55 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 7.]
Division 3 — Supplements — Family Unit Eligible for Income Assistance or Hardship Assistance
56 (1) The minister may provide any of the following supplements to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance to assist an applicant, a recipient or a dependent youth in the family unit to participate, in accordance with an employment plan, in an employment-related program:
(a) up to $100 for each calendar month to assist with transportation and attendance costs associated with participating in the employment-related program;
(b) the costs of tuition, books and supplies required to participate in the employment-related program;
(c) up to $200 for the cost of safety clothing required to participate in the employment-related program if the employment-related program is a workplace training or work experience program.
(2) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance of up to $100 for each calendar month to assist an applicant, a recipient or a dependent youth in the family unit to participate, in accordance with an employment plan, in a volunteer incentive program as preparation for employment.
(3) Only 6 monthly payments may be made under subsection (2) to or for a family unit in respect of an applicant, recipient or dependent youth over any period of 36 consecutive calendar months, beginning with the calendar month for which the family unit first received the supplement on account of the applicant, recipient or dependent youth, unless the minister authorizes up to 6 more monthly payments.
56.1 The minister may provide a supplement of up to a maximum of $1 000 to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if
(a) a recipient in the family unit obtains confirmed employment that, in the opinion of the minister, will enable the family unit to become independent of income assistance or hardship assistance,
(b) in the opinion of the minister, the recipient requires transportation, clothing, tools or other employment-related items in order to commence the employment, and
(c) there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the cost.
[en. B.C. Reg. 312/2002, s. 1.]
56.2 (1) The minister may provide a pre-natal shelter supplement of up to $195 per month for the duration of the pregnancy if the supplement is provided to a sole recipient without dependants who is a recipient of
(a) income assistance under section 2 [monthly support allowance], 4 [monthly shelter allowance] or 6 [people receiving room and board] of Schedule A, or
(b) hardship assistance under section 2 [maximum amounts of hardship assistance] or 5 (c) [calculation of maximum amounts] of Schedule D.
(2) A sole recipient is eligible to receive the pre-natal shelter supplement while the sole recipient is pregnant, as confirmed in writing by a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or midwife.
[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 11; am. B.C. Reg. 206/2020, s. 4.]
56.3 (1) The minister may provide an annual winter supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance.
(2) The minister may specify
(a) the amount to be provided as a winter supplement, which may be different for different categories of family units, and
(b) the time when the supplement is to be provided.
[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 11; am. B.C. Reg. 161/2023, App. 1, s. 2.]
56.4 The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance for the purchase of necessary clothing for a recipient in the family unit who resides in a special care facility, except an alcohol or drug treatment centre, if
(a) clothing is not provided in the facility,
(b) there are no funds available from the recipient's comforts allowance to purchase the clothing, and
(c) there are no resources available to the recipient's family unit to pay for the clothing.
[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 11.]
56.5 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may provide a supplement to a recipient who is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance for transportation to a special care facility that is an alcohol or drug treatment centre.
(2) A supplement may be provided under this section only
(a) if the recipient receives the minister's approval before incurring the transportation costs,
(b) if there are no resources available to the recipient's family unit to pay the transportation costs, and
(c) for the least expensive appropriate mode of transportation.
[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 11.]
56.6 (1) For the purposes of this section, a reconsideration or appeal is determined when
(a) a decision of the minister or a decision of the tribunal has been made in the reconsideration or appeal, if the decision can be implemented without a further decision as to amount, or
(b) if a decision of the tribunal requires a further decision of the minister as to amount, the decision of the minister as to amount has been made.
(2) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if a recipient in the family unit delivers a request for a reconsideration under section 79 [how a request to reconsider a decision is made] or submits an appeal form under section 84 [commencing an appeal] in respect of a decision that,
(a) in the case of a family unit that is eligible for income assistance, resulted in a discontinuation or reduction of income assistance or a supplement, or
(b) in the case of a family unit that is eligible for hardship assistance, resulted in a discontinuation or reduction of a supplement,
but only if the recipient agrees in writing to repay the amount of the supplement provided under this section.
(3) A supplement under this section may be provided for the shorter of
(a) the period between the date that a request for reconsideration or an appeal form is delivered or submitted and the date that the reconsideration or appeal is determined, and
(b) the period between the date that the income assistance or supplement was reduced or discontinued and the date that the reconsideration or appeal is determined.
(4) A supplement under this section is limited to the following amounts, as applicable:
(a) if the request for a reconsideration or the appeal form is in respect of a decision that resulted in a discontinuation of income assistance or a supplement, the amount of the discontinued income assistance or supplement;
(b) if the request for a reconsideration or the appeal form is in respect of a decision that resulted in a reduction of income assistance or a supplement, the amount by which the income assistance or supplement was reduced.
(5) If the determination of a reconsideration or appeal that rescinded the decision being reconsidered or appealed did not require a further decision of the minister as to amount, the amount of a supplement provided under this section is not repayable and must be considered to have been paid in place of
(a) the discontinued income assistance or supplement, or
(b) the amount by which the income assistance or supplement was reduced.
(6) If the determination of a reconsideration or appeal that rescinded the decision being reconsidered or appealed required a further decision of the minister as to amount, the recipient must repay the difference between
(a) the total amount paid to the recipient under this section for the period under subsection (3), and
(b) the total amount of any adjustment in favour of the recipient under the determination for the same period.
[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 11.]
57 (1) In this section:
"living cost" means the cost of accommodation and meals;
"moving cost" means the cost of
(a) moving a family unit and the family unit's personal effects from one place to another, and
(b) storing the family unit's personal effects while the family unit is moving if the minister is satisfied that storing the personal effects is necessary to preserve the personal effects;
"transportation cost" means the cost of travelling from one place to another.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance to assist with one or more of the following:
(a) moving costs required to move anywhere in Canada, if a recipient in the family unit is not working but has arranged confirmed employment that would significantly promote the financial independence of the family unit and the recipient is required to move to begin that employment;
(b) moving costs required to move to another province or country, if the family unit is required to move to improve its living circumstances;
(c) moving costs required to move anywhere in British Columbia because the family unit is being compelled to vacate the family unit's rented residential accommodation for any reason, including the following:
(i) the accommodation is being sold;
(ii) the accommodation is being demolished;
(iii) the accommodation has been condemned;
(d) moving costs required to move anywhere in British Columbia if the family unit's shelter costs would be significantly reduced as a result of the move;
(e) moving costs required to move anywhere in British Columbia to avoid an imminent threat to the physical safety of any person in the family unit;
(f) transportation costs and living costs required to attend a hearing relating to a child protection proceeding under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, if a recipient is given notice of the hearing and is a party to the proceeding;
(g) transportation costs, living costs, child care costs and fees resulting from
(i) the required attendance of a recipient in the family unit at a hearing, or
(ii) other requirements a recipient in the family unit must fulfil
in connection with the exercise of a maintenance right assigned to the minister under section 20 [assignment of maintenance rights].
(3) A family unit is eligible for a supplement under this section only if
(a) there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the costs for which the supplement may be provided, and
(b) subject to subsection (3.1), a recipient in the family unit receives the minister's approval before incurring those costs.
(3.1) A supplement may be provided even if the family unit did not receive the minister's approval before incurring the costs if the minister is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist.
(4) A supplement may be provided under this section only to assist with
(a) in the case of a supplement under subsection (2) (a) to (e), the least expensive appropriate moving costs, and
(b) in the case of a supplement under subsection (2) (f) or (g), the least expensive appropriate transportation costs and the least expensive appropriate living costs.
[am. B.C. Regs. 275/2004, s. 1; 122/2019, s. 8.]
58 (1) In this section, "security deposit" means a security deposit as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act, or an amount required by a cooperative association to be paid by a recipient to the cooperative association for the same or a similar purpose as a security deposit under the Residential Tenancy Act.
(2) The minister may provide a security deposit to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if
(a) the security deposit is necessary to enable the family unit to rent residential accommodation,
(b) a recipient in the family unit agrees in writing to repay the amount paid under this section, and
(c) the security deposit does not exceed 50% of one month's rent for the residential accommodation.
(3) The minister may recover the amount of a security deposit provided under subsection (2) in accordance with section 89 (2.1).
(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 12 (d).]
(5) For the purposes of subsection (3), "security deposit" includes a security deposit provided on or after April 1, 2002 under the
(a) Income Assistance Regulation, B.C. Reg. 75/97,
(b) Youth Works Regulation, B.C. Reg. 77/97,
(c) Disability Benefits Program Regulation, B.C. Reg. 79/97, or
(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 12 (d).]
[am. B.C. Regs. 518/2004, s. 6; 315/2008, s. (a); 270/2019, App. 1, s. 12.]
58.1 (1) In this section, "utility security deposit" means an amount required by a utility provider of electricity or natural gas services to secure payment for the provision of residential electricity or natural gas services to a family unit.
(2) The minister may provide a utility security deposit to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance, in an amount not to exceed the minimum amount required by a utility provider from a recipient, if
(a) the utility security deposit is necessary to enable the family unit to obtain or continue to obtain the services of the utility, and
(b) a recipient in the family unit agrees in writing to repay the amount paid under this section.
(3) The minister may recover the amount of a security deposit provided under subsection (2) in accordance with section 89 (2.1).
[en. B.C. Reg. 312/2006; am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 13.]
58.2 (1) In this section, "pet damage deposit" means a pet damage deposit as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act, or an amount required by a cooperative association to be paid by a recipient to the cooperative association for the same or a similar purpose as a pet damage deposit under the Residential Tenancy Act.
(2) The minister may provide a pet damage deposit to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if
(a) the pet damage deposit is necessary to enable the family unit to rent residential accommodation,
(b) a recipient in the family unit agrees in writing to repay the amount paid under this section, and
(c) the pet damage deposit does not exceed 50% of one month's rent for the residential accommodation.
(3) The minister may recover the amount of a pet damage deposit provided under subsection (2) in accordance with section 89 (2.1).
[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 14.]
59 (1) The minister may provide a crisis supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if
(a) the family unit or a person in the family unit requires the supplement to meet an unexpected expense or obtain an item unexpectedly needed and is unable to meet the expense or obtain the item because there are no resources available to the family unit, and
(b) the minister considers that failure to meet the expense or obtain the item will result in
(i) imminent danger to the physical health of any person in the family unit, or
(2) A crisis supplement may be provided only for the calendar month in which the application or request for the supplement is made.
(3) A crisis supplement may not be provided for the purpose of obtaining
(a) a supplement described in Schedule C, or
(b) any other health care goods or services.
(4) A crisis supplement provided for food, shelter or clothing is subject to the following limitations:
(a) if for food, the maximum amount that may be provided in a calendar month is $50 for each person in the family unit,
(b) if for shelter, the maximum amount that may be provided in a calendar month is the smaller of
(i) the family unit's actual shelter cost, and
(A) the maximum set out in section 2 of Schedule A, the maximum set out in section 4 of Schedule A and any supplements provided under section 56.2 [pre-natal shelter supplement] or Division 8 [Housing Stability Supplement] of Part 5 of this regulation, or
(B) the maximum set out in Table 1 of Schedule D, the maximum set out in Table 2 of Schedule D and any supplements provided under section 56.2 or Division 8 of Part 5 of this regulation,
as applicable, for a family unit that matches the family unit, and
(c) if for clothing, the maximum amount that may be provided in the 12 calendar month period preceding the date of application for the crisis supplement is $110 for each person in the family unit.
(5) and (6) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 248/2018, App. 1, s. 2.]
(7) Despite subsection (4) (b), a crisis supplement may be provided to or for a family unit for the following:
(a) fuel for heating;
(b) fuel for cooking meals;
[am. B.C. Regs. 12/2003; 248/2018, App. 1; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 15; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 6; 161/2023, App. 1, s. 3.]
60 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance as an advance for a lost or stolen family bonus cheque if
(a) the minister is satisfied that an unendorsed child benefits cheque, the payee of which is a person in the family unit, has been lost or stolen,
(b) the minister considers that the advance is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter,
(c) the minister is satisfied that any steps necessary for replacing the cheque have been or will be taken, and
(d) a recipient in the family unit does either or both of the following:
(i) agrees in writing to repay the advance;
(ii) authorizes deduction of the amount of the advance from subsequent payments of assistance.
(2) The amount that may be advanced under subsection (1) is all or part of the amount of the lost or stolen child benefits cheque that is attributed to family bonus.
(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]
[am. B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]
60.1 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance as an advance for a lost or stolen child benefits cheque for the Canada child benefit in respect of a dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be, if
(a) the minister is satisfied that an unendorsed child benefits cheque for the Canada child benefit, the payee of which is a person in the family unit, has been lost or stolen,
(b) the minister considers that the advance is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter,
(c) the minister is satisfied that any steps necessary for replacing the cheque have been or will be taken, and
(d) a recipient in the family unit does either or both of the following:
(i) agrees in writing to repay the advance;
(ii) authorizes deduction of the amount of the advance from subsequent payments of assistance.
(2) The amount that may be advanced under subsection (1) is the lesser of
(a) the amount of the lost or stolen child benefits cheque that is attributed to the Canada child benefit, and
(b) the BC child adjustment amount in respect of the dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be.
[en. B.C. Reg. 34/2017, App. 1, s. 3.]
61 (1) In this section, "maximum national child benefit supplement" , in relation to a family unit, means the amount the family unit would receive for a calendar month as the national child benefit supplement if
(a) the family unit were entitled to receive the national child benefit supplement for the calendar month, and
(b) the income of the family unit, for the purposes of calculating the national child benefit supplement, were zero.
(2) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if
(a) payment of the family bonus for a calendar month to a person in the family unit is delayed, suspended or cancelled under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) for any reason other than that
(i) the person refuses to apply for the family bonus,
(ii) the person refuses to provide information necessary to determine eligibility for the family bonus, or
(iii) the person refuses to accept the family bonus, and
(b) the minister considers that the supplement is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter.
(3) The amount that may be provided for a calendar month as a supplement under subsection (2) is equal to
(a) the maximum national child benefit supplement, minus
(b) the family bonus, if any, received by the family unit for the preceding calendar month.
[en. B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 17.]
61.1 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if
(a) payment of the Canada child benefit for a calendar month to a person in the family unit in respect of a dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be, is delayed, suspended or cancelled under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for any reason other than that
(i) the person refuses to apply for the Canada child benefit,
(ii) the person refuses to provide information necessary to determine eligibility for the Canada child benefit, or
(iii) the person refuses to accept the Canada child benefit, and
(b) the minister considers that the supplement is immediately needed for basic needs of food, clothing or shelter.
(2) The amount that may be provided for a calendar month as a supplement under subsection (1) is equal to
(a) the BC child adjustment amount, minus
(b) the Canada child benefit, if any,
received by the family unit in respect of the dependent child or dependent children, as the case may be, for the preceding calendar month.
(3) If the amount calculated under subsection (2) is less than zero, it is deemed to be zero for the purposes of this section.
[en. B.C. Reg. 34/2017, App. 1, s. 3.]
62 The minister may provide a supplement of $95 for each calendar month to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance for the maintenance of a dog if the dog and a person in the family unit are a guide dog team, a service dog team or a retired guide or service dog team, as those terms are defined in section 1 of the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.
[en. B.C. Reg. 223/2015, App. 3, s. 1.]
62.1 (1) The minister may provide an annual school start-up supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance if the family unit includes a person under 19 years of age who is attending school full time.
(2) The minister may specify
(a) the amount to be provided as a school start-up supplement, which may be different for persons of different age groups, and
(b) the time when the supplement is to be provided.
[en. B.C. Reg. 196/2012, Sch. 1, s. 2; am. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 1.]
63 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 21/2005, s. (a).]
63.1 The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or for hardship assistance to cover the cost of obtaining proof of the identity of a person in the family unit that
(a) is required for the family unit to be eligible for income assistance, or
(b) in the minister's opinion, is required for a person in the family unit, or the family unit, to access services in British Columbia or for a similar purpose in British Columbia.
[en. B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 9.]
Division 4 — Supplements — Persons who Demonstrate Eligibility
64 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 108/2021, App. 1, s. 3.]
65 (1) In this section:
"extraprovincial transportation" , with respect to a person who dies in Canada but outside British Columbia, means transporting the deceased person's body within the province or territory in which death occurred for the purposes of providing a service described in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of "funeral costs";
"funeral costs" means the costs of the following items, as set out in Schedule F:
(a) intraprovincial transportation costs;
(c) cremation or burial of a deceased person's body or remains, including the cost of a casket or urn;
"interprovincial transportation" means preparing the deceased person's body for transport to British Columbia and transporting the body to British Columbia;
"intraprovincial transportation" means transporting a deceased person's body within British Columbia for the purposes of providing a service described in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of "funeral costs";
"responsible person" , with respect to a deceased person, means,
(a) a spouse of the person,
(b) in the case of a minor, a parent of the person, or
(c) in the case of a person sponsored to immigrate to Canada under the Immigration Act (Canada) or the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), a sponsor or co-sponsor of the person, if the undertaking given or co-signed by the sponsor is still in effect.
(2) If neither the estate of a deceased person nor any responsible person has the resources available to pay any of the following costs when payable, the minister may provide a supplement for those costs in the circumstances specified:
(a) necessary funeral costs, if
(i) the person died in British Columbia, and
(ii) the burial or cremation is to take place or has taken place in British Columbia;
(b) necessary funeral costs and, with the prior approval of the minister, the necessary interprovincial transportation costs, if
(i) the person died in Canada but outside British Columbia,
(ii) immediately before the death, the deceased person was a recipient of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, and
(iii) the burial or cremation is to take place or has taken place in British Columbia;
(c) with the prior approval of the minister, the necessary extraprovincial transportation costs and necessary funeral costs, if
(i) the person died in Canada but outside British Columbia,
(ii) immediately before the death, the deceased person was a recipient of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, and
(iii) the burial or cremation is to take place in the province or territory in which the death occurred;
(d) necessary funeral costs, if
(i) the person died outside British Columbia, or in the case of a recipient of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, died outside Canada,
(ii) immediately before the death, the person was ordinarily resident in British Columbia, and
(iii) the burial or cremation is to take place or has taken place in British Columbia.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), funeral costs, and interprovincial transportation and extraprovincial transportation costs are necessary if the minister determines that
(a) the item or service in relation to which a supplement is requested is a necessary item or service, and
(b) the item or service is or was appropriate.
(c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 63/2010, s. 3 (c).]
(3.1) The amount of a supplement payable under subsection (2) is,
(a) in respect of a funeral provider's fee for services, an amount that is, in the opinion of the minister, the lowest reasonable cost,
(b) in respect of a particular item or service that is a funeral cost, other than a service included in a funeral provider's fee for services,
(i) the cost for the item or service set out in Schedule F, or
(ii) if there is no cost set out for the item or service in Schedule F, the cost that is, in the opinion of the minister, the lowest reasonable cost for that item or service, and
(c) in respect of interprovincial transportation or extraprovincial transportation, the cost that is, in the opinion of the minister, the lowest reasonable cost.
(4) The amount of a supplement paid under this section is a debt due to the government and may be recovered by it from the deceased's estate.
[en. B.C. Reg. 147/2007; am. B.C. Regs. 63/2010, ss. 1 to 4; 79/2010, s. 2.]
66 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit, other than the family unit of a recipient of disability assistance, that contributes $45 to the cost, to provide an annual pass for the personal use of a person in the family unit who
(a) receives the federal spouse's allowance or federal guaranteed income supplement,
(b) is 60 or more years of age and receives income assistance under section 2 [monthly support allowance], 4 [monthly shelter allowance] or 6 [people receiving room and board] of Schedule A, or
(c) is 65 years of age or more and meets all of the eligibility requirements for the federal guaranteed income supplement except the 10 year residency requirement.
(2) In this section, "annual pass" means an annual pass to use a public passenger transportation system in a transit service area established under section 25 of the British Columbia Transit Act or in a transportation service region, as defined in the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Act.
[am. B.C. Regs. 175/2016, App. 2; 85/2022, App. 1, s. 3.]
Division 5 — Health Supplements
66.1 In this Division:
(a) in relation to a person who is a main continued person under section 66.3 (1) [access to medical services only] or 66.4 (1) [access to transitional health services] as a result of having been part of a family unit on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, means that date, and
(b) in relation to a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2) or 66.4 (2) of a main continued person, means the continuation date of the main continued person;
"continued person" means
(a) a main continued person under section 66.3 (1) or 66.4 (1), or
(b) a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2) or 66.4 (2);
"nutrition-related supplement" means any of the following supplements:
(a) a supplement under section 73 [diet supplement];
(b) a supplement under section 74 [nutritional supplement — short-term];
(c) a supplement under section 74.01 [tube feed nutritional supplement];
(d) a supplement under section 2 (3) of Schedule C that is related to nutrition;
"qualifying federal benefit" means a supplement under Part II or an allowance under Part III of the Old Age Security Act (Canada);
"qualifying person" means a person who
(a) has persistent multiple barriers to employment, or
(b) is a recipient of income assistance who is described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 7; am. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 7.]
66.2 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 10.]
66.3 (1) Subject to subsection (4), a person is a main continued person if
(a) the person was
(i) part of a family unit identified in subsection (3) on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, and
(ii) a qualifying person on that date, and
(b) the person has not, since that date, been part of a family unit in receipt of income assistance, hardship assistance or disability assistance.
(2) Subject to subsection (6), a person is a dependent continued person if
(a) the person was a dependant of a main continued person under subsection (1) on the main continued person's continuation date, and
(b) the person is currently a dependant of that main continued person.
(3) A family unit is identified for the purposes of subsection (1) (a) if the family unit, while in receipt of income assistance, ceased to be eligible for income assistance
(a) on a date the family unit included a person aged 65 or older,
(b) as a result of a person in the family unit receiving an award of compensation under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act or an award of benefits under the Crime Victim Assistance Act, or
(c) as a result of a person in the family unit receiving a payment under the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. S50808, Kelowna Registry.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), a person's status as a main continued person under subsection (1) is suspended for a calendar month if
(a) the person fails to meet an applicable income test under subsection (7) in the calendar month and in each of the immediately preceding 12 calendar months, and
(b) the person's continuation date is before those immediately preceding 12 calendar months.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a person who is a main continued person under subsection (1) as a result of having been part of a family unit identified in subsection (3) (c).
(6) A person's status as a dependent continued person under subsection (2) of a main continued person under subsection (1) is suspended if the main continued person's status is suspended under subsection (4).
(7) For the purposes of subsection (4), a main continued person under subsection (1) meets the income test for a calendar month if,
(a) in the case that the main continued person is aged 65 or older or the main continued person's family unit includes a person aged 65 or older, the main continued person or another person in the family unit is in receipt of a qualifying federal benefit, and
(b) in the case that neither the main continued person nor another person in the main continued person's family unit is aged 65 or older, the adjusted net income of the main continued person does not exceed the amount set out in section 11 (3) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation.
(7.1) For the purposes of subsection (7) (b),
(a) "adjusted net income" has the same meaning as in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, and
(b) a reference in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation to an "eligible person" is to be read as a reference to the main continued person.
(8) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the person's continuation date occurs.
(9) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a dependent continued person under subsection (2) of a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the main continued person's continuation date occurs.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 7; am. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 1.]
66.4 (1) Subject to subsection (4), a person is a main continued person if
(a) the person was, on or after September 1, 2015,
(i) part of a family unit identified in subsection (3) on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, and
(ii) a recipient of income assistance on the date referred to in subparagraph (i), and
(b) the person has not, since the date referred to in paragraph (a) (i), been part of a family unit in receipt of income assistance, hardship assistance or disability assistance.
(2) A person is a dependent continued person if
(a) the person was a dependent child of a main continued person under subsection (1) on the main continued person's continuation date, and
(b) the person is currently a dependent child of that main continued person.
(3) A family unit is identified for the purposes of subsection (1) (a) if the family unit, while in receipt of income assistance,
(a) ceased to be eligible for income assistance as a result of employment income, and
(b) included on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance
(i) a dependent child, or
(ii) a person providing care to a supported child.
(4) Subject to subsection (1) (b), a person ceases be a main continued person under subsection (1) one year after the first day of the calendar month immediately following the calendar month in which the person's continuation date occurred.
(5) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the person's continuation date occurs.
(6) Despite this Division, a person is not eligible, as a dependent continued person under subsection (2) of a main continued person under subsection (1), to receive a health supplement under this Division for the calendar month in which the main continued person's continuation date occurs.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 7.]
67 (1) The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 2 [general health supplements] or 3 [medical equipment and devices] of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if
(i) the family unit includes a qualifying person, or
(ii) the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age,
(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age, or
(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who
(i) is a continued person under section 66.3 (1) or (2) [access to medical services only], or
(ii) is a continued person under section 66.4 (1) [access to transitional health services] and was, on the person's continuation date, a qualifying person or part of a family unit that then included a qualifying person, or
(iii) is a continued person under section 66.4 (2).
(1.1) and (1.2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 8 (b).]
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 2 [general health supplements] or 3 [medical equipment and devices] of Schedule C to or for a family unit if the health supplement is provided to or for a recipient in the family unit who
(a) has received income assistance under the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act or the Act continuously from March 31, 1997 and on March 30, 1997 was eligible under section 37 (1) (a) of the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Regulations, B.C. Reg. 272/96, as it read on March 30, 1997, for the health care services and benefits referred to in that provision, or
(b) is a dependant of a recipient referred to in paragraph (a).
(3) Subsection (2) applies only until the earlier of the following dates:
(a) the date the recipient ceases to receive income assistance;
(b) the first day of the calendar month after the minister makes a determination that the recipient, or any dependant of the recipient other than a dependent child, is capable of accepting employment.
(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 8 (b).]
[am. B.C. Regs. 89/2005; 57/2007, s. 1; 170/2008, App. 1, s. 1; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 67/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1; 114/2010, Sch. 1, s. 2; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 8; 161/2017, App. 1, s. 2.]
67.1 The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 2.1 [optical supplements] of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance,
(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, or
(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is a continued person.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]
67.2 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the minister may provide a health supplement under section 2.2 [eye examination supplements] of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance,
(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, or
(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is a continued person.
(2) A health supplement under subsection (1) may only be provided to or for a person once in any 24 calendar month period.
(3) A health supplement under subsection (1) may only be provided if payment for the service is not available under the Medicare Protection Act.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]
68 The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 4 [dental supplements] of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if
(i) the family unit includes a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment, or
(ii) the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age,
(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age, or
(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who
(i) is a continued person, and
(ii) meets any of the following criteria:
(A) the person is under 19 years of age;
(B) the person was, on the person's continuation date, a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment or part of a family unit that then included a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9; am. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 2.]
68.1 The minister may provide a crown and bridgework supplement under section 4.1 of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, or
(b) a family unit, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who
(i) is a continued person, and
(ii) was, on the person's continuation date, a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]
69 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 5 [denture supplements] of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, or
(b) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is a continued person.
(2) A person is not eligible for a health supplement under subsection (1) unless
(a) the person is not eligible for a supplement under section 68 [dental supplements], and
(b) the person has had tooth extractions that were performed in the last 6 months because of pain and resulted in the person requiring a full upper denture, a full lower denture or both.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9; am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16.]
70 The minister may provide any health supplement set out in section 6 [emergency dental supplements] of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance,
(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, or
(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is a continued person.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 9.]
71 (1) The minister may provide orthodontic supplements to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance if the orthodontic supplements are provided to or for a person in the family unit who meets the conditions under subsection (2) and who is under 19 years of age.
(2) For a person referred to in subsection (1) to be eligible for orthodontic supplements, the person's family unit must have no resources available to cover the cost of the orthodontic supplements and the person must
(a) have severe skeletal dysplasia with jaw misalignment by 2 or more standard deviations, and
(b) obtain prior authorization from the minister for the orthodontic supplements.
(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (f).]
[am. B.C. Regs. 313/2007, s. 1 (f); 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (k); 161/2017, App. 1, s. 3.]
72 The minister may provide a health supplement in accordance with section 7 [dental and optical services — healthy kids program] of Schedule C to or for a family unit if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who is not eligible to receive the supplement under another provision of this Division or under Division 4 [Health Supplements] of Part 5 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.
[en. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 4; am. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 2.]
72.1 The minister may provide a health supplement in accordance with section 7.1 [hearing instruments — healthy kids program] of Schedule C to or for a family unit if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who is not eligible to receive the supplement under another provision of this Division or under Division 4 [Health Supplements] of Part 5 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.
[en. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 4; am. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 2.]
73 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may pay for a diet supplement in accordance with section 8 [diet supplements] of Schedule C that is provided to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who
(a) is described in section 8 (1) of Schedule C, and
(b) is not described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A.
(2) A person is not eligible for a supplement under subsection (1) unless
(a) the person is not receiving another nutrition-related supplement, and
(b) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian confirms in writing the need for the special diet.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 10; am. B.C. Regs. 123/2019, App. 1, s. 2; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 8.]
74 The minister may provide a nutritional supplement for up to 3 months to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if
(a) the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is not receiving another nutrition-related supplement, and
(b) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian confirms in writing that the person has an acute short-term need for caloric supplementation to a regular dietary intake to prevent critical weight loss while recovering from
(ii) a severe injury,
(iii) a serious disease, or
(iv) side effects of medical treatment.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 10; am. B.C. Regs. 123/2019, App. 1, s. 3; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16.]
74.01 (1) In this section, "tube feed nutritional supplement" means a liquid nutritional product that is fed to a person via a tube to the stomach or intestines of the person and the pumps, tubes, bags and other medical equipment or supplies that are required to feed the liquid nutritional product to the person.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the minister may provide a tube feed nutritional supplement to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is not described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A, or
(b) a family unit, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who
(i) is a continued person, and
(ii) was, on the person's continuation date, receiving the supplement.
(3) The minister may provide a tube feed nutritional supplement under this section if
(a) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian confirms in writing that the person's primary source of nutrition is through tube feeding,
(b) the person is not receiving another nutrition-related supplement, and
(c) there are no resources available to the person to pay for the tube feed nutritional supplement.
[en. B.C. Reg. 338/2008; am. B.C. Regs. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 67/2010, Sch. 1, s. 7; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 11; 123/2019, App. 1, s. 4; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 8.]
74.1 The minister may provide the type of health supplement referred to in section 10 [infant formula] of Schedule C, in accordance with that section, to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a dependent child in the family unit,
(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a dependent child in the family unit, or
(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a dependent child in the family unit who is a continued person.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 12.]
75 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may provide a natal supplement in accordance with section 9 [natal supplement] of Schedule C to or for a family unit in receipt of income assistance or hardship assistance, if the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is not described in section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A.
(2) A family unit is not eligible to receive a supplement under subsection (1) unless
(a) a person in the family unit is pregnant, as confirmed in writing by a medical practitioner, a nurse practitioner or a midwife, or
(b) the family unit includes a dependent child who is 12 months of age or younger.
[en. B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 12; am. B.C. Regs. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 16; 206/2020, s. 4; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 8; 161/2023, App. 1, s. 4.]
76 (1) The minister may provide to a family unit any health supplement set out in sections 2 (1) (a) and (f) [general health supplements] and 3 [medical equipment and devices] of Schedule C, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is otherwise not eligible for the health supplement under this regulation, and if the minister is satisfied that
(a) the person faces a direct and imminent life threatening need and there are no resources available to the person's family unit with which to meet that need,
(b) the health supplement is necessary to meet that need,
(c) the adjusted net income of any person in the family unit, other than a dependent child, does not exceed the amount set out in section 11 (3) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, and
(d) the requirements specified in the following provisions of Schedule C, as applicable, are met:
(i) paragraph (a) or (f) of section (2) (1);
(ii) sections 3 to 3.12, other than paragraph (a) of section 3 (1).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) (c),
(a) "adjusted net income" has the same meaning as in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, and
(b) a reference in section 7.6 of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation to an "eligible person" is to be read as a reference to a person in the family unit, other than a dependent child.
[en. B.C. Reg. 61/2010, s. 1; am. B.C. Regs. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 19; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 13; 180/2019, App. 4, s. 3.]
77 (1) The minister may provide a supplement for the cost of treatment, counselling or related services for an alcohol or drug problem that is provided to a person in a family unit who is a recipient of income assistance or hardship assistance or a dependent child of a recipient of income assistance or hardship assistance, if
(a) the minister considers that the recipient or dependent child needs the treatment, counselling or related services and there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the costs, and
(b) the recipient or dependent child receives the minister's approval before incurring those costs.
(2) The amount of the supplement under this section is limited to a total of not more than $500 for all treatment, counselling and related services provided to any one person over the previous 12 consecutive calendar months.
[am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 17.]
77.01 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 14.]
77.02 The minister may provide a health supplement set out in section 11 of Schedule C to or for
(a) a family unit in receipt of income assistance, if
(i) the family unit includes a qualifying person, or
(ii) the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age,
(b) a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age, or
(c) a family unit, if the health supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is
(i) a main continued person under section 66.3 (1),
(ii) a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2),
(iii) a main continued person under section 66.4 (1) and was, on the person's continuation date, a qualifying person, or part of a family unit that included a qualifying person, on that date, or
(iv) a dependent continued person under section 66.4 (2).
[en. B.C. Reg. 118/2017, App. 1, s. 1; am. B.C. Reg. 161/2017, App. 1, s. 5.]
77.03 The minister may provide a health supplement set out in section 11 of Schedule C if all of the following conditions apply:
(a) the supplement is provided to or for a family unit that includes a person who
(i) is eligible for supplemental services under section 10 (1) (c), (e) or (f) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, or
(ii) has been determined to be eligible for supplemental services under section 11 of that regulation;
(b) the supplement is provided to or for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who is not eligible to receive the supplement under
(i) another provision of this Division, or
(ii) Division 4 [Health Supplements] of Part 5 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.
[en. B.C. Reg. 180/2019, App. 4, s. 4.]
Division 6 — Supplements — Eligibility for Employment-related Programs
77.1 To be eligible to participate in a self-employment program established or funded by the minister under section 7 of the Act, a recipient must qualify under section 2 of this regulation as a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment.
[en. B.C. Reg. 462/2004, Sch. A, s. 2.]
77.2 (1) The minister may require a recipient who is
(a) applying to participate in a self-employment program, or
(b) participating in a self-employment program
to provide, for the acceptance of the minister and within the time specified by the minister, a business plan for the small business the recipient is operating or proposes to operate under the self-employment program.
(2) If a recipient provides a business plan under subsection (1) that is not acceptable to the minister, the minister may return the business plan to the recipient with directions and the recipient may resubmit the business plan within the time specified by the minister for that purpose.
(a) a recipient fails to provide a business plan in the time specified under subsection (1) or (2), as applicable, or
(b) a recipient provides a business plan that is not acceptable to the minister,
the recipient is not or ceases to be eligible to participate in the self-employment program.
[en. B.C. Reg. 462/2004, Sch. A, s. 2.]
77.3 If a recipient who is participating in a self-employment program is operating a small business under the program, the recipient must, in addition to the report required under section 33, provide a monthly report to the minister in the form and at the time specified by the minister, setting out, for the period covered by the report, as required by the form, the business activities, earnings, expenses, assets and liabilities of the small business the recipient is operating.
[en. B.C. Reg. 462/2004, Sch. A, s. 2.]
Division 7 — Consequences in Relation to Outstanding Arrest Warrants
77.4 (1) The minister may provide a supplement to or for a family unit of an applicant or recipient for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act has been issued for the purposes of section 15.2 (2) (a) of the Act, if the minister considers that undue hardship will otherwise occur.
(2) A supplement under this section may be provided only for the calendar month in which the supplement is requested.
(3) A supplement under this section may be provided for only three consecutive calendar months unless the minister authorizes up to three more consecutive monthly payments.
(4) Despite any other section of this regulation, the maximum amount of a supplement provided under subsection (1) is the difference between
(a) the maximum amount of income assistance determined under Schedule A for the calendar month for a family unit that matches the family unit in size but does not include a person for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 of the Act has been issued, and
(b) the amount of income assistance provided for the calendar month to the family unit.
(5) A recipient of a supplement must agree in writing to repay the amount paid under this section.
[en. B.C. Reg. 73/2010, s. 3; am. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 9.]
77.5 (1) In this section, "living cost" means the cost of accommodation and meals required for a person or family unit to return to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant.
(2) The minister may provide a supplement to
(a) an applicant or recipient for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act has been issued for the purposes of section 15.2 (2) (b) (i) of the Act, or
(b) the family unit of an applicant or recipient for whom a warrant for arrest within the meaning of section 15.2 of the Act has been issued for the purposes of section 15.2 (2) (b) (ii) of the Act,
(c) there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the cost of returning to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant, and
(d) the minister is satisfied that the supplement will be used by the person or family unit to return to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant to deal with the warrant.
(3) Despite any other section of this regulation, a supplement provided under subsection (2) is limited to an amount not to exceed the cost of
(a) the least expensive appropriate mode of transportation, and
(b) the least expensive appropriate living cost
to return the person or family unit to the jurisdiction that issued the warrant.
(4) A recipient of a supplement must agree in writing to repay the amount paid under this section.
[en. B.C. Reg. 73/2010, s. 3.]
Division 8 — Housing Stability Supplement
77.6 In this Division:
"detained person" means a person described in section 15 [effect of being in prison or other lawful place of confinement];
"person in special care" means a person who
(a) receives accommodation and care in a special care facility or a private hospital, or
(b) is admitted to a hospital because the person requires extended care;
"removed child" , in relation to a family unit, means a dependent child who is living away from the ordinary residence of the family unit under
(a) an interim order or temporary custody order under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, or
(b) an agreement under section 6, 7 or 8 of that Act;
"specified person" means
(a) a removed child,
(b) a detained person, or
(c) a person in special care.
[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]
77.7 (1) The minister may provide a housing stability supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or hardship assistance on account of one or more of the following persons:
(a) a deceased person who was part of the family unit, if the family unit was eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance for the calendar month of the death and all subsequent calendar months;
(b) a specified person who is part of the family unit, if the family unit included the specified person in, and was eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance for, the calendar month in which the person became a specified person and all subsequent calendar months.
(2) The amount that may be provided as a supplement under this section for a calendar month on account of persons described in subsection (1) (a) or (b) is the lesser of
(a) the greater of zero and the difference between
(i) the actual shelter costs of the family unit for the month, and
(ii) the shelter allowance calculated under Schedule A or Schedule D, as applicable, for the family unit for the month, and
(b) the difference between
(i) the amount that would be determined under Schedule A, Schedule D, Schedule A of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation or Schedule D of that regulation, as applicable, for the family unit for the month if the persons were not deceased persons or specified persons, and
(ii) the amount determined under Schedule A or Schedule D, as applicable, of this regulation, excluding an amount described in section 8 (2) (b) (i) [people in special care] of Schedule A, for the family unit for the month.
[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]
77.8 (1) The minister may provide a housing stability supplement to or for a family unit that includes only one or more detained persons if
(a) the family unit included the persons in the calendar months in which the persons became detained persons and all subsequent calendar months, and
(b) the family unit was, or would have been but for the detentions, eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance for the calendar months in which the persons became detained persons and all subsequent calendar months.
(2) The amount that may be provided as a supplement under this section for a calendar month on account of the detained persons is the lesser of
(a) the actual shelter costs of the family unit for the month, and
(b) the income assistance or hardship assistance, as applicable, for which the family unit would be eligible for the month if the persons were not detained persons.
[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]
77.9 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a supplement under this Division may be provided for only 3 consecutive calendar months unless the minister authorizes up to 3 more consecutive monthly payments.
(2) The time limit in subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a supplement that is provided on account of a removed child.
(3) The time limit in subsection (1) is restarted in relation to a supplement that is provided on account of a person if
(a) the person dies while a specified person, or
(i) was a detained person and becomes a person in care,
(ii) was a person in care and becomes a detained person,
(iii) was a person in care in a hospital or private hospital and becomes a person in care in a special care facility, or
(iv) was a person in care in a special care facility and becomes a person in care in a hospital or private hospital.
[en. B.C. Reg. 21/2023, App. 1, s. 10.]
Part 6 — Reconsiderations and Appeals
78 In this Part:
"appellant" means a person who commences an appeal under section 21 of the Act;
"party" means, in relation to an appeal to the tribunal, the appellant and the minister whose decision is under appeal.
79 (1) A person who wishes the minister to reconsider a decision referred to in section 17 (1) of the Act must deliver a request for reconsideration in the form specified by the minister to the ministry office where the person is applying for or receiving assistance.
(2) A request under subsection (1) must be delivered within 20 business days after the date the person is notified of the decision referred to in section 17 (1) of the Act and may be delivered by
(a) leaving it with an employee in the ministry office, or
(b) being received through the mail at that office.
80 The minister must reconsider a decision referred to in section 17 (1) of the Act, and mail a written determination on the reconsideration to the person who delivered the request under section 79 (1) [how a request to reconsider a decision is made],
(a) within 10 business days after receiving the request, or
(b) if the minister considers it necessary in the circumstances and the person consents, within 20 business days after receiving the request.
[en. B.C. Reg. 77/2008.]
81 (1) The following categories of supplements are not appealable to the tribunal:
(a) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (g).]
(b) reconsideration and appeal supplements under section 56.6;
(c) supplements related to employment plans under section 56;
(d) access to a program established or funded under the Act;
(e) confirmed job supplements under section 56.1;
(f) supplements under section 77.4;
(g) supplements under section 77.5.
(2) A decision to refuse to provide income assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement is not appealable to the tribunal if the person who would bring the appeal is awaiting a reconsideration of the minister or the decision of a panel on an earlier request for reconsideration the person made, or an appeal the person brought, respecting the same matter.
(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]
[am. B.C. Regs. 312/2002, s. 2; 313/2007, s. 1 (g); 400/2007, s. 8; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b); 73/2010, s. 4; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 18; 35/2020, App. 1, s. 5.]
82 (1) To be eligible for appointment as a member to the tribunal, a person must
(a) have an understanding of the essential elements for the conduct of a fair and objective appeal,
(b) have an understanding of the key aspects of the Act and its regulations, the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act and its regulations, and the Child Care Subsidy Act and its regulations,
(c) not be an employee, or have been an employee within the past 6 months, in the ministry of a minister charged with the administration of the Act,
(e) not have a personal, professional, financial or other interest in matters coming before the tribunal that would cause a reasonably informed person to have a reasonable perception that the tribunal member would not be independent and impartial.
(2) To be eligible for appointment as a chair or vice-chair of the tribunal, a person must, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1),
(a) have demonstrated skills regarding management, financial administration and human resource development, and
(b) have demonstrated knowledge of administrative law.
[am. B.C. Reg. 267/2008.]
83 (1) A member of the tribunal, other than the chair or a vice-chair of the tribunal, shall receive for each appeal heard,
(a) $225 for acting as a panel chair, unless the chair of the tribunal determines that the appeal is extraordinarily complex and requires an extraordinary amount of time to prepare for, hear and provide written reasons, in which case the member acting as the panel chair shall receive $450, and
(b) $145 for acting as a member of a panel other than as a panel chair.
(2) For the purposes of this section, 2 or more appeals that are consolidated under section 86 (e) and heard at one hearing count as one appeal.
(3) Subsection (1) applies to a member of the tribunal for no more than 3 appeals the member hears on the same day.
[am. B.C. Regs. 5/2008; 147/2015; 166/2017.]
84 To commence an appeal, an applicant or recipient must complete an appeal form specified by the minister and must submit that form to the chair of the tribunal.
85 (1) A hearing must be held within 15 business days after the appeal form is delivered under section 84, unless the chair of the tribunal and the parties consent to a later date.
(2) The chair of the tribunal must notify the parties of the date, time and place of a hearing described in subsection (1) at least 2 business days before the hearing is to commence.
86 The practices and procedures of a panel include the following:
(a) a party to an appeal may be represented by an agent;
(b) the panel may hear an appeal in the absence of a party if the party was notified of the hearing;
(c) the parties may call witnesses to give evidence before the panel;
(d) a witness may not be present at the hearing before giving evidence unless the witness is
(i) an expert witness in the proceedings,
(ii) a party to the appeal, or
(iii) an agent representing a party to the appeal;
(e) the chair of the tribunal may
(i) consolidate 2 or more appeals involving the same parties, and
(ii) direct that 2 or more appeals involving different parties will be heard together if the appeals involve substantially similar facts
(iii) the appeals involve substantially similar facts, and
(iv) each of the parties to each of the appeals agrees to the appeals being consolidated or heard together;
(f) the chair and the members of a panel must send to the chair of the tribunal all documents submitted to the panel respecting an appeal within 5 business days after that panel makes its determination under section 24 (1) of the Act respecting the appeal.
87 (1) The written determination of a panel under section 24 of the Act must be in the form specified by the minister and must
(a) specify the decision under appeal,
(b) summarize the issues and relevant facts considered in the appeal,
(c) set out the reasons on which the panel based its determination, and
(d) specify the outcome of the appeal.
(2) The panel must within 5 business days of the conclusion of the hearing provide to the chair of the tribunal its determination in accordance with subsection (1).
(3) On the request of the chair of a panel, the chair of the tribunal may extend the time limit under subsection (2) for the panel by no more than 10 additional business days if the chair of the tribunal is satisfied that
(a) the panel is making all reasonable efforts to provide the chair of the tribunal with its determination in a timely manner, and
(b) the best interest of the parties are served by the extension.
(4) If the panel's determination is not provided to the chair of the tribunal within the later of
(a) the end of the 5th business day following the conclusion of the hearing, and
(b) the date approved under subsection (3) by the chair of the tribunal,
the determination is invalid, the panel is disbanded without receiving any remuneration, and another panel must be appointed under section 22 of the Act.
(5) If another panel is appointed under section 22 of the Act as a result of subsection (4), section 85 applies to this other panel as though an appeal form had been delivered on the date of the appointment of the panel.
(6) The chair of the tribunal must within 5 business days of receipt of a determination of a panel mail a copy of the panel's determination to the parties.
88 (1) The tribunal and a panel must keep confidential all documents and information submitted to it respecting the hearing of an appeal.
(2) Determinations of a panel must not be disclosed by the chair and members of the panel to any person other than the chair of the tribunal.
(3) Appeal proceedings before a panel are confidential and the hearing is not open to the public.
(4) Despite subsections (1) to (3),
(a) the chair of the tribunal may publish determinations of panels if all names, addresses and other identifying information are removed from the decision before publication, and
(b) documents, information, determinations of a panel and matters arising in the course of appeal proceedings before a panel may be disclosed for purposes of the investigation for, or prosecution of, an offence under the laws of Canada or British Columbia.
Part 7 — General and Transitional Provisions
89 (1) In this section and sections 89.1 and 89.2:
"benefit month" , in relation to a family unit, means a calendar month for which the family unit is eligible for an amount of assistance under the Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, and, for certainty, consecutive benefit months need not be consecutive calendar months;
"criminal code offence" means an offence under the Criminal Code in relation to obtaining money, under the Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, by fraud or false or misleading representation;
"deposit debt" means a supplement provided to or for a family unit on a repayable basis under
(a) section 58 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 58.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 58.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit], or
(b) section 56 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 56.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 56.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation;
"offence overpayment" means an overpayment that is or was provided to or for a family unit as a result of a criminal code offence or Act offence for which a recipient in the family unit has been or is convicted, whether the conviction occurred before or after the date this section came into force;
(a) an overpayment described in section 27 (1) [overpayments] of the Act or section 18 (1) [overpayments] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,
(b) an amount of assistance provided under the Act to or for a family unit on a repayable basis, other than a supplement under section 58 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 58.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 58.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit] of this regulation,
(c) an amount of assistance provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act to or for a family unit on a repayable basis, other than a supplement under section 56 (2) [supplement to pay a security deposit], 56.1 (2) [supplement to pay a utility security deposit] or 56.2 (2) [supplement to pay a pet damage deposit] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation, or
(d) a debt referred to in section 42 [indebtedness under former Act] of the Act or section 33 [indebtedness under former Act] of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act.
(2) Subject to sections 89.1 and 89.2, for a family unit that includes one or more recipients who are liable for one or more overpayments, the amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) [liability for and recovery of debts under Act] of the Act is $10 each benefit month, regardless of the number of overpayments.
(2.1) Subject to sections 89.1 and 89.2, for a family unit that includes one or more recipients who are liable for one or more deposit debts, the amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of the Act is $20 each benefit month, regardless of the number of deposit debts.
(3) Subject to sections 89.1 and 89.2, for a family unit that includes one or more recipients who are liable for one or more offence overpayments, the amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of the Act for a benefit month is
(a) $100 for each recipient in the family unit whose conviction for a criminal code offence or Act offence resulted in an offence overpayment, or
(b) if the balance of the amounts of offence overpayments in relation to a recipient in the family unit is less than $100, that balance in relation to that recipient.
(4) A deduction under subsection (3) in relation to an offence overpayment provided to or for a family unit as a result of a criminal code offence
(a) begins for the first benefit month following the date the recipient is convicted of the criminal code offence, and
(b) continues for each consecutive benefit month until the amount of the offence overpayment is recovered.
(5) A deduction under subsection (3) in relation to an offence overpayment provided to or for a family unit as a result of an Act offence
(a) begins for the first benefit month following the date the recipient is convicted of the Act offence, and
(b) continues, unless the amount of the offence overpayment is earlier recovered,
(i) after a first conviction of the recipient for an Act offence, until the deduction has been made for 12 consecutive benefit months in relation to the first offence overpayment,
(ii) after a second conviction of that recipient for an Act offence, until the deduction has been made for 24 consecutive benefit months in relation to the second offence overpayment, and
(iii) after a third or subsequent conviction of that recipient for an Act offence, until the amount of the third or subsequent offence overpayments is recovered.
(6) Despite subsections (1) to (5), if the amount of assistance for which a family unit is eligible for a benefit month is less than the minimum amount to be deducted under this section, the minimum amount that is to be deducted for the purposes of section 28 (1) (b) of the Act for the benefit month is the amount of assistance for which the family unit is eligible for that benefit month.
(7) Despite subsections (4) (a) and (5) (a), if the conviction referred to in those subsections occurred before the date this section came into force, a deduction under subsection (4) or (5) begins for the first benefit month following the date this section came into force.
[en. B.C. Reg. 149/2015, Sch. s. 4; am. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 19.]
89.1 (1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 20 (a).]
(2) Section 89 (2) does not apply to a family unit for a benefit month if
(a) the family unit receives income assistance under section 8 (2) (b) [people in special care] of Schedule A for the benefit month, or
(b) section 89 (2.1) or (3) applies to the family unit for that benefit month.
(2.1) Section 89 (2.1) does not apply to a family unit for a benefit month if
(a) the family unit receives income assistance under section 8 (2) (b) of Schedule A for the benefit month, or
(b) section 89 (3) applies to the family unit for that benefit month.
(3) Section 89 (3) does not apply to a family unit for a benefit month if
(a) the family unit receives income assistance under section 8 (2) (b) of Schedule A for the benefit month,
(b) the minister is satisfied that the family unit is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless,
(c) the minister is satisfied that a deduction under that section would result in danger to the health of a person in the family unit, or
(d) a recipient in the family unit is liable for an offence overpayment but the person convicted of the criminal code offence or Act offence that resulted in the offence overpayment is not a member of the family unit for the benefit month.
(4) Despite section 89 (2), (2.1) and (3), a deduction under section 28 (1) (b) of the Act may not be made from a supplement under Division 8 [Housing Stability Supplement] of Part 5.
[en. B.C. Reg. 149/2015, Sch. s. 4; am. B.C. Regs. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 20; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 11.]
89.2 (1) Subsection (2) applies if the minister is entitled to recover more than one of the following types of debt in respect of a family unit or a recipient in a family unit:
(a) overpayments under section 89 (2);
(b) deposit debts under section 89 (2.1);
(c) offence overpayments section 89 (3).
(2) The minister may recover the debts referred to in subsection (1) from the family unit or recipient in the family unit, as applicable, by
(a) making a deduction respecting only one of the types of debt per benefit month, and
(b) making the deduction in accordance with the following:
(i) if the minister is entitled to recover debt as set out in subsection (1) (a), (b) and (c), subsection (1) (a) and (c) or subsection (1) (b) and (c), by deducting the amount set out in section 89 (3) until the total debt the minister is entitled to recover under section 89 (3) is fully recovered;
(ii) if the minister is entitled to recover debt as set out in subsection (1) (a) and (b), by deducting the amount set out in section 89 (2.1) until the total debt the minister is entitled to recover under section 89 (2.1) is fully recovered.
[en. B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 21.]
90 The following Acts are prescribed:
90.1 The minister may provide
(a) income assistance or hardship assistance to or for a recipient by cheque or electronic funds transfer or in vouchers, and
(b) a supplement to or for a recipient by cheque or electronic funds transfer or in vouchers or in kind.
[en. B.C. Reg. 7/2008.]
91 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 8/2006, s. (a).]
92 If satisfied that an unendorsed assistance cheque has been lost or stolen, the minister may issue a replacement as long as,
(a) in the case of theft, the matter has been reported to police, and
(b) in the case of loss or theft, the recipient
(i) makes a declaration of the facts, and
(ii) undertakes to promptly deliver the lost or stolen cheque to the minister if it is recovered.
93 The minister may continue to provide a family unit with an amount that, immediately before this section comes into force, the family unit was receiving as a travel allowance under section 75 (1) of the Income Assistance Regulation, B.C. Reg. 75/97, to enable a person in the family unit to attend a mental health activity centre.
94 Despite the repeal and replacement of section 9 (1) and (2) (b) of the Income Assistance Regulation, B.C. Reg. 75/95 and section 7 (1) and (2) (b) of the Youth Works Regulation, B.C. Reg. 77/97 on April 1, 2002 by B.C. Reg. 58/2002, section 9 (1) and (2) (b) of the Income Assistance Regulation and section 7 (1) and (2) (b) of the Youth Works Regulation, as they read on March 31, 2002, apply to the family unit of a recipient until the date the person's eligibility is next audited under section 34 [requirement for eligibility audit].
95 (1) In this section, "repealed provision" means sections 26, 27, 28 (2) (a) or (g), section 47 and Schedule D and section 13 (2) of Schedule A of the Income Assistance Regulation, B.C. Reg. 75/97 in force on March 31, 2002 and section 22, 23 or 24 (2) (a) or (g) of the Youth Works Regulation, B.C. Reg. 77/97 in force on March 31, 2002.
(2) The minister must not provide assistance authorized under a repealed provision except an amount awarded on an appeal in respect of a calendar month prior to April, 2002.
[am. B.C. Regs. 286/2003, s. 1 (b); 521/2004, s. 1; 161/2005; 304/2005, s. 7; 57/2007, s. 4; 88/2008, s. 2; 316/2008, s. (a); 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b) and (o); 62/2010, s. (a); 73/2010, ss. 5 and 6; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 20 and 21; 34/2017, App. 1, s. 4; 153/2017, App. 1, s. 1; 151/2018, App. 1, s. 8; 32/2019, App. 1, s. 1; 122/2019, App. 1, ss. 11 and 12; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 22; 35/2020, App. 1, s. 6; 108/2021, App. 1, s. 4; 233/2021, App. 2, ss. 1 to 3; 85/2022, App. 1, s. 4; 21/2023, App. 1, s. 12; 161/2023, App. 1, s. 5.]
Income Assistance Rates
1 (1) Subject to this section and sections 3 and 6 to 10 of this Schedule, the amount of income assistance referred to in section 28 (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the sum of
(a) the monthly support allowance under section 2 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the family unit of the applicant or recipient, plus
(b) the shelter allowance calculated under sections 4 and 5 of this Schedule.
(2) Despite subsection (1) but subject to subsection (3), income assistance may not be provided in respect of a dependent child if support for that child is provided under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act.
(a) an application is made by a parenting dependent child under section 5 (4) [application by parent who is dependent youth] of this regulation,
(b) the family unit is found eligible for income assistance, and
(c) support is provided for the parenting dependent child or that individual's dependent child, or for both, under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act,
the restriction in subsection (2) does not apply, but the amount of income assistance that may otherwise be provided to the family unit is to be reduced by the amount of that support.
2 (0.1) For the purposes of this section:
"deemed dependent children" , in relation to a family unit, means the persons in the family unit who are deemed to be dependent children under subsection (5);
"warrant" has the meaning of a warrant in section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act.
(1) A monthly support allowance for the purpose of section 1 (a) is the sum of
(a) the amount set out in Column 3 of the following table for a family unit described in Column 1 of an applicant or a recipient described in Column 2, plus
(b) the amount calculated in accordance with subsections (2) to (4) for each dependent child in the family unit.
| Item | Column 1 Family unit composition | Column 2 Age or status of applicant or recipient | Column 3 Amount of Support |
| 1 | Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age | $560.00 |
| 2 | Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment | $610.00 |
| 3 | Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children | Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age | $860.00 |
| 4 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age | $710.00 |
| 5 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment | $760.00 |
| 6 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age | $1 010.00 |
| 7 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $955.00 |
| 8 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $1 005.00 |
| 9 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons with persistent multiple barriers to employment | $1 055.00 |
| 10 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age | $1 255.00 |
| 11 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age | $1 505.00 |
| 12 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $1 055.00 |
| 13 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $1 105.00 |
| 14 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment | $1 155.00 |
| 15 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age | $1 355.00 |
| 16 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age | $1 605.00 |
| 17 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient | $610.00 |
| 18 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient | $660.00 |
| 19 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient | $910.00 |
| 20 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for one | $610.00 |
| 21 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient, and the other is under 65 years of age | $610.00 |
| 22 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient. | $660.00 |
| 23 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and a warrant has been issued for the applicant/recipient, and the other is 65 years of age or older | $910.00 |
| 24 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is 65 years of age or older and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient | $660.00 |
| 25 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient, and the other is 65 years of age or older | $910.00 |
| 26 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age, and the other is 65 years of age or older and a warrant has been issued for that applicant/recipient | $610.00 |
| 27 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one | $910.00 |
| 28 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both have persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for one | $660.00 |
| 29 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for one | $955.00 |
| 30 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for both | $905.00 |
| 31 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for one | $1 005.00 |
| 32 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is under 65 years of age, and a warrant has been issued for both | $955.00 |
| 33 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one | $1 255.00 |
| 34 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment, and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for both | $1 205.00 |
| 35 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one | $1 255.00 |
| 36 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for both | $1 205.00 |
| 37 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are 65 years of age or older, and a warrant has been issued for one | $1 505.00 |
| 38 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are 65 years of age or older and a warrant has been issued for both | $1 455.00 |
| 39 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both have persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for one | $1 055.00 |
| 40 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both have persistent multiple barriers to employment, and a warrant has been issued for both | $1 005.00 |
(2) If the family unit includes one or more dependent children or deemed dependent children, the support allowance under subsection (1) for a calendar month is increased by an amount equal to
(a) the total BC child adjustment amount for all dependent children and all deemed dependent children in the family unit, minus
(i) the family bonus, if any, paid to the family unit for the preceding month,
(ii) the Canada child benefit, if any, paid to the family unit for the preceding month in respect of dependent children in the family unit, up to a maximum of the BC child adjustment amount in respect of those dependent children, and
(iii) the total amount of the supplements, if any, provided to or for the family unit under section 61 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus] or 61.1 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled Canada child benefit] of this regulation for the current calendar month.
(2.1) If the amount calculated under subsection (2) is less than zero, it is deemed to be zero for the purposes of this section.
(3) In calculating the adjustment under subsection (2), an amount that, under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) or the Income Tax Act (Canada), is deducted or set off from the family bonus or the Canada child benefit must be treated as if it were paid to a person in the family unit.
(4) The support allowance under subsection (1) for a calendar month is not increased under subsection (2) if a person in the family unit refuses to
(a) apply for the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month, or
(b) accept the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month
in respect of a dependent child in the family unit who is, or may be, a qualified dependant within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
(5) If a family unit includes a person who
(a) immediately before reaching 19 years of age was a dependent child in the family unit, and
(b) reached that age while attending secondary school,
the person is deemed to be a dependent child, for the purposes of this section, until the earlier of
(c) the end of the school year in which the person reaches the age of 19 years, and
(d) the date the person stops attending secondary school.
(6) For the purposes of this section, if the family unit includes a deemed dependent child, the BC child adjustment amount applies in respect of the deemed dependent child as if the deemed dependent child was a dependent child.
3 In the calendar month that includes the income assistance application date, the monthly support allowance is prorated based on the number of days remaining in that calendar month, beginning with the date of that submission.
4 (1) For the purposes of this section:
"family unit" includes a child who is not a dependent child and who relies on the parent for the necessities of life and resides in the parent's place of residence for not less than 40% of each month;
"warrant" has the meaning of a warrant in section 15.2 [consequences in relation to outstanding arrest warrants] of the Act.
(2) The monthly shelter allowance for a family unit other than a family unit described in section 15.2 (1) of the Act is the greater of
(a) the minimum set out in the following table for the family unit, and
(b) the lesser of
(i) the family unit's actual shelter costs, and
(ii) the maximum set out in the following table for the family unit.
| Item | Column 1 Family Unit Size | Column 2 Minimum | Column 3 Maximum |
| 1 | 1 person | $75 | $500 |
| 2 | 2 persons | $150 | $695 |
| 3 | 3 persons | $200 | $790 |
| 4 | 4 persons | $225 | $840 |
| 5 | 5 persons | $250 | $890 |
| 6 | 6 persons | $275 | $940 |
| 7 | 7 persons | $300 | $990 |
| 8 | 8 persons | $325 | $1 040 |
| 9 | 9 persons | $350 | $1 090 |
| 10 | 10 persons | $375 | $1 140 |
(2.1) The monthly shelter allowance for a family unit described in section 15.2 (1) of the Act is the greater of
(a) the minimum set out in the following table for the family unit, and
(b) the lesser of
(i) the family unit's actual shelter costs, and
(ii) the maximum set out in the following table for the family unit.
| Item | Column 1 Family Unit Composition | Column 2 Minimum | Column 3 Maximum |
| 1 | Two applicants/recipients, no dependent children and a warrant has been issued only for one | $75 | $500 |
| 2 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 2 persons | $150 | $695 |
| 3 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 3 persons | $200 | $790 |
| 4 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 4 persons | $225 | $840 |
| 5 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 5 persons | $250 | $890 |
| 6 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 6 persons | $275 | $940 |
| 7 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 7 persons | $300 | $990 |
| 8 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 8 persons | $325 | $1 040 |
| 9 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 9 persons | $350 | $1 090 |
| 10 | Family with dependent children, family unit size = 10 persons | $375 | $1 140 |
(3) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (2.1), the minimum and maximum monthly shelter allowance amount for a family unit of more than 10 persons is to be calculated as follows:
(a) the minimum is to be calculated by adding $25 for each additional person;
(b) the maximum is to be calculated by adding $50 for each additional person.
(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 62/2010, s. (a).]
(5) Despite subsection (2) (b) (i) or (2.1) (b) (i), if the actual shelter costs of a recipient increase as a result of the recipient remortgaging the recipient's place of residence, the amount of the mortgage payments is deemed, for the term of the new mortgage, to equal the amount before the remortgaging unless
(a) the remortgaging was necessary because of the expiry of the mortgage term, and
(b) the amount borrowed under the mortgage is not increased.
(6) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 22 (b).]
5 (1) For the purpose of this section, utility costs for a family unit's place of residence include only the following costs:
(a) fuel for heating;
(b) fuel for cooking meals;
(e) garbage disposal provided by a company on a regular weekly or biweekly basis;
(f) rental of one basic residential single-line telephone.
(2) When calculating the actual monthly shelter costs of a family unit, only the following items are included:
(a) rent for the family unit's place of residence;
(b) mortgage payments on the family unit's place of residence, if owned by a person in the family unit;
(c) a house insurance premium for the family unit's place of residence if owned by a person in the family unit;
(d) property taxes for the family unit's place of residence if owned by a person in the family unit;
(e) utility costs;
(f) the actual cost of maintenance and repairs for the family unit's place of residence if owned by a person in the family unit and if these costs have received the minister's prior approval.
(3) If utility costs fluctuate, they may be averaged over the periods
(a) beginning on October 1 and ending on March 31, and
(b) beginning on April 1 and ending on September 30.
(4) If 2 or more family units share the same place of residence, the actual shelter costs of any one of them are the smaller of
(a) the amount calculated by
(i) dividing the actual shelter costs for all the family units by the number of persons occupying that place of residence, and
(ii) multiplying the result by the number of persons in that one family unit, and
(b) the amount declared by the family unit as the shelter costs for that family unit.
6 (1) For a family unit receiving room and board other than in a facility mentioned in section 8 (2) (b) (i) [people in special care] of this Schedule, the amount referred to in section 28 (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the smaller of the following amounts:
(i) the actual cost of the room and board, plus
(ii) $60 for each calendar month for each applicant or recipient, plus
(iii) $40 for each calendar month for each dependent child in the family unit;
(b) the amount calculated under sections 1 to 5 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the applicant's or recipient's family unit.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 11 (b).]
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) (a) (i), if the actual cost of room and board is less than the minimum determined under section 4 (2) (a) or (2.1) (a) for the family unit, the actual cost is conclusively deemed to be that minimum.
7 (1) For a family unit that includes a person who has reached 65 years of age and receives federal old age security payments and includes a dependant, the amount referred to in section 28 (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the sum of
(a) the support allowance calculated under section 2 and 3 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the applicant's or recipient's family unit, plus
(b) the maximum shelter allowance calculated under section 4 of this Schedule for a family unit matching the applicant's or recipient's family unit.
(2) Subsection (1) applies regardless of the family unit's actual shelter costs or whether the family unit is sharing residential accommodation or receiving room and board.
8 (1) In this section, "person in special care" and "specified person" have the same meanings as in section 77.6 [definitions — housing stability supplement] of this regulation.
(2) For a family unit that includes one or more specified persons, the amount referred to in section 28 (a) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation is the sum of
(a) the amount that would be calculated under this Schedule if the specified persons were not part of the family unit, and
(b) for each specified person who is a person in special care,
(i) the actual cost, if any, to the person of the accommodation and care at the rate approved by the minister for the type of the facility, and
(ii) a comforts allowance of $115.
(3) For certainty, this section applies in relation to a family unit that includes only one or more persons in special care and, in that case, the amount referred to in subsection (2) (a) is to be considered to be zero.
9 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2022, App. 1, s. 4 (e).]
10 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 12.]
11 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]
[am. B.C. Regs. 57/2003, s. 1; 115/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2; 209/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2; 235/2003, s. 2; 276/2004, s. 1 (b); 462/2003, Sch. A, s. 3; 429/2004; 22/2005, Sch. s. 1 (b); 87/2005, s. (b); 90/2005, s. 1; 91/2005, s. 1; 292/2005, s. 1 (a); 43/2006, s. 1; 192/2006, s. 4; 250/2006, s. 1 (b); 57/2007, s. 5; 195/2007, s. 2; 362/2007, s. (b); 48/2008, s. 1 (b); 87/2008, s. 1 (b); 94/2008, s. 1 (b); 4/2010, s. 3; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b), (p) and (q); 180/2010, s. 1; 242/2010, Sch. s. 2; 32/2012, Sch. 3, s. 1; 83/2012, s. 1; 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 22 to 25; 31/2014, Sch. 1, s. 2; 172/2014, Sch. 1, s. 2; 41/2015, Sch. 1, s. 3; 73/2015, App. 3, s. 1; 145/2015, Sch. 1, ss. 15 to 17; 148/2015, App. 1, s. 1; 204/2015, App. 1, ss. 3 and 4; 81/2016, App. A, s. 1; 233/2016, App. 1; 283/2016, Sch. 1, s. 3; 96/2017, App. 1, s. 2; 34/2017, App. 1, ss. 5 to 9; 179/2017, App. 1, s. 2; 169/2017, App. 1, s. 1; 150/2018, s. 1 (b); 151/2018, App. 1, s. 9; 189/2018, App. 1, s. 1 (b); 19/2019, App. 1, s. 1 (b); 122/2019, App. 1, s. 13; 226/2019, App. 1, s. 2; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 23; 259/2020, App. 1, s. 3; 268/2020, App. 1, s. 2 and App. 3; 278/2020, App. 1, s. 2; 21/2021, App. 1, s. 1 (b); 108/2021, App. 1, s. 5; 194/2021, s. 3; 232/2021, Sch. 1, s. 2; 189/2021, App. 3; 303/2021, Sch. 1, s. 2; 246/2022, App. 1, ss. 4 and 5; 272/2022, App. 1, s. 3; 52/2023, App. 1, s. 1; 99/2023, App. 1, s. 3; 161/2023, App. 1, s. 6 and App. 2.]
Net Income Calculation
1 When calculating the net income of a family unit for the purposes of section 28 (b) [amount of income assistance] of this regulation,
(a) the following are exempt from income:
(i) any income earned by a dependent child attending school on a full-time basis;
(ii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 96/2017, App. 1, s. 2 (a).]
(iii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (b).]
(iv) a family bonus, except the portion treated as unearned income under section 10 (1) of this Schedule;
(iv.1) the Canada child benefit, except the portion treated as unearned income under section 10 (1) of this Schedule;
(v) the basic child tax benefit;
(vi) a goods and services tax credit under the Income Tax Act (Canada);
(vii) a tax credit under section 8 [refundable sales tax credit], 8.1 [climate action tax credit], 8.2 [BC harmonized sales tax credit] or 8.3 [renter's tax credit] of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia);
(viii) individual redress payments granted by the government of Canada to a person of Japanese ancestry;
(ix) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus;
(x) individual payments granted by the government of British Columbia to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus or to the surviving spouse or dependent children of that person;
(xi) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to thalidomide victims;
(xii) money that is
(A) paid or payable to a person if the money is awarded to the person by an adjudicative panel in respect of claims of abuse at Jericho Hill School for the Deaf and drawn from a lump sum settlement paid by the government of British Columbia, or
(B) paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. C980463, Vancouver Registry;
(xiii) the BC earned income benefit;
(xiv) money paid or payable under the 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreement made June 15, 1999, except money paid or payable under section 4.02 or 6.01 of Schedule A or of Schedule B of that agreement;
(xv) a rent subsidy provided by the provincial government, or by a council, board, society or governmental agency that administers rent subsidies from the provincial government;
(xvi) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 22 (a).]
(xvii) and (xvii.1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 3 (a).]
(xviii) financial assistance payments provided under Part 6 of the Adoption Regulation, B.C. Reg. 291/96;
(xix) a rebate of energy or fuel tax provided by the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia, or an agency of either government;
(xx) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5.]
(xxi) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under section 8 [agreement with child's kin and others] of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;
(xxii) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program;
(xxiii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 5.]
(xxiv) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, for contributions to the support of a child;
(xxv) a loan that is
(A) not greater than the amount contemplated by the recipient's business plan, accepted by the minister under section 77.2 of this regulation, and
(B) received and used for the purposes set out in the business plan;
(xxvi) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's
(A) Autism Funding: Under Age 6 Program, or
(B) Autism Funding: Ages 6 — 18 Program;
(xxvii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 148/2015, App. 1, s. 1 (a).]
(xxviii) payments made by a health authority or a contractor of a health authority to a recipient, who is a "person with a mental disorder" as defined in section 1 of the Mental Health Act, for the purpose of supporting the recipient in participating in a volunteer program or in a mental health or addictions rehabilitation program;
(xxix) a refund provided under Plan I as established under the Drug Plans Regulation;
(xxx) payments provided by Community Living BC to assist with travel expenses for a recipient in the family unit to attend a self-help skills program, or a supported work placement program, approved by Community Living BC;
(xxxi) a Universal Child Care Benefit provided under the Universal Child Care Benefit Act (Canada);
(xxxi.1) a rental housing benefit provided under the Rental Housing Benefit Act (Canada);
(xxxi.2) a dental benefit provided under the Dental Benefit Act (Canada);
(xxxii) money paid by the government of Canada, under a settlement agreement, to persons who contracted Hepatitis C by receiving blood or blood products in Canada prior to 1986 or after July 1, 1990, except money paid under that agreement as income replacement;
(xxxiii) money withdrawn from a registered disability savings plan;
(xxxiv) a working income tax benefit provided under the Income Tax Act (Canada);
(xxxv) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 180/2010, s. 1 (b).]
(xxxvi) the climate action dividend under section 13.02 of the Income Tax Act;
(xxxvii) money paid or payable to a person under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act as compensation for non-pecuniary loss or damage for pain, suffering mental or emotional trauma, humiliation or inconvenience that occurred when the person was under 19 years of age;
(xxxvii.1) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement and Supplementary Agreement approved by the Federal Court June 22, 2018 in Court File No. T-370-17, Todd Edward Ross et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen;
(xxxvii.2) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement approved by the Federal Court January 30, 2019 in Court File No. T-1068-14, Raymond Michael Toth v. Her Majesty the Queen;
(xxxviii) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. S024338, Vancouver Registry;
(xxxix) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Family Support Services program;
(xl) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Supported Child Development program;
(xli) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Aboriginal Supported Child Development program;
(xlii) money paid or payable from a fund that is established by the government of British Columbia, the government of Canada and the City of Vancouver in relation to recommendation 3.2 of the final report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry;
(xliii) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Temporary Education Support for Parents program;
(xliv) a BC early childhood tax benefit;
(xliv.1) a BC child opportunity benefit;
(xliv.2) a BC family benefit;
(xlv) child support;
(xlvi) orphan's benefits under the Canada Pension Plan Act (Canada);
(xlvii) gifts, other than recurring gifts;
(xlviii) compensation paid or payable under Division 5 [Compensation in Relation to Death of Worker] of Part 4 [Compensation to Injured Workers and Their Dependants] or section 225 [compensation in relation to worker death before July 1, 1974] of the Workers Compensation Act to a dependant, as defined in section 1 of that Act, who is a child, as defined in section 165 (1) of that Act;
(xlix) money that is paid or payable by or for Community Living BC to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by Community Living BC, an employee of Community Living BC or a person retained under a contract to perform services for Community Living BC;
(l) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the minister, the ministry, an employee of the ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for the ministry;
(l.1) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the Minister of Children and Family Development, that ministry, an employee of that ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for that ministry;
(l.2) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person because the person was a resident of Woodlands School;
(li) a disabled contributor's child's benefit paid or payable under the Canada Pension Plan;
(lii) payments granted under an agreement referred to in section 94 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;
(liii) money that is paid or payable, in respect of a child, from property that comes into the control of, or is held by, the Public Guardian and Trustee;
(liv) and (lv) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 3 (a).]
(lvi) money that is paid or payable under the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders established under the authority of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act (Canada);
(lvii) money, or goods or services in kind, received or to be received by a participant in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's Work Experience Opportunities Grant program from a grant under the program;
(lviii) a rebate of all or part of a premium paid to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and the plan operated under that Act;
(lix) an amount that is paid or payable, as a single payment or series of payments, as follows:
(A) the amount is paid or payable by a person who is or was a landlord, owner or manager, or a person who holds or held a similar position, in relation to leased, rented or licensed residential premises, whether or not the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act applies to that premises;
(B) the amount is paid or payable to a person who is or was a tenant, lessee, licensee or occupant, or a person who has or had a similar right or permission to use the premises for residential purposes;
(C) the amount is paid or payable as full or partial compensation for loss of the residential use of the premises, including for eviction, relocation, demolition, temporary displacement during repair, renovation or redevelopment, or as an inducement to cease or suspend residential use;
(D) the amount is paid or payable under an enactment, a policy or a contract, or voluntarily or at the discretion of the person referred to in clause (A);
(lx) to (lxiii) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 3 (a).]
(lxiv) a voted support payment;
(lxv) money that is paid under or from an Indigenous financial settlement.
(b) any amount garnished, attached, seized, deducted or set off from income is considered to be income, except the deductions permitted under sections 2 and 6 of this Schedule,
(b.1) if money is paid under or from an Indigenous financial settlement to an Indigenous governing body, the exemption under paragraph (a) (lxv) includes investment income earned on that money by the Indigenous governing body before it is distributed to a person,
(c) all earned income must be included, except the deductions permitted under section 2 and any earned income exempted under sections 3 and 4 of this Schedule, and
(d) all unearned income must be included, except the deductions permitted under section 6 and any income exempted under sections 7 and 8 of this Schedule.
2 The only deductions permitted from earned income are the following:
(a) any amount deducted at source for
(ii) employment insurance,
(iii) medical insurance,
(iv) Canada Pension Plan,
(vi) company pension plan, and
(b) if the applicant or recipient provides both room and board to a person at the applicant's or recipient's place of residence, the essential operating costs of providing the room and board;
(c) if the applicant or recipient rents rooms that are common to and part of the applicant's or recipient's place of residence, 25% of the gross rent received from the rental of the rooms.
3 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the amount of earned income calculated under subsection (6) is exempt for a family unit.
(2) A family unit may not claim an exemption under this section in relation to the first calendar month for which the family unit becomes eligible for income assistance unless a member of the family unit received disability assistance or income assistance in at least one of the 6 calendar months immediately preceding that first calendar month.
(3)–(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 16.]
(6) The exempt amount for a family unit is the lesser of the family unit's total earned income in the calendar month of calculation and the following:
(a) $600, if the family unit is not described in paragraph (b), (c) or (d);
(b) $900, if the family unit
(i) includes a recipient who
(A) has a dependent child, or
(B) provides care to a supported child, and
(ii) is not described in paragraph (c) or (d);
(i) the family unit includes a recipient who
(A) has a dependent child, or
(B) provides care to a supported child,
(ii) the child has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the recipient from leaving home for the purposes of employment or working, on average, more than 30 hours each week, and
(iii) the family unit is not described in paragraph (d);
(d) $1 080, if the family unit includes a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment.
(7) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 13.]
4 (1) In this section and section 5,
"permitted operating expenses" means costs, charges and expenses incurred by a person in the operation of a small business, under a self-employment program in which the person is participating, for the following:
(a) purchase of supplies and products;
(b) accounting and legal services;
(d) taxes, fees, licences and dues incurred in the small business;
(e) business insurance;
(f) charges imposed by a savings institution on an account and interest;
(f.1) payments, including principal and interest, on a loan that is
(i) not greater than the amount contemplated by the recipient's business plan, accepted by the minister under section 77.2 of this regulation, and
(ii) received and used for the purposes set out in the business plan;
(g) maintenance and repairs to equipment;
(h) gross wages paid to employees of the small business, but not including wages paid to
(i) the person participating, or
(ii) a person in the family unit of the person participating;
(i) motor vehicle expenses;
(j) premiums for employment insurance or workers' compensation benefits;
(k) employer contributions for employment insurance, workers' compensation or the Canada Pension Plan;
(l) rent and utilities, excluding rent and utilities for the place of residence of the persons described in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph (h) unless
(i) there is an increase for rent or utilities and the increase is attributable to the small business, and
(ii) the increase is not provided for in the calculation of the family unit's shelter allowance under Schedule A of this regulation;
(m) office expenses;
(n) equipment purchases or rentals;
(o) contributions made under the Canada Pension Plan in respect of the person's self-employment earnings.
(2) Earned income of a recipient of income assistance is exempted from the total income of the recipient's family unit if
(a) the recipient is participating in a self-employment program, and
(b) the earned income is derived from operating a small business under the self-employment program in which the recipient is participating and
(i) is used for permitted operating expenses of the small business, or
(ii) is deposited in a separate account, established by the recipient in a savings institution, which account
(A) consists exclusively of funds reserved by the recipient for the purpose of paying permitted operating expenses of that small business, and
(B) the amount deposited does not increase the current balance of the separate account to a sum that exceeds $5 000, or
(iii) is used for costs of renovations to the recipient's place of residence up to but not exceeding $5 000 in total or a greater amount accepted by the minister, if the renovations are part of a business plan accepted by the minister under section 77.2 of this regulation.
5 The amount of any expenditure or withdrawal out of a separate account described in section 4 (2) (b) (ii) of this Schedule is earned income for all purposes of this regulation, unless
(a) the expenditure or withdrawal is for the payment of permitted operating expenses of the small business referred to in section 4 (2) of this Schedule, and
(b) in the case of a withdrawal, the amount withdrawn is used within one month after the date of withdrawal to pay permitted operating expenses of the small business referred to in section 4 (2) (b) (i) of this Schedule.
6 The only deductions permitted from unearned income are the following:
(a) any income tax deducted at source from employment insurance benefits;
(b) essential operating costs of renting self-contained suites.
7 (0.1) In this section:
"disability-related cost" means a disability-related cost referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of disability-related cost in section 13 (1) [assets held in trust for person receiving special care] of this regulation;
"disability-related cost to promote independence" means a disability-related cost referred to in paragraph (d) of the definition of disability-related cost in section 13 (1) of this regulation;
"intended registered disability savings plan or trust" , in relation to a person referred to in section 13.1 (2) [temporary exemption of assets for person applying for disability designation or receiving special care] of this regulation, means an asset, received by the person, to which the exemption under that section applies;
"structured settlement annuity payment" means a payment referred to in subsection (2) (b) (iii) made under the annuity contract referred to in that subsection.
(1) The following unearned income is exempt:
(a) the portion of interest from a mortgage on, or agreement for sale of, the family unit's previous place of residence if the interest is required for the amount owing on the purchase or rental of the family unit's current place of residence;
(b) $50 of each monthly Veterans Affairs Canada benefits paid to any person in the family unit;
(c) a criminal injury compensation award or other award, except the amount that would cause the family unit's assets to exceed, at the time the award is received, the limit applicable under section 11 [asset limits] of this regulation;
(d) a payment made from a trust to or on behalf of a person referred to in section 13 (2) [assets held in trust for person receiving special care] of this regulation if the payment is applied exclusively to or used exclusively for
(i) disability-related costs,
(ii) the acquisition of a family unit's place of residence,
(iii) a registered education savings plan, or
(iv) a registered disability savings plan;
(d.1) subject to subsection (2), a structured settlement annuity payment made to a person referred to in section 13 (2) (a) of this regulation if the payment is applied exclusively to or used exclusively for an item referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (d) of this subsection;
(d.2) money expended by a person referred to in section 13.1 (2) [temporary exemption of assets for person applying for disability designation or receiving special care] of this regulation from an intended registered disability savings plan or trust if the money is applied exclusively to or used exclusively for disability-related costs;
(d.3) any of the following if applied exclusively to or used exclusively for disability-related costs to promote independence:
(i) a payment made from a trust to or on behalf of a person referred to in section 13 (2) of this regulation;
(ii) a structured settlement annuity payment that, subject to subsection (2), is made to a person referred to in section 13 (2) (a) of this regulation;
(iii) money expended by a person referred to in section 13.1 (2) of this regulation from an intended registered disability savings plan or trust;
(e) the portion of Canada Pension Plan Benefits that is calculated by the formula (A−B) x C, where
A = the gross monthly amount of Canada Pension Plan Benefits received by an applicant or recipient;
B = (i) in respect of a family unit comprised of a sole applicant or a sole recipient with no dependent children, 1/12 of the amount determined under section 118 (1) (c) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as adjusted under section 117.1 of that Act, or
(ii) in respect of any other family unit, the amount under subparagraph (i), plus 1/12 of the amount resulting from the calculation under section 118 (1) (a) (ii) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as adjusted under section 117.1 of that Act;
C = the sum of the percentages of taxable amounts set out under section 117 (2) (a) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and section 4.1 (1) (a) of the Income Tax Act;
(g) a benefit paid under section 22, 23 or 23.2 of the Employment Insurance Act (Canada) to any person in the family unit.
(2) Subsection (1) (d.1) and (d.3) (ii) applies in respect of a person only if
(a) the person has entered into a settlement agreement with the defendant in relation to a claim for damages in respect of personal injury or death, and
(b) the settlement agreement requires the defendant to
(i) make periodic payments to the person for a fixed term or the life of the person,
(ii) purchase a single premium annuity contract that
(A) is not assignable, commutable or transferable, and
(B) is designed to produce payments equal to the amounts, and at the times, specified in the settlement agreement,
(iii) make an irrevocable direction to the issuer of the annuity contract to make all payments under that annuity contract directly to the person, and
(iv) remain liable to make the payments required by the settlement agreement.
(2.1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 204/2015, App. 1, s. 4 (b).]
(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 197/2012, Sch. 1, s. 24 (f).]
8 (1) In this section:
"day care costs" means the difference between a student's actual day care costs and the maximum amount of child care subsidy that is available under the Child Care Subsidy Act to a family unit matching the student's family unit;
"education costs" , in relation to a student and a program of studies, means the costs, including the costs of tuition, student fees, books, equipment, supplies and transportation, that, in the opinion of the minister, are reasonably required for the student to participate in the program of studies.
"education related living costs" , in relation to a student and a program of studies, means the costs, other than education costs, including the costs of food, shelter, clothing, utilities and other living expenses, that, in the opinion of the minister, are reasonably required for the student to participate in the program of studies.
(2) The minister may authorize an exemption for a student described in subsection (3) up to the sum of the student's education costs and day care costs, for a period of study, from the total amount of the following received by the student for the period of study:
(a) a training allowance;
(b) student financial assistance;
(c) student grants, bursaries and scholarships;
(d) disbursements from a registered education savings plan.
(3) An exemption under subsection (2) may be authorized in respect of a student who is
(a) a dependent child enrolled as a student in either a funded or an unfunded program of studies,
(b) an applicant or a recipient enrolled
(i) as a part-time student in an unfunded program of studies, or
(ii) with the prior approval of the minister, as a full-time student in an unfunded program of studies, or
(c) a person in a category listed in section 29 (4) [consequences of failing to meet employment-related obligations] of this regulation enrolled as a part-time student in a funded program of studies.
(4) The minister may authorize an exemption for a student who is a recipient enrolled as a part-time student in a funded program of studies up to the sum of the student's education costs and day care costs, for a period of study, from the total amount of the following received by the student for the period of study:
(a) a training allowance;
(b) student grants, bursaries and scholarships, except student grants, bursaries and scholarships provided under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act;
(c) disbursements from a registered education savings plan.
(5) The minister may authorize an exemption for a student who is described in section 16 (1.1) [effect of family unit including full-time student] of this regulation up to the sum of the student's education costs, education related living costs and day care costs, for a period of study, from the total amount of the following received by the student for the period of study:
(a) a training allowance;
(b) student grants, bursaries and scholarships, except student grants, bursaries and scholarships provided under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act;
(c) disbursements from a registered education savings plan.
9 (1) The deductions and exemptions in this Schedule apply only in the calendar month in which the income is actually received, despite any of the following:
(a) the date the income is payable;
(b) the period for which the income is payable;
(c) the date the income is reported to the minister;
(d) the date the minister receives notice of the income.
(2) Despite subsection (1), income that is received before the date that subsection (1) comes into force is subject to the application of section 9 of this regulation as it read immediately before subsection (1) came into force.
10 (0.1) In this section:
"backdated Canada child benefit payment" , in relation to a child benefits cheque, means the portion of the cheque, if any, attributable to the Canada child benefit for one or more calendar months preceding the calendar month in which the cheque is issued;
"backdated family bonus payment" , in relation to a child benefits cheque, means the portion of the cheque, if any, attributable to the family bonus for one or more calendar months preceding the calendar month in which the cheque is issued;
"supplement" means a supplement referred to in section 61 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus] or 61.1 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled Canada child benefit] of this regulation.
(1) If a person in the applicant's or recipient's family unit receives a backdated family bonus payment or a backdated Canada child benefit payment and all or part of the payment is attributable to one or more calendar months for which the family unit was also provided with a supplement, the lesser of the following amounts must be treated as unearned income:
(a) the portion of the backdated family bonus payment or the backdated Canada child benefit payment, as applicable, that is attributable to those calendar months for which the family unit was provided with a supplement;
(b) the sum of the supplements that are attributable to those calendar months for which the family unit received the backdated family bonus payment or the backdated Canada child benefit payment, as applicable.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an amount that, under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) or the Income Tax Act (Canada), is deducted or set off from a family bonus or a Canada child benefit is considered to have been paid to a person in the applicant's or recipient's family unit.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to an amount included in that portion of a child benefits cheque attributable to family bonus or Canada child benefit
(a) to replace a lost or stolen cheque for which an amount was advanced under section 60 [advance for lost or stolen family bonus cheque] or 60.1 [advance for lost or stolen child benefits cheque — Canada child benefit] of this regulation, or
(b) to replace a cheque for which no amount was advanced under section 60 [advance for lost or stolen family bonus cheque] or 60.1 [advance for lost or stolen child benefits cheque — Canada child benefit] of this regulation if the replacement is received in the calendar month following the calendar month for which the lost or stolen cheque was issued.
(c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (q).]
11 (1) In this section, "pension benefit" means a pension or other payment under the Canada Pension Plan (Canada).
(a) income assistance is provided to a family unit for a calendar month or any portion of a calendar month that would not have been provided if a pension benefit had been paid for that calendar month, and
(b) subsequently a pension benefit becomes payable or payment of a pension benefit may be made under the Canada Pension Plan (Canada) to a recipient in the family unit for that calendar month or any portion of that calendar month,
the amount of the pension benefit that becomes payable for that month or portion of that month must be treated as unearned income and is considered to have been received by the recipient in that month.
[am. B.C. Regs. 236/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2; 285/2003, s. 1; 430/2003, s. 2; 8/2004; 10/2004, Sch. A, s. 1; 88/2005; 154/2005; 155/2005, s. 2; 160/2005; 162/2005; 314/2006; 53/2007, s. 1; 60/2007, s. 1; 75/2008; 317/2008, s. 5; 318/2008, s. 1; 412/2008, App. s. 2; 420/2008, App. s. 2; 421/2008, App. s. 2; 422/2008, App. s. 2; 423/2008, App. s. 2; 4/2010, s. 3; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (r); 61/2010, ss. 2 and 3; 64/2010, s. 2; 65/2010, App. 1, ss. 1 to 4; 66/2010, s. 1; 169/2010, App. s. 2; 144/2011, Sch. 1; 85/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 6 to 9; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 26 to 33; 145/2015, Sch. 1, s. 18; 118/2017, App. 1, ss. 2 and 3; 161/2017, App. 1, ss. 7 to 18; 94/2018, App. 1; 123/2019, App. 1, ss. 5 and 6; 180/2019, App. 4, ss. 5 and 6; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 24; 35/2020, App. 1, s. 7; 209/2020, s. 1; 206/2020, s. 4; 208/2022, Sch. 2; 52/2023, App. 1, s. 2; 66/2023, Sch., s. 1; 161/2023, App. 1, ss. 7 to 9.]
Health Supplements
1 In this Schedule:
"audiologist" means an audiologist registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act;
"basic dental service" means a dental service that
(a) if provided by a dentist,
(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and
(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of person receiving the service,
(b) if provided by a denturist,
(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and
(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of person receiving the service, and
(c) if provided by a dental hygienist,
(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dental Hygienist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and
(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of person receiving the service;
"basic eyewear and repairs" means any of the following items that are provided by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician:
(a) for a child who has a new prescription, one pair of eye glasses per year consisting of the least expensive appropriate
(i) single-vision or bifocal lenses, and
(b) for any other person who has a new prescription, one pair of eye glasses every 3 years consisting of the least expensive appropriate
(i) single-vision or bifocal lenses, and
(c) for a child or other person,
(i) new lenses at any time if an optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician confirms a change in refractive status in either eye,
(ii) a case for new eye glasses or lenses, and
(iii) necessary repairs to lenses or frames that come within this definition;
"change in refractive status" means a change of not less than 0.5 dioptres to the spherical or cylinder lens, or a change in axis that equals or exceeds
(a) 20 degrees for a cylinder lens of 0.5 dioptres or less,
(b) 10 degrees for a cylinder lens of more than 0.5 dioptres but not more than 1.0 dioptre, and
(c) 3 degrees for a cylinder lens of more than 1.0 dioptre;
"dental hygienist" means a dental hygienist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals;
"dentist" means a dentist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals;
"denture services" means services and items that
(a) if provided by a dentist
(i) are set out under fee numbers 51101 to 51302 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and
(ii) are provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service or item and the category of person receiving the service or item, and
(b) if provided by a denturist
(i) are set out under fee numbers 31310 to 31321 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and
(ii) are provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service or item and the category of person receiving the service or item;
"denturist" means a denturist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals;
"emergency dental service" means a dental service necessary for the immediate relief of pain that,
(a) if provided by a dentist,
(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Emergency Dental — Dentist, that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and
(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of the person receiving the service, and
(b) if provided by a denturist,
(i) is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Emergency Dental — Denturist, that is effective September 1, 2017 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister, and
(ii) is provided at the rate set out in that Schedule for the service and the category of the person receiving the service;
"eye examination" means a full diagnostic examination of a person's eyes by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, that includes
(a) a determination of the refractive status of the eyes and of the presence of any observed abnormality in the person's visual system,
(b) any necessary tests connected to making determinations under paragraph (a), and
(c) the provision of a written prescription for lenses if necessary;
"hearing instrument" has the same meaning as in the Speech and Hearing Health Professionals Regulation, B.C. Reg. 413/2008;
"hearing instrument practitioner" means a hearing instrument practitioner registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act;
"occupational therapist" means an occupational therapist registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act;
"ophthalmologist" means a medical practitioner who practises ophthalmology;
"optician" means an optician registered with the College of Opticians of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act;
"optometrist" means an optometrist registered with the College of Optometrists of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act;
"orthotist" means a person who is certified by and in good standing with the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists;
"pedorthist" means a person who is certified by and in good standing with the College of Pedorthics of Canada;
"physical therapist" means a physical therapist registered with the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act;
"physical therapy" has the same meaning as in the Physical Therapists Regulation, B.C. Reg. 288/2008;
"pre-authorized eyewear and repairs" means eyewear and repairs provided by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician and for which pre-authorization is given by the minister, but does not include basic eyewear and repairs;
"specialist" means a medical practitioner recognized as a specialist in a field of medicine or surgery in accordance with the bylaws made by the board for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia under section 19 (1) (k.3) and (k.4) of the Health Professions Act.
2 (1) The following are the health supplements that may be paid for by the minister if provided to a family unit that is eligible under section 67 [general health supplements] of this regulation:
(a) medical or surgical supplies that are, at the minister's discretion, either disposable or reusable, if the minister is satisfied that all of the following requirements are met:
(i) the supplies are required for one of the following purposes:
(B) ongoing bowel care required due to loss of muscle function;
(E) skin parasite care;
(F) limb circulation care;
(ii) the supplies are
(A) prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner,
(B) the least expensive supplies appropriate for the purpose, and
(C) necessary to avoid an imminent and substantial danger to health;
(iii) there are no resources available to the family unit to pay the cost of or obtain the supplies;
(a.1) the following medical or surgical supplies that are, at the minister's discretion, either disposable or reusable, if the minister is satisfied that all the requirements described in paragraph (a) (ii) and (iii) are met in relation to the supplies:
(ii) needles and syringes;
(iii) ventilator supplies required for the essential operation or sterilization of a ventilator;
(iv) tracheostomy supplies;
(a.2) consumable medical supplies, if the minister is satisfied that all of the following requirements are met:
(i) the supplies are required to thicken food;
(ii) all the requirements described in paragraph (a) (ii) and (iii) are met in relation to the supplies;
(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 236/2003, Sch. 1, s. 2 (b).]
(c) subject to subsection (2), a service provided by a person described opposite that service in the following table, delivered in not more than 12 visits per calendar year,
(i) for which a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner has confirmed an acute need,
(ii) if the visits available under the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, B.C. Reg. 426/97, for that calendar year have been provided and for which payment is not available under the Medicare Protection Act, and
(iii) for which there are no resources available to the family unit to cover the cost:
| Item | Service | Provided by | Registered with |
| 1 | acupuncture | acupuncturist | College of Traditional Chinese Medicine under the Health Professions Act |
| 2 | chiropractic | chiropractor | College of Chiropractors of British Columbia under the Health Professions Act |
| 3 | massage therapy | massage therapist | College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia under the Health Professions Act |
| 4 | naturopathy | naturopath | College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia under the Health Professions Act |
| 5 | non-surgical podiatry | podiatrist | College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia under the Health Professions Act |
| 6 | physical therapy | physical therapist | College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia under the Health Professions Act |
(d)–(e) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 75/2008, s. (a).]
(f) the least expensive appropriate mode of transportation to or from
(i) an office, in the local area, of a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner,
(ii) the office of the nearest available specialist in a field of medicine or surgery if the person has been referred to a specialist in that field by a local medical practitioner or nurse practitioner,
(iii) the nearest suitable general hospital or rehabilitation hospital, as those facilities are defined in section 1.1 of the Hospital Insurance Act Regulations, or
(iv) the nearest suitable hospital as defined in paragraph (e) of the definition of "hospital" in section 1 of the Hospital Insurance Act,
(v) the transportation is to enable the person to receive a benefit under the Medicare Protection Act or a general hospital service under the Hospital Insurance Act, and
(vi) there are no resources available to the person's family unit to cover the cost.
(g) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 75/2008, s. (a).]
(1.1) For the purposes of subsection (1) (a), medical and surgical supplies do not include nutritional supplements, food, vitamins, minerals or prescription medications.
(2) No more than 12 visits per calendar year are payable by the minister under this section for any combination of physical therapy services, chiropractic services, massage therapy services, non-surgical podiatry services, naturopathy services and acupuncture services.
(2.1) If eligible under subsection (1) (c) and subject to subsection (2), the amount of a general health supplement under section 67 of this regulation for physical therapy services, chiropractic services, massage therapy services, non-surgical podiatry services, naturopathy services and acupuncture services is $23 for each visit.
(3) If the minister provided a benefit to or for a person under section 2 (3) of Schedule C of the Income Assistance Regulation, B.C. Reg. 75/97, the Youth Works Regulation, B.C. Reg. 77/97 or the Disability Benefits Program Regulation, B.C. Reg. 79/97, as applicable, for the month during which the regulation was repealed, the minister may continue to provide that benefit to or for that person as a supplement on the same terms and conditions as previously until the earlier of the following dates:
(a) the date the conditions on which the minister paid the benefit are no longer met;
(b) the date the person ceases to receive income assistance.
2.1 The following are the health supplements that may be paid for by the minister if provided to a family unit that is eligible under section 67.1 [optical supplements] of this regulation:
(a) basic eyewear and repairs;
(b) pre-authorized eyewear and repairs.
2.2 The minister may pay a health supplement under section 67.2 [eye examination supplements] of this regulation for an eye examination that,
(a) if provided by an optometrist, is provided for a fee that does not exceed $44.83, or
(b) if provided by an ophthalmologist, is provided for a fee that does not exceed $48.90.
3 (1) Subject to subsections (2) to (5) of this section, the medical equipment and devices described in sections 3.1 to 3.12 of this Schedule are the health supplements that may be provided by the minister if
(a) the supplements are provided to a family unit that is eligible under section 67 [general health supplements] of this regulation, and
(b) all of the following requirements are met:
(i) the family unit has received the pre-authorization of the minister for the medical equipment or device requested;
(ii) there are no resources available to the family unit to pay the cost of or obtain the medical equipment or device;
(iii) the medical equipment or device is the least expensive appropriate medical equipment or device.
(2) For medical equipment or devices referred to in sections 3.1 to 3.8 or section 3.12, in addition to the requirements in those sections and subsection (1) of this section, the family unit must provide to the minister one or both of the following, as requested by the minister:
(a) a prescription of a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner for the medical equipment or device;
(b) an assessment by an occupational therapist or physical therapist confirming the medical need for the medical equipment or device.
(2.1) For medical equipment or devices referred to in section 3.9 (1) (b) to (g), in addition to the requirements in that section and subsection (1) of this section, the family unit must provide to the minister one or both of the following, as requested by the minister:
(a) a prescription of a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner for the medical equipment or device;
(b) an assessment by a respiratory therapist, occupational therapist or physical therapist confirming the medical need for the medical equipment or device.
(3) Subject to subsection (6), the minister may provide as a health supplement a replacement of medical equipment or a medical device, previously provided by the minister under this section or section 7.1 of this Schedule, that is damaged, worn out or not functioning if
(a) it is more economical to replace than to repair the medical equipment or device previously provided by the minister, and
(b) the period of time, if any, set out in sections 3.1 to 3.12 of this Schedule, as applicable, for the purposes of this paragraph, has passed.
(4) Subject to subsection (6), the minister may provide as a health supplement repairs of medical equipment or a medical device that was previously provided by the minister if it is more economical to repair the medical equipment or device than to replace it.
(5) Subject to subsection (6), the minister may provide as a health supplement repairs of medical equipment or a medical device that was not previously provided by the minister if
(a) at the time of the repairs the requirements in this section and sections 3.1 to 3.12 of this Schedule, as applicable, are met in respect of the medical equipment or device being repaired, and
(b) it is more economical to repair the medical equipment or device than to replace it.
(6) The minister may not provide a replacement of medical equipment or a medical device under subsection (3) or repairs of medical equipment or a medical device under subsection (4) or (5) if the minister considers that the medical equipment or device was damaged through misuse.
3.1 (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility:
(d) an accessory to a cane, a crutch or a walker.
(2) A walking pole is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.
3.2 (1) In this section, "wheelchair" does not include a stroller.
(2) Subject to subsection (4) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility:
(b) an upgraded component of a wheelchair;
(c) an accessory attached to a wheelchair.
(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (2) of this section is 5 years after the minister provided the item being replaced.
(4) A high-performance wheelchair for recreational or sports use is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.
3.3 (1) The following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to achieve or maintain a person's positioning in a wheelchair:
(a) a wheelchair seating system;
(b) an accessory to a wheelchair seating system.
(2) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is 2 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.
3.4 (1) In this section, "scooter" does not include a scooter with 2 wheels.
(2) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if all of the requirements set out in subsection (3) of this section are met:
(b) an upgraded component of a scooter;
(c) an accessory attached to a scooter.
(3) The following are the requirements in relation to an item referred to in subsection (2) of this section:
(a) an assessment by an occupational therapist or a physical therapist has confirmed that it is unlikely that the person for whom the scooter has been prescribed will have a medical need for a wheelchair during the 5 years following the assessment;
(b) the total cost of the scooter and any accessories attached to the scooter does not exceed $3 500 or, if subsection (3.1) applies, $4 500;
(c) the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility.
(3.1) The maximum amount of $4 500 under subsection (3) (b) applies if an assessment by an occupational therapist or a physical therapist has confirmed that the person for whom the scooter has been prescribed has a body weight that exceeds the weight capacity of a conventional scooter but can be accommodated by a bariatric scooter.
(4) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (2) of this section is 5 years after the minister provided the item being replaced.
(5) A scooter intended primarily for recreational or sports use is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.
3.5 (0.1) In this section:
"positioning chair" does not include a lift chair;
"transfer aid" means a transfer board, transfer belt or slider sheet.
(1) The following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to facilitate toileting or transfers of a person or to achieve or maintain a person's positioning:
(a) a grab bar in a bathroom;
(b) a bath or shower seat;
(c) a bath transfer bench with hand held shower;
(f) a bed pan or urinal;
(g) a raised toilet seat;
(h) a toilet safety frame;
(i) a floor-to-ceiling pole in a bathroom or bedroom;
(j) a portable commode chair;
(k) a standing frame for a person for whom a wheelchair is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility;
(l) a positioning chair for a person for whom a wheelchair is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic mobility;
(m) a transfer aid for a person for whom the transfer aid is medically essential to transfer from one position to another.
(2) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.
3.6 (1) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to facilitate transfers of a person to and from bed or to adjust or maintain a person's positioning in bed:
(a) a hospital bed;
(b) an upgraded component of a hospital bed;
(c) an accessory attached to a hospital bed;
(d) a positioning item on a hospital bed.
(2) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.
(3) The following items are not health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule:
(a) an automatic turning bed;
(b) a containment type bed.
3.7 (1) A pressure relief mattress is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that the pressure relief mattress is medically essential to prevent skin breakdown and maintain skin integrity.
(2) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.
3.8 (1) In this section, "floor or ceiling lift device" means a device that stands on the floor or is attached to the ceiling and that uses a sling system to transfer a person.
(2) A floor or ceiling lift device is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the following requirements are met:
(a) the minister is satisfied that the floor or ceiling lift device is medically essential to facilitate transfers of a person in a bedroom or a bathroom;
(b) the cost of the floor or ceiling lift device does not exceed $4 200 or, if the cost of the floor or ceiling lift device does exceed $4 200, the minister is satisfied that the excess cost is a result of unusual installation expenses.
(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (2) of this section is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced.
3.9 (1) Subject to subsection (4) of this section, the following items are health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule:
(a) if all of the requirements set out in subsection (2) of this section are met,
(i) a positive airway pressure device,
(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a positive airway pressure device, or
(iii) a supply that is required to operate a positive airway pressure device;
(b) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to monitor breathing,
(i) an apnea monitor,
(ii) an accessory that is required to operate an apnea monitor, or
(iii) a supply that is required to operate an apnea monitor;
(c) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential for clearing respiratory airways,
(i) a suction unit,
(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a suction unit, or
(iii) a supply that is required to operate a suction unit;
(d) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential for clearing respiratory airways,
(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a percussor, or
(iii) a supply that is required to operate a percussor;
(e) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to avoid an imminent and substantial danger to health,
(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a nebulizer, or
(iii) a supply that is required to operate a nebulizer;
(f) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to moisturize air in order to allow a tracheostomy patient to breathe,
(i) a medical humidifier,
(ii) an accessory that is required to operate a medical humidifier, or
(iii) a supply that is required to operate a medical humidifier;
(g) if the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential to deliver medication,
(i) an inhaler accessory device,
(ii) an accessory that is required to operate an inhaler accessory device, or
(iii) a supply that is required to operate an inhaler accessory device.
(2) The following are the requirements in relation to an item referred to in subsection (1) (a) of this section:
(a) the item is prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner;
(b) a respiratory therapist has performed an assessment that confirms the medical need for the item;
(c) the minister is satisfied that the item is medically essential for the treatment of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an item described in subsection (1) of this section is as follows:
(a) in the case of an item referred to in subsection (1) (a) (i), 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced;
(b) in the case of an item referred to in subsection (1) (a) (ii) or (iii), one year from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced;
(c) in the case of an apnea monitor, suction unit, percussor, nebulizer or medical humidifier, 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the item being replaced;
(d) in the case of an inhaler accessory device, one year from the date on which the minister provided the device being replaced;
(e) in the case of an accessory or supply for an item referred to in paragraph (c) or (d), one year from the date on which the minister provided the device being replaced.
(4) A ventilator is not a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.
3.10 (1) In this section:
"off-the-shelf" , in relation to an orthosis, means a prefabricated, mass-produced orthosis that is not unique to a particular person;
(a) a custom-made or off-the-shelf foot orthotic;
(b) custom-made footwear;
(c) a permanent modification to footwear;
(d) off-the-shelf footwear required for the purpose set out in subsection (4.1) (a);
(e) off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear;
(f) an ankle brace;
(g) an ankle-foot orthosis;
(h) a knee-ankle-foot orthosis;
(k) an upper extremity brace;
(l) a cranial helmet used for the purposes set out in subsection (7);
(m) a torso or spine brace;
(n) a foot abduction orthosis;
(o) a toe orthosis;
(p) a walking boot.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) to (11) of this section, an orthosis is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if
(a) the orthosis is prescribed by a medical practitioner or a nurse practitioner,
(b) the minister is satisfied that the orthosis is medically essential to achieve or maintain basic functionality,
(c) the minister is satisfied that the orthosis is required for one or more of the following purposes:
(i) to prevent surgery;
(ii) for post-surgical care;
(iii) to assist in physical healing from surgery, injury or disease;
(iv) to improve physical functioning that has been impaired by a neuro-musculo-skeletal condition, and
(d) the orthosis is off-the-shelf unless
(i) a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner confirms that a custom-made orthosis is medically required, and
(ii) the custom-made orthosis is fitted by an orthotist, pedorthist, occupational therapist, physical therapist or podiatrist.
(3) For an orthosis that is a custom-made foot orthotic, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, all of the following requirements must be met:
(a) a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner confirms that a custom-made foot orthotic is medically required;
(b) the custom-made foot orthotic is fitted by an orthotist, pedorthist, occupational therapist, physical therapist or podiatrist;
(c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 144/2011, Sch. 1.]
(d) the custom-made foot orthotic must be made from a hand-cast mold;
(e) the cost of one pair of custom-made foot orthotics, including the assessment fee, must not exceed $450.
(4) For an orthosis that is custom-made footwear, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the cost of the custom-made footwear, including the assessment fee, must not exceed $1 650.
(4.1) For an orthosis that is off-the-shelf footwear, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section,
(a) the footwear is required to accommodate a custom-made orthosis, and
(b) the cost of the footwear must not exceed $125.
(4.2) For an orthosis that is off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the cost of the footwear must not exceed $250.
(5) For an orthosis that is a knee brace, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the medical practitioner or nurse practitioner who prescribed the knee brace must have recommended that the knee brace be worn at least 6 hours per day.
(6) For an orthosis that is an upper extremity brace, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the upper extremity brace must be intended to provide hand, finger, wrist, elbow or shoulder support.
(7) For an orthosis that is a cranial helmet, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the cranial helmet must be a helmet prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner and recommended for daily use in cases of self abusive behaviour, seizure disorder, or to protect or facilitate healing of chronic wounds or cranial defects.
(8) For an orthosis that is a torso or spine brace, in addition to the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the brace must be intended to provide pelvic, lumbar, lumbar-sacral, thoracic-lumbar-sacral, cervical-thoracic-lumbar-sacral, or cervical spine support.
(9) Subject to section 3 of this Schedule, the limit on the number of orthoses that may be provided for the use of a person as a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule is the number set out in Column 2 of Table 1 opposite the description of the applicable orthosis in Column 1.
| Table 1 |
| Item | Column 1 Orthosis | Column 2 Limit |
| 1 | custom-made foot orthotic | 1 or 1 pair |
| 2 | custom-made footwear | 1 or 1 pair |
| 3 | modification to footwear | 1 or 1 pair |
| 4 | ankle brace | 1 per ankle |
| 5 | ankle-foot orthosis | 1 per ankle |
| 6 | knee-ankle-foot orthosis | 1 per leg |
| 7 | knee brace | 1 per knee |
| 8 | hip brace | 1 |
| 9 | upper extremity brace | 1 per hand, finger, wrist, elbow or shoulder |
| 10 | cranial helmet | 1 |
| 11 | torso or spine brace | 1 |
| 12 | off-the-shelf footwear | 1 or 1 pair |
| 13 | off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear | 1 or 1 pair |
| 14 | foot abduction orthosis | 1 or 1 pair |
| 15 | toe orthosis | 1 |
(10) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of an orthosis is the number of years from the date on which the minister provided the orthosis being replaced that is set out in Column 2 of Table 2 opposite the description of the applicable orthosis in Column 1.
| Table 2 |
| Item | Column 1 Orthosis | Column 2 Time period |
| 1 | custom-made foot orthotic | 3 years |
| 2 | custom-made footwear | 1 year |
| 3 | modification to footwear | 1 year |
| 4 | ankle brace | 2 years |
| 5 | ankle-foot-orthosis | 2 years |
| 6 | knee-ankle-foot orthosis | 2 years |
| 7 | knee brace | 4 years |
| 8 | hip brace | 2 years |
| 9 | upper extremity brace | 2 years |
| 10 | cranial helmet | 2 years |
| 11 | torso or spine brace | 2 years |
| 12 | off-the-shelf footwear | 1 year |
| 13 | off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear | 1 year |
| 14 | toe orthosis | 1 year |
(11) The following items are not health supplements for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule:
(a) a prosthetic and related supplies;
(b) a plaster or fiberglass cast;
(c) a hernia support;
(d) an abdominal support.
(e) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 94/2018, App. 1, s. 1 (b).]
(f) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 144/2011, Sch. 1.]
(12) An accessory or supply that is medically essential to use an orthosis that is a health supplement under subsection (2) is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule.
3.11 (1) A hearing instrument is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if
(a) the hearing instrument is prescribed by an audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner, and
(b) an audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner has performed an assessment that confirms the need for a hearing instrument.
(2) The minister may provide a hearing instrument to or for a family unit under this section only if the person is not receiving a hearing assistance supplement under section 77.02 or 77.03 of this regulation.
3.12 (1) In this section, "non-conventional glucose meter" includes
(a) a continuous glucose monitoring meter, and
(b) a talking glucose meter.
(2) A non-conventional glucose meter is a health supplement for the purposes of section 3 of this Schedule if the minister is satisfied that
(a) the glucose meter is medically essential to test blood glucose levels, and
(b) the person for whom the non-conventional glucose meter has been prescribed is unable to use a conventional glucose meter.
(3) The period of time referred to in section 3 (3) (b) of this Schedule with respect to replacement of a non-conventional glucose meter is 5 years from the date on which the minister provided the glucose meter being replaced.
4 (1) In this section, "period" means
(a) in respect of a person under 19 years of age, including a child in a home of a relative, a 2 year period beginning on January 1, 2017 and on each subsequent January 1 in an odd numbered year, and
(b) in respect of a person not referred to in paragraph (a), a 2 year period beginning on January 1, 2003 and on each subsequent January 1 in an odd numbered year.
(1.1) The health supplements that may be paid under section 68 [dental supplements] of this regulation are basic dental services to a maximum of
(a) $2 000 each period, if provided to a person under 19 years of age, and
(b) $1 000 each period, if provided to a person not referred to in paragraph (a).
(2) Dentures may be provided as a basic dental service only to a person
(a) who has never worn dentures, or
(b) whose dentures are more than 5 years old.
(3) The limits under subsection (1.1) may be exceeded by an amount necessary to provide dentures, taking into account the amount remaining to the person under those limits at the time the dentures are to be provided, if
(a) a person requires a full upper denture, a full lower denture or both because of extractions made in the previous 6 months to relieve pain,
(b) a person, other than a person who is a main continued person under section 66.3 (1) of this regulation as a result of having been part of a family unit identified in section 66.3 (3) (a) or a dependent continued person under section 66.3 (2) of that person, requires a partial denture to replace at least 3 contiguous missing teeth on the same arch, at least one of which was extracted in the previous 6 months to relieve pain, or
(c) a person who has been a recipient of income assistance or disability assistance for at least 2 years or a dependant of that person requires replacement dentures.
(4) Subsection (2) (b) does not apply with respect to a person described in subsection (3) (a) who has previously had a partial denture.
(5) The dental supplements that may be provided to a person described in subsection (3) (b), or to a person described in subsection (3) (c) who requires a partial denture, are limited to services under
(a) fee numbers 52101 to 52402 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule, or
(b) fee numbers 41610, 41612, 41620 and 41622 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule.
(6) The dental supplements that may be provided to a person described in subsection (3) (c) who requires the replacement of a full upper, a full lower denture or both are limited to services under
(a) fee numbers 51101 and 51102 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule, or
(b) fee numbers 31310, 31320 or 31330 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Denturist referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition "basic dental service" in section 1 of this Schedule.
(7) A reline or a rebase of dentures may be provided as a basic dental service only to a person who has not had a reline or rebase of dentures for at least 2 years.
4.1 (1) In this section, "crown and bridgework" means a dental service
(a) that is provided by a dentist,
(b) that is set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Crown and Bridgework, that is effective April 1, 2010 and is published on the website of the ministry of the minister,
(c) that is provided at the rate set out for the service in that Schedule, and
(d) for which a recipient has received the pre-authorization of the minister.
(2) A health supplement may be paid under section 68.1 of this regulation for crown and bridgework but only if the minister is of the opinion that the recipient has a dental condition that cannot be corrected through the provision of basic dental services because
(a) the dental condition precludes the provision of the restorative services set out under the Restorative Services section of the Schedule of Fee Allowances — Dentist, and
(b) one of the following circumstances exists:
(i) the dental condition precludes the use of a removable prosthetic;
(ii) the recipient has a physical impairment that makes it impossible for the recipient to place a removable prosthetic;
(iii) the recipient has an allergic reaction or other intolerance to the composition or materials used in a removable prosthetic;
(iv) the recipient has a mental condition that makes it impossible for the recipient to assume responsibility for a removable prosthetic.
(3) The minister must also be satisfied that a health supplement for crown and bridgework will be adequate to correct the dental condition.
(4) A health supplement for crown and bridgework may not be provided in respect of the same tooth more than once in any period of 60 calendar months.
5 The health supplements that may be provided under section 69 [denture supplements] of this regulation are denture services.
6 The health supplements that may be paid for under section 70 [emergency dental and denture supplements] of this regulation are emergency dental services.
7 (1) In this section, "period" means a 2 year period beginning on January 1, 2017, and on each subsequent January 1 in an odd numbered year.
(2) Subject to the following limits, the minister may pay under section 72 [dental and optical supplements — healthy kids] of this regulation for the following health care services for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who, when the service was provided, was eligible for supplemental services under section 10 (1) (c), (e) or (f) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, or had been determined to be eligible for those services under section 11 of that regulation:
(a) basic dental services, to a maximum total of $2 000 for each period for all basic dental services provided to the child during the period;
(b) basic eyewear and repairs;
(c) pre-authorized eyewear and repairs;
(d) emergency dental services.
7.1 The minister may pay under section 72.1 [hearing instrument supplement — healthy kids program] of this regulation for the following health care services for a person in the family unit who is under 19 years of age and who, when the service was provided, was eligible for supplemental services under section 10 (1) (c), (e) or (f) of the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, or had been determined to be eligible for those services under section 11 of that regulation:
(a) a hearing instrument in accordance with sections 3 (1) (b) and 3.11 of this Schedule;
(b) replacement of a hearing instrument in accordance with section 3 (3) and (6) of this Schedule;
(c) repair of a hearing instrument in accordance with section 3 (4) to (6) of this Schedule.
8 (1) The amount of a diet supplement that may be provided under section 73 [diet supplement] of this regulation is as follows:
(a) $15 for each calendar month for a person who requires a restricted sodium diet;
(b) $60 for each calendar month for a person who has diabetes;
(c) $50 for each calendar month for a person who requires kidney dialysis;
(d) $65 for each calendar month for a person who requires a high protein diet;
(e) $65 for each calendar month for a person who requires a gluten-free diet;
(f) $65 for each calendar month for a person who has dysphagia;
(g) $80 for each calendar month for a person who has cystic fibrosis;
(h) $65 for each calendar month for which a person requires a ketogenic diet;
(i) $65 for each calendar month for which a person requires a low phenylalanine diet.
(2) A diet supplement under subsection (1) (d) may be provided only if the diet is confirmed by a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or dietitian as being necessary for one of the following medical conditions:
(a) cancer that requires nutritional support during
(i) radiation therapy,
(iii) surgical therapy, or
(iv) ongoing medical treatment;
(b) chronic inflammatory bowel disease;
(c) Crohn's disease;
(d) ulcerative colitis;
(e) HIV positive diagnosis;
(g) chronic bacterial infection;
(3) A person who is eligible for a supplement under subsection (1) (d) or (f) is also eligible for a $50 payment towards the purchase of a blender.
(4) If a person has more than one of the medical conditions set out in subsection (1), the person may receive only the amount of the highest diet supplement for which the person is eligible.
9 The amount of a natal supplement that may be provided under section 75 [natal supplement] of this regulation is as follows:
(a) $80 for each calendar month for a period set out in section 75 (2), or
(b) $160 for each calendar month for a period set out in section 75 (2) if the person
(i) is pregnant with more than one child, as confirmed in writing by a medical practitioner, a nurse practitioner or a midwife, or
(ii) gives birth to more than one child.
10 The minister may provide infant formula under section 74.1 of this regulation if
(a) a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, midwife or dietitian confirms in writing that
(i) the dependent child for whom a specialized infant formula is to be provided has a medical condition and the specialized infant formula is necessary to treat the medical condition,
(ii) the dependent child for whom the infant formula is to be provided is at risk of contracting a disease that is transmissible through the breast milk of the dependent child's parent, or
(iii) the nutritional needs of the dependent child for whom the infant formula is to be provided cannot be met through the breast milk of the dependent child's parent,
(b) in the case of a child described by paragraph (a) (ii) or (iii), the child is 12 months of age or younger, and
(c) the minister is satisfied that the infant formula is medically required to treat the medical condition, respond to the risk or meet the nutritional need referred to in paragraph (a).
11 (1) In this section, "profound hearing loss" means a hearing loss of 91 decibels or greater across all frequencies tested in an audiological assessment.
(2) The amount of a hearing supplement that may be provided under section 77.02 or 77.03 of this regulation is $100 per calendar month to or for each person in a family unit to whom subsection (3) of this section applies.
(3) The hearing supplement under subsection (2) may be provided by the minister only if
(a) the minister is satisfied that the person
(i) has permanent profound hearing loss in both ears, and
(ii) cannot benefit significantly, in respect of speech comprehension, from a hearing instrument, and
(b) an audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner, within the previous 12 months, has
(i) performed an assessment that confirms the permanent profound hearing loss in both ears, and
(ii) provided an opinion that the person cannot benefit significantly, in respect of speech comprehension, from a hearing instrument.
(4) The hearing supplement under subsection (2) may not be provided if a person received a hearing instrument under section 3.11 or 7.1 of this Schedule, or from another source, in the previous 36 months.
(5) Despite subsection (4), the hearing supplement under subsection (2) may be provided to or for a person who received a hearing instrument in the previous 36 months if the person did not meet the requirements set out in subsection (3) on the date the person received the hearing instrument but subsequently meets those requirements.
[am. B.C. Regs. 57/2003, s. 2; 115/2003, Sch. 1, s. 3; 209/2003, Sch. 1, s. 3; 286/2003, s. 1 (c); 461/2003, s. 1 (b); 276/2004, s. 1 (c); 521/2004, s. 2; 22/2005, Sch. s. 1 (c); 292/2005, s. 1 (b); 304/2005, s. 8; 305/2005, Sch. 1, s. 3; 192/2006, s. 5; 57/2007, s. 6; 195/2007, s. 3; 313/2007, s. 1 (h); 362/2007, s. (c); 48/2008, s. 1 (c); 87/2008, s. 1 (c); 94/2008, s. 1 (c); 4/2010, s. 3; 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (s) and (t); 180/2010, s. 1; 242/2010, s. 3; 32/2012, Sch. 3, s. 2; 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 10; 197/2012, Sch. 1, ss. 34 to 36; 31/2014, Sch. 1, s. 3; 172/2014, Sch. 1, s. 3; 41/2015, Sch. 1, s. 4; 73/2015, App. 3, s. 2; 148/2015, App. 1, s. 2; 204/2015, App. 1, s. 5; 81/2016, App. A, s. 2; 283/2016, Sch. 1, s. 4; 96/2017, App. 1, s. 3; 34/2017, App. 1, ss. 10 to 17; 179/2017, App. 1, s. 3; 153/2017, App. 1, s. 2; 150/2018, s. 1 (c); 151/2018, App. 1, s. 10; 189/2018, App. 1, s. 1 (c); 19/2019, App. 1, s. 1 (c); 32/2019, App. 1, s. 2; 226/2019, App. 1, s. 3; 270/2019, App. 1, s. 25; 35/2020, App. 1, s. 8; 259/2020, App. 1, s. 4; 268/2020, App. 1, s. 3; 278/2020, App. 1, s. 3; 21/2021, App. 1, s. 1 (c); 108/2021, App. 1, s. 6; 232/2021, Sch. 1, s. 3; 233/2021, App. 2, ss. 2 to 4; 189/2021, App. 3; 303/2021, Sch. 1, s. 3; 85/2022, App. 1, s. 5; 246/2022, App. 1, s. 6; 272/2022, App. 1, s. 4; 52/2023, App. 1, s. 3; 99/2023, App. 1, s. 4; 161/2023, App. 1, ss. 10 and 11.]
Hardship Assistance
1 (1) The minister may provide a family unit that is eligible for hardship assistance under Part 4 of this regulation an amount not exceeding the amounts authorized by this Schedule.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), the actual amount of hardship assistance to be provided under this Schedule is in the discretion of the minister based on the financial need of the applicant's family unit.
(3) Nothing in this Schedule or in Part 4 of this regulation entitles a family unit to a specific amount of hardship assistance.
2 (0.1) In this section:
"backdated Canada child benefit payment" , in relation to a child benefits cheque, means the portion of the cheque, if any, attributable to the Canada child benefit for one or more calendar months preceding the calendar month in which the cheque is issued;
"backdated family bonus payment" , in relation to a child benefits cheque, means the portion of the cheque, if any, attributable to the family bonus for one or more calendar months preceding the calendar month in which the cheque is issued;
"supplement" means a supplement referred to in section 61 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus] or 61.1 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled Canada child benefit] of this regulation.
(1) The maximum amount that the minister may provide to a family unit that is eligible for hardship assistance under Part 4 of this regulation is the difference between
(a) the amount that is
(A) the support allowance under Table 1 that applies to the applicant's family unit,
(B) the shelter allowance as calculated under section 4, and
(C) any adjustment applicable under subsection (2), or
(ii) calculated in accordance with section 5, and
(i) the net income of the applicant's family unit, and
(ii) the value of the assets of the family unit that are immediately available to meet basic needs.
(2) If the family unit includes one or more dependent children, the support allowance for the family unit for a calendar month may be increased by an amount equal to
(a) the total BC child adjustment amount for all dependent children in the family unit, minus
(i) the family bonus, if any, paid to the family unit for the preceding month,
(ii) the Canada child benefit, if any, paid to the family unit for the preceding month in respect of dependent children in the family unit, up to a maximum of the BC child adjustment amount in respect of those dependent children, and
(iii) the total amount of the supplements, if any, provided to or for the family unit under section 61 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled family bonus] or 61.1 [supplement for delayed, suspended or cancelled Canada child benefit] of this regulation for the current calendar month.
(2.1) If the amount calculated under subsection (2) is less than zero, it is deemed to be zero for the purposes of this section.
(3) In calculating the adjustment under subsection (2), an amount that, under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) or the Income Tax Act (Canada), is deducted or set off from the family bonus or the Canada child benefit must be treated as if it were paid to a person in the family unit.
(4) The support allowance under Table 1 for a calendar month may not be increased under subsection (2) if a person in the family unit refuses to
(a) apply for the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month, or
(b) accept the family bonus or the Canada child benefit for the preceding calendar month
in respect of a dependent child in the family unit who is, or may be, a qualified dependant within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 25 (b).]
(6) In subsection (1), "net income" means the amount of unearned income, plus the amount of earned income minus deductions for
(b) employment insurance,
(c) medical insurance,
(d) Canada Pension Plan,
(f) company pension plan, and
(7) If a person in the applicant's or recipient's family unit receives a backdated family bonus payment or a backdated Canada child benefit payment and all or part of the payment is attributable to one or more calendar months for which the family unit was also provided with a supplement, the lesser of the following amounts must be treated as unearned income:
(a) the portion of the backdated family bonus payment or the backdated Canada child benefit payment, as applicable, that is attributable to those calendar months for which the family unit was provided with a supplement;
(b) the sum of the supplements that are attributable to those calendar months for which the family unit received the backdated family bonus payment or the backdated Canada child benefit payment, as applicable.
(8) For the purposes of subsection (7), an amount that, under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia) or the Income Tax Act (Canada), is deducted or set off from a family bonus or a Canada child benefit must be treated as paid to a person in the applicant's family unit.
(9) Subsection (7) does not apply to an amount included in that portion of a child benefits cheque attributable to family bonus or Canada child benefit
(a) to replace a lost or stolen cheque for which an amount was advanced under section 60 [advance for lost or stolen family bonus cheque] or 60.1 [advance for lost or stolen child benefits cheque — Canada child benefit] of this regulation, or
(b) to replace a cheque for which no amount was advanced under section 60 [advance for lost or stolen family bonus cheque] or 60.1 [advance for lost or stolen child benefits cheque — Canada child benefit] of this regulation if the replacement is received in the calendar month following the calendar month for which the lost or stolen cheque was issued.
(c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (s).]
(10) Despite subsections (1) to (9) but subject to subsection (11), hardship assistance may not be provided in respect of a dependent child if support for that child is provided under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act.
(a) an application is made by a parenting dependent child under section 5 (4) [application by parent who is dependent youth] of this regulation as it applies in relation to hardship assistance,
(b) the family unit is found eligible for hardship assistance, and
(c) support is provided for the parenting dependent child or that individual's dependent child, or for both, under section 8 (2) or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act,
the restriction in subsection (10) does not apply, but the amount of hardship assistance that may otherwise be provided to the family unit is to be reduced by the amount of that support.
3 Any amount provided under this Schedule for support is intended to be used by the recipient to meet the food, clothing and transportation needs of the family unit.
4 (1) An applicant is eligible for a shelter allowance for the applicant's family unit in an amount equal to the greater of
(a) the minimum set out in Table 2 for the family unit, and
(b) the lesser of
(i) the family unit's actual shelter costs, as calculated in accordance with sections 4 (5) [monthly shelter allowance] and 5 [how actual shelter costs are calculated] of Schedule A, and
(ii) the maximum set out in Table 2 for the family unit.
(a) applicants in a family unit complete and submit an application for income assistance (part 2) form or an alternate application for income assistance form, and
(b) for the calendar month that includes the income assistance application date, a portion of the shelter costs for that family unit has been paid,
the applicants may receive a shelter allowance under this Schedule of not more than the portion of the rent for that calendar month that remains unpaid on that date.
(3) As an exception to subsection (2), if
(a) applicants in a family unit complete and submit an application for income assistance (part 2) form for the purpose of applying for hardship assistance under section 47.2, and
(b) for the calendar month that includes the date on which the minister determines that the family unit is eligible for hardship assistance under that section, a portion of the shelter costs for that family unit has been paid,
the applicants may receive a shelter allowance under this Schedule of not more than the portion of the rent for that calendar month that remains unpaid on that date.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), the minimum and maximum shelter allowance for a family unit of more than 10 persons is to be calculated as follows:
(a) the minimum is to be calculated by adding $25 for each additional person;
(b) the maximum is to be calculated by adding $50 for each additional person.
5 The following provisions apply, with the necessary modifications, to the calculation of the maximum support and shelter allowances for an applicant under this Schedule:
(a) and (b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 270/2019, App. 1, s. 25 (e).]
(c) section 6 of Schedule A;
(c.1) section 8 of Schedule A.
(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2022, App. 1, s. 5 (b).]
6 No deduction is to be made for the following when calculating the maximum amount of hardship assistance for which an applicant's family unit is eligible under section 2:
(a) any earned income of a dependent child attending school on a full-time basis;
(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 48/2010, Sch. 1, s. 1 (t).]
(c) a family bonus, except the portion treated as unearned income under section 2 (7) of this Schedule;
(c.1) the Canada child benefit, except the portion treated as unearned income under section 2 (7) of this Schedule;
(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 313/2007, s. 1 (h).]
(e) a goods and services tax credit under the Income Tax Act (Canada);
(f) a tax credit under section 8 [refundable sales tax credit], 8.1 [climate action tax credit], 8.2 [BC harmonized sales tax credit] or 8.3 [renter's tax credit] of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia);
(g) individual redress payments granted by the government of Canada to a person of Japanese ancestry;
(h) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus;
(i) individual payments granted by the government of British Columbia to a person infected by the human immunodeficiency virus or to the surviving spouse or dependent children of that person;
(j) individual payments granted by the government of Canada under the Extraordinary Assistance Plan to thalidomide victims;
(k) money that is
(i) paid or payable to a person if the money is awarded to the person by an adjudicative panel in respect of claims of abuse at Jericho Hill School for the Deaf and drawn from a lump sum settlement paid by the government of British Columbia, or
(ii) paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. C980463, Vancouver Registry;
(k.1) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement and Supplementary Agreement approved by the Federal Court June 22, 2018 in Court File No. T-370-17, Todd Edward Ross et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen;
(k.2) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement under the Final Settlement Agreement approved by the Federal Court January 30, 2019 in Court File No. T-1068-14, Raymond Michael Toth v. Her Majesty the Queen;
(l) money paid or payable under the 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreement made June 15, 1999, except money paid or payable under section 4.02 or 6.01 of Schedule A or of Schedule B of that agreement;
(m) a rent subsidy provided by the provincial government, or by a council, board, society or governmental agency that administers rent subsidies from the provincial government;
(n) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 52/2023, App. 1, s. 3.]
(o) and (o.1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 4 (a).]
(p) financial assistance payments provided under Part 6 of the Adoption Regulation, B.C. Reg. 291/96;
(q) a rebate of energy or fuel tax provided by the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia, or an agency of either government;
(r) the portion of Canada Pension Plan Benefits that is calculated by the formula (A-B) x C, where
| A | = | the gross monthly amount of Canada Pension Plan Benefits received by an applicant or recipient; | |
| B | = | (i) | in respect of a family unit comprised of a sole applicant or a sole recipient with no dependent children, 1/12 of the amount determined under section 118 (1) (c) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as adjusted under section 117.1 of that Act, or |
| (ii) | in respect of any other family unit, the amount under subparagraph (i), plus 1/12 of the amount resulting from the calculation under section 118 (1) (a) (ii) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as adjusted under section 117.1 of that Act; | ||
| C | = | the sum of the percentages of taxable amounts set out under section 117 (2) (a) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and section 4.1 (1) (a) of the Income Tax Act; | |
(s) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 10.]
(t) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under section 8 [agreement with child's kin and others] of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;
(u) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program;
(v) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 85/2012, Sch. 1, s. 10.]
(w) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under an agreement referred to in section 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, for contributions to the support of a child;
(x) a child disability benefit;
(y) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's
(i) Autism Funding: Under Age 6 Program, or
(ii) Autism Funding: Ages 6 — 18 Program;
(z) a refund provided under Plan I as established under the Drug Plans Regulation;
(aa) funds held in a registered education savings plan;
(bb) payments provided by Community Living BC to assist with travel expenses for a recipient in the family unit to attend a self-help skills program, or a supported work placement program, approved by Community Living BC;
(cc) money paid by the government of Canada, under a settlement agreement, to persons who contracted Hepatitis C by receiving blood or blood products in Canada prior to 1986 or after July 1, 1990, except money paid under that agreement as income replacement;
(dd) funds held in, or money withdrawn from, a registered disability savings plan;
(ee) a working income tax benefit provided under the Income Tax Act (Canada);
(ff) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 180/2010, s. 1 (b).]
(gg) the climate action dividend under section 13.02 of the Income Tax Act;
(hh) money paid or payable to a person under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act as compensation for non-pecuniary loss or damage for pain, suffering mental or emotional trauma, humiliation or inconvenience that occurred when the person was under 19 years of age;
(ii) money that is paid or payable to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the Supreme Court in Action No. S024338, Vancouver Registry;
(jj) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Family Support Services program;
(kk) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Supported Child Development program;
(ll) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Aboriginal Supported Child Development program;
(mm) the basic child tax benefit;
(nn) a Universal Child Care Benefit provided under the Universal Child Care Benefit Act (Canada);
(nn.1) a rental housing benefit provided under the Rental Housing Benefit Act (Canada);
(nn.2) a dental benefit provided under the Dental Benefit Act (Canada);
(oo) the BC earned income benefit;
(pp) money paid or payable from a fund that is established by the government of British Columbia, the government of Canada and the City of Vancouver in relation to recommendation 3.2 of the final report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry;
(qq) payments granted by the government of British Columbia under the Temporary Education Support for Parents program;
(rr) a BC early childhood tax benefit;
(rr.1) a BC child opportunity benefit;
(rr.2) a BC family benefit;
(ss) child support;
(tt) orphan's benefits under the Canada Pension Plan Act (Canada);
(uu) gifts, other than recurring gifts;
(vv) compensation paid or payable under Division 5 [Compensation in Relation to Death of Worker] of Part 4 [Compensation to Injured Workers and Their Dependants] or section 225 [compensation in relation to worker death before July 1, 1974] of the Workers Compensation Act to a dependant, as defined in section 1 of that Act, who is a child, as defined in section 165 (1) of that Act;
(ww) money that is paid or payable by or for Community Living BC to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by Community Living BC, an employee of Community Living BC or a person retained under a contract to perform services for Community Living BC;
(xx) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the minister, the ministry, an employee of the ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for the ministry;
(xx.1) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person if the payment is in accordance with an award in a legal proceeding or with a settlement agreement in respect of a claim for injury, loss or damage caused by the Minister of Children and Family Development, that ministry, an employee of that ministry or a person retained under a contract to perform services for that ministry;
(xx.2) money that is paid or payable by the government of British Columbia to or for a person because the person was a resident of Woodlands School;
(yy) a disabled contributor's child's benefit paid or payable under the Canada Pension Plan;
(zz) payments granted under an agreement referred to in section 94 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act;
(aaa) money that is paid or payable, in respect of a child, from property that comes into the control of, or is held by, the Public Guardian and Trustee;
(bbb) and (ccc) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 4 (a).]
(ddd) money that is paid or payable under the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders established under the authority of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act (Canada);
(eee) money, or goods or services in kind, received or to be received by a participant in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's Work Experience Opportunities Grant program from a grant under the program;
(fff) a rebate of all or part of a premium paid to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and the plan operated under that Act;
(ggg) an amount that is paid or payable, as a single payment or series of payments, as follows:
(i) the amount is paid or payable by a person who is or was a landlord, owner or manager, or a person who holds or held a similar position, in relation to leased, rented or licensed residential premises, whether or not the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act applies to that premises;
(ii) the amount is paid or payable to a person who is or was a tenant, lessee, licensee or occupant, or a person who has or had a similar right or permission to use the premises for residential purposes;
(iii) the amount is paid or payable as full or partial compensation for loss of the residential use of the premises, including for eviction, relocation, demolition, temporary displacement during repair, renovation or redevelopment, or as an inducement to cease or suspend residential use;
(iv) the amount is paid or payable under an enactment, a policy or a contract, or voluntarily or at the discretion of the person referred to in subparagraph (i);
(hhh) to (kkk) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 99/2023, App. 1, s. 4 (a).]
(lll) a voted support payment;
(mmm) money that is paid or payable under or from an Indigenous financial settlement.
6.1 If money is paid under or from an Indigenous financial settlement to an Indigenous governing body, the exemption under section 6 (mmm) includes investment income earned on that money by the Indigenous governing body before it is distributed to a person.
Table 1
(sections 1 to 6 of Schedule D)
| Item | Column 1 Family unit composition | Column 2 Age or status of applicant or recipient | Column 3 Amount of Support |
| 1 | Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age | $560.00 |
| 2 | Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment | $610.00 |
| 3 | Sole applicant/recipient and no dependent children | Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age | $860.00 |
| 4 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age | $710.00 |
| 5 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment | $760.00 |
| 6 | Sole applicant/recipient and one or more dependent children | Applicant/recipient is 65 or more years of age | $1 010.00 |
| 7 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $955.00 |
| 8 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $1 005.00 |
| 9 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons with persistent multiple barriers to employment | $1 055.00 |
| 10 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age | $1 255.00 |
| 11 | Two applicants/recipients and no dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age | $1 505.00 |
| 12 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $1 055.00 |
| 13 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is a person who has persistent multiple barriers to employment and the other is not but both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age | $1 105.00 |
| 14 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are under 65 years of age and both are persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment | $1 155.00 |
| 15 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | One applicant/recipient is under 65 years of age and the other is 65 or more years of age | $1 355.00 |
| 16 | Two applicants/recipients and one or more dependent children | Both applicants/recipients are 65 or more years of age | $1 605.00 |
Table 2
(sections 1 to 6 of Schedule D)
| Item | Column 1 Family Unit Size | Column 2 Minimum | Column 3 Maximum |
| 1 | 1 person | $75 | $500 |
| 2 | 2 persons | $150 | $695 |
| 3 | 3 persons | $200 | $790 |
| 4 | 4 persons | $225 | $840 |
| 5 | 5 persons | $250 | $890 |
| 6 | 6 persons | $275 | $940 |
| 7 | 7 persons | $300 | $990 |
| 8 | 8 persons | $325 | $1 040 |
| 9 | 9 persons | $350 | $1 090 |
| 10 | 10 persons | $375 | $1 140 |
Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 122/2019, App. 1, s. 14.]
[en. B.C. Reg. 63/2010, s. 5.]
Burial and Cremation Costs
1 A supplement that is paid under section 65 of the regulation may include the following amounts:
(a) an amount for a funeral provider's fee for services;
(b) an amount for the costs of intraprovincial transportation, if that transportation is for a distance greater than 32 kilometres;
(c) in respect of a burial, an amount for the costs set out in section 4 of this Schedule;
(d) in respect of a cremation, an amount for the costs set out in section 5 of this Schedule.
2 The services provided in respect of a funeral provider's fee for services must include:
(a) intraprovincial transportation, if that transportation is for a distance of 32 kilometres or less;
(b) completion and filing of the registration of death;
(c) obtaining a burial or cremation permit;
(d) co-ordination with a crematorium and cemetery;
(e) all professional and staff services;
(f) preparation of a deceased person's body for burial or cremation, including basic sanitary care and casketing;
(g) use of the funeral provider's facilities and equipment, including a preparation room, refrigeration and parking and service areas;
(h) other items or services incidental to or provided as part of any of the services described in paragraphs (a) to (g), as agreed by the funeral services provider and the responsible person.
3 Mileage for intraprovincial transportation for a distance greater than 32 kilometres must not exceed the rate set out in Column 2 of the Table below opposite the distance set out in Column 1.
| Item | Column 1 Distance | Column 2 Rate |
| 1 | more than 32 km but less than or equal to 82 km | $1/km |
| 2 | more than 82 km but less than or equal to 182 km | $ .90/km |
| 3 | over 182 km | $ .60/km |
4 (1) A supplement payable in respect of a burial may include an amount for the following costs:
(a) the cost of a burial plot in British Columbia;
(b) grave opening and closing fees;
(c) if a grave liner, hermetically sealed rigid container, plastic body pouch or outer grave box or liner is required by the cemetery, the cost of the liner, container, pouch or box;
(d) the cost of a casket, in an amount representing the sum of the following:
(i) the actual factory invoice price of a HP #2 cloth-covered casket or an equivalent or, in the case of over-sized remains, a casket for over-sized remains;
(ii) a merchandising mark-up of up to 20%;
(iii) the cost of freight to the funeral home.
(2) A lower cost casket may be used at the request of a responsible person.
(3) The minister may pay for the remains of a deceased person to be interred at a location within British Columbia other than the location at which the remains were prepared for burial in an amount not to exceed the amount that would be payable for the costs described in subsection (1) (a) to (c) and intraprovincial transportation costs.
5 (1) A supplement payable in respect of a cremation may include an amount for the following costs:
(a) cremation fees;
(b) the cost of a cremation plot in British Columbia;
(c) grave opening and closing fees;
(d) if a concrete grave liner is required by the cemetery, the cost of the grave liner;
(e) the cost of an urn in an amount not to exceed $200.
(2) The minister may pay for the remains of a deceased person to be interred at a location within British Columbia other than the location at which the remains were cremated in an amount not to exceed the amount that would be payable for the costs described in subsection (1) (b) to (d).
[Provisions relevant to the enactment of this regulation: Employment and Assistance Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 40, ss. 13 (3), 17 (5), 35, 36, 37 and 40.]
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