Kelowna 
Credit: B.C. Govt.
Finance Minister Selina Robinson says people in British Columbia can start applying online for the government’s pandemic recovery benefit for eligible families and individuals starting Dec. 18.
Robinson introduced legislation Tuesday to provide the tax-free recovery benefit of $1,000 for families and $500 for individuals to about 3.7 million people.
She says the cost of the program, including increases to income and disability assistance payments, amounts to about $1.7 billion.
Robinson says she expects some people will receive the one-time recovery benefit before Christmas, while others will get the money deposited into their accounts before the end of this year.
The B.C. government is also providing B.C. Recovery Supplement – $150 per month from January 2021 to March 2021 to British Columbians receiving income assistance and disability assistance. The supplement will be provided to people who receive income assistance, disability assistance and to low-income seniors receiving the B.C. Senior’s Supplement and income assistance and disability recipients residing in special-care facilities. The supplement will be automatically added to cheques issued in January, February and March 2021.
B.C. Recovery Benefit
Starting Dec. 18, 2020, up to 90% of adults in B.C. will be able to apply for the B.C. Recovery Benefit online. Those needing assistance over the phone can complete their application with an agent starting Dec. 21, 2020.
What is B.C. Recovery Benefit:
B.C Recovery Benefit provides 3.7 million British Columbians a tax-free sum of :
- For Families: $1,000 for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $125,000. Reduced benefit amount for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $175,000
- For Individuals: $500 for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $62,500. Reduced benefit amount for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $87,500
Who is eligible for B.C. Recovery Benefit:
To apply and be eligible for the one-time, tax-free benefit, people must:
- be a resident of B.C. on Dec. 18, 2020;
- be at least 19 years old on Dec. 18, 2020;
- have filed a 2019 income tax return;
- have their 2019 income tax notice of assessment, and if applicable, their spouse’s 2019 income tax notice of assessment;
- have their social insurance number;
- have their direct deposit information; and
- have their B.C. driver’s licence.
How to apply for B.C. Recovery Benefit:
British Columbians can apply through one of the following:
- Apply Online starting Dec. 18
- By Phone starting Dec. 21: Phone 1- 833 882-0020 toll-free within North America, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time).
— With Files From The Canadian Press
I’ve received an email asking for more proof of identification, residence and pretty much everything else under the sun to prove who we are etc as well our tax info! Is this ligit or did I receive a email scam ?
I am on disability and have not received my benefits yet
I have not filled income tax return for 2019 because my work permit approved mar 2020. Can I apply this benefit.
If you are on income or disability can you apply for the $1000
I am a full-time mother with two children age of 11 on learning disability and I will have trouble to do an application online for this funding
do seniors have to apply