B.C. Benefits Connector

How it works

• Eligible low-and-middle-income families with children under 18 in their care automatically get the BC Family Benefit
• Eligible families will also get an extra $445 bonus this year, on average, to help cover inflation costs
• The benefit bonus will be paid monthly from July 2024 to June 2025

How much you get

• Families earning less than $35,902 in 2023, will now get up to:
  • $2,188/year for your first child
  • $1,375/year for your second child
  • $1,125/year for each additional child
• Families earning between $35,902 and $114,887 will now get up to:
  • $969/year for your first child
  • $937/year for your second child
  • $906/year for each additional child
• Families earning over $114,887 will get a reduced amount
• Low-income single parents also get up to a $500/year supplement

What you need to do

• No action required. Payments are automatic if you filed your 2023 taxes and your child already receives the Canada Child Benefit
• Contact Canada Revenue Agency if you moved, your marital status changes or if the number of children in your care changes

Learn more about the BC Family Benefit

How it works

• Most families can save up to $900 per month per child for child care and out-of-school care costs
• Some families can save even more if they earn less than $111,000 a year, are a young parent, or attend a $10 a Day ChildCareBC Centre
• Some families can benefit from more than one savings program

How we’re helping you save on child care

• Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative: Participating child care providers receive operating funding to automatically lower the cost of child care for families. Families do not need to apply for this fee reduction
• Affordable Child Care Benefit: Families with a pre-tax income of up to $111,000 can also apply for a monthly payment to help with the cost of child care. Apply online
• Young Parent Program: Parents under 25 can get up to $1,500 per month per child to cover the cost of child care while finishing high school. Apply online
• $10 a Day ChildCareBC centres: Families who attend a participating centre automatically pay no more than $200 a month per child for child care. Find one of over 15,000 $10 a Day ChildCareBC centres across B.C.

What you need to do

• Use the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative Estimator to estimate your cost savings
• Use the child care map to find a participating provider
• Apply online if you qualify for the Affordable Child Care Benefit or Young Parent Program

How it works

• Families struggling with the rising cost of living can get support through the Student and Family Affordability Fund to help offset the cost of:
  • School fees, supplies and clothing
  • Participating in field trips
  • Joining a school sports team or music program
  • Accessing nutritional meals before, during and after school
  • Other cost pressures
• Schools have also received funding to create or expand Feeding Futures food programs to provide free or low-cost nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks so students can focus on learning instead of hungry bellies

What you need to do

• Contact your school principal to find out how to access these confidential stigma-free programs
• Some school districts post application forms on their website

Read the news release on school expenses

Read the news release on school food programs

How it works

• Families can apply for a $1,200 grant to contribute to their child's RESP to help save for post-secondary or training programs
• Children must be residents of B.C. at the time of application and have a valid Social Insurance Number

What you need to do

• Apply for the grant between the child’s 6th birthday and the day before they turn 9 at any participating major bank and financial institution
• The grant will go into a new or existing RESP in your child’s name
• The grant does not require matching or additional contributions, so families who can’t afford to put aside savings can still start an RESP. Many RESP providers do not charge any fees

Learn more about the Training and Education Savings Grant

How it works

• Families with a net income under $42,000 per year can get help with the costs of dental, optical and hearing care for children under 19
  • Up to $2,000 for basic dental services every 2 years
  • Prescription glasses every year
  • Hearing aids, cochlear implants and repairs
  • Alternative hearing assistance for kids with profound hearing loss

What you need to do

• Call 1-866-866-0800 to apply

Learn more about the Healthy Kids Program

How it works

• Children under 18 can get up to $400 every calendar year to help pay for eligible sports programs
• Eligible programs must offer a sustained sport experience led by a qualified coach for a minimum of 6 weeks with at least one session per week

Who’s eligible

• Families facing social or economic barriers
• Family size and income before taxes is used to determine eligibility
• If your income is higher, extenuating circumstances may be considered
  • 2 people: $45,000
  • 3 people: $54,000
  • 4 people: $65,250
  • 5 people: $74,000
  • 6 people: $83,500
  • 7+ people: $93,000

What you need to do

• Apply through KidSport BC before program starts

How it works

• Renters are protected from rising costs of living by capping the amount rent can be increased each year
• Rent cannot go up more than 3.5% in 2024 – below inflation, including utilities and other fees
• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months
• Renters must be given 3 months' notice

What you need to do

• No action required

Learn more about rental increase rules

How it works

• Eligible low- and moderate-income renters can get up to a $400 credit
• The tax credit reduces the amount of money you owe for taxes, and if it’s more than what you owe in federal and provincial taxes, you’ll receive the difference as a refund

Who’s eligible

• Tenants who paid rent and occupied an eligible rental unit or units for at least six months in 2023
• Married or common-law partners can claim one credit per household. Roommates can each claim the credit
• Households earning up to 60,000 will get the full $400 credit. Those earning under $80,000 will get a partial credit

What you need to do

• Claim the renters tax credit when you file your 2023 taxes

Learn more about the renter’s tax credit

How it works

• Lower-income households and people facing unexpected financial crisis can get help paying rent

Rental assistance programs

• Rent Bank for unexpected financial crisis: People facing a temporary and unexpected financial crisis and unable to pay rent or an essential housing cost (heat or electricity) can get emergency assistance
• Shelter aid for elderly renters: Lower income seniors renting in the private market may be eligible for a rent supplement
• Rental assistance programs: Various programs are available to help lower-income families, vulnerable people, and women leaving violence pay their rent

What you need to do

• Apply for rent bank assistance
• Use the rent assistance calculator to see if you qualify for rental assistance programs

Learn more about rental assistance programs

How it works

• More qualifying first-time homebuyers can save up to $8,000 on the property transfer taxes on existing homes under the new, higher exemption thresholds
• Starting April 1, 2024, when purchasing an existing home worth up to $835,000, the property transfer tax is:
  • Eliminated on the first $500,000
  • Reduced on the amount between $500,001 and $835,000
• Buyers may qualify for a partial exemption for homes above $835,000 and below $860,000

What you need to do

• If you meet the eligibility criteria, your legal professional will apply the exemption to your property transfer tax return
• You must meet additional requirements during the first year you own the property to keep the tax exemption

Learn more about the first time homebuyers’ program

Homebuyers of newly built homes may also qualify for a newly built home exemption. Learn more about the newly built home exemption.

How it works

• Eligible homeowners can apply for a non-repayable loan to build a new secondary suite on their property to be rented out
  • Receive up to 50% of the cost of renovations, up to $40,000
  • New unit must be located on the same property where the homeowner lives
  • Must be rented out at below market rates set by BC Housing for at least 5 years
  • Homeowners combined gross annual income is less than $209,420

What you need to do

• Apply for the loan before starting construction. The loan will be forgiven once all program requirements are met

Learn more about the secondary suite incentive program

How it works

• Eligible homeowners can apply for a grant to reduce the amount of property tax paid each year or apply for a low-interest loan to defer property taxes for the current year.

Homeowners grant program:

• Most homeowners can apply for a regular grant to get up to:
  • $570 for properties in the Capital Regional District, Metro Vancouver Regional District and Fraser Valley Regional District
  • $770 for all other areas of the province
• Some people can qualify for a higher amount under the additional grant program:
  • Seniors
  • Veterans
  • Person with disabilities
  • Spouse or relative of a deceased owner

Property tax deferment loan program:

• Eligible homeowners can apply for a low-interest loan to defer property taxes under two streams:
  • Regular program: People 55 and older, surviving spouse of any age, a person with disabilities
  • Families with children program: Parent, stepparent or financially supporting a child

What you need to do

• Apply each year after you receive your property tax notice and before property taxes are due

How it works

• Seniors may be eligible for a wide range of federal and provincial income security programs

Programs

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Workers can receive a reduced retirement pension between 60-64, and full pension after 65
• Old Age Security (OAS): Available to most people 65+
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): For low-income OAS recipients
• B.C. Seniors’ Supplement: For low-income seniors 65+ who receive OAS and GIS, but have very little or no other sources of income. Some seniors 60-64 may also qualify. No need to apply, payment is automatic
• Allowance: For low-income seniors (60-64) whose spouse or common-law partner is eligible for or receiving OAS or GIS
• Allowance for the survivor: For low-income seniors (60-64) whose spouse or common-law partner has died
• B.C. Income Assistance for Seniors: For seniors 65+ who are in financial need but not eligible for OAS or GIS benefits
• Veterans’ Benefits: Veterans and their families may be eligible for a variety of benefits. Contact Veterans Affairs Canada

What you need to do

• Review the list of available income security programs, or use the Canada Benefit Finder tool
• You must apply for most programs

Learn more about income security programs

How it works

• Seniors can apply for a grant or low-interest loan to reduce or defer the property taxes you pay each year on your principal residence

Programs

• Homeowner grant for seniors: Eligible seniors 65+ with a home assessed at $2,150,000 or less may qualify for a grant to lower your property tax payment on your principal residence:
  • $845 for properties in the capital region, Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.
  • $1,045 for all other areas of the province.
  • Apply online for property tax relief or at any Service BC location every year
  • Seniors with property valued over the threshold may qualify for a partial grant
• Low-income grant supplement: Eligible low-income seniors can receive a supplement that replaces any homeowner grant lost due to their home being valued above the $2,150,000 threshold
  • Complete and submit application by mail
• Property tax deferment loan: Eligible people 55+ or surviving spouses of any age can apply for a low interest loan to defer your property taxes for the current year
  • Apply or renew your deferment loan online every year or call 1-888-355-2700

What you need to do

• Apply for the grant or loan or both after you receive your property tax notice and before property taxes are due

You can also apply retroactively for the grant for last year, if you qualified but didn’t apply.

How it works

• More seniors renting in the private market may be eligible for a supplement to help pay rent. Income thresholds go up August 2024

Who’s eligible

• People ages 60 or older
• Live in B.C. for 12 full months before submitting application
• Meet Canadian citizenship requirements
• Pay more than 30% of before tax household income towards rent
• Before tax income is less than $37,240/year (effective August 2024)

What you need to do

• Use the rent assistance calculator to see if you qualify

Learn more about shelter aid for elderly renters

How it works

• People who need extra support to remain independent at home may be eligible for publicly subsidized home and community care:
  • Nursing services
  • Personal care and daily home-based activities
  • Nutrition and dietitian services
  • Rehabilitation therapy
  • Day programs
  • Advanced and palliative care

What you need to do

• Speak with your health care provider for a referral, or contact your health authority to make a request
  • Fraser Health
  • Interior Health
  • Island Health
  • Northern Health
  • Vancouver Coastal Health

Learn more about home and community care

How it works

• Seniors can access a variety of services to reduce transportation costs for getting around or traveling to medical appointments
  • BC Bus Passes: Low-income seniors 60+ can apply for a reduced cost bus pass for $45 per year
  • Ferry travel: B.C. seniors 65+ can travel for free or at reduced cost, depending on the day and route. Show your ID
  • Volunteer driver programs: Many seniors’ and community centres offer programs to help seniors get around
  • Medical travel and accommodation assistance: People who need to travel outside their home community for cancer or specialist medical care can apply for help to cover transportation and hotel costs

What you need to do

• Learn more about transportation supports for seniors

How it works

• Eligible lower-income seniors or people with chronic health conditions can apply to get one free portable air conditioner unit to help stay cool during extreme heat events, while supplies last

Who’s eligible

• Owns or rents a home. Renters must get landlord consent
• Meets the BC Health criteria for being medically vulnerable to heat events (i.e., seniors or people with chronic health conditions)
• Meets before tax income thresholds based on family size:
  • 1 person: $39,700
  • 2 people: $49,500
  • 3 people: $60,800
  • 4 people: $73,800
  • 5 people: $83,700
  • 6 people: $94,400
  • 7 or more people: $105,100

What you need to do

• Some seniors may be referred to the program by their regional health authority or home care program
• Apply online through BC Hydro or FortisBC
• Call 1-800-224-9376 for help or if you don’t have an account

Apply online with BC Hydro

Apply online with FortisBC (Nelson and Penticton areas)

How it works

• B.C.’s minimum wage went up from $16.75 to $17.40 per hour June 1, 2024. This is a 3.9% increase, consistent with B.C.’s average rate of inflation in 2023
• Workers must be paid a minimum wage, regardless of how they are paid – hourly, salary, commission or on an incentive basis
• If they earn below minimum wage for the hours worked, employers must top up the payment so it's equal to minimum wage

Minimum wage rates

• Some employees have different rates:
  • Most workers, including liquor servers: $17.40/hour
  • Live-in camp leaders: $138.93/day
  • Live-in home support workers: $129.62/day
  • Resident caretakers:
    • $1,041.80/month plus $41.74 per suite (9-60 suites)
    • $3,548.63/month (61+ suites)

What you need to do

• No action required. Workers will automatically earn the new rate starting June 1, 2024

Learn more about the minimum wage rules

How it works

• Income assistance can help if you’re in financial need and have no other resources. This can support your transition to work
• Disability assistance can help people designated as a Person with Disabilities if you need financial or health support

What you need to do

• Apply online, in-person at an income assistance office, or call 1-866-866-0800

Learn how to apply for income or disability assistance

How it works

• Eligible people leaving family violence can access an additional 25 hours of Legal Aid services as of April 1, 2024
• Income thresholds have increased so more people qualify

What you need to do

• Contact Legal Aid to see if you qualify for representation or advice

Learn more about Legal Aid

Read the news release to learn about further Legal Aid expansion plans

How it works

• Individuals, couples and families can access free, low-cost, or sliding-scale counselling services to get support for family, mental health and substance use concerns
• In-person and virtual services are available

What you need to do

• Find a service provider in your area or call 8-1-1 for help

Find free or low-cost counselling services near you

How it works

• People of all ages can get free coverage under PharmaCare for smoking cessation products to help quit tobacco use
  • Full cost of nicotine gum, lozenges and patches (nicotine replacement therapy)
  • Some or all of the cost of certain smoking cessation prescription drugs, with coverage depending on your PharmaCare plan

What you need to do

• Talk to your pharmacist for an assessment and treatment

Learn more about quitting smoking

How it works

• People who are out of work, have unsteady work, or are affected by changes in the forestry sector can get help finding a job or gaining skills for a new career

Programs

• WorkBC provides a wide range of free employment services and supports online and in-person:
  • Employment counselling
  • Workshops
  • Resume and job search support
  • Skills training and work experience
  • Wage subsidy
  • On-the-job support
• Supports for forestry workers affected by changes in the forestry sector include:
  • Bridging to retirement for workers 55 or older
  • Skills training and educational opportunities for new careers

What you need to do

• Visit WorkBC online or in person

How it works

• Small and growing businesses are getting help with the impacts of inflation and labour shortages – the Employer Health Tax exemption threshold doubled from $500,000 to $1 million
• 90% of businesses are now exempt from paying the tax, and thousands more businesses are seeing savings

What you need to do

• Use the employer health tax calculator to help you estimate the tax
• Register for the employer health tax if you must pay the tax

Learn more about the employer health tax exemption

How it works

• B.C. small business tax rate was cut from 2.5% to 2% in 2017
• Growing small businesses will remain eligible for the B.C. small business tax rate longer
• Access to the 2% tax rate:
  • Applies to eligible corporations with active business income up to $500,000
  • Is gradually reduced when businesses have between $10 million and $50 million in taxable capital – previously it was fully phased out at $15 million
• This change benefits a wide range of businesses, but largely supports those that are capital intensive

What you need to do

• Claim your amount when filing your businesses taxes

Read the news release about the small business tax rate

Learn more about tax rates

How it works

• BC Hydro business and industrial customers will get a 4.6% rebate in 2024 to help reduce rising operating costs
• Most small businesses will save about $400
• Credits will be automatically applied to bills starting in April 2024 in 6 or 12 instalments

What you need to do

• No action required
• You’re eligible for the full credit if you had an active business account as of March 31, 2023, and a pro-rated amount if you opened your account after April 1, 2023

Learn more about the BC Hydro business rebate

How it works

• Small businesses can apply for a rebate to help cover the costs of repairing vandalism and preventing crime between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024
• Eligible businesses must have an exterior entrance and less than 50 employees

What you get

• $2,000 per year to offset the cost of repairing vandalism
• $1,000 to offset the cost of implementing crime prevention measures

What you need to do

• Apply online by January 31, 2025
• Rebate applications are retroactive to January 1, 2023 and will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis

Learn more about the Securing Small Business Rebate

How it works

• Licensed restaurants, pubs and hotels can now purchase beer, wine and spirits at wholesale cost instead of liquor store retail prices

What you need to do

• Register with the B.C.’s Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) to use a searchable hospitality price list to help with buying decisions

Read the news release about permanent wholesale liquor pricing

How it works

• Restaurants are now permanently protected from unfair fees charged by app-based food delivery companies
  • Fees charged to restaurants are now capped at 20% of the dollar value of an order
  • Delivery companies can offer optional, enhanced services for restaurants to opt into at their discretion
• Drivers are also protected
  • Delivery companies cannot download costs onto them, ensuring drivers are paid their wages and gratuities
  • New employment standards come into effect September 3, 2024 to regulate minimum wage, cover expenses and provide workers’ compensation coverage

What you need to do

• No action required

Learn more about the Food Delivery Service Fee Act

Learn more about fair pay, basic protections for gig workers

How it works

• Households will get up to $100 credit on BC Hydro bills to help offset the cost of inflation
• Starting April 2024, the credit will automatically appear on bills in 12 monthly or 6 bi-monthly installments

What you need to do

• No action required.
• You’re eligible for the full credit if you had an active residential account as of March 31, 2023, and a pro-rated amount if you opened your account after April 1, 2023

Learn more about the electricity affordability credit

How it works

• More low- and middle-income households will get a higher tax credit
• Tax credit amounts and eligible income thresholds go up July 2024
• Payments are issued quarterly: July, October, January, April. They are combined with the GST/HST rebates

Who’s eligible

• B.C. residents aged 19 and older who meet household income and family size thresholds
• Maximum payment for each household is based on income and family size. For example, a family of 4 can get up to $1,008/year:
  • $504/year for you
  • $252/year for spouse or first child in single parent families
  • $126/year for each child
• The maximum income threshold to get a full or partial payment is:
  • $66,271 for individuals
  • $113,988 for families
• The income threshold will go up every year, with a goal to reach 80% of households by 2030

What you need to do

• No action required if you filed your 2023 taxes. Canada Revenue Agency will determine if you're eligible and will automatically send you payments

Learn more about the Climate Action Tax Credit

How it works

• BC Hydro customers continue to have the second lowest electricity bills in North America
• Rates have been kept below inflation for 6 years in a row (15.6% lower than the rate of inflation since 2017-18)

What you need to do

• No action required

Learn more

Saving people money on their energy bills

How it works

• Income-qualified applicants can get a rebate up to $24,500 to switch to high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently heated with oil, natural gas and propane
• Rebates can be applied up front, so you don’t have to pay the full amount out of pocket
• Household pre-tax income and family size thresholds increased to:
  • 1 person: $99,891
  • 2 people: $124,358
  • 3 people: $152,884
  • 4 people: $185,620
  • 5 people: $210,528
  • 6 people: $237,438
  • 7+ people: $264,353

What you need to do

• Apply online
• Contact an Energy Coach if you have questions

Learn more about CleanBC heat pump program

How it works

• Eligible households can apply to get one free portable air conditioner unit to help stay cool during extreme heat events

Who’s eligible

• Owns or rents a home. Renters must get landlord consent
• Meets the BC Health criteria for being medically vulnerable to heat events (i.e., seniors or people with chronic health conditions)
• Meets before tax income thresholds based on family size:
  • 1 person: $39,700
  • 2 people: $49,500
  • 3 people: $60,800
  • 4 people: $73,800
  • 5 people: $83,700
  • 6 people: $94,400
  • 7 or more people: $105,100

What you need to do

• Apply online through BC Hydro or FortisBC
• Call 1-800-224-9376 for help or if you don’t have an account
• Some people may be referred to the program by their regional health authority or home care program

Apply online with BC Hydro

Apply online with FortisBC (Nelson and Penticton areas)

How it works

• Households can get up to $14,000 in rebates to recover the cost of eligible renovations to make homes more energy efficient:
  • $5,500 for insulation
  • $2,000 for windows and doors
  • $1,000 for heat pump water heaters
  • $3,500 for heat pumps and electrical upgrades (some people may qualify for more)
  • $2,000 bonus for completing multiple upgrades
• Must have a residential utility account with BC Hydro, FortisBC, or a municipal utility provider

What you need to do

• Review the list of eligible products and requirements
• Pay for the upgrades and installation by a qualified contractor, if required
• Apply for the rebate online within 6 months of the invoice date

Learn more about the CleanBC home renovation rebate

How it works

• To keep insurance affordable, most ICBC customers who had an active basic insurance policy in February 2024 will automatically receive a $110 rebate between late May and July
• Basic rates also remain frozen until March 2026 – marking 6 years without an increase

What you need to do

• No action required. Rebates will be applied on an upcoming payment or by direct deposit, credit card refund or cheque, depending on how you paid for insurance
• Update your account if your address or banking information changed

Learn more about the 2024 ICBC rebate

How it works

• Bridge tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges were eliminated in September 2017 – years ahead of schedule – to save drivers money and shorten commute times on other routes
• Commuters save up to $1,500 per year and commercial drivers up to $4,500 per year

What you need to do

• No action required

Read the news release about eliminating bridge tolls

How it works

• People who rely on BC Ferries to get to work, do errands and visit loved ones have been protected from high fare increases to keep ferry travel affordable
• Seniors travel free on weekdays on major routes
• Due to the rising cost of inflation, BC Ferries was expecting to have to increase fares by more than 9.2% every year until 2028
• The B.C. government has invested $500 million in new funding to help keep fare increases below 3% per year

What you need to do

• No action required

Read the news release about new funding for BC Ferries

How it works

• To help make electric vehicles more affordable, people earning under $100,000/year can get a rebate when buying an eligible EV with a market value below:
  • $50,000 for cars and SUVs
  • $70,000 for larger vehicles (wagons, trucks and vans)
• People can only get one rebate during the lifetime of the program. If you received a rebate any time after 2015, you are not eligible

How much you get

Individual income and vehicle range determines the rebate amount:

• Income under $80,000:  $2,000 (85 km range) or $4,000 (long-range)
• $80,001 – $90,000: $1,000 (85 km range) or $2,000 (long-range)
• $90,001 – $100,000: $500 (85 km range) or $1,000 (long-range)

What you need to do

• Apply for pre-approval online before you buy the car. You have a year to use the rebate

Find out if you qualify for a passenger EV rebate

EV rebates are also available for:

• B.C.-based businesses, non-profits or local governments
• Indigenous communities and businesses

How it works

• Get a rebate for installing EV charging stations for homes and workplaces
  • Home chargers – Get 50% (up to $350) rebate to install a Level 2 (240 volt) charging station in single-family, duplex and semi-detached homes
  • Multi-unit apartments, condos, townhomes get up to:
    • $137,000 for installing parking stall EV chargers
    • $14,000 for installing standalone EV chargers
  • Workplaces – Get 50% rebate (up to $14,000) per workplace
  • Indigenous Communities – Get 75% rebate per charging station for condos, apartments and workplaces

What you need to do

• Learn more and apply online through your electricity provider. Some programs require pre-approval

Learn more about the EV Charger rebate program

Free transit for kids

• Kids aged 12 and under ride free of charge on BC Transit and TransLink services, including HandyDART, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express
• No action required. Kids do not need ID or a transit pass to board
• An adult may need to accompany younger children, or kids riding HandyDart, sea or train services

Learn how free for kids works in your community

BC Bus Pass program

• Reduced cost BC Bus Passes are available to eligible:
  • Low-income seniors 60+ for $45 per year
  • People on disability assistance for $52 per month

• Apply online for a BC Pus Pass or by phone at 1-866-866-0800

Learn more about the BC Bus Pass program

U-Pass BC for post-secondary students in Metro Vancouver

• Eligible students attending public post-secondary institutions within the Metro Vancouver area are automatically provided a U-Pass for access to TransLink bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain services, and discounts on West Coast Express
• Students pay for their U-Pass BC as part of their student fees
  • $46 per month from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025

Learn more about the U-Pass BC program

How it works

• Most forms of prescription birth control and emergency contraceptives are now free for any B.C. resident, saving up to:
  • $300 per year on hormonal birth control pills
  • $400 for IUDs
• If you’ve been prescribed a form that is not fully covered, ask your pharmacist about switching to an equivalent that is free

What you need to do

• Talk to your pharmacist. They can prescribe and provide contraceptives for free
• Implants and IUDs will need to be inserted by a doctor or clinic

Learn more about free contraceptives

How it works

• Starting April 2025, people who need access to fertility treatment may be eligible for one free round of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), saving up to $25,000

What you need to do

• Stay tuned. More information will be available once the program details have been finalized

Learn more about the IVF program

Coming soon! The cost of a range of diabetes medications and hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause symptoms will soon be fully covered. This is in addition to birth control that became free in 2023. Learn more.

How it works

• BC PharmaCare helps people pay for:
  • Many medications, including free contraceptives and nicotine replacement therapy
  • Pharmacy services such as treating 21 minor ailments, vaccines, prescription renewals and emergency refills
  • Medical devices such as insulin pumps and prostheses
  • Supplies such as diabetes blood glucose test strips
• Most coverage is automatic if you’re enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) and have a Personal Health Number
• Fair PharmaCare – All B.C. residents can register for further coverage to limit the amount paid each year:
  • Coverage is based on income – the less a family earns, the more help they get
  • Once you’ve met the family deductible, PharmaCare pays:
    • 70% of eligible costs until you meet the family maximum
    • 100% of eligible costs after you meet the family maximum for the rest of the year
• MSP Supplementary Benefits can help lower income families:  
  • Partially pay for medical services such as acupuncture, massage and physical therapy
  • Access other income-based programs

What you need to do

• No action is required if you already have Fair PharmaCare and/or Supplementary Benefits coverage
• If not, you can register online, by phone or mail

Learn more about BC health and drug coverage

How it works

• People in B.C. are no longer charged Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums for health coverage, saving:
  • Individuals up to $900 per year
  • Families up to $1,800 per year

What you need to do

• No action required if you’re already enrolled
• If you’re not yet enrolled, apply online for MSP, in person or by mail

Learn more about the MSP premium elimination

How it works

• Eligible patients and their families can get help to cover costs when travelling for cancer care:
  • Transportation costs including flights and ferries
  • Lodging at Canadian Cancer Society Lodges or at hotels, motels or inns near your local cancer centre
• Applicants with a prior-year gross household income of less than $150,000 will be considered

What you need to do

• Contact the Patient and Family Counseling (PFC) team in your area

Learn more about travel assistance

How it works

• People struggling with opioid use disorder can get free access to medication-assisted treatment to help stabilize their health
• PharmaCare will pay the full cost of most opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for B.C. residents

What you need to do

• Talk with a healthcare provider to find a treatment that works for you
• Fill your prescription at a pharmacy. If you’re not enrolled with MSP, a pharmacist can help

Learn more about OAT coverage

How it works

• Students are no longer charged interest on the B.C. portion of Canada-B.C. Integrated student loans
• This change went into effect in February 2019 benefiting all current and future borrowers
• The Government of Canada eliminated interest on the Canada portion in 2023

What you need to do

• No action required. You will not be charged interest on new loans
• If you had a loan prior to February 2019, the interest was automatically eliminated on your loan repayment statements

Learn more about eliminating interest on student loans

How it works

• Most B.C. residents 19 and older – regardless of financial need – can apply for a grant to cover up to $3,500 for short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions
• Eligible programs are selected to help people further their skills in high-demand, well-paid careers
• A persons’ lifetime maximum allotment is $3,500 but it does not need to be used all at once

What you need to do

• Review the list of eligible programs for Fall 2024 once it’s posted. Contact the post-secondary institution for information before applying

Learn more about the future skills grant

How it works

• Low- and middle-income students can get up to $4,000 per year for full-time studies
• The money is provided upfront and does not need to be paid back
• You may be eligible if you:
  • Apply and qualify for full-time student aid
  • Attend a B.C. public post-secondary institution
  • Have financial need as assessed by the province

What you need to do

• No action required. You will be automatically assessed for the grant when you apply for a student loan

Learn more about the BC Access Grant

How it works

• Single parents receiving income or disability assistance for 3 months or more may be eligible for training and support to secure a long-term job. Supports can include:
  • Up to 2 years of funded training or paid work experience
  • Continued income or disability benefits while in training
  • Child care and transportation costs
  • Health coverage for dental, optical and PharmaCare

What you need to do

• Visit your local WorkBC location to meet with a case worker

Learn more about the single parent employment initiative

How it works

• All former youth in care, no matter the age, can access full- or part-time studies at the undergraduate level for free at:
  • B.C. public post-secondary institutions
  • Native Education College
  • Approved union-based trades training providers
• Students who meet the eligibility requirements can have tuition and fees waived so you do not have to pay them

What you need to do

• Apply online or call StudentAid BC at 1-800-561-1818

Learn more about the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program

Learn about other supports and benefits for youth from care

How it works

Adult education upgrading

• Adults 18+ can take high school courses for free to:
  • Work toward high school graduation or
  • Upgrade skills for entrance to a post-secondary program
• Courses are tailored to the needs of adult students and may be:
  • Offered day or evening
  • Self-paced or teacher-directed
  • Online or classroom learning
• Adult education programs are offered through school districts and many public post-secondary institutions

​Learn English

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents and refugees can take free courses to learn or improve English at most public post-secondary institutions 

What you need to do

• Contact a public post-secondary institution or your local school district to find an adult learning centre
• Speak with an academic advisor to help figure out which courses and credits you need to reach your learning goals

Learn more about adult education