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Definitions

Last updated on April 19, 2023

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D

E

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A

 
Aboriginal Self Identifier The Aboriginal Self Identifier is a voluntary form where the applicant or recipient is asked to self identify if they are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit. The individual who identifies as a First Nations can also indicate if he or she is registered under the Indian Act of Canada (i.e., status or non-status).
   
Abuse Covers a number of types of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional harm, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
   

Abuse (from the Family Law Act)
Abuse includes
(a) physical abuse of a spouse or family member, including forced confinement or deprivation of the necessities of life, but not including the use of reasonable force to protect oneself or others from harm, 
(b) sexual abuse of a spouse or family member, 
(c) attempts to physically or sexually abuse a spouse or family member, 
(d) psychological or emotional abuse of a spouse or family member, including
  (i) intimidation, harassment, coercion or threats, including threats respecting other persons, pets or property, 
  (ii) unreasonable restrictions on, or prevention of, a spouse or family member's financial or personal autonomy, 
  (iii) stalking or following of a spouse or family member, and 
  (iv) intentional damage to property, and 
(e) in the case of a child, direct or indirect exposure to violence 
   
Act offence An offence under the EA Act or the EAPWD Act
   
Ad hoc When contract counsel is not in place or when contract counsel is in place but the task they are asked to do is not in their contract, the ministry will request to provide an ad hoc appointment referral. For purposes of the family maintenance services, ad hoc refers to legal counsel who is hired to do a specific legal task.
   
Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) Through the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Agreements with Young Adults provides supports to 19 to 24 year-olds who were under a Continuing Custody Order or were in a Youth Agreement at age 19.
   
Amended EP An amended EP is an EP that has been changed or has had additional activities added and is signed by the client and placed on the client file.  It is considered a new plan as it replaces the previous version.  An amended EP is completed to change any aspect of the program, timeframe or activities identified in an EP.  An amended EP can be active or inactive.  Clients must sign the Amended EP, or they will not be eligible for assistance.
   

Annual pass

An annual pass to use a public passenger transportation system in a transit service area established under section 25 of the British Columbia Transit Act. 

[see EA Regulation, Section 66 (2), or EAPWD Regulation, Section 51 (2) for legal definition]
   
Appeal record The package containing the Employment and Assistance Reconsideration Decision (HR0101), the client’s submissions, and all other information and records that were before the ministry when the decision being reconsidered was made.
   
Appeal supplement A supplement that may be provided to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or disability assistance if a recipient in the family unit delivers a Notice of Appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal (HR2607) under section 84 of the Employment and Assistance Regulation in respect of a decision that resulted in a discontinuation or reduction of income assistance, disability assistance, or a supplement.
   

Appellant

A person who commences an appeal under section 21 of the Employment and Assistance Act.

[see EA Regulation, Section 78 for legal definition]
   

Applicant

The person in a family unit who applies for income assistance, hardship assistance, disability assistance, or a supplement on behalf of the family unit. Includes any of the following:

  • the person’s spouse, if the spouse is a dependant
  • the person’s adult dependants

[see EA Act, Section 1, or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Arrears Arrears that have accumulated under a maintenance order or agreement.
   

Asset

Any of the following:

  • equity in any real or personal property that can be converted to cash
  • a beneficial interest in real or personal property held in trust
  • cash assets

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Assignment An agreement whereby the right to a source of funds (for example, maintenance rights or Employment Insurance) is transferred from the client to the ministry.
   
Assignor A person who has made an assignment.
   

Assistance

Income assistance, disability assistance, hardship assistance, or a supplement.

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Assistance month Refers to the month for which the assistance is issued (i.e., assistance for May is issued the last Wednesday of April).
   

Assistive device

A device designed to enable a person to perform a daily living activity that, because of a severe mental or physical impairment, the person is unable to perform.

[see EAPWD Act, Section 2 for legal definition]
   
At Home Program Medical Benefits

A Ministry of Children and Family Development program providing a range of medical supplies and services that can be accessed by At Home Program participants.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/special-needs/complex-health-needs/at-home-program/medical-benefits
   
At Home Program Respite Benefits

A Ministry of Children and Family Development program allowing parents to choose appropriate care options for their child and family.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/special-needs/complex-health-needs/at-home-program/at-home-program-respite-benefits
 
Audiologist An audiologist registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act.

B

Base amount

The base amount is used to calculate the amount of a PWD family unit's annual earnings exemption by multiplying the base amount for the family unit by the number of qualifying months in the calendar year. The base amounts are as follows:

  • $1,250, in the case of a family unit that includes only one PWD recipient,
  • $1,500, in the case of a family unit that includes two recipients, only one of whom is designated as PWD, and
  • $2,500, in the case of a family unit that includes two recipients who are designated PWD

[see EAPWD Regulation, Schedule B, Section 3 for legal definition]
   

Basic dental service

Preventative, restorative, surgical and diagnostic dental services as described in the Schedules of Fee Allowances.  These services may be provided by any of the following:

  • A general practice or certified specialist dentist at the rate set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances – Dentist
  • A denturist at the rate set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances – Denturist
  • A hygienist at the rate set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances – Hygienist 

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

Basic eyewear and repairs

Any of the following items that are provided by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician:

  • for a child who has a new prescription, one pair of eye glasses per year consisting of single-vision or bifocal lenses and frames to the maximum rate payable by the ministry as set out in the current rate schedule
  • for any other person who has a new prescription, one pair of eye glasses every three years consisting of single-vision or bifocal lenses and frames to the maximum rate payable by the ministry as set out in the current rate schedule
  • for a child or other person:
    • new lenses at any time if an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician confirms a change in refractive status in either eye
    • a case for new eye glasses or lenses
    • necessary repairs to lenses or frames that come within this definition

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   
BC Assessment Authority The BC Assessment Authority maintains records on all real property in BC.
   
BC Services Card (Non-Photo card) A piece of government-issued identification which is a health card and has the cardholder’s Personal Health Number but no photo
   
BC Services Card (Photo card) A piece of government-issued identification which is a health card and has the cardholder’s photo and Personal Health Number
   
Benefit month In relation to a family unit, means a calendar month for which the family unit is eligible for an amount of assistance under the EA Act or EAPWD Act. 
   

Business day

A day other than Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday.

[see EA Act, Section 1 or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
 

C

 
Calendar month Refers to the month in which a change in circumstance occurs and which the recipient is obligated to report. The calendar month is measured from the 1st of the month to the last day of month (30th or 31st).
   

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

A federal government benefit, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), designed to assist low- and modest-income families with the cost of raising their children. Families must file their income tax return each year in order to receive the CCB.  Effective July 1, 2016, CCB replaced the former Canada Child Tax Benefit, National Child Benefit Supplement, and Universal Child Care Benefit
   
Case manager The person in the organization having responsibility for managing aspects of a client case.
   

Cash assets

In relation to a person, means any of the following:

  • money in the possession of the person or the person’s dependent
  • money standing to the credit of the person or the person’s dependent with a savings institution or a third party that must pay it to the person or the person’s dependant on demand
  • the amount of a money order payable to the person or the person’s dependent
  • the amount of an immediately negotiable cheque payable to the person or the person’s dependent 

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Catchment area A geographic area of BC where a WorkBC Centre provides services.  BCEA clients will access the WorkBC  Centre storefront location serving the catchment area in which the client resides, unless the client and contractor determine the client would be better served through an alternative WorkBC option.
   
Chair The Chair of the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal appointed under section 19 of the Employment and Assistance Act.
   

Change in refractive status

A change of not less than 0.5 dioptres to the spherical or cylinder lens, or a change in axis that equals or exceeds any of the following:

  • 20 degrees for a cylinder lens of 0.5 dioptres or less
  • 10 degrees for a cylinder lens of more than 0.5 dioptres but not more than 1.0 dioptre
  • 3 degrees for a cylinder lens of more than 1.0 dioptre 

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

Child

An unmarried person under 19 years of age.

[see EA Act, Section 1 or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Child benefits cheque

means a cheque for one, or the sum of two or more, of the following:

  1. the BC basic family bonus;
  2. the BC earned income benefit;
  3. the basic child tax benefit;
  4. the national child benefit supplement;
  5. the BC early childhood tax benefit;
  6. the BC Child Opportunity Benefit;
  7. the Canada child benefit;
  8. the BC Family Benefit.
[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Child In Home of a Relative (CIHR)  
   
Child Services Benefits A Ministry of Children and Family Development program which provides children and youth with special needs, who require significant additional educational, medical/health and social/environmental support, programs and services through MCFD until they are 19 years of age. 
   
Child support A payment made by a person to support another person who is their child or who is or was their step-child and for whom the person has or had an obligation to support under the Family Law Act, Divorce Act, or other similar family law legislation in another jurisdiction. In this context, “child” may include a person who is PWD and over the age of 18, or not PWD and over the age of 19, and for whom support continues to be paid because the person is unable, due to illness, disability or other reason (including attending school), to be independent of his/her parent or step-parent. Child support may be payable under a court judgment or order or by agreement (which may or may not be in writing).
   
Child Support Guidelines The Child Support Guidelines (CSG) is a table that shows how much the paying parent is required to pay each month for child maintenance. The amount is based on the number of children and the annual gross income of the paying parent.
   
Client An applicant or recipient.
   
Collapsible discretionary trust A discretionary trust where the beneficiary can collapse the trust and gain control of the assets. The ministry treats these trusts in the same way as a Non-Discretionary Trust.
   
Committee A committee is granted the authority under the Patients Property Act to manage the affairs of an adult who is incapable of managing his or her own affairs. A committee can be the Public Guardian and Trustee, a private individual, or a trust company. 
   
Community attachment An unpaid work experience placement or connection with needed community services that support the client to improve employment readiness, functioning in society and quality of life. Community Attachment is normally a step in a client’s Action Plan. In some cases, where a labour market attachment outcome has been determined to be unreasonable or unrealistic for a client in current circumstances, community attachment is an acceptable client outcome.
   
Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) Independent Authority responsible for deliver of services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
   
Consumer credit report A consumer credit report is a report of an individual’s credit history prepared by a credit bureau.
   

Continuation date

For the purposes of eligibility for Medical Services Only, the date the person ceased to be eligible for income assistance or disability assistance.

[see EA regulation, Section 66.1 or EAPWD regulation, Section 61.01 for legal definition]
   
Continuation date For the purposes of eligbility for Transitional Health Services, the date the person ceased to be eligible for income assistance.
   

Continued person

Under the EA regulation and for the purposes of eligibility for Medical Services Only, a continued person means either:

  • a main continued person under section 66.3(1), or
  • a dependent continued person under section 66.3(2)  

[see EA regulation, Section 66.1 for legal definition]

Under the EAPWD regulation and for the purposes of eligibility for Medical Services Only, a continued person means either:

  • a main continued person under section 61.1(1), or
  • a dependent continued person under section 61.1(2)

[see EAPWD regulation, Section 61.01 for legal definition]
   

Continued person

 

For the purposes of eligibility for Transitional Health Services, a continued person means either:

  • a main continued person under section 66.4(1) of the EA regulation, or
  • a dependent continued person under section 66.4(2) of the EA regulation 

[see EA regulation, Section 66.1 for legal definition]
   
Co-op housing share A membership share in a cooperative housing corporation.
   
CPP Orphan's Benefit An orphan's benefit under the Canada Pension Plan Act (Canada). Also known as a surviving child's benefit for the child of a deceased contributor – a monthly payment for a natural or adopted child or a child who was in the care and custody of the contributor at the time of death.
   

Creditor

The person entitled under an order to receive maintenance for himself or herself or another person.

[see Family Maintenance Enforcement Act for legal definition]
   
Crime Victim Assistance (CVA) Crime Victim Assistance is governed by the Crime Victim Assistance Act and the Regulations. Under the Act, victims injured as a result of certain crimes, immediate family members of an injured or deceased victim and some witnesses may be eligible for financial assistance or certain benefits.
   
Criminal code offence An offence under the Criminal Code in relation to obtaining money, under the EA Act or the EAPWD Act, by fraud or false or misleading representation.
   
Criminal Injury Compensation Act (CICA) The Criminal Injury Compensation Act was replaced by the Crime Victim Assistance Act on June 30, 2002.
   
CSRS The Child Support Recalculation Service (CSRS) is a service under the Ministry of Justice that has a mandate to annually review all child support orders registered in Kelowna, unless the order is exempt from CSRS.
 

D

 

Daily living activity

Means the following:

  • in relation to a person who has a severe physical impairment or a severe mental impairment, means the following activities:
    • prepare own meals
    • manage personal finances
    • shop for personal needs
    • use public or personal transportation facilities
    • perform housework to maintain the person’s place of residence in acceptable sanitary condition
    • move about indoors and outdoors
    • perform personal hygiene and self care
    • manage personal medication
  • in relation to a person who has a severe mental impairment, includes the following activities:
    • make decisions about personal activities, care, or finances
    • relate to, communicate, or interact with others effectively 

[see EAPWD Regulation, Section 2 for legal definition]
   

Debtor

A person required under a maintenance order to pay maintenance.

[see Family Maintenance Enforcement Act for legal definition]
   

Dentist

A dentist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals.

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

Denture services

Services and items provided by either of the following:

  • A dentist at the rate set out under fee numbers 51101 to 51302 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances – Dentist
  • A denturist at the rate set out under fee numbers 31310 to 31331 in the Schedule of Fee Allowances – Denturist 

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

Denturist

A denturist registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals.

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   
Dependant In relation to another person, means anyone who resides with the person and who is the spouse of the other person, or is a dependent child of the person, or indicates a parental role for the person's dependent child.
   

Dependent child

A child is a dependent child if they:

  • reside in a parent's place of residence for more than 50 per cent of each month and rely on that parent for the necessities of life, and
  • are not a child who is 18 years of age with Persons with Disabilities designation.

If a child resides with two parents for either 50 percent of the time in each parent’s residence or 100 percent of the time in one residence where the parents are not spouses of each other, they are a dependent child of:

  • the parent who receives assistance, if only one of the parents receives assistance, or
  • the parent who is designated in writing by both parents, if both parents receive assistance.

In situations where a child resides with both parents 50 percent of the time and the parents do not agree in writing on who to designate the child as a dependent child, neither parent may add the child as a dependent child, but both parents are eligible for Shared Parenting Assistance.

In relation to a dependent child, (other than for EA Section 20 (Assignment of maintenance rights), 65 (Burial and cremation supplements), and Schedule A, Section 6 (People receiving room and board) and EAPWD Section 17 (Assignment of maintenance rights) and Schedule A, Section 6 (People receiving room and board)) a parent includes but is not limited to:

  • A biological mother or father; 
  • An adoptive mother or father;
  • A person with legal custody, other than a director under the Child, Family and Community Service Act or an administrator under the Adoption Act;
  • A person with legal guardianship, other than a director under the Child, Family and Community Service Act or an administrator under the Adoption Act
    OR
  • a person who is the parent of the parenting dependent child.

A client temporarily caring for a child without legal custody or guardianship may be considered a parent (see Procedures for Adding Dependent Child to a Case). Caring for a child may include one or more of the following, but is not limited to:

  • making day-to-day decisions affecting the child;
  • having day-to-day care, control and supervision of the child;
  • making decisions respecting where the child will reside;
  • making decisions respecting the child's education and participation in extracurricular activities;
  • making decisions respecting the child's cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual upbringing and heritage;
  • applying for a passport, licence, permit, benefit, privilege or other thing for the child;
  • exercising any other responsibilities reasonably necessary to nurture the child's development.
   

Dependent continued person

Under the EA regulation and for the purposes of eligibility for Medical Services Only, a dependent continued person is a person who was:

  • a dependant of a main continued person on that main continued person’s continuation date, and
  • is currently a dependant of that person.

[see EA regulation, Section 66.3 (2) for legal definition]

Under the EAPWD regulation and for the purposes of eligibility for Medical Services Only, a person is a dependent continued person if:

  • the person was a dependant of a main continued person on that main continued person’s continuation date and is currently a dependant of that person, or 
  • the person is a dependant of a main continued person as a result of having been part of a family unit identified in section 61.1 (3) (b),(c),(d),(e),(f) or (g)

[see EAPWD regulation, Section 61.1 (2) for legal definition]
   
Dependent continued person For the purposes of eligibility for Transitional Health Services, a person who was a dependent child of a main continued person on that main continued person's continuation date and is currently a dependent child of that person.
   
Deposit debt

Debt owed to the ministry from a security deposit supplement, pet damage deposit supplement or utility security deposit supplement under either regulation.

[see EA Regulation, Section 89 (1) or EAPWD Regulation, Section 74 (1) for legal definitions]
   

Developmental disability

A measured intellectual functioning of approximately 70 IQ or lower, with onset before age 18, and measured significant limitations in two or more adaptive skill areas.

(Definition used by the Ministry of Children and Family Development)
   

Director of Maintenance Enforcement

The person designated by the Attorney General as the Director of Maintenance Enforcement for the purposes of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act.

[see Family Maintenance Enforcement Act for legal definition]
   

Disability assistance

An amount for shelter and support provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act.

[see EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Discretionary trust A trust in which the trustee has absolute authority over payments of capital and income from the trust.
   
Driver's Licence and Services Card (Combined card) A piece of government-issued identification which is a driver’s license and health card and displays the cardholder’s Personal Health Number.
   

E

 
EAO Employment and Assistance Office
   

Earned income

Any of the following:

  • any money or value received in exchange for work or the provision of a service
  • pension plan contributions that are refunded because of insufficient contributions to create a pension
  • money or value received from providing room and board at a person’s place of residence
  • money or value received from renting rooms that are common to and part of a person’s place of residence 

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Eligibility audit The term used for the eligibility review (ER) in the Employment and Assistance Regulation and the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.
   

Emergency dental service

A dental service necessary for the immediate relief of pain, provided by either of the following:

  • A dentist at the rate set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances – Emergency Dental – Dentist
  • A denturist at the rate set out in the Schedule of Fee Allowances – Emergency Dental – Denturist

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definition]
   
Emotional abuse Acts or omissions by those responsible for the care of a child or others in contact with a child, that are likely to have serious, negative emotional impacts. Emotional abuse may occur separately from, or along with, other forms of abuse and neglect.
   
Emotional harm The result to a child when emotional abuse is persistent and chronic, and the child demonstrates severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, self-destructive, or aggressive behaviour.
   

Employee

In relation to a public body, includes a person retained under a contract to perform services for the public body.

[see FOIPP Act, Schedule 1 for legal definition]
   

Employment Plan (EP)

A legal document outlining the activities and expectations which BC Employment Assistance applicants and recipients are required to follow in becoming employed or more employable, including the time frame. When required by the ministry, entering into and complying with an Employment Plan is a condition of eligibility for assistance.

[see Employment and Assistance Act (EA), Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Employment Plan Standards (EP Standards) Minimum requirements that must be met in developing and case managing Employment Plans.
   
Equity The value of an asset over and above the indebtedness against it.
   
ESL English as a Second Language
   
Essential medical treatment Treatment provided under Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the Hospital Insurance Act.
   
Expected to Work-Medical Condition (ETW–MC) A client with a temporary medical, drug or alcohol, or mental health condition that interferes with the client’s ability to gain employment.
   
Extended medical therapies Acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, podiatry and physiotherapy
   
Extinguishment Extinguishment is a complete forgiveness of the debt.  The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction does not have any authority to extinguish debt.  Approval for extinguishments must be requested by way of Order in Council.  The Ministry of Finance, through the Revenue Services of B.C. has delegated extinguishment authority.  The Attorney General has authority to reduce Crown debt in the course of litigation.
   

Eye examination

A full diagnostic examination of a person’s eyes by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to the maximum rate payable by the ministry that includes:

  • a determination of the refractive status of the eyes and of the presence of any observed abnormality in the person’s visual system, including any necessary tests connected to making these determinations
  • the provision of a written prescription for lenses if necessary

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

F

 

Family Bonus

A portion of the Canada Child Benefit.  The portion of the Canada Child Benefit that is considered the Family Bonus is based upon federal legislation that references the previous National Child Benefit Supplement.  Note: Prior to July 1, 2016, the Family Bonus included the BC Family Bonus and National Child Benefit Supplement.  

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Family unit

An applicant or a recipient and his or her dependants.

[see EA Act, Section 1 or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
FASB Financial and Administrative Services Branch
   
Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement or Federal Spouse’s Allowance The Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Spouse’s Allowance provide income support for low-income seniors and are federal benefits that provide additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada.
   
File Review and Distribution System (FRD) A consistent and statistically proven method of selecting cases for review based on risk indicators.
   

Financially independent

At least one applicant in a family unit must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • have worked for at least 840 hours in each of two consecutive years
  • have earned at least $7,000 in gross income in each of two consecutive years
  • have been employed for a portion of two consecutive years, and for the balance of the two years, either:
    • have served a waiting period for or received Employment Insurance (EI)
    • have received income from a private or public income replacement program (for example, Workers’ Compensation Board, Canada Pension Plan, Disability Insurance) 
   
Fleeing abuse Escaping or urgently in need of gaining independence from any situation as defined under abuse.
   
FOIPPA Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
   
Formal needs assessment An assessment of a client’s employment needs and readiness conducted by an Employment Program of British Columbia case manager.
   

Former recipients

An applicant or recipient who, before making the current application, previously received either income assistance or disability assistance

[see EA Regulations, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Full-time student

A person:

  • who, during a confirmed period within a period of studies, is enrolled in courses that constitute one of the following:
    • at least 60 per cent of a course load recognized by the designated educational institution as constituting a full-time course load
    • at least 40 per cent and less than 60 per cent of a course load recognized by the designated educational institution as constituting a full course load, in the case of a person who has a permanent disability and elects to be considered as a full-time student
  • whose primary occupation during the confirmed periods within that period of studies is the pursuit of studies in those courses.

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Funded program of studies

A program of studies for which student financial assistance may be provided to a student enrolled in it.

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Funeral services All services related to burial, cremation and other funerary practices.
   

G

 
Guide dog or service dog A registered guide dog or service dog certified under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.
   
Guide dog team A person who is blind and a guide dog that are certified as a guide dog team.
   

H

 

Hardship assistance

An amount for shelter and support that may be provided to clients who are not eligible for income assistance or disability assistance, if the regulations provide for such hardship assistance.

[see EA Act, Section 1 or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Health authority A public body mandated under the Health Authorities Act to govern, manage and deliver health services within a defined geographic area.
   

Health professional

A person who is authorized under an enactment in British Columbia to practice one of the following professions:

  • medical practitioner
  • registered psychologist or certified school psychologist
  • registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse
  • occupational therapist
  • physical therapist
  • social worker 

 
   
Hearing Instrument Practitioner A hearing instrument practitioner registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act.
   
Home visit An official visit by a ministry employee to a client’s residence for the purpose of providing assistance or assessing eligibility pursuant to EA and EAPWD legislation.
   
Hybrid offence An offence that may be prosecuted either summarily or by indictment.
   
Hygienist A dental hygienist registered with the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act.
   

I

 
ICM Integrated Case Management
   
ID Identification, or proof of identity.
   
Immediate need An immediate need for food, shelter, or urgent medical attention.
   

Income assistance

An amount for shelter and support provided under the Employment and Assistance Act.

[see EA Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Incorporated Duly incorporated as a business under provincial or federal legislation.
   
Indictable offence An offence under any enactment in Canada that may be prosecuted by indictment, including hybrid offences.
   
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) (formerly Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC))
   

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS)

 Agreement Holder "ISETS Agreement Holder" means an organization funded by the Government of Canada under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy program to provide employment services to Indigenous Peoples.
   
Inheritance Money or other value received, by will or as the result of intestacy, from the estate of a deceased person.
   

Initial qualifying month

Refers to the first month within a calendar year for which a PWD family unit is eligible for the annual earning exemption.

[see EAPWD Regulation, Schedule B, Section 3 for legal definition]
   
Intellectual disability A diagnosis of Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder) or Mental Retardation under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.
   
ISO Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act 
   

L

 
Labour market attachment Working or providing services in the labour market for pay, on a full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary basis, either as an employee or in self-employment.
   
Legal proceeding includes a civil, criminal, quasi-criminal, administrative or regulatory action or proceeding
   
Legal representative The legal representative is responsible for making decisions (such as burial or cremation) related to the funeral arrangements and arranging for payment of the costs. The legal representative, usually the nearest relative, is determined according to Section 5(1) of the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act. [See Policy]
   
Legitimate mitigating circumstances Temporary circumstances beyond the client's control, which may interfere with a client’s ability to comply with conditions of their EP. Examples may include: family emergencies, documented health crises, attendance at court, temporary lack of childcare etc.
   
Living cost The cost of accommodation and meals.
   

M

 

Main continued person

Under the EA regulation and for the purposes of eligibility for Medical Services Only, a main continued person is a person who was:

  • part of a family unit identified in Section 66.3 (3) of the EA regulation on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, and
  • a qualifying person on that date. 

[see EA regulation, Section 66.3 for legal definition]

Under the EAPWD regulation and for the purposes of eligibility for Medical Services Only, a main continued person is a person who was:

  • part of a family unit identified in Section 61.1 (3) of the EA regulation on the date they ceased to be eligible for disability assistance, and
  • a person with disabilities on that date. 

[see EAPWD regulation, Section 61.1 for legal definition]
   

Main continued person

For the purposes of eligibility for Transitional Health Services, a main continued person is a recipient who is part of a family unit that both

  • ceased to be eligible for income assistance as a result of employment income, and
  • included, on the date the family unit ceased to be eligible for income assistance, a dependent child or a person providing care for a supported child.
   

Maintenance

Any maintenance, support, or alimony, whether payable either:

  • periodically, annually, or otherwise
  • for an indefinite or limited period or until the happening of a specified event
  • as a lump sum
  • interest that is or may be imposed

[see Family Maintenance Enforcement Act for legal definition]
   
Maintenance agreement A written agreement containing provisions for the payment of maintenance.
   
Maintenance consent A consent order made with the written consent of both the payor and recipient.
   
Maintenance Enforcement Locate Services (MELS)  Service provided by the Ministry of Justice that assists clients to locate respondents.
   

Maintenance order

A provision for the payment of maintenance in an order or judgement that is enforceable.

[see Family Maintenance Enforcement Act for legal definition]
   

Maintenance right

Means a right relating to the receipt of maintenance and includes the following:

  1. the right to make an application under an enactment of British Columbia for a maintenance order; 
  2. the right to enter into a maintenance agreement; 
  3. the right to defend an application for variation of a maintenance order or maintenance agreement.
   
Medical practitioner A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia who is entitled to practice under the Health Professions Act. 
   
Midwife A registrant of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives who is entitled to practice under the Health Professions Act.
   
Ministry Investigator (MI) PLMS staff who are Special Provincial Constables and primarily responsible for investigating serious allegations of fraud that may result in the prosecution of offenders.
   

Minor

An unmarried person under 19 years of age.

[see EA Act, Section 1 or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Moving cost The cost of moving a family unit and its personal effects from one place to another.
   
MSP supplementary benefits Through the Supplementary Benefits Program, MSP provides partial payment for certain supplementary health services (for example: chiropractic or massage therapy) and provides access to other income-based programs such as the Healthy Kids Program and waiver of ambulance fees. The income threshold to be eligible for MSP supplementary benefits is an annual adjusted net income of $42,000 or less.  Recipients of income assistance, disability assistance and hardship assistance receive access to MSP supplementary benefits under Plan C MSP coverage, regardless of their income level.
   

N

 
Necessary funeral costs Items or services included within Schedule F of the regulation that are necessary and appropriate.
   
Neglect An act of omission on the part of the parent or guardian, including failure to provide food, shelter, basic health care, supervision, or protection from risks that results or is likely to result in physical harm to the child.
   
No Employment-related Obligations (NEO) Recipients who do not have employment-related obligations for a specified period of time as determined by the ministry.
   
Non-discretionary trust A trust in which the trustee does not have absolute authority over payments of capital and income from the trust. The beneficiary may have some control, or the trustee may be required to make certain payments.
   
Nurse practitioner

A registrant of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives who is entitled to practice under the Health Professions Act.
   

Nutrition-related supplement

Means any of the following:

  • a diet supplement 
  • a monthly nutritional supplement, other than a supplement for vitamins and minerals  
  • a short-term nutritional supplement 
  • a tube feed nutritional supplement 
  • a supplement related to nutrition provided under EAPWD regulations, section 2(3) of Schedule C
   

O

 

Offence overpayment

An overpayment as a result of a criminal code offence or Act offence for which a recipient in the family unit has been or is convicted, whether the conviction occurred before or after the date the offence overpayments came into force.

[see EA Regulation, Section 89 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 74 for legal definition]
   

Ophthalmologist

A medical practitioner who practises ophthalmology.

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

Optometrist

An optometrist registered with the College of Optometrists of British Columbia under the Health Professions Act.

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

Overpayment

Income assistance, hardship assistance, disability assistance or a supplement, other than a supplement to pay a security deposit or utility deposit, which is provided to or for a family unit that is not eligible for it

[see EA Regulation, Section 89 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 74 for legal definition]
   

P

 
Panel A panel, appointed under section 22 (1) of the Employment and Assistance Act, of the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal.
   
Panel chair Chair of panel designated under section 22(2) of the Employment and Assistance Act.
   
Parent

With respect to a dependent child, a parent is either the: biological mother or father; adoptive mother or father; individual(s) with legal custody; OR individual(s) with legal guardianship.

A client temporarily caring for a child without legal custody or guardianship may be considered a parent (see Procedures for Adding Dependent Child to a Case). Caring for a child may include one or more of the following, but is not limited to:

  • making day-to-day decisions affecting the child;
  • having day-to-day care, control and supervision of the child;
  • making decisions respecting where the child will reside;
  • making decisions respecting the child's education and participation in extracurricular activities;
  • making decisions respecting the child's cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual upbringing and heritage;
  • applying for a passport, licence, permit, benefit, privilege or other thing for the child;
  • exercising any other responsibilities reasonably necessary to nurture the child's development.
   
Parenting dependent child A dependent child who is the parent of a dependent child.
   

Part-time student

Persons enrolled in between 20 percent – 59 percent of a full course load (students with permanent disabilities may enrol in between 20 percent – 39 percent of a full course load).

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Party

In relation to an appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal, means the appellant and the minister whose decision is under appeal.

[see EA Regulation, Section 78 for legal definition]
   
Patient

As defined by the Patients Property Act:

  1. a person who is described as one who is, because of mental infirmity arising from disease, age or otherwise, incapable of managing his or her affairs, in a certificate signed by the director of a Provincial mental health facility or psychiatric unit as defined in the Mental Health Act, or
  2. a person who is declared under the (Patients Property Act) by a judge to be:
  1. incapable of managing his or her affairs,
  2. incapable of managing himself or herself, or
  3. incapable of managing himself or herself or his or her affairs
   
Payee Recipient or supplier
   
Payor A person required under a maintenance order to pay maintenance.
   

Person With Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB)

A recipient who qualifies for Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) is a person who meets the following criteria:

  • has a health condition that has lasted for at least 1 year and is likely to continue for at least 2 more years or has a health condition that has occurred frequently in the past year and is likely to continue for at least two more years. This health condition is a barrier that seriously impedes a person’s ability to search for, accept or continue in employment

AND
 

  • has at least one additional barrier (listed under Barriers to Employment in Policy) that seriously impedes the person from searching for, accepting or continuing in employment.

[see EA Regulation, Section 2 for legal definition]
   

Personal barriers

Barriers that meet all of the following descriptions: 

  • are beyond a person’s control
  • exist after all interventions and training have been exhausted
  • directly prevent the person from maintaining employment now or in the foreseeable future

personal information

Recorded information about an identifiable individual, including any of the following:

  • the individual’s name, address, and telephone number
  • the individual’s race, national or ethnic origin, colour, or religious or political beliefs or associations
  • the individual’s age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or family status
  • any identifying number, symbol, or other particular assigned to the individual
  • the individual’s fingerprints, blood type or inheritable characteristics
  • information about the individual’s health care history, including a physical or mental disability
  • information about the individual’s educational, financial, criminal, or employment history
  • anyone else’s opinion about the individual
  • the individual’s personal views or opinions, except if they are about someone else

[see FOIPP Act, Schedule 1 for legal definition]
   
Personal property Property other than rights a person can have in relation to land. For example, movable objects such as cash, jewellery, and furniture are considered personal property.
   
Personal property registry Personal property registry provides information on liens, security interest, and encumbrances filed against a property.
   

Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation

A designation provided to persons who have reached 18 years of age and have a severe mental (including a mental disorder) or physical impairment that meets all of the following criteria: 

  • in the opinion of a medical practitioner, the impairment is likely to continue for at least two years
  • in the opinion of a health professional, the impairment directly and significantly restricts the person’s ability to perform daily living activities either continuously or periodically for extended periods
  • as a result of those restrictions, the person requires an assistive device, the significant help or supervision of another person, or the services of an assistance animal to perform daily living activities. 

[see EAPWD Act, Section 2 for legal definition]
   
Pet Damage Deposit

A pet damage deposit as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act, or an amount required by a cooperative association to be paid by a recipient to the cooperative association for the same or a similar purpose as a pet damage deposit under the Residential Tenancy Act.

[see EA Regulation, Section 58.2 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 56.2 for legal definition]
   
PHN Personal Health Number (found on CareCard)
   
Physical abuse A deliberate, non-accidental physical assault or action by an adult that results or is likely to result in physical harm to a child. It includes the use of unreasonable force to discipline a child or to prevent a child from harming him/herself or others.
   

Pre-authorized eyewear and repairs

Medically essential eyewear and repairs provided by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician that are pre-authorized by the minister, but does not include basic eyewear and repairs.

[see EA Regulation or EAPWD Regulation, Schedule C for legal definitions]
   

Prescribed professional

A person who is authorized under an enactment in British Columbia to practice one of the following professions:

  • Medical practitioner
  • registered psychologist
  • registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse
  • occupational therapist
  • physical therapist
  • social worker
  • chiropractor
  • nurse practitioner

[see EAPWD Regulation, Section 2(2) for legal definition]
Prevention and Loss Management Services System (PLMS System) A web-based application used by Investigative Officers to prioritize and select cases that require compliance.
   

Private hospital

A private hospital licensed under the Hospital Act. 

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Profound hearing loss

A hearing loss of 91 decibels or greater across all frequencies tested in an audiological assessment.
   

Public body

A ministry of the government of BC, a local government body, a health care body, an educational body, and any one of a variety of agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, offices, or other bodies listed in Schedules 2 and 3 of the FOIPP Act. Federal government departments, governments of other provinces or countries, courts, and MLA offices are not "public bodies" under the FOIPP Act.

[see FOIPP Act, Schedules 1, 2, and 3 for legal definition]
   
Public Guardian and Trustee The Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia operates under provincial law to protect the legal rights and financial interests of children, to provide assistance to adults who need support for financial and personal decision making, and to administer the estates of deceased and missing persons where there is no one else able to do so.
   
PWD Persons with Disabilities (refers to the designation under the EAPWD Act)
   

Q

 

Qualifying federal benefit

Means either the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement or federal Allowance

[see EA regulation, Section 66.1 or EAPWD regulation, Section 61.01 for legal definition]
   

Qualifying income

Either of the following:

  • earned income, and
  • unearned income that is compensation paid under section 191 or 192 of the Workers Compensation Act (WCB temporary wage loss replacement benefits)

[see EAPWD Regulation, Schedule B, Section 3 for legal definition]
   

Qualifying month

Qualifying month refers to 

  • the initial qualifying month for a PWD family unit in the calendar year, and 
  • any subsequent month in the calendar year that is a month for which the PWD family unit is eligible to receive disability assistance under the Act

[see EAPWD Regulation, Schedule B, Section 3 for legal definition]
   

Qualifying person

Under the EA regulation, means a person who

  • has persistent multiple barriers to employment, or
  • is a recipient of income assistance who is in a special care facility as described in section 8(1) of Schedule A [people receiving special care]
   
Quality and Compliance Specialist (QCS) PLMS staff who are primarily responsible for conducting case reviews to determine ongoing compliance or auditing past eligibility and calculating overpayments.
   
Quantum The amount of spousal or child maintenance that has been suggested or agreed to.
   

R

 

Reachback client

An unemployed person who meets either of the following criteria:

  • has had an EI claim in the three years before he or she applied for provincial assistance
  • has received maternity or parental benefits in a period that began no more than five years before he or she applied for provincial assistance
   
Real property Rights a person can have in relation to land. For example, a person’s ownership interest in a house, condominium or bare land is their real property. 
   

Recipient

The person in a family unit to or for whom income assistance, hardship assistance, disability assistance, or a supplement is provided for the use or benefit of someone in the family unit, and the person’s spouse, if the spouse is a dependant, and the person’s adult dependants.

[see EA Act, Section 1 or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Recognized family unit

Recognized family unit refers to a family unit that forms during the calendar year, and includes at least one person who is designated as a person with disabilities, and was previously a recipient in another family unit that was eligible to receive disability assistance under the Act in the calendar year.

[see EAPWD Regulation, Schedule B, Section 3 for legal definition]
   
Reconsideration supplement A supplement that may be provided to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance or disability assistance if a recipient in the family unit delivers a request for reconsideration under section 79 of the Employment and Assistance Regulation (or section 71 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation) in respect of a decision that resulted in a discontinuation or reduction of income assistance, disability assistance, or a supplement.
   

Record

Includes books, documents, maps, drawings, photographs, letters, vouchers, papers and any other thing on which information is recorded or stored by graphic, electronic, mechanical or other means, but does not include a computer program or any other mechanism that produces records.

[see FOIPP Act, Schedule 1 for legal definition]
   
Registered dietitian A registrant of the College of Dietitians of British Columbia established under the Health Professions Act.
   
Reporting period Refers to the three-month cycle beginning with the calendar month in which a change in circumstances occurred, the following month in which the change is reported, and the third month that is affected by the change of circumstance (the amount of assistance the recipient is eligible to receive).
   
Residency verification An official visit by a ministry employee to a client’s residence for the purpose of verifying information pertinent to EA and EAPWD eligibility.
   
Respondent A person who is financially responsible for the dependant family members upon family breakdown.
   

Responsible persons

Means, in respect of a deceased person:

  1. a spouse of the person,
  2. in the case of a minor, a parent of the person, or
  3. in the case of a person sponsored to immigrate to Canada, a sponsor.

The costs of the funeral are to be paid for by the responsible person(s).
   

Retired guide or service dog team

An individual and a dog that were previously members of the same guide dog or service dog team and that:

  1. are living together, and
  2. are certified as a retired guide or service dog team.
   
RO The Recalculation Officer (RO) is the person who is responsible for reviewing and recalculating child support orders registered with the Child Support Recalculation Service
   

S
Safety concerns Behaviours that may lead to physical harm or that cause or have caused physical harm to one or more of the parties.
   

Security deposit

A security deposit as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act, or an amount required by a cooperative association to be paid by a recipient to the cooperative association for the same or a similar purpose as a security deposit under the Residential Tenancy Act. This includes a security deposit provided on or after April 1, 2002 under any of the following:

  • Income Assistance Regulation
  • Youth Works Regulation
  • Disability Benefits Program Regulation
  • Employment and Assistance Regulation
  • Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation

[see EA Regulation, Section 58 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 56 for legal definition]
   
Service dog team A person with a disability and a service dog that are certified as a service dog team.
   
Service provider Includes anyone providing funeral services, for example: a funeral home (funeral provider), a cemetery, a crematorium.
   
Sexual abuse Any sexual use of a child by an adult.
   

Sexual exploitation

In the Child, Family and Commumity Service Act, includes being encouraged, helped, coerced or inveigled into prostitution. MCFD states sexual exploitation includes permitting, encouraging or requiring a child to engage in any of the following:

  • conduct of a sexual nature for the stimulation, gratification, profit or self-interest of another person who is in a position of trust or authority, or with whom the child is in a relationship of dependency
  • prostitution
  • production of material of a pornographic nature
   
Shelter Allowance

The portion of assistance rates issued for a person’s place of residence, for the actual cost of any of the following:

  • rent
  • mortgage payments, house insurance, property taxes, and pre-approved home maintenance and repairs, if the residence is owned by a person in the family unit
  • utilities 
   
SIN Social Insurance Number issued by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
   

Special care facility
  • an adult community care facility licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living (CCAL) Act, including: 
    • a residential community care facility
    • a residential mental health facility
    • an alcohol and drug residential treatment facility (referred to in this topic as a substance use residential treatment facility)
  • certain specialized adult residential care settings that are not licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living (CCAL) Act but approved by the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, including:
    • a family care home contracted by a health authority
    • an assisted living community care facility
    • an assisted living mental health facility
    • an assisted living substance use facility, including registered supportive recovery homes
    • a mental health and substance use residential tertiary care unit designated under section 3(1) of the Mental Health Act as a provincial mental health facility

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Specialist A medical practitioner recognized as a specialist in a field of medicine or surgery in accordance with the bylaws made by the board for College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia under section 19 (1) (k.3) and (k.4) of the Health Professions Act.
   
Sponsor A sponsor or co-sponsor of a person sponsored to immigrate to Canada under the Immigration Act (Canada) or the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), if the undertaking given or co-signed by the sponsor is still in effect.
   
Spousal support A payment that meets an obligation under the Family Law Act, Divorce Act or other similar family law legislation in another jurisdiction to support a person who is or was a spouse.
   
Spouse

Two persons are spouses of each other if they:

  • are married to each other, or
  • declare that they are in a marriage-like relationship, or
  • are determined to be spouses by the ministry because the following criteria are met:
    • the persons have resided together for at least the previous 12 consecutive months,
    • the relationship demonstrates financial dependence or interdependence consistent with a marriage-like relationship, and
    • the relationship demonstrates social and familial interdependence consistent with a marriage-like relationship.

If a married couple is separated but not yet divorced, the ministry can determine that they are no longer considered spouses for the purposes of their family unit.
StudentAid BC A program administered by the Ministry of Advanced Education that provides financial assistance to students.
   

Student Financial Assistance (SFA)

Funding provided to students under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act (Canada).

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Suitable employment Available employment, which the person is able to perform, that pays at least the minimum wage.
   
Summary conviction offence Summary conviction offences are considered less serious than indictable offences because they are punishable by shorter prison sentences and smaller fines.
   

Supplement

Any form of assistance specified by regulation, other than income assistance, hardship assistance, disability assistance, or financial assistance provided under section 6 of the Employment and Assistance Act or section 7 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, and, without limitation, includes access to programs established or funded under the acts.

[see EA Act, Section 1 or EAPWD Act, Section 1 for legal definition]
   
Support allowance The portion of assistance rates provided for monthly expenses other than shelter.
   

Supported child

means any of the following: 

  • A child in care as described in the Child, Family and Community Service Act;
  • A child who is described in section 1 (a) or (b) of the Child in the Home of a Relative Transition Regulation;
  • A child who is subject to an agreement under section 8 or 93 (1) (g) (ii) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act. 
   

T

 
TAP Travel Assistance Program through the Ministry of Health Services
   

Temporary resident permit

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a discretionary document that may be issued to inadmissible persons or persons reported, or who may be reported, for violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) allowing them to come into or remain in Canada, where justified by exceptional circumstances.

The TRP combines two authorities that previously existed under the Immigration Act of 1976: the Minister’s permit and discretionary entry.

Temporary Resident Permits do not include Work Permits, Visitor Visas or Study Permits.
   
Third party

In relation to a request for access to a record or for correction of personal information, a third party means any person, group of persons, or organization other than the person who made the request for information, or a public body.

[see FOIPP Act, Schedule 1 for legal definition]
   
Transportation cost The cost of travelling from one place to another.
   
Tribunal The Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal established under section 19 of the Employment and Assistance Act.
   
Trusted third party A person or agency authorized, through an agreement with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, to provide services to clients on behalf of the ministry.
   

U

 

Unearned income

Any income that is not earned income, and includes, without limitation, money or value received from any of the following:

  • money, annuities, stocks, bonds, shares, and interest-bearing accounts or properties
  • cooperative corporations as defined in the Real Estate Act
  • war disability pensions, military pensions, and war veterans’ allowances
  • insurance benefits, except insurance paid as compensation for a destroyed asset
  • superannuation benefits
  • any type or class of Canada Pension Plan benefits
  • Employment Insurance
  • union or lodge benefits
  • financial assistance provided under the Employment and Assistance Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act or provided by another province or jurisdiction
  • workers’ compensation benefits and disability payments or pensions
  • widows’ or orphans’ allowances
  • a trust or inheritance
  • rental of tools, vehicles, or equipment
  • rental of land, self-contained suites, or other property except the place of residence of an applicant or recipient
  • interest earned on a mortgage or agreement for sale
  • maintenance under a court order, separation agreement, or other agreement
  • education or training allowances, grants, loans, bursaries, or scholarships
  • a lottery or a game of chance
  • awards of compensation under the Criminal Injury Compensation Act or the Crime Victim Assistance Act, other than an award paid as compensation for a destroyed asset
  • any other financial awards or compensation
  • tax refunds
  • federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments
  • financial contributions made by a sponsor pursuant to an undertaking given for the purposes of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or the Immigration Act (Canada) 
  • [see EA Regulation, Section 1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Unfunded program of studies

A program of studies for which student financial assistance cannot be provided to a student enrolled in it.

[see EA Regulation, Section 1 for legal definition]
   

Utility security deposit

An amount required by a utility provider of electricity or natural gas services as a security deposit prior to providing residential electricity or natural gas services to a recipient.  

[See EA Regulation, Section 58.1 or EAPWD Regulation, Section 56.1 for legal definition]
   

V

 
Voluntary Participation Plan (VPP) A planning tool that outlines the activities, including participation in programs and services, that clients with no employment-related obligations agree to follow in order to move toward employment, or to increase employability.
   

W

 
Warrant  An outstanding warrant for arrest under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or any other enactment of Canada in relation to an indictable offence.
   
Warrant holder An applicant or recipient for whom a warrant is outstanding.
   
WorkBC ES Action Plan A plan for a case managed client, developed by the client and the WorkBC Employment Services (ES) service provider.  The WorkBC Action Plan sets out the agreed-to steps, services and financial supports required for the client to achieve labour market attachment or community attachment as quickly as possible.
   
WorkBC Centre 

Generally refers to the store front location that the WorkBC Employment Services (ES) contractor uses to deliver WorkBC services, and may also refer to alternative channels, arrangements or means of service delivery.
   
WorkBC Employment Services (ES) (formerly Employment Program of British Columbia (EPBC)) The ministry’s program of employment services and supports.
   
WorkBC Employment Services (ES) Contractor  An organization with which the Province has a written and signed contract to provide, on behalf of the ministry (ELMSD), all WorkBC services in a catchment area.  Any WorkBC ES contractor that delivers WorkBC services directly to clients is also an WorkBC service provider.
   
WorkBC Employment Services (ES) Service provider An individual or organization that delivers WorkBC Employment Services (ES) directly to clients under the terms of a WorkBC ES contract. Each WorkBC ES service provider, who is not the WorkBC ES contractor, will provide services under a sub-contract or other type of agreement with an WorkBC ES contractor.
   
WorkSafeBC formerly Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
   
Write-off  Write-off is an accounting transaction to move the receivable from one government account to another to recognize that recovery is unlikely. A written off debt can be resurrected if circumstances change, providing that the limitation period, as prescribed by the Limitation Act, has not lapsed. The Office of the Comptroller General, Core Policy Manual specifies the authority matrix for write-off approval.
   
Written agreement A written agreement containing provisions for the payment of maintenance.