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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 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,
  • is in immediate need of food, shelter or urgent medical attention.

Eligibility and monthly assistance rates depend on income and asset levels, and the number of people in the family unit. If it is determined that an applicant has an immediate need, his or her eligibility will be determined on an urgent basis.

Hardship assistance may be issued in some situations when an individual is not eligible for income assistance.

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 are required to:

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

Orientation Session

An in-person or on-line orientation must be completed as part of the application process. This 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 the orientation;
  • apply for the Child in the Home of a Relative benefit; or,
  • are 65 or more years of age.

The orientation 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 client you may be eligible for:

  • Disability Assistance
  • Identification Fees
  • Security Deposit
  • Emergency 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 toll-free:
1 866 866-0800