Work related expenses and allowances

Last updated: March 6, 2019

Learn more about financial assistance and reimbursements available for job related expenses in the BC Public Service.

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Travel expenses

Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed while travelling on government business away from your normal work location. Find out what’s covered and how to claim expenses before you travel.

Education and training support 

Financial support is available for you to participate in required training, job related courses, conferences and other educational activities that will help enhance job skills. 

Licenses and certificates

If you've received a license or credential that's required for your job, you may be eligible for a reimbursement, allowance or bonus.

Health and welfare allowance (auxiliary employees)

In lieu of health and welfare benefits, auxiliary employees receive a compensation allowance of:

 

Effective date

Per working hour

Maximum per biweekly pay period

April 1, 2019

$0.75

$52.20

April 1, 2020

$0.77

$53.90

April 1, 2021

$0.79

$55.30

Work required clothing

Employees need to be comfortable and safe while on the job. Special clothing or safety equipment required for some jobs are covered by reimbursement or provided by the employer. 

Working in isolated areas

If you work in a remote part of the province, you may be eligible for a special allowance. 

Relocation

Need to relocate because you’ve won a public service job in a different city? We’ll help pay for your move.  

Child care expenses

Reimbursement is offered when additional child care expenses are incurred as a result of being away from headquarters or working outside of regular scheduled hours. Between $30 to $60 per day is available, depending on your employee group. Check your Employment conditions and agreements.

Medical and dental travel allowance

For BCGEU employees, if travel is required to receive medical or dental treatment for you or your family, employees are entitled to time off, and accommodation and travel expenses according to the table below. A statement from a qualified medical or dental practitioner may be required to confirm treatment couldn't be provided at your place of residence.

 

For BCGEU employees:

Effective date

Maximum per calendar year

April 1, 2019

$510

April 1, 2020

$520

April 1, 2021

$530

For PEA employees, if travel is required to receive medical or dental treatment for you or your family, employees are entitled to accommodation and travel expenses reimbursement to a maximum of $1,000 effective April 1, 2019 per calendar year.

Executive vehicle allowance

Deputy ministers and associate deputy ministers are provided with a government-leased vehicle with a maximum monthly lease payment of $625, or a vehicle allowance of $580 per month.

Review Terms and Conditions of Employment for Excluded Employees and Appointees Schedule 06 – Executive vehicles (PDF, 64KB).

Private vehicle damage

If your vehicle is damaged while being used for government business, you’ll be reimbursed the lesser of either the actual vehicle damage repair cost or your vehicle insurance deductible per the table below. Review Core Policy and Procedures Manual Chapter C.5.1 for claims procedures.

 

Effective date

Maximum per calendar year

April 1, 2019

$612

April 1, 2020

$624

April 1, 2021

$636
 

Personal property damage

On request and with reasonable notice, we can provide a secure space for you to store personal possessions, wallets and/or purses when at your worksite. In the event that your work related personal possessions are damaged by a person in the care or custody of the province, we’ll pay up to a maximum of $158 for BCGEU employees, or per the table below for PEA employees, to replace it.

This provision does not apply to articles of clothing or eyewear.

 

For PEA employees:

Effective date

Maximum per calendar year

April 1, 2019

$161.16

April 1, 2020

$164.38

April 1, 2021

$167.67
 

Environmental Technical and Operational (ETO) employee allowances

Field crews and mobile employees can receive allowances for working away from headquarters. 

Transportation on termination

If you're discharged from work while away from headquarters or temporary headquarters, you'll be paid for transportation costs and travel time to your point of hire or residence within the province, whichever is less.

Parking

For employees based in Victoria, limited government administered employee parking is available. Learn more about rates, location and applying for a space in Victoria.

For other locations, you'll need to contact your ministry facilities coordinator to inquire if any designated government administered parking is available for employees.