BC Recovery Benefit & Changes to PWD Supplement

The Province of BC has announced a new BC Recovery Benefit. Amounts are determined on a sliding scale, based on income. Please check out more information here.

• People receiving PWD benefits are eligible to apply and the amount will not be clawed back based on your existing benefits.
• Single people earning less than $62,500 qualify for a $500 payment and individuals earning up to $87,500 will qualify for a reduced amount.
• Families with incomes under $125,000 will be eligible to receive $1,000 and families earning up to $175,000 will qualify for a reduced amount.
• For people currently receiving the $300 PWD Covid-19 supplement, this amount will be reduced to $150/month from January – March. The reduced $150 amount will be added to your PWD cheque automatically. You do not have to apply for this.
• The $150 amount for three months + the $500 benefit will be close to what people on PWD were receiving before, averaged out over three months.
• The new recovery benefit is not automatic, you will need to apply.

Inclusion BC is glad to see an extension of benefits for people with disabilities but we are disappointed that the disability top-up amount was reduced and subject to an application process. The application process will reduce access for those who require additional support to apply or get caught up on their taxes.

There is no guarantee of an extension past March. The federal government recently announced plans for a Federal Disability Benefit, which we hope will address the grossly inadequate assistance rates for people with disabilities.

We will try to pass this information on as it becomes available through the government and Inclusion BC.