Applicants and recipients must reside in British Columbia for initial and ongoing eligibility for assistance.
This topic also includes policy on individuals residing in British Columbia in halfway houses or on reserves.
Residency in BC Eligibility
Effective: May 20, 2010
Recipients become ineligible for assistance if they are absent from BC for more than 30 consecutive days per year.
Prior authorization of the Manager is required for continued assistance for recipients who leave the province for more than 30 days for the purpose of:
All recipients who leave the province for 30 days or more must re-apply for assistance when they return.
First Nations
Effective: December 1, 2003
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is responsible for the provision of social assistance on reserves. First Nations persons (status Indians) and non-status persons residing on reserves are to apply for assistance from the band. This includes status Indians residing on commercial property on reserves. Failure to pursue income results in consequences for non-compliance. [see Related Links – Sanctions]
Exception: non-status persons residing on commercial property on reserves are not eligible for ISC assistance and may be considered for BCEA.
[For more information on support and shelter provided to eligible family units, see Related Links – Support, Shelter and Special Care Facilities]
Persons Residing in Halfway Houses
Effective: March 1, 2023
Persons residing in halfway houses (also called Community Corrections Facilities) have their basic needs met through the corrections system, which is funded by provincial and federal governments. The supports include accommodation, meals, and a weekly allowance. Persons residing in halfway houses are subject to several types of release; however, all persons residing in halfway houses are not eligible for assistance, however, they may be eligible for a Housing Stability Supplement [See Related Links- Housing Stability Supplement].
Recipients Who Leave the Province
Effective: May 20, 2010
Requests from recipients to continue assistance while out of the province must provide all of the following to the Ministry office.
Manager approval must be obtained to provide assistance for recipients who leave the province for more than 30 days.
Responsibilities
Effective: May 20, 2010
Manager is responsible for:
A summarized Authority Level matrix is available in Additional Resources.