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Applying for BC Employment and Assistance

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BC Employment and Assistance programs are income and asset-tested. The ministry has a responsibility to ensure that limited resources go to those people who need them most. That is why applicants are expected to take advantage of all other sources of income and assets before qualifying.

Employable clients receiving income assistance must either be actively searching for employment or participating in a employment program.

If a person is:

  • out of work or earning very little;
  • awaiting other income;
  • unable to work; or,
  • working and in need of child care,

he or she may be able to receive income assistance or be referred to employment opportunities. Eligibility and monthly assistance rates depend on income and asset levels, and the number of people in the family unit.

Hardship assistance may be issued in some situations when an individual is not eligible for income assistance. For example, refugee claimants who arrive in British Columbia may receive hardship assistance from the province until their claim for refugee status is determined.

See the Income Assistance Estimator for more information at: www.iaestimator.gov.bc.ca/

How to Apply

Contact the Ministry of Housing and Social Development by calling: 1 866 866-0800, or visiting the ministry website at: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca

People who intend to apply for BC Employment and Assistance will:

  • contact a BC Employment and Income Assistance office, and complete an Appointment form;
  • obtain the work search guidelines information sheet;
  • receive an intake interview date, typically within three weeks;
  • conduct a three-week work search and complete an orientation session while awaiting an intake interview;
  • attend the intake interview, where a worker will determine the applicant's eligibility; and,
  • complete an orientation interview as part of the application process.

Orientation Session

All applicants must complete an in-person or on-line orientation session as part of the application process. This session outlines work search requirements, job search tips and the application process. There are a few exceptions to this requirement, including applicants who:

  • have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from completing;
  • apply for the Child in the Home of a Relative benefit; or,
  • are 65 or more years of age.

The orientation session will provide details about the necessary documents, income and assets levels, eligibility rules and work expectations when applying for BC Employment and Assistance.

The web orientation is available in 12 languages at: www.weborientation.gov.bc.ca/

Other Assistance

As a BCEA client you may be eligible for:

  • Identification Fees
  • Security Deposit
  • Moving Assistance
  • Natal Supplement
  • Diet Assistance
  • Christmas Supplement
  • School Start-Up Supplement
  • Camp Fees
  • Crisis Supplement
  • Co-Operative Housing Association Share Purchase Supplement
  • Community Volunteer Supplement
  • Assistance with Transportation Costs for medical appointments, paternity testing and/or court attendance
  • Guide Animal Supplement

For more information on other assistance listed above go to: Other Benefits

For More Information

Contact the Ministry of Housing and Social Development by calling: 1 866 866-0800

Or visit the ministry web site at: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca