Programs for unpaid caregivers in British Columbia

Service Canada’s published EI caregiving hub describing family caregiver benefits for critically ill adults or children and compassionate care benefits for end-of-life support, with separate medical certificate rules.

Up to 15 weeks of EI income replacement when you provide care or support to a critically ill or injured adult.

Up to 35 weeks of EI income replacement when you care for a critically ill or injured child under 18.

Up to 26 weeks of EI income replacement when you care for or support someone with a serious medical condition and significant risk of death within 26 weeks.

Non-refundable federal tax credit for supporting an infirm spouse or dependant.

Tax-free monthly VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada) payment for unpaid caregivers of veterans with a severe, service-related disability and a disability benefit.

Provincially funded non-profit hub for caregiver navigation, education, and peer support programs described on familycaregiversbc.ca.

BC health authorities provide publicly subsidized home and community care, including home support, assisted living, long-term care, and palliative care. Contact your regional health authority to learn what is available for acute, chronic, palliative, or rehabilitative needs.

Monthly taxable pension from age 65 for long-term residents and citizens, with a 10% increase from age 75.

Tax-free monthly top-up for low-income seniors who receive Old Age Security.

Monthly tax-free benefit for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or partner receives GIS and full OAS.

Monthly tax-free benefit for widowed people aged 60 to 64 with low income.

Monthly CPP disability pension for contributors under age 65 with severe and prolonged disability.

Monthly payment for children of a CPP disabled or deceased contributor.

Tax-free monthly payment added to CCB (Canada Child Benefit) for children under 18 who are approved for the DTC (Disability Tax Credit).

Non-refundable federal credit for qualifying renovations that improve accessibility or reduce risk of harm in a principal residence for a senior or a DTC-eligible person.

Refundable federal tax credit for qualifying renovations that create a self-contained secondary suite for a senior or a DTC-eligible adult in your home.

Unused disability tax credit may transfer to a spouse or other supporting person (line 31800).

Federal non-refundable tax credit for people with a severe and prolonged impairment certified on Form T2201.

Registered savings plan for people approved for the Disability Tax Credit, with federal matching grants and income-tested bonds.

Monthly or ongoing survivor benefits may apply under the *Pension Act* and the newer **Pension for Life** framework (e.g., Income Replacement Benefit for eligible survivors), depending on the veteran’s VAC file.

Non-refundable federal credit for eligible medical expenses above the threshold based on net income (and family member rules on Schedule 5).

Provincial income and health supports for British Columbians with a Persons with Disabilities designation who meet financial eligibility.

Monthly last-resort assistance for eligible B.C. residents who are out of work, not earning enough, or urgently need food, shelter, or medical attention.

Provincial help with prescription drug costs through income-tested deductibles and family maximums, coverage, not a cash benefit.

Extra health benefits (for example dental, optical, and certain supplies) for MSP subscribers with very low income who qualify through application.

Automatic monthly B.C. top-up when you receive low OAS/GIS and live in B.C., coordinated with federal payments.

Monthly rent subsidy for eligible B.C. seniors aged 60+ who rent private housing and meet income rules.

Defer payment of annual residential property taxes as a provincial loan if you are an eligible owner with sufficient home equity, not forgivable cash.

Annual bus pass for eligible disability assistance recipients outside the Lower Mainland TransLink system.

Medical benefits and supports for children and youth with complex health needs who live at home.

British Columbia funds autism services for eligible children and youth; program rules and amounts change over time. Also see the At Home Program and newer Children and Youth with Disabilities Benefit streams on gov.bc.ca.

Monthly rent help for eligible working low-income B.C. families with dependent children when rent is a high share of income.