Get financial assistance during COVID-19
We will do our best with updating this list. If you have suggestions or comments, please email communityengagement@feministsdeliver.com.
For individuals
Special Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit
One-time special payment close to $400 for single individuals, and $600 for couples
Who is this for? Low- and modest-income people
When is this available? Early May 2020
How to apply? No need to apply; eligible people will get it automatically
More information available here.
Climate Action Tax Credit
A one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid in July 2020 for moderate to low-income families: An adult will receive up to $218.00 (increased from $43.50) and a child will receive $64.00 (increased from $12.75)
Who is this for? Residents of BC who is at least 19 years old, or have a spouse or common-law partner, or a parent who lives with your child
When is this available? July 2020
BC Hydro Customer Assistance Program and Customer Crisis Fund
Customers can defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty through the COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program. Customers experiencing job loss, illness or lost wages due to COVID-19 can access grants up to $600 to pay their hydro bills through the Customer Crisis Fund
How to access? Call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376).
ICBC Autoplan Payment Plan
Customers on a monthly Autoplan payment plan, who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19, can defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty.
How to access? Use their online tool at icbc.com or call 604-661-2723 or 1-800-665-6442.
TransLink
No fares are collected during this time. If customers are not using their monthly pass due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they can call Compass Customer Service and discuss options which may be available to them. Compass Customer Service can be reached at 1-888-207-4055.
For parents
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Extra $300 per child for 2019-2020, approximately $500 more for the average family
Who is this for? Parent or guardian who live with a child 18 years or younger (see full details on eligibility on Canada.ca)
When is this available? Early May 2020
For people with disabilities
Income and Disability Assistance
You can automatically receive a $300 supplement on your cheques issued in April, May, and June if you are not receiving EI or CERB.
Who is this for? People who don’t qualify for federal Employment Insurance (EI) or Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) who are on Income Assistance, Disability Assistance, Comforts Allowance, and BC Senior’s Supplement
When is this available? April, Mary, and June 2020
How to apply? No need to apply; eligible people will receive it automatically
Translink and BC Transit
No fares are collected during this time. If you are on Disability Assistance and receiving the BC Bus Pass, you will automatically receive the $52 Transportation Supplement on your cheque starting in April.
Who is this for? People who are on Disability Assistance and receiving the BC Bus Pass.
When is this available?This will continue for as long as BC Transit and Translink are suspending fares
How to access? Click here.
For seniors
Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs)
Minimum withdrawal on RRIF is temporarily reduced by 25%. OAS, CPP will come as usual.
Who is this for? Seniors
Income and Disability Assistance
You can automatically receive a $300 supplement on your cheques issued in April, May, and June if you are not receiving EI or CERB.
Who is this for? People who don’t qualify for federal Employment Insurance (EI) or Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) who are on Income Assistance, Disability Assistance, Comforts Allowance, and BC Senior’s Supplement
When is this available? April, Mary, and June 2020
How to apply? No need to apply; eligible people will receive it automatically
Translink and BC Transit
No fares are collected during this time. If you are on Disability Assistance and receiving the BC Bus Pass, you will automatically receive the $52 Transportation Supplement on your cheque starting in April
Who is this for? People who are on Disability Assistance and receiving the BC Bus Pass.
When is this available? This will continue for as long as BC Transit and Translink are suspending fares
How to access? Click here.
For workers
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (replaces Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit)
Receive $2,000 per month, up to four months
Who is this for? All Canadians who stopped working because of COVID-19 including Canadians who lost their job, are sick, quarantined, taking care of someone sick with COVID-19, working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children, self-employed people, wage earners, contract workers who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI), workers who aren’t receiving income because of work disruptions, workers whose EI benefits end by October 3, 2020 (apply to CERB after)
When is this available? Early April 2020
Employment Insurance
Sickness benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement
Who is this for? Individuals who lost their jobs even though it’s not their fault (ie. Not enough work, seasonal, mass lay-offs) and are available to work but can’t find jobs
When is this available? Now
BC Emergency Benefit for Workers
Get a one-time $1,000 payment if you lost your income because of COVID-19
Who is this for? BC residents who receive federal employment insurance or the new federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit are eligible
When is this available? May 2020
For renters
Temporary Rent Supplement
Up to $500 per month paid directly to landlords for up to three months; evictions have been banned; rent increase freeze
Who is this for? Renters who are facing financial hardship but do not quality for existing rental assistance programs; eligibility to be posted on BCHousing.org by Friday, March 27
When is this available? Application process available online in early April 2020
For students
Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans
You don’t have to pay loans until September 30, 2020, and there will be no accrued interest.
Who is this available for? Students who use the Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans program
When is this available? Pending parliamentary approval, this will be available starting March 30, 2020 to September 30, 3030
How to apply? No need to apply for the repayment pause
BC Student Loans
You don’t have to pay student loans for six months.
Who is this for? Students using BC student loans
When is this available? Starting March 30, 2020
For small businesses
Temporary wage subsidy
Prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help better position Canadian companies and other employers to more easily resume normal operations following the crisis. The subsidy will be equal to 75% of remuneration for up to 12 weeks.
Who is this for? Individuals, taxable corporations, and partnerships consisting of eligible employers as well as non‑profit organizations and registered charities, public bodies and others
When is this available? Eligibility would generally be determined by the change in an eligible employer’s monthly revenues, year-over-year, for the calendar month in which the period began.
How do I receive the subsidy? Click here
Business Credit Availability Program
More than $10 billion of additional support, largely targeted to small and medium-sized businesses, through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC)
Who is this for? Small- and medium-sized businesses; ask your bank
