Canada Emergency Response Benefit
(Combines the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit)
- $2,000 for 4 months
- Expected to be available early April
- Benefit receivable within 14 days of applying
- Eligibility: Canadian citizen who as a result of COVID-19 is off work and without income. Available to those who have lost their job or are still employed but not receiving an income, who are sick or quarantined, or looking after someone sick or quarantined, or at home taking care of their dependents.
BC Rental Assistance Program
The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income, working families with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments. To qualify, families must have a gross household income of $40,000 or less, have at least 1 dependent child, and have been employed at some point over the last year. Refer to website for additional eligibility requirements and application.
BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund
To be eligible, you must be an account holding BC Hydro customer whose account is facing disconnection; have experienced an unexpected life event in the last 12 months that caused a financial crisis; need to have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or less; and, need to have demonstrated some attempt to make payments towards it.
BC Hydro COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program
Provides customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans without penalty. Call 1-800-224-9376.
ICBC Autoplan Payment Plan Deferral
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 without penalty. Apply online at https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/eforms/dotcom/jsp/ACG398.jsp
BC Emergency Benefit for Workers
A one-time payment available to BC residents who lost income because of COVID-19. Available in May 2020. BC residents who receive federal Employment Insurance or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit are eligible.