New emergency measures are in place for people on income assistance or disability assistance and seniors with low incomes. See the BC government website for details. See also Welfare and benefits Q&A on the Family Law in BC website.

This plain language booklet gives basic information about:

• the types of monthly welfare benefits that are available;
• benefits called supplements, including housing-related supplements, a wide range of health supplements, subsidies for families with children, and employment-related supplements;
• how to apply for a supplement if you qualify; and
• how to appeal a ministry decision.

It also includes where to get help if you have a problem getting monthly welfare benefits or a supplement.

Welfare Benefits is the second booklet in the series Your Welfare Rights. The other booklets are How to Apply for Welfare and When You're on Welfare. The series replaces the booklet Your Welfare Rights: A Guide to BC Employment and Assistance.

See also: Income Assistance on Reserve in British Columbia

This online fact sheet gives general information about changes to some welfare rules since the booklets in the Your Welfare Rights series were published. The fact sheet describes changes that are now in effect, and lists changes that might not be in effect until early 2020.

Welfare & benefits