modification to footwear	1 or 1 pair
4	ankle brace	1 per ankle
5	ankle-foot orthosis	1 per ankle
6	knee-ankle-foot orthosis	1 per leg
7	knee brace	1 per knee
8	hip brace	1
9	upper extremity brace	1 per hand, finger, wrist, elbow or shoulder
10	cranial helmet	1
11	torso or spine brace	1
12	off-the-shelf footwear	1 or 1 pair
13	off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear	1 or 1 pair
14	foot abduction orthosis	1 or 1 pair
15	toe orthosis	1

(10) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an orthosis is the number of years from the date on which the minister provided the orthosis being replaced that is set out in Column 2 of Table 2 opposite the description of the applicable orthosis in Column 1.

Table 2
Item	Column 1 Orthosis	Column 2 Time period
1	custom-made foot orthotic	3 years
2	custom-made footwear	1 year
3	modification to footwear	1 year
4	ankle brace	2 years
5	ankle-foot-orthosis	2 years
6	knee-ankle-foot orthosis	2 years
7	knee brace	4 years
8	hip brace	2 years
9	upper extremity brace	2 years
10	cranial helmet	2 years
11	torso or spine brace	2 years
12	off-the-shelf footwear	1 year
13	off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear	1 year
14	toe orthosis	1 year

(11) The following items are not health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule:

(a) a prosthetic and related supplies;

(b) a plaster or fiberglass cast;

(d) an abdominal support;

(e) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 94/2018, App. 1, s. 1 (b).]

(f) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 144/2011, Sch. 1.]

(12) An accessory or supply that is medically essential to use an orthosis that is a health supplement under subsection (2) is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.

Medical equipment and devices — hearing instruments

3.11 (1) A hearing instrument is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if

(a) the hearing instrument is prescribed by an audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner, and

(b) an audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner has performed an assessment that confirms the need for a hearing instrument.

(2) The minister may provide a hearing instrument to or for a family unit under this section only if the person is not receiving a hearing assistance supplement under section 77.02 or 77.03 of this regulation.

Medical equipment and devices — non-conventional glucose meters

3.12 (1) In this section, "non-conventional glucose meter" includes

(a) a continuous glucose monitoring meter, and

(b) a talking glucose meter.

(2) A non-conventional glucose meter is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that

(a) the glucose meter is medically essential to test blood glucose levels, and

(b) the person for whom the non-conventional glucose meter has been prescribed is unable to use a conventional glucose meter.

(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of a non-conventional glucose meter is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the glucose meter being replaced.

Dental supplements

4 (1) In this section, "period" means

(a) in respect of a person under 19 years of age, including a child in a home of a relative, a 2 year period beginning on January 1, 2017 and on each subsequent January 1 in an odd numbered year, and

(b) in respect of a person not referred to in paragraph (a), a 2 year period beginning on January 1, 2003 and on each subsequent January 1 in an odd numbered year.

(1.1) The health supplements that may be paid under section 68 [dental supplements] of this regulation are basic dental services to a maximum of

(a) $2 000 each period, if provided to a person under 19 years of age, and

(b) $1 000 each period, if provided to a person not referred to in paragraph (a).

(2) Dentures may be provided as a basic dental service only to a person

(a) who has never worn dentures, or

(b) whose dentures are more than 5 years old.

(3) The limits under subsection (1.1) may be exceeded by an amount necessary to provide dentures, taking into account the amount remaining to the person under those limits at the time the dentures are to be provided, if

(a) a person requires a full upper denture, a full lower denture or both because of extractions made in the previous 6 months to relieve pain,

(b) a person, other than a person who is a main continued person under section 66.3 (1) of this regulation as a result of having been part of a family unit identified in section 66.3 (3) (a) or a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2) of that person, requires a partial denture to replace at least 3 contiguous missing teeth on the same arch, at least one of which was extracted in the previous 6 months to relieve pain, or

(c) a person who has been a recipient of income assistance or disability assistance for at least 2 years or a dependant of that person requires replacement dentures.

(4) Subsection (2) (b) does not apply with respect to a person described in subsection (3) (a) who has previously had a partial denture.

(5) The dental supplements that may be provided to a person described in subsection (3) (b), or to a person described in subsection (3) (c) who requires a partial denture, are limited to services under

(a) fee numbers 52101 to 52402 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule, or

(b) fee numbers 41610, 41612, 41620 and 41622 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule.

(6) The dental supplements that may be provided to a person described in subsection (3) (c) who requires the replacement of a full upper, a full lower denture or both are limited to services under

(a) fee numbers 51101 and 51102 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule, or

(b) fee numbers 31310, 31320 or 31330 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule.

(7) A reline or a rebase of dentures may be provided as a basic dental service only to a person who has not had a reline or rebase of dentures for at least 2 years.

Crown and bridgework supplement

4.1 (1) In this section, "crown and bridgework" means a dental service

(a) that is provided by a dentist,

(b) that is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Crown and Bridgework, that is effective April 1, 2010 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister,

(d) for which a recipient has received the pre-authorization of the minister.

(2) A health supplement may be paid under section 68.1 of this regulation for crown and bridgework but only if the minister is of the opinion that the recipient has a dental condition that cannot be corrected through the provision of basic dental services because

(a) the dental condition precludes the provision of the restorative services set out under the Restorative Services section of the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist, and

(b) one of the following circumstances exists:

(i) the dental condition precludes the use of a removable prosthetic;

(ii) the recipient has a physical impairment that makes it impossible for the recipient to place a removable prosthetic;

(iii) the recipient has an allergic reaction or other intolerance to the composition or materials used in a removable prosthetic;

(iv) the recipient has a mental condition that makes it impossible for the recipient to assume responsibility for a removable prosthetic.

(3) The minister must also be satisfied that a health supplement for crown and bridgework will be adequate to correct the dental condition.

(4) A health supplement for crown and bridgework may not be provided in respect of the same tooth more than once in any period of 60 calendar months.

Denture supplements

5 The health supplements that may be provided under section 69 [denture supplements] of this regulation are denture services.

Emergency dental supplements

6 The health supplements that may be paid for under section 70 [emergency dental and denture supplements] of this regulation are emergency dental services.

Dental and optical services — healthy kids program

7 (1) In this section, "period" means a 2 year period beginning on January 1, 2017, and on each subsequent January 1 in an odd numbered year.

(2) Subject to the following limits, the minister may pay under section 72 [dental and optical supplements — healthy kids] of this regulation for the following health care services for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who, when the service was provided, was eligible for supplemental services under section 10 (1) (c), (e) or (f) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, or had been determined to be eligible for those services under section 11 of that regulation

(a) basic dental services, to a maximum total of $2 000 for each period for all basic dental services provided to the child during the period;

(b) basic eyewear and repairs;

(d) emergency dental services.

Hearing instruments - healthy kids program

7.1 The minister may pay under section 72.1 [hearing instrument supplement - healthy kids program] of this regulation for the following health care services for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who, when the service was provided, was eligible for supplemental services under section 10 (1) (c), (e) or (f) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, or had been determined to be eligible for those services under section 11 of that regulation

(a) a hearing instrument in accordance with sections 3 (1) (b) and 3.11 of this Schedule;

(b) replacement of a hearing instrument in accordance with section 3 (3) and (6) of this Schedule;

Diet supplements

8 (1) The amount of a diet supplement that may be provided under section 73 [diet supplement] of this regulation is as follows:

(a) $15 for each calendar month for a person who requires a restricted sodium diet;

(b) $60 for each calendar month for a person who has diabetes;

(d) $65 for each calendar month for a person who requires a high protein diet;

(e) $65 for each calendar month for a person who requires a gluten-free diet;

(f) $65 for each calendar month for a person who has dysphagia;

(g) $80 for each calendar month for a person who has cystic fibrosis;

(h) $65 for each calendar month for which a person requires a ketogenic diet;

(i) $65 for each calendar month for which a person requires a low phenylalanine diet.

(2) A diet supplement under subsection (1) (d) may be provided only if the diet is confirmed by a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian as being necessary for one of the following medical conditions:

(a) cancer that requires nutritional support during

(i) radiation therapy,

(ii) chemotherapy,

(iii) surgical therapy, or

(iv) ongoing medical treatment;

(b) chronic inflammatory bowel disease;

(d) ulcerative colitis;

(e) HIV positive diagnosis;

(f) AIDS;

(g) chronic bacterial infection;

(h) tuberculosis;

(i) hyperthyroidism;

(j) osteoporosis;

(k) hepatitis B;

(l) hepatitis C.

(3) A person who is eligible for a supplement under subsection (1) (d) or (f) is also eligible for a $50 payment towards the purchase of a blender.

(4) If a person has more than one of the medical conditions set out in subsection (1), the person may receive only the amount of the highest diet supplement for which the person is eligible.

Natal supplement

9 The amount of a natal supplement that may be provided under section 75 [natal supplement] of this regulation is as follows:

(a) $80 for each calendar month for a period set out in section 75 (2), or

(b) $160 for each calendar month for a period set out in section 75 (2) if the person

(i) is pregnant with more than one child, as confirmed in writing by a medical practitioner, a nurse practitioner or a midwife, or

(ii) gives birth to more than one child.

Infant formula

10 The minister may provide infant formula under section 74.1 of this regulation if

(a) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, midwife or dietitian confirms in writing that

(i) the dependent child for whom a specialized infant formula is to be provided has a medical condition and the specialized infant formula is necessary to treat the medical condition,

(ii) the dependent child for whom the infant formula is to be provided is at risk of contracting a disease that is transmissible through the breast milk of the dependent child's parent, or

(iii) the nutritional needs of the dependent child for whom the infant formula is to be provided cannot be met through the breast milk of the dependent child's parent,

(b) in the case of a child described by paragraph (a) (ii) or (iii), the child is 12 months of age or younger, and

(c) the minister is satisfied that the infant formula is medically required to treat the medical condition or respond to the risk or meet the nutritional need referred to in paragraph (a).

Alternative hearing assistance supplement

11 (1) In this section, "profound hearing loss" means a hearing loss of 91 decibels or greater across all frequencies tested in an audiological assessment.

(2) The amount of a hearing supplement that may be provided under section 77.02 or 77.03 of this regulation is $100 per calendar month to or for each person in a family unit to whom subsection (3) of this section applies.

(3) The hearing supplement under subsection (2) may be provided by the minister only if

(a) the minister is satisfied that the person

(i) has permanent profound hearing loss in both ears, and

(ii) cannot benefit significantly, in respect of speech comprehension, from a hearing instrument, and

(b) an audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner, within the previous 12 months, has

(i) performed an assessment that confirms the permanent profound hearing loss in both ears, and

(ii) provided an opinion that the person cannot benefit significantly, in respect of speech comprehension, from a hearing instrument.

(4) The hearing supplement under subsection (2) may not be provided if a person received a hearing instrument under section 3.11 or 7.1 of this Schedule, or from another source, in the previous 36 months.

(5) Despite subsection (4), the hearing supplement under subsection (2) may be provided to or for a person who received a hearing instrument in the previous 36 months if the person did not meet the requirements set out in subsection (3) on the date the person received the hearing instrument but subsequently meets those requirements.

Schedule D

[am. B.C. Regs. 57/2003, s. 2; 115/2003, Sch. 1, s. 3; 209/2003, Sch. 1, s. 3; 286/2003, s. 1 (c); 461/2003, s. 1 (b); 276/2004, s. 1 (c); 521/2004, s. 2; 22/2005, Sch. s. 1 (c); 292/2005, s. 1 (b); 304/2005, s. 8; 305/2005, Sch. 1, s. 3; 192/2006, s. 5; 57/2007, s. 6; 195/2007, s. 3; 313/2007, s. 1 (h); 362/2007, s. (c); 48/2008, s. 1 (c); 87/2008, s. 1 (c); 94/2008, s. 1 (c); 4/2010, s. 3; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (s) and (t); 180/2010, s. 1; 242/2010, s. 3; 32/2012, Sch. 3, s. 2; 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 10; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 34 to 36; 31/2014, Sch. 1, s. 3; 172/2014, Sch. 1, s. 3; 41/2015, Sch. 1, s. 4; 73/2015, App. 3, s. 2; 148/2015, App. 1, s. 2; 204/2015, App. 1, s. 5; 81/2016, App. A, s. 2; 283/2016, Sch. 1, s. 4; 96/2017, App. 1, s. 3; 34/2017, App. 1, ss. 10 to 17; 179/2017, App. 1, s. 3; 153/2017, App. 1, s. 2; 150/2018, s. 1 (c); 151/2018, App. 1, s. 10; 189/2018, App. 1, s. 1 (c); 19/2019, App. 1, s. 1 (c); 32/2019, App. 1, s. 2; 226/2019, App. 1, s. 3; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 25; 35/2020, App. 1, s. 8; 259/2020, App. 1, s. 4; 268/2020, App. 1, s. 3; 278/2020, App. 1, s. 3; 21/2021, App. 1, s. 1 (c); 108/2021, App. 1, s. 6; 232/2021, Sch. 1, s. 3; 233/2021, App. 2, ss. 2 to 4; 189/2021, App. 3; 303/2021, Sch. 1, s. 3; 85/2022, App. 1, s. 5; 246/2022, App. 1, s. 6; 272/2022, App. 1, s. 4; 52/2023, App. 1, s. 3; 99/2023, App. 1, s. 4; 161/2023, App. 1, ss. 10 and 11.]

Hardship Assistance

No entitlement to a specific amount of hardship assistance

1 (1) The minister may provide a family unit that is eligible for hardship assistance under Part 4 of this regulation an amount not exceeding the amounts authorized by this Schedule.

(2) Subject to subsection (1), the actual amount of hardship assistance to be provided under this Schedule is in the discretion of the minister based on the financial need of the applicant's family unit.

(3) Nothing in this Schedule or in Part 4 of this regulation entitles a family unit to a specific amount of hardship assistance.

Maximum amounts of hardship assistance

2 (0.1) In this section:

(1) The maximum amount that the minister may provide to a family unit that is eligible for hardship assistance under Part 4 of this regulation is the difference between

(a) the amount that is

(i) the sum of

(A) the support allowance under Table 1 that applies to the applicant’s family unit,

(B) the shelter allowance as calculated under section 4, and

(ii) calculated in accordance with section 5, and

(b) the sum of

(i) the adjusted net income of the applicant's family unit, and

(ii) the value of the assets of the family unit that are immediately available to meet basic needs.

(1.1) The adjusted net income of a family unit for the purposes of subsection (1) (b) (i) is the following amount:

(a) if the family unit includes a person who was a recipient in the previous calendar month, the greater of zero and the difference between

(i) the net income of the family unit, and

(ii) the total amount of recurring supplements that the family unit is eligible to receive;

(b) in any other case, the net income of the family unit.

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

(2) If the family unit includes one or more dependent children, the support allowance for the family unit for a calendar month may be increased by an amount equal to

(a) the total BC child adjustment amount for all dependent children in the family unit, minus

(b) the sum of

(i) the family bonus, if any, paid to the family unit for the preceding month,

[B.C. Reg. 34/2017]

(2.1) If the amount calculated under subsection (2) is less than zero, it is deemed to be zero for the purposes of this section.

(4) The support allowance under Table 1 for a calendar month may not be increased under subsection (2) if a person in the family unit refuses to

(a) apply for the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month, or

(b) accept the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month

in respect of a dependent child in the family unit who is, or may be, a qualified dependant within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 25 (b).]

(6) In subsections (1) and (1.1), "net income" means the amount of unearned income, plus the amount of earned income minus deductions for

(a) income tax,

(b) employment insurance,

(d) Canada Pension Plan,

(e) superannuation,

(f) company pension plan, and

(g) union dues.

(7) If a person in the applicant's or recipient's family unit receives a backdated family bonus payment or a backdated Canada child benefit and all or part of the payment is attributable to one or more calendar months for which the family unit was also provided with a supplement, the lesser of the following amounts must be treated as unearned income:

(a) the portion of the backdated family bonus payment or the backdated Canada child benefit, as applicable, that is attributable to those calendar months for which the family unit was provided with a supplement;

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7), an amount that, under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) or the Income Tax Act (Canada), is deducted or set off from a family bonus or a Canada child benefit must be treated as paid to a person in the applicant's family unit.

(9) Subsection (7) does not apply to an amount included in that portion of a child benefits cheque attributable to family bonus or Canada child benefit

(10) Despite subsections (1) to (9) but subject to subsection (11), hardship assistance may not be provided in respect of a dependent child if support for that child is provided under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act.

(11) If

(a) an application is made by a parenting dependent child under section 5 (4) [application by parent who is dependent youth] of this regulation as it applies in relation to hardship assistance,

(b) the family unit is found eligible for hardship assistance, and

(c) support is provided for the parenting dependent child or the individual's dependent child, or for both, under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act,

the restriction in subsection (10) does not apply, but the amount of hardship assistance that may otherwise be provided to the family unit is to be reduced by the amount of that support.

Purpose of support allowance

3 Any amount provided under this Schedule for support is intended to be used by the recipient to meet the food, clothing and transportation needs of the family unit.

Maximum shelter allowance

4 (1) An applicant is eligible for a shelter allowance for the applicant’s family unit in an amount equal to the greater of

(a) the minimum set out in Table 2 for the family unit, and

(b) the lesser of

(i) the family unit’s actual shelter costs, as calculated in accordance with sections 4 (5) [monthly shelter allowance] and 5 [how actual shelter costs are calculated] of Schedule A, and

(ii) the maximum set out in Table 2 for the family unit.

(2) If

(a) applicants in a family unit complete and submit an application for income assistance (part 2) form or an alternate application for income assistance form, and

(b) for the calendar month that includes the income assistance application date, a portion of the shelter costs for that family unit has been paid, [B.C. Reg. 151/2018]

the applicants may receive a shelter allowance under this Schedule of not more than the portion of the rent for that calendar month that remains unpaid on that date.

(3) As an exception to subsection (2), if

(a) applicants in a family unit complete and submit an application for income assistance (part 2) form for the purpose of applying for hardship assistance under section 47.2, and

(b) for the calendar month that includes the date on which the minister determines that the family unit is eligible for hardship assistance under that section, a portion of the shelter costs for that family unit has been paid,

the applicants may receive a shelter allowance under this Schedule of not more than the portion of the rent for that calendar month that remains unpaid on that date.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), the minimum and maximum shelter allowance for a family unit of more than 10 persons is to be calculated as follows:

(a) the minimum is to be calculated by adding $25 for each additional person;

(b) the maximum is to be calculated by adding $50 for each additional person.

Calculation of maximum amounts

5 The following provisions apply, with the necessary modifications, to the calculation of the maximum support and shelter allowances for an applicant under this Schedule:

(a) and (b)Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 25 (e).]

(c.1) section 8 of Schedule A;

(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2022, App. 1, s. 5 (b).]

Exempt income and assets

6 No deduction is to be made for the following when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant's family unit is eligible under section 2:

(a) any earned income of a dependent child;

(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (t).]

(c.1) the Canada child benefit, except the portion treated as unearned income under section 2 (7) of this Schedule;

(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (h).]

(e) a goods and services tax credit under the Income Tax Act (Canada);

(f) a tax credit under section 8 [refundable sales tax credit], 8.1 [low income climate action tax credit] or 8.2 [BC harmonized sales tax credit] or 8.3 [renter's tax credit] of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia);

(g) individual redress payments granted by the government of Canada to a person of Japanese ancestry;

(h) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus;

(i) individual payments granted by the government of British Columbia to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus or to the surviving spouse or dependent children of that person;

(j) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to thalidomide victims;

(k) money that is

(ii) paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. C980463, Vancouver Registry;

(k.1) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement and Supplementary Agreement approved by the Federal Court June 22, 2018 in Court File No. T-370-17, Todd Edward Ross et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen;

(k.2) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement approved by the Federal Court January 30, 2019 in Court File No. T-1068-14, Raymond Michael Toth v. Her Majesty the Queen;

(l) money paid or payable under the 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreement made June 15, 1999, except money paid or payable under section 4.02 or 6.01 of Schedule A or of Schedule B of that agreement;

(m) a rent subsidy provided by the provincial government, or by a council, board, society or governmental agency that administers rent subsidies from the provincial government;

(n) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 52/2023, App. 1, s. 3.]

(o) and (o.1)Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 4 (a).]

(p) post adoption assistance payments provided under section 28 (1) or 30.1 of the Adoption Regulation, B.C. Reg. 291/96;

(q) a rebate of energy or fuel tax provided by the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia, or an agency of either government;

(r) the portion of Canada Pension Plan Benefits that is calculated by the formula (A-B) x C, where

A = the gross monthly amount of Canada Pension Plan Benefits received by an applicant or recipient;

B = (i) in respect of a family unit comprised of a sole applicant or a sole recipient with no dependent children, 1/12 of the amount determined under section 118 (1) (c) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as adjusted under section 117.1 of that Act, or

C = the sum of the percentages of taxable amounts set out under section 117 (2) (a) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and section 4.1 (1) (a) of the Income Tax Act;

(s) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 10.]

(t) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under section 8 [agreement with child's kin and others] of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;

(u) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program;

(v) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 10.]

(w) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, for contributions to the support of a child;

(w.1) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 12.4 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act [B.C, Reg. 455/2024];

(x) a child disability benefit;

(y) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's

(i) Autism Funding: Under Age 6 Program, or

(ii) Autism Funding: Ages 6 — 18 Program;

(z) a refund provided under Plan I as established under the Drug Plans Regulation;

(aa) funds held in a registered education savings plan;

(bb) payments provided by Community Living BC to assist with travel expenses for a recipient in the family unit to attend a self-help skills program, or a supported work placement program, approved by Community Living BC;

(cc) money paid by the government of Canada, under a settlement agreement, to persons who contracted Hepatitis C by receiving blood or blood products in Canada prior to 1986 or after July 1, 1990, except money paid under that agreement as income replacement;

(dd) funds held in, or money withdrawn from, a registered disability savings plan;

(ee) a working income tax benefit provided under the Income Tax Act (Canada);

(ff) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 180/2010, s. 1 (b).]

(gg) the climate action dividend under section 13.02 of the Income Tax Act;

(hh) money paid or payable to a person under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act as compensation for non-pecuniary loss or damage for pain, suffering mental or emotional trauma, humiliation or inconvenience that occurred when the person was under 19 years of age;

(ii) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. S024338, Vancouver Registry;

(jj) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Family Support Services program;

(kk) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Supported Child Development program;

(ll) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Aboriginal Supported Child Development program;

(mm) the basic child tax benefit;

(nn) a Universal Child Care Benefit provided under the Universal Child Care Benefit Act (Canada);

(nn.1) a rental housing benefit provided under the Rental Housing Benefit Act (Canada);

(nn.2) a dental benefit provided under the Dental Benefit Act (Canada);

(oo) the BC earned income benefit;

(pp) money paid or payable from a fund that is established by the government of British Columbia, the government of Canada and the City of Vancouver in relation to recommendation 3.2 of the final report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry;

(qq) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Temporary Education Support for Parents program;

(rr) a BC early childhood tax benefit;

(rr.1) a BC child opportunity benefit;

(rr.2) a BC family benefit;

(ss) child support;

(tt) orphan's benefits under the Canada Pension Plan Act (Canada);

(uu) gifts, other than recurring gifts;

(vv) compensation paid or payable under Division 5 [Compensation in Relation to Death of Worker] of Part 4 [Compensation to Injured Workers and Their Dependants] or section 225 [compensation in relation to worker death before July 1, 1974] of the Workers Compensation Act to a dependant, as defined in section 1 of that Act, who is a child, as defined in section 165 ( 1) of that Act;

(ww) money that is paid or payable by or for Community Living BC to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by Community Living BC, an employee of Community Living BC or a person retained under a contract to perform services for Community Living BC;

(xx) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury,loss or damage caused by the minister, the ministry, an employee of the ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for the ministry;

(xx.1) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the Minister of Children and Family Development, that ministry, an employee of that ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for that ministry;

(xx.2) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person because the person was a resident of Woodlands School;

(yy) a disabled contributor's child's benefit paid or payable under the Canada Pension Plan;

(zz) payments granted under an agreement referred to in section 94 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;

(aaa) money that is paid or payable, in respect of a child, from property that comes into the control of, or is held by, the Public Guardian and Trustee;

(bbb) money that is paid or payable from a settlement in respect of Treaty No. 8 agricultural benefits;

(ccc) money that is paid or payable from a settlement under

(i) the Cadboro Bay Litigation Settlement Agreement, dated for reference November 1, 2017, between the Esquimalt Nation and Canada, or

(ii) the settlement agreement, dated for reference October 30, 2017, between the Songhees Nation and Canada;

(ddd) money that is paid or payable under the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders established under the authority of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act (Canada);

(eee) money, or goods or services in kind, received or to be received by a participant in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's Work Experience Opportunities Grant program from a grant under the program;

(fff) a rebate of all or part of a premium paid to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and the plan operated under that Act;

(ggg) an amount that is paid or payable, as a single payment or series of payments, as follows:

(iv) the amount is paid or payable under an enactment, a policy or a contract, or voluntarily or at the discretion of the person referred to in subparagraph (i);

(hhh) to (kkk)Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 4 (a).] ;

(lll) a voted support payment.

(mmm) money that is paid or payable under or from an Indigenous financial settlement.

(nnn) money that is paid or payable to or for an injured person in relation to the injury if

(i) the money is paid or payable for the purpose of covering expenses that are necessary only because of the injury, or

(ii) the money is not paid or payable for a specific purpose and the minister is satisfied that the money will be used to cover expenses that are necessary only because of the injury.

[B.C, Reg. 455/2024]

6.1 If money is paid under or from an Indigenous financial settlement to an Indigenous governing body, the exemption under section 6 (mmm) includes investment income earned on that money by the Indigenous governing body before it is distributed to a person.

Table 1

(sections 1 to 6 of Schedule D)

Item	Column 1 Family unit composition	Column 2 Age or status of applicant or recipient	Column 3 Amount of support
1	Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age	$560.00
2	Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment	$610.00
3	Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children	Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age	$860.00
4	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age	$710.00
5	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment	$760.00
6	Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children	Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age	$1 010.00
7	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$955.00
8	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$1 005.00
9	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons with persistent multiple barriers to employment	$1 055.00
10	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age	$1 255.00
11	Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age	$1 505.00
12	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$1 055.00
13	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age	$1 105.00
14	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment	$1 155.00
15	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age	$1 355.00
16	Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children	Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age	$1 605.00

Table 2

(sections 1 to 6 of Schedule D)

Item	Column 1 Family Unit Size	Column 2 Minimum	Column 3 Maximum
1	1 person	$75	$500
2	2 persons	$150	$695
3	3 persons	$200	$790
4	4 persons	$225	$840
5	5 persons	$250	$890
6	6 persons	$275	$940
7	7 persons	$300	$990
8	8 persons	$325	$1 040
9	9 persons	$350	$1 090
10	10 persons	$375	$1 140

Schedule E

Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 14.]

Schedule F

[en. B.C. Reg. 63/2010, s. 5.]

Burial and Cremation Costs

(section 65)

Burial and cremation supplement

1 A supplement that is paid under section 65 of the regulation may include the following amounts:

(a) an amount for a funeral provider's fee for services;

(b) an amount for the costs of intraprovincial transportation, if that transportation is for a distance greater than 32 kilometres;

(d) in respect of a cremation, an amount for the costs set out in section 5 of this Schedule.

Funeral provider's fee for services

2 The services provided in respect of a funeral provider's fee for services must include:

(a) intraprovincial transportation, if that transportation is for a distance of 32 kilometres or less;

(b) completion and filing of the registration of death;

(d) co-ordination with a crematorium and cemetery;

(e) all professional and staff services;

(f) preparation of a deceased person's body for burial or cremation, including basic sanitary care and casketing;

(g) use of the funeral provider's facilities and equipment, including a preparation room, refrigeration and parking and service areas;

(h) other items or services incidental to or provided as part of any of the services described in paragraphs (a) to (g), as agreed by the funeral services provider and the responsible person.

Rates for intraprovincial transportation

3 Mileage for intraprovincial transportation for a distance greater than 32 kilometres must not exceed the rate set out in Column 2 of the Table below opposite the distance set out in Column 1.

Item	Column 1 Distance	Column 2 Rate
1	more than 32 km but less than or equal to 82 km	$1/km
2	more than 82 km but less than or equal to 182 km	$ .90/km
3	over 182 km	$ .60/km

Costs of burial

4 (1) A supplement payable in respect of a burial may include an amount for the following costs:

(a) the cost of a burial plot in British Columbia;

(b) grave opening and closing fees;

(c) if a grave liner, hermetically sealed rigid container, plastic body pouch or outer grave box or liner is required by the cemetery, the cost of the liner, container, pouch or box;

(d) the cost of a casket, in an amount representing the sum of the following:

(i) the actual factory invoice price of a HP #2 cloth-covered casket or an equivalent or, in the case of over-sized remains, a casket for over-sized remains;

(ii) a merchandising mark-up of up to 20%;

(iii) the cost of freight to the funeral home.

(2) A lower cost casket may be used at the request of a responsible person.

(3) The minister may pay for the remains of a deceased person to be interred at a location within British Columbia other than the location at which the remains were prepared for burial in an amount not to exceed the amount that would be payable for the costs described in subsection (1) (a) to (c) and intraprovincial transportation costs.

Costs of cremation

5 (1) A supplement payable in respect of a cremation may include an amount for the following costs:

(a) cremation fees;

(b) the cost of a cremation plot in British Columbia;

(d) if a concrete grave liner is required by the cemetery, the cost of the grave liner;

(e) the cost of an urn in an amount not to exceed $200.

(2) The minister may pay for the remains of a deceased person to be interred at a location within British Columbia other than the location at which the remains were cremated in an amount not to exceed the amount that would be payable for the costs described in subsection (1) (b) to (d).

[Provisions relevant to the enactment of this regulation: Employment and Assistance Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 40, ss. 13 (3), 17 (5), 35, 36, 37 and 40.]

THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT AN OFFICIAL VERSION

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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BC Employment and Assistance Regulation

Contents

Part 1 — Interpretation

Definitions

Persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – CESB

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency - Indigenous emergency assistance

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – federal one-time payment for seniors

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency - reconsideration of decisions

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – federal one-time payment for persons who have disabilities

Modifications in relation to COVID-19 emergency – BC recovery benefit

Part 2 — Eligibility for Income Assistance

Division 1 — Applications and Applicant Requirements

Repealed

Process for assessment of eligibility for income assistance

Application for income assistance — stage 1

Application for income assistance — stage 2

Alternate application for income assistance

Repealed

Repealed

Applicant requirements

Repealed

Citizenship requirements

Exemption from citizenship requirements

Division 2 — Income and Asset Restrictions

Effect of applying for other sources of income

Requirement to apply for CPP benefits

Limits on income

Asset limits

Asset development accounts

Assets held in trust for person receiving special care

Temporary exemption of assets for person applying for disability designation or receiving special care

Division 3 — Specific Circumstances of an Applicant or Recipient That Affect Eligibility

Effect of strike or lockout on eligibility

Effect of being in prison or other lawful place of confinement

Effect of family unit including full-time student

Effect of recipient being absent from BC for more than 30 days

Repealed

Definitions for Division

Assignment of maintenance rights

Repealed

Notice of assignment

Repealed

Division 5 — Amount and Duration of Income Assistance

Effective date of eligibility

Repealed

Amount of income assistance

Part 3 — Other Factors That Affect Eligibility for Income Assistance or Hardship Assistance

Division 1 – Factors Related to Client Needs Assessments and Employability Plans

Consequences of failing to meet employment-related obligations

Consequences if dependent youth fails to enter into or comply with employment plan

Division 2 — Factors Related to Income and Assets

Effect of failing to pursue or accept income or assets or of disposing of assets

Retirement pension available before age 65

Division 3 — Factors Related to Providing Information and Verification

Consequences of failing to provide information or verification when directed

Consequences for providing inaccurate or incomplete information

Reporting requirements

Requirement for eligibility audit

Repealed

Division 4

Repealed

Division 5 — Outstanding Arrest Warrants

Consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants

Part 4 — Hardship Assistance

Hardship assistance — eligibility and limitations

Rules about applications, payments, etc.

Applicants who do not meet requirement for social insurance number or proof of identity

Repealed

Applicants who fail to provide sponsorship information

Applicants who have applied for income from another source

Family units that have excess income

Applicant on strike or locked out

Family units that have excess assets

Repealed

Applicants who do not meet work search requirements

Applicants fleeing armed conflict abroad

Hardship assistance not repayable