How to Apply for BC Disability Assistance

British Columbia offers financial assistance to residents with disabilities through the BC Disability Assistance program, administered by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. If you are a newcomer with a disability, or if you develop a disability after arriving in BC, this program can provide essential financial support to help you meet your basic needs. This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply, and what benefits you can receive.

What Is BC Disability Assistance?

BC Disability Assistance is a provincial program that provides monthly financial support to people who have been designated as Persons with Disabilities (PWD). The program helps cover basic living expenses, including shelter (rent) and daily support needs like food, clothing, and transportation. The rates for disability assistance are higher than those for regular income assistance, recognizing the additional costs that people with disabilities often face.

The program is administered through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. For official information, visit the BC Disability Assistance page.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive BC Disability Assistance, you must:

• Be a resident of BC: You must live in British Columbia.
• Be 18 years or older: You must be at least 18 years of age.
• Be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD): This is the key requirement. You need to go through the PWD designation process, which involves a medical assessment.
• Meet financial eligibility requirements: Your income and assets must be below certain thresholds. The asset limits are higher than for regular income assistance.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status: You must have legal status in Canada that allows you to receive provincial benefits.

If you are on a temporary work permit or student visa, you are generally not eligible for disability assistance. However, if you have been granted refugee protection or are a permanent resident, you may qualify.

The Person with Disabilities (PWD) Designation

The most critical step in applying for disability assistance is obtaining the PWD designation. This designation is what qualifies you for the higher disability assistance rates and additional benefits. The PWD application has several parts:

• Part 1 - Self-assessment: You complete this section yourself. It asks about your disability and how it affects your daily life.
• Part 2 - Assessor's report: This section is completed by a health professional who knows your condition. This can be a doctor, nurse practitioner, psychologist, or other qualified health professional. They must describe your disability and confirm that it is severe and likely to continue for at least two years.
• Part 3 - Additional information: This may include reports from other professionals, such as occupational therapists or social workers, who can provide additional evidence of how your disability affects your ability to perform daily activities.

The PWD application form can be downloaded from the BC PWD designation application page.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Contact the Ministry

Start by contacting the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. You can apply for income assistance (which is the first step before applying for PWD designation) online at the BC income assistance application page, by phone, or in person at a local office.

Step 2: Apply for Income Assistance First

Before you can be designated as PWD, you typically need to be receiving income assistance or be eligible for it. When you apply for income assistance, let your worker know that you want to apply for the PWD designation.

Step 3: Complete the PWD Application

Your worker will provide you with the PWD application package. Complete Part 1 yourself and have your health professional(s) complete Part 2 and any additional sections. Make sure the medical information is thorough and clearly explains how your disability affects your daily functioning.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Return the completed application to your local Ministry office. The Ministry will review your application and make a decision. This process can take several weeks to months.

Step 5: Receive Your Decision

If your PWD designation is approved, your benefits will be adjusted to the disability assistance rates. If your application is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration of the decision.

Benefit Amounts

BC Disability Assistance includes two main components:

• Support allowance: This is for basic needs like food, clothing, and personal items.
• Shelter allowance: This helps cover your rent or housing costs.

As of recent rates, a single person with PWD designation can receive approximately $1,358.50 per month in total (shelter and support combined). Rates vary depending on your family size and housing costs. The rates are updated periodically. Check the BC disability assistance rate table for current amounts.

Additional Benefits

In addition to monthly financial assistance, people with PWD designation may be eligible for:

• Medical Services Plan (MSP) premium assistance: Your MSP premiums are covered.
• Dental and optical coverage: Basic dental and optical services may be covered.
• Bus pass program: You may be eligible for an annual bus pass at a reduced rate.
• Crisis supplements: Additional funds may be available for emergency situations.
• Earning exemptions: You can earn a certain amount of income without having your benefits reduced.

Appealing a Denial

If your PWD designation is denied, or if you disagree with a decision about your benefits, you can request a reconsideration. The reconsideration must be requested within 20 business days of receiving the decision. If the reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal.

Community advocacy organizations can help you through the appeal process. Many settlement agencies also provide support to newcomers navigating government programs.

Resources for Newcomers with Disabilities

As a newcomer with a disability, you may face additional challenges in accessing services. Here are some helpful resources:

• Our guide on disability services for newcomers in Canada provides an overview of available supports.
• Settlement agencies in BC can help you navigate the application process and connect you with community resources.
• If you are also looking for housing assistance, check out our guide on how to apply for rental housing in BC.
• For information about workplace injury compensation, see our guide on workers' compensation in BC.
• If you have children, you may also benefit from the BC child care subsidy program.

Final Thoughts

BC Disability Assistance is a vital program that helps people with disabilities meet their basic needs. If you are a newcomer with a disability, do not hesitate to apply. The process may take time, but the financial support and additional benefits can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Reach out to community organizations and settlement agencies for help navigating the application process.

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