Application for Assistance

 

 

Category Overview

The Application for Assistance category provides information on the legislative and regulatory requirements for income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance under the BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) Program. The application process includes two stages:

During Stage 1, ministry staff:

• Assess whether work search requirements have been met or whether the applicant is exempt
• Ensure non-exempt applicant completes a reasonable work search before eligibility for assistance can be determined
• Identify whether the applicant has an immediate need for food, shelter, or urgent medical attention
• Assign critical priority to applicants who disclose they are fleeing abuse, either on the application or during the initial interview. For more information, review the Persons Fleeing Abuse topic

During Stage 2, ministry staff:

• Review the applicant’s current work search, if required
• Ensure that the applicant has had an orientation
• Gather information about the applicant’s circumstances
• Assess the eligibility of the family unit for income assistance, hardship assistance, or disability assistance, and any applicable supplements
• Provide an eligibility decision

These requirements apply to applicants under the Employment and Assistance Regulation and Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.

Detailed information is available by clicking on the appropriate topic within the Application for Assistance category (left hand menu).