The B.C. Family Benefit, which replaced the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit provides a tax-free monthly payment to families with children under the age of 18.
Call 1-800-387-1193 (Toll-free within Canada)
or visit BC Family Benefit for more information.
The Canada child benefit (CCB) is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB may include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs.
Visit Canada Child Benefit for more information.
Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits provide financial assistance to:
You could receive 55% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $650 a week.
Maternity Benefits
Only available to the person who is away from work because they are pregnant or have recently given birth. They cannot be shared between parents. The person receiving maternity benefits may also be entitled to parental benefits.
Parental Benefits
Available to the parents of a newborn or newly adopted child.
You must choose between 2 options:
Your choice determines the number of weeks and the weekly amount you will receive.
If sharing, each parent must choose the same option and submit their own application. Parents can receive their weeks or benefits at the same time or one after another. Once you start receiving parental benefits, you cannot change options.
Visit EI Benefits Canada for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
Provided by: The Government of BC
If you are a single parent receiving income or disability assistance, you may be eligible for training and support to secure a long-term job through the Single Parent Employment Initiative.
If you qualify you are eligible for:
Call 1-866-866-0800
or visit the Single Parent Employment Initiative for more information.
If you are in need and have no other resources, you may be eligible for income assistance. This can help support your transition to employment.
You may be eligible if you find yourself in any of these situations:
The ministry can only give available resources to people who meet eligibility criteria. You must look for and use all other sources of income and assets before you apply.
Visit Provincial Income Assistance form more information on eligibility and how to apply.
Provincial Hardship Assistance is intended to meet the essential needs of persons or families who are not eligible for income assistance under the Employment and Assistance Act or disability assistance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, for a number of reasons specified by regulation.
It is provided on a temporary basis, for only one month at a time. Eligibility for hardship assistance must be re-established each month.
Clients are responsible for meeting the conditions under which hardship assistance is provided, including signing and complying with an Employment Plan, and agreeing to repay hardship assistance, when required.
Visit Provincial Hardship Assistance for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
The Credit Counselling Society is a non-profit organization that provides free, confidential service to review your monthly budget. The organization can help you:
Visit the Credit Counselling Society form more information.
The Office of Consumer Affairs provides information on budgeting, including:
Visit the Office of Consumer Affairs for more information.