Identification Requirements
Last updated on August 19, 2026Overview
To be eligible for income assistance or disability assistance, applicants and recipients must meet identification requirements. The identity of each member of the family unit must be established, including verification of the Social Insurance Number (SIN) for each applicant.
These identification requirements apply to family units under the Employment and Assistance Regulation and Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.
Policy
Eligibility
Effective: February 27, 2017
Identification (ID) requirements include of both of the following:
- Proof of identity for all family members
- A Social Insurance Number (SIN) for all adult family members.
To establish proof of identity, applicants must provide the required documents at the time of application, unless copies are already available on the case/contact of an existing case. Where a former client reapplies and staff are able to view previously scanned documents that establish the applicant’s identity, the ID requirements are considered to be met. For more information, review the ID on Existing Case policy.
Applicants may meet the requirement to provide a SIN by providing an original document or other information that verifies the SIN provided. For more information, review the Verification of Social Insurance Number (SIN) policy.
When a couple, with or without dependent children, apply for assistance, only the primary applicant in the family unit must meet the ID requirements for the family unit to be considered eligible for income assistance or disability assistance. The other family members must meet the ID requirements as soon as possible.
Proof of Identity
Effective: January 9, 2015
At the time of application for assistance, each applicant must provide two pieces of identification (ID). One must be a photo ID from the list of primary ID. The second may be selected from either the primary or secondary ID list. For more information, review the Table: Primary and Secondary ID.
Interim documents (for example, interim driver’s licence) are not accepted as primary ID. A photo ID that is old or has expired may be acceptable as primary ID if staff determine that the photo resembles the applicant and establishes the applicant’s identity. For example, an immigration document with photo from the applicant’s childhood is not acceptable as primary ID for an adult applicant.
For each dependent child, one piece of ID from either the primary or secondary ID list is required at the time of application for assistance or when a dependent child is added to an existing case. A birth certificate is the preferred proof of identity for a dependent child. For more information on exceptions to ID requirements for dependent children, review the Exceptions policy.
Table: Primary and Secondary ID
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Primary ID (Photo ID) |
Secondary ID |
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Note: The SCIS card is acceptable as primary ID. Older versions of the CIS cards are only acceptable as secondary ID. CIS cards must not be used as secondary ID when the SCIS card is used as primary ID. The toll-free number may be used to verify the validity of the card where there are concerns of authenticity or when the photo does not match the applicant. If the automated system indicates that the card’s serial number is invalid, return the card to the applicant and inform them to contact ISC.
Following is an example of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status card.
All persons issued the Sponsorship Undertaking: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292) automatically receive the Permanent Resident Card. The card is issued for a fee of $50 and is valid for five years.
Note: Children receive their own Permanent Resident Card.
Applicants must be registered in the ministry’s system using the name shown on their identification.
Applicants who are unable to provide the required identification may access the ministry’s Client Identification Process (CIP). For more information on the Client Identification Process (CIP), review the Establishing Proof of Identity procedures. Where all other eligibility requirements are met, applicants who meet identification requirements using CIP will be eligible for temporary Income Assistance for up to 6 months while they continue to obtain the required identification documents.
To see other examples of identification, review the Canadian Documents from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Verification of Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Effective: May 31, 2021
All applicants and adult dependents are required to have a valid and verified Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Acceptable documents for verifying a SIN include:
- A valid SIN card
- A copy of a valid SIN card on the client’s existing case
- Previous verification of SIN recorded on the client’s existing case
- Confirmation of SIN letter issued by Service Canada
- An original Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that includes the applicants name and unredacted SIN, or a copy of this document on the client’s existing case
- Other original formal documentation issued by the Government of Canada that includes the applicant’s name and SIN, or a copy of this documentation on the client’s existing case
Note: A valid SIN card refers to a Social Insurance Card issued by Service Canada. Metal cards that have Government of Canada printed on them are not valid SIN cards.
Where an applicant or adult dependent provides a valid SIN but cannot provide documentation to verify it, an alternative method of verification may be available. At the minister’s discretion, and with the applicant’s consent, the ministry may attempt to verify a SIN directly with the CRA. If a SIN cannot be verified through this process, documentation will still be required.
Where all other eligibility requirements are met, applicants may be eligible for hardship assistance SIN required, while awaiting documentation to verify their SIN. For more information, review the SIN Required.
The following applicants and recipients are exempt from meeting the SIN requirement when determining eligibility for income assistance or disability assistance:
- Refugee claimants or people applying for protection
- Temporary Resident Permit holders
- Applicants who have applied for a Temporary Residence Permit as a victim of family violence
- People who qualify for an exemption from citizenship requirements
- People with permanent resident status waiting to receive a Social Insurance Number
For more information, review the Citizenship and Residency Requirements topic.
ID on Existing Case
Effective: December 1, 2008
If a former client reapplies and no longer has the required ID or SIN documents in their possession but copies are on the existing case, the ID requirements are considered met.
Applicants who do not have the required ID and do not have copies on their case may access the ministry’s Client Identification Process (CIP). For more information, review the Establishing Proof of Identity section. Where all other eligibility requirements have been met, applicants who meet ID requirements using CIP will be eligible for temporary income assistance for up to 6 months while they obtain replacement ID.
Exceptions
Effective: December 13, 2019
The following exceptions apply to ID requirements:
- For newborn infants, a copy of the registration of live birth, application for a birth certificate, or hospital ankle bracelet is sufficient for identification purposes for a three-month period
- For Children in Home of Relative (CIHR) recipients, one piece of identification from either the primary or secondary ID list, plus a photograph of the CIHR child is sufficient for identification requirements
- Where an applicant or recipient is incapable of managing their normal daily responsibilities due to health issues beyond their control and cannot obtain ID or a SIN, a third party may assist in obtaining the required documents
- Where an applicant or recipient cannot provide one piece of ID for a dependent child from either the primary or secondary ID list because the ID does not exist or is not legally accessible, ministry staff may request additional approval to accept other proof of identity
- For applicants who are refugee claimants or persons applying for protection or Temporary Resident Permit holders, the Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview (AOC) form or the IMM1442 (Refugee Protection Claimant Document, Temporary Resident Permit) is acceptable as primary identification and maybe used as the sole identification while waiting to receive secondary documentation. The status of clients with the AOC or the IMM1442 should be verified with the Financial Administrative Services Branch (FASB)
Examples of other acceptable proof of identity include:
- A signed letter from medical personnel (for example, physician, nurse, nurse-practitioner, registered midwife, or hospital social worker) who attended the birth of the child (for a newborn)
- A signed letter from an authority (for example, a social worker from the Ministry of Children and Family Development) regarding the identity and residence of the child
ID Requirements Not Met
Effective: July 1, 2019
Until the required identification documents are received, the family unit is not eligible for income assistance or disability assistance. Where all other eligibility requirements are met, applicants may be eligible for hardship assistance under identity not established while they apply for replacement ID. For more information, review the Identity Not Established topic.
Applicants who are unable to provide the required identification may access the ministry’s Client Identification Process (CIP). For more information, review the Establishing Proof of Identity procedures. Where all other eligibility requirements are met, applicants who meet identification requirements using CIP will be eligible for temporary income or disability assistance for up to 6 months while they continue to obtain the required identification documents.
The ministry may issue an ID Supplement to support recipients in obtaining required ID. For more information, review the Identification Supplement topic.
If the required identification documents are not provided within 6 months, the case must be reviewed by the ministry to determine next steps. Section 10 of the Employment and Assistance Act and the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act authorize the ministry to request or verify information related to eligibility provided by a client, including identification.
Where it is established that the recipient has been actively attempting to obtain the required documentation but has been unable to do so for reasons beyond their control, an extension may be given with additional ministry approval. Ministry staff should assist the recipient in obtaining identification documents and consider eligibility for an ID supplement. For more information, review the Identification Supplement topic.
Where it has been established that the recipient has not been pursuing the required identification documents, the requirements for continued eligibility for assistance are not being met, and further assistance should be denied.
Procedures
Establishing Proof of Identity
Effective: May 31, 2021
You will need to provide identification (ID) documents for each member of your family unit including yourself, your spouse (if applicable), and your dependent children (if applicable). You can submit information and documents in one of these ways:
- Telephone: toll-free at 1-866-866-0800
- By mail: to any of the Ministry or Service BC offices
- In person: by attending a Ministry or Service BC office during office hours or dropping off using the office’s outside drop box
ID on Existing Case
Effective: December 1, 2008
If you were previously a recipient of assistance and do not have ID, the ministry may already have your ID on your case, and you may not need to submit new ID. Ministry staff will review your case and confirm if the ID requirement is met using your old ID on the case and let you know if you need to provide new ID.
Legal and Preferred Name
Effective: July 20, 2026
You must provide the ministry with your legal name that is used on your ID. If you changed your name before an application or while receiving assistance, you must tell the ministry so your ID can be updated and confirmed. This includes providing the name given to you at birth and any other names you have used. This information is gathered to established identity. The ministry does not need to call you by your legal name, name given to you at birth, or any of your previous name/s, if you prefer to be called by a different name.
If you prefer to be called by a name that is different than what is listed on your ID you can ask ministry staff to place an ‘alert’ or note on your case, noting your preference.
Missing ID and Client Identification Process (CIP) Level 1
Effective: July 20, 2026
If you do not have the required ID and were previously a recipient of assistance but your case does not have ID, you can either follow a voluntary Client Identification Process (CIP) Level 1 process to confirm your ID or you can choose to apply for Hardship Assistance – Identity Not Established.
CIP Level 1 means ministry staff will take your photo in the office, fill in a Client Identification Process (HR3266) form including your details and signature, and ask you security questions. Ministry staff must be satisfied that your ID is confirmed during this process. The CIP process will allow the ministry to issue assistance for 6 months while you apply for and obtain ID if you meet all other eligibility criteria.
Ministry staff will review your case after 6 months to check if ID has been provided. If you have not provided ID, you will need to tell the ministry what steps you have taken to apply for an obtain ID. If ministry staff confirm that you have taken steps to obtain ID, additional approvals may be request for an extension of up to 1 month at a time to continue assistance while you obtain ID. If the ministry is not satisfied you have taken steps to obtain ID, you may be denied assistance and will have the right to reconsideration and appeal.
Missing ID and Client Identification Process (CIP) Level 2
Effective: July 20, 2026
If you do not have the required ID and have never received assistance from the ministry, you can follow a voluntary Client Identification Process (CIP) Level 2 process to confirm your ID or can choose to apply for Hardship Assistance – Identity Not Established.
CIP Level 2 means ministry staff will take your photo in the office, fill in a Client Identification Process (HR3266) form including your details and signature, ask you security questions, and then conduct third party checks to verify your identity.
Ministry staff must be satisfied that your ID is confirmed during this process. The CIP process will allow the ministry to issue assistance for 6 months while you apply for and obtain ID if you meet all other eligibility criteria.
In most cases, even with third party checks, it may be difficult to confirm your ID using CIP Level 2, in which case you may be denied assistance but may still be eligible for Hardship Assistance – Identity Not Established if you meet all other eligibility criteria.
If ministry staff can confirm your ID using CIP Level 2 process will allow the ministry to issue assistance for 6 months while you apply for and obtain ID if you meet all other eligibility criteria.
Ministry staff will review your case after 6 months to check if ID has been provided. If you have not provided ID, you will need to tell the ministry what steps you have taken to apply for an obtain ID. If ministry staff confirm that you have taken steps to obtain ID, additional approvals may be request for an extension of up to 1 month at a time to continue assistance while you obtain ID. If the ministry is not satisfied you have taken steps to obtain ID, you may be denied assistance and will have the right to reconsideration and appeal.
Identification Required to Validate Electronic Consent
Effective: June 4, 2019
When you register for MySS and submit your ID online, the ministry will verify your identity to ensure you are who you claim to be, confirm your consent for third-party checks and ensure you are legally able to sign documents electronically (this is known as validating your electronic consent). The ID required to validate an electronic consent is different from the ID requirements for determining eligibility for assistance.
The following documents are required to validate electronic consent:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN). You must provide your SIN for the application, but a SIN card or other confirmation of SIN is not required to validate electronic consent.
- One piece of primary photo ID. The front and back of the ID must be scanned unless it is a passport.
- Previously submitted Photo ID on your case can meet this criterion if it is clear and legible. The back of previously accepted Photo ID is not required.
- Any two of the following types of items which show your name on the document and align with the name on the Photo ID:
- Utility bills (ie: Phone, Gas, Hydro)
- Bank statement or Bank Profile
- Notice of Assessment or T4
- Record of Employment (ROE)
- Pay Stub
- Diploma or post-secondary certificate, bachelor's degree or post-graduate degree from post-secondary institution
- Documents from corrections to show that the applicant has been incarcerated at least 6 months in last 2 years
- Most recent property tax assessment
- Mortgage documents
- Property Insurance Statement
- SIN card or confirmation of SIN from the federal government
- Another primary identification from Primary ID list
- Secondary ID such as from the Secondary ID list
- A photograph of your face that realistically demonstrates your appearance:
- The purpose of the photo is to confirm that you are the same person as the Primary Photo ID.
- The photo should show your current appearance clearly so staff can match it with your primary photo ID. Staff performing ID validation will compare the Photo to the Primary photo ID and can approve validation only if the appearance matches.
- Your face should not be blocked by headwear (other than religious or otherwise required headwear), shadows, or glare from glasses (tinted glasses and sunglasses cannot be used).
- No alterations (photo editing software or AI editing) should be made to the photo.
- The photo should not include a face other than yours.
- The photo can be in colour or greyscale (black and white)
Staff will review all the documents and information submitted to validate your electronic consent before moving forward with your application. If staff cannot validate your electronic consent they may ask you to attend a ministry or Service BC office, bring supporting documentation, and sign application documents.
You must continue to meet the following requirements to be able to sign documents and forms online such as Monthly Reports (HR0081):
Replacing Immigration ID
Effective: July 1, 2019
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will replace your immigration documents for a fee if you lost them. The ministry may issue an identification supplement to you if you require identification to be eligible for assistance.