B.C. Benefits Connector
Last updated on June 27, 2024B.C. is a great place to live, but many people are facing big challenges from high interest rates and global inflation squeezing family budgets. That’s why we’re taking action to ease the pressures of everyday costs. Find out how you can save.
On this page
Supports for families with children
Thousands of families are saving up to $900 per month per child or more on licensed child care costs.
BC Family Benefit Bonus
Eligible families with children under 18 automatically get an extra $445 this year, on average, if they file their 2023 taxes. No action required.
Child care and out-of-school care
Families automatically save up to $900/month on licensed child care. Save even more if you qualify for subsidy or attend a $10/day centre.
Student and Family Affordability Fund
Get help to pay for school fees, school supplies, field trips, and nutritious meals before, during and after school. Talk to your principal.
Education savings grant
Families of kids between ages 6 and 9 can apply for a $1,200 grant to help save for post-secondary.
Healthy Kids Program
Children of low-income families can get help with the costs of basic dental, glasses and hearing care.
Youth sports grant
Kids 18 and under can get up to $400/year to help pay for an eligible sports program. Apply online.
How it works
- Eligible low-and-middle-income families with children under 18 in their care automatically get the BC Family Benefit
- Eligible families will also get an extra $445 bonus this year, on average, to help cover inflation costs
- The benefit bonus will be paid monthly from July 2024 to June 2025
How much you get
- Families earning less than $35,902 in 2023, will now get up to:
- $2,188/year for your first child
- $1,375/year for your second child
- $1,125/year for each additional child
- Families earning between $35,902 and $114,887 will now get up to:
- $969/year for your first child
- $937/year for your second child
- $906/year for each additional child
- Families earning over $114,887 will get a reduced amount
- Low-income single parents also get up to a $500/year supplement
What you need to do
- No action required. Payments are automatic if you filed your 2023 taxes and your child already receives the Canada Child Benefit
- Contact Canada Revenue Agency if you moved, your marital status changes or if the number of children in your care changes
How it works
- Most families can save up to $900 per month per child for child care and out-of-school care costs
- Some families can save even more if they earn less than $111,000/year, are a young parent, or attend a $10 a Day centre
- Some families can benefit from more than one savings program
How we’re helping you save on child care
- Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative: Participating child care providers receive operating funding to automatically lower the cost of child care for families. Families do not need to apply for this fee reduction
- Affordable Child Care Benefit: Families with a pre-tax income of up to $111,000 can also apply for a monthly payment to help with the cost of child care. Apply online
- Young Parent Program: Parents under 25 can get up to $1,500 per month per child to cover the cost of child care while finishing high school. Apply online
- $10 a Day ChildCareBC centres: Families who attend a participating centre automatically pay no more than $200/month per child for child care. Find one of 15,000 $10 a Day centres across B.C.
What you need to do
- Use the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative Estimator to estimate your cost savings
- Use the child care map to find a participating provider
- Apply online if you qualify for the Affordable Child Care Benefit or Young Parent Program
How it works
- Families struggling with the rising cost of living can get support through the Student and Family Affordability Fund to help offset the cost of:
- School fees, supplies and clothing
- Participating in field trips
- Joining a school sports team or music program
- Accessing nutritional meals before, during and after school
- Other cost pressures
- Schools have also received funding to create or expand Feeding Futures food programs to provide free or low-cost nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks so students can focus on learning instead of hungry bellies
What you need to do
- Contact your school principal to find out how to access these confidential stigma-free programs
- Some school districts post application forms on their website
How it works
- Families can apply for a $1,200 grant to contribute to their child's RESP to help save for post-secondary or training programs
- Children must be residents of B.C. at the time of application and have a valid Social Insurance Number
What you need to do
- Apply for the grant between the child’s 6th birthday and the day before they turn 9 at any participating major bank and financial institution
- The grant will go into a new or existing RESP in your child’s name
- The grant does not require matching or additional contributions, so families who can’t afford to put aside savings can still start an RESP. Many RESP providers do not charge any fees
How it works
- Families with a net income under $42,000 per year can get help with the costs of dental, optical and hearing care for children under 19
- Up to $2,000 for basic dental services every 2 years
- Prescription glasses every year
- Hearing aids, cochlear implants and repairs
- Alternative hearing assistance for kids with profound hearing loss
What you need to do
- Call 1-866-866-0800 to apply
How it works
- Children under 18 can get up to $400 every calendar year to help pay for eligible sports programs
- Eligible programs must offer a sustained sport experience led by a qualified coach for a minimum of 6 weeks with at least one session per week
Who’s eligible
- Families facing social or economic barriers
- Family size and income before taxes is used to determine eligibility
- If your income is higher, extenuating circumstances may be considered
- 2 people: $45,000
- 3 people: $54,000
- 4 people: $65,250
- 5 people: $74,000
- 6 people: $83,500
- 7+ people: $93,000
What you need to do
Supports for renters and homeowners
Thousands more people are now able to save thousands of dollars in tax saving when purchasing their first home.
Rent increases capped
Renters are protected from high increases. Rent can only go up by 3.5% in 2024 and can only be increased once every 12 months.
Renter’s tax credit
Eligible low- and moderate-income renters can get up to a $400 tax credit when you file your 2023 taxes.
Rental assistance programs
People with lower-incomes or facing an unexpected financial crisis can get help paying for rent. See if you qualify.
First time home buyers’ program
More first-time homebuyers can apply to save up to $8,000 in property transfer tax under the higher exemption threshold.
Secondary suite incentive program
Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $40,000 to build a new affordable rental suite in their home.
Property tax grants and deferrals
Most homeowners can apply to save at least $570 in property taxes each year. Some can apply for a low-interest loan to defer taxes.
How it works
- Renters are protected from rising costs of living by capping the amount rent can be increased each year
- Rent cannot go up more than 3.5% in 2024 – below inflation, including utilities and other fees
- Rent can only be increased once every 12 months
- Renters must be given 3 months' notice
What you need to do
- No action required
How it works
- Eligible low- and moderate-income renters can get up to a $400 credit
- The tax credit reduces the amount of money you owe for taxes, and if it’s more than what you owe in federal and provincial taxes, you’ll receive the difference as a refund
Who’s eligible
- Tenants who paid rent and occupied an eligible rental unit or units for at least six months in 2023
- Married or common-law partners can claim one credit per household. Roommates can each claim the credit
- Households earning up to 60,000 will get the full $400 credit. Those earning under $80,000 will get a partial credit
What you need to do
- Claim the renters tax credit when you file your 2023 taxes
How it works
- Lower-income households and people facing unexpected financial crisis can get help paying rent
Rental assistance programs
- Rent Bank for unexpected financial crisis: People facing a temporary and unexpected financial crisis and unable to pay rent or an essential housing cost (heat or electricity) can get emergency assistance
- Shelter aid for elderly renters: Lower income seniors renting in the private market may be eligible for a rent supplement
- Rental assistance programs: Various programs are available to help lower-income families, vulnerable people, and women leaving violence pay their rent
What you need to do
- Apply for rent bank assistance
- Use the rent assistance calculator to see if you qualify for rental assistance programs
How it works
- More qualifying first-time homebuyers can save up to $8,000 on the property transfer taxes on existing homes under the new, higher exemption thresholds
- Starting April 1, 2024, when purchasing an existing home worth up to $835,000, the property transfer tax is:
- Eliminated on the first $500,000
- Reduced on the amount between $500,001 and $835,000
- Buyers may qualify for a partial exemption for homes above $835,000 and below $860,000
What you need to do
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, your legal professional will apply the exemption to your property transfer tax return
- You must meet additional requirements during the first year you own the property to keep the tax exemption
Learn more about the first time homebuyers’ program
Homebuyers of newly built homes may also qualify for a newly built home exemption. Learn more about the newly built home exemption.
How it works
- Eligible homeowners can apply for a non-repayable loan to build a new secondary suite on their property to be rented out
- Receive up to 50% of the cost of renovations, up to $40,000
- New unit must be located on the same property where the homeowner lives
- Must be rented out at below market rates set by BC Housing for at least 5 years
- Homeowners combined gross annual income is less than $209,420
What you need to do
- Apply for the loan before starting construction. The loan will be forgiven once all program requirements are met
How it works
- Eligible homeowners can apply for a grant to reduce the amount of property tax paid each year or apply for a low-interest loan to defer property taxes for the current year.
- Most homeowners can apply for a regular grant to get up to:
- $570 for properties in the Capital Regional District, Metro Vancouver Regional District and Fraser Valley Regional District
- $770 for all other areas of the province
- Some people can qualify for a higher amount under the additional grant program:
Property tax deferment loan program:
- Eligible homeowners can apply for a low-interest loan to defer property taxes under two streams:
- Regular program: People 55 and older, surviving spouse of any age, a person with disabilities
- Families with children program: Parent, stepparent or financially supporting a child
What you need to do
- Apply each year after you receive your property tax notice and before property taxes are due
Supports for seniors
More funding is now available to help seniors with day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping, light housekeeping, minor home repairs, snow shoveling, and transportation to and from medical appointments.
Income security programs
Many seniors are eligible for a wide range of programs to maintain a good quality of life. Learn more.
Property tax relief
Seniors can apply for a grant or low-interest loan to reduce or defer the property taxes paid each year.
Shelter aid for elderly renters
Lower-income seniors (60+) renting in the private market can apply for a supplement to help pay rent.
Home and community care
People who need extra support to remain independent at home may be eligible for publicly subsidized care.
Travel assistance
Seniors can access a variety of services for help getting around or traveling to medical appointments.
Free air conditioning units
Eligible low-income seniors can apply to get a free portable AC unit to stay cool during extreme heat.
How it works
- Seniors may be eligible for a wide range of federal and provincial income security programs
Programs
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Workers can receive a reduced retirement pension between 60-64, and full pension after 65
- Old Age Security (OAS): Available to most people 65+
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): For low-income OAS recipients
- B.C. Seniors’ Supplement: For low-income seniors 65+ who receive OAS and GIS, but have very little or no other sources of income. Some seniors 60-64 may also qualify. No need to apply, payment is automatic
- Allowance: For low-income seniors (60-64) whose spouse or common-law partner is eligible for or receiving OAS or GIS
- Allowance for the survivor: For low-income seniors (60-64) whose spouse or common-law partner has died
- B.C. Income Assistance for Seniors: For seniors 65+ who are in financial need but not eligible for OAS or GIS benefits
- Veterans’ Benefits: Veterans and their families may be eligible for a variety of benefits. Contact Veterans Affairs Canada
What you need to do
- Review the list of available income security programs, or use the Canada Benefit Finder tool
- You must apply for most programs
How it works
- Seniors can apply for a grant or low-interest loan to reduce or defer the property taxes you pay each year on your principal residence
Programs
- Homeowner grant for seniors: Eligible seniors 65+ with a home assessed at $2,150,000 or less may qualify for a grant to lower your property tax payment on your principal residence:
- $845 for properties in the capital region, Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.
- $1,045 for all other areas of the province.
- Apply online for property tax relief or at any Service BC location every year
- Seniors with property valued over the threshold may qualify for a partial grant
- Low-income grant supplement: Eligible low-income seniors can receive a supplement that replaces any homeowner grant lost due to their home being valued above the $2,150,000 threshold
- Complete and submit application by mail
- Property tax deferment loan: Eligible people 55+ or surviving spouses of any age can apply for a low interest loan to defer your property taxes for the current year
- Apply or renew your deferment loan online every year or call 1-888-355-2700
What you need to do
- Apply for the grant or loan or both after you receive your property tax notice and before property taxes are due
You can also apply retroactively for the grant for last year, if you qualified but didn’t apply.
How it works
- More seniors renting in the private market may be eligible for a supplement to help pay rent. Income thresholds go up August 2024
Who’s eligible
- People ages 60 or older
- Live in B.C. for 12 full months before submitting application
- Meet Canadian citizenship requirements
- Pay more than 30% of before tax household income towards rent
- Before tax income is less than $37,240/year (effective August 2024)
What you need to do
- Use the rent assistance calculator to see if you qualify
How it works
- People who need extra support to remain independent at home may be eligible for publicly subsidized home and community care:
- Nursing services
- Personal care and daily home-based activities
- Nutrition and dietitian services
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Day programs
- Advanced and palliative care
What you need to do
- Speak with your health care provider for a referral, or contact your health authority to make a request
How it works
- Seniors can access a variety of services to reduce transportation costs for getting around or traveling to medical appointments
- BC Bus Passes: Low-income seniors 60+ can apply for a reduced cost bus pass for $45 per year
- Ferry travel: B.C. seniors 65+ can travel for free or at reduced cost, depending on the day and route. Show your ID
- Volunteer driver programs: Many seniors’ and community centres offer programs to help seniors get around
- Medical travel and accommodation assistance: People who need to travel outside their home community for cancer or specialist medical care can apply for help to cover transportation and hotel costs
What you need to do
How it works
- Eligible lower-income seniors or people with chronic health conditions can apply to get one free portable air conditioner unit to help stay cool during extreme heat events, while supplies last
Who’s eligible
- Owns or rents a home. Renters must get landlord consent
- Meets the BC Health criteria for being medically vulnerable to heat events (i.e., seniors or people with chronic health conditions)
- Meets before tax income thresholds based on family size:
- 1 person: $39,700
- 2 people: $49,500
- 3 people: $60,800
- 4 people: $73,800
- 5 people: $83,700
- 6 people: $94,400
- 7 or more people: $105,100
What you need to do
- Some seniors may be referred to the program by their regional health authority or home care program
- Apply online through BC Hydro or FortisBC
- Call 1-800-224-9376 for help or if you don’t have an account
Apply online with FortisBC (Nelson and Penticton areas)
Supports for people when they need it most
Recent increases mean B.C. has the highest provincial minimum wage in Canada.
Minimum wage increase
B.C.’s lowest paid workers got a pay raise on June 1 when the minimum wage went up to $17.40 per hour.
Income and disability assistance
Eligible people with disabilities or in need can apply for financial and health assistance.
Legal aid for leaving family violence
People leaving family violence may be eligible for an extra 25 hours of free legal aid. Call to apply.
Free or low-cost counselling
Access free and affordable counselling for family, mental health or substance use support. Call 811.
Free help to quit smoking
People of any age can get free nicotine replacement therapy to help quit tobacco. Ask your pharmacist.
Free employment services
People looking for work or leaving the forestry sector can get help finding a job and training for a new career.
How it works
- B.C.’s minimum wage went up from $16.75 to $17.40 per hour June 1, 2024. This is a 3.9% increase, consistent with B.C.’s average rate of inflation in 2023
- Workers must be paid a minimum wage, regardless of how they are paid – hourly, salary, commission or on an incentive basis
- If they earn below minimum wage for the hours worked, employers must top up the payment so it's equal to minimum wage
Minimum wage rates
- Some employees have different rates:
- Most workers, including liquor servers: $17.40/hour
- Live-in camp leaders: $138.93/day
- Live-in home support workers: $129.62/day
- Resident caretakers:
- $1,041.80/month plus $41.74 per suite (9-60 suites)
- $3,548.63/month (61+ suites)
What you need to do
- No action required. Workers will automatically earn the new rate starting June 1, 2024
How it works
- Income assistance can help if you’re in financial need and have no other resources. This can support your transition to work
- Disability assistance can help people designated as a Person with Disabilities if you need financial or health support
What you need to do
- Apply online, in-person at an income assistance office, or call 1-866-866-0800
How it works
- Eligible people leaving family violence can access an additional 25 hours of Legal Aid services as of April 1, 2024
- Income thresholds have increased so more people qualify
What you need to do
- Contact Legal Aid to see if you qualify for representation or advice
Read the news release to learn about further Legal Aid expansion plans
How it works
- Individuals, couples and families can access free, low-cost, or sliding-scale counselling services to get support for family, mental health and substance use concerns
- In-person and virtual services are available
What you need to do
- Find a service provider in your area or call 8-1-1 for help
How it works
- People of all ages can get free coverage under PharmaCare for smoking cessation products to help quit tobacco use
- Full cost of nicotine gum, lozenges and patches (nicotine replacement therapy)
- Some or all of the cost of certain smoking cessation prescription drugs, with coverage depending on your PharmaCare plan
What you need to do
- Talk to your pharmacist for an assessment and treatment
How it works
- People who are out of work, have unsteady work, or are affected by changes in the forestry sector can get help finding a job or gaining skills for a new career
Programs
- WorkBC provides a wide range of free employment services and supports online and in-person:
- Employment counselling
- Workshops
- Resume and job search support
- Skills training and work experience
- Wage subsidy
- On-the-job support
- Supports for forestry workers affected by changes in the forestry sector include:
- Bridging to retirement for workers 55 or older
- Skills training and educational opportunities for new careers
What you need to do
Support for business owners and entrepreneurs
B.C. created 66,000 new jobs in 2022, and nearly 75,000 new jobs in 2023.
Employer health tax exemption
Exemption threshold doubled to $1M, 90% of small businesses are now exempt from paying the tax.
Expanding small business tax rate
Growing businesses remain eligible for the 2% tax rate longer – taxable capital ceiling raised to $50 million.
Energy rebate for businesses
BC Hydro commercial energy customers will get a 4.6% rebate in 2024, saving about $400.
Securing small business rebate
Small business can apply for help to cover the costs of repairing vandalism and preventing crime.
Wholesale liquor prices
Restaurants, pubs and hotels can now buy beer, wine and spirits at wholesale instead of retail prices.
Capping delivery fees
Restaurants and drivers are protected from unfair fees charged by food delivery companies.
How it works
- Small and growing businesses are getting help with the impacts of inflation and labour shortages – the Employer Health Tax exemption threshold doubled from $500,000 to $1 million
- 90% of businesses are now exempt from paying the tax, and thousands more businesses are seeing savings
What you need to do
- Use the employer health tax calculator to help you estimate the tax
- Register for the employer health tax if you must pay the tax
How it works
- B.C. small business tax rate was cut from 2.5% to 2% in 2017
- Growing small businesses will remain eligible for the B.C. small business tax rate longer
- Access to the 2% tax rate:
- Applies to eligible corporations with active business income up to $500,000
- Is gradually reduced when businesses have between $10 million and $50 million in taxable capital – previously it was fully phased out at $15 million
- This change benefits a wide range of businesses, but largely supports those that are capital intensive
What you need to do
- Claim your amount when filing your businesses taxes
How it works
- BC Hydro business and industrial customers will get a 4.6% rebate in 2024 to help reduce rising operating costs
- Most small businesses will save about $400
- Credits will be automatically applied to bills starting in April 2024 in 6 or 12 instalments
What you need to do
- No action required
- You’re eligible for the full credit if you had an active business account as of March 31, 2023, and a pro-rated amount if you opened your account after April 1, 2023
How it works
- Small businesses can apply for a rebate to help cover the costs of repairing vandalism and preventing crime between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024
- Eligible businesses must have an exterior entrance and less than 50 employees
What you get
- $2,000 per year to offset the cost of repairing vandalism
- $1,000 to offset the cost of implementing crime prevention measures
What you need to do
- Apply online by January 31, 2025
- Rebate applications are retroactive to January 1, 2023 and will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis
How it works
- Licensed restaurants, pubs and hotels can now purchase beer, wine and spirits at wholesale cost instead of liquor store retail prices
What you need to do
- Register with the B.C.’s Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) to use a searchable hospitality price list to help with buying decisions
Read the news release about permanent wholesale liquor pricing
How it works
- Restaurants are now permanently protected from unfair fees charged by app-based food delivery companies
- Fees charged to restaurants are now capped at 20% of the dollar value of an order
- Delivery companies can offer optional, enhanced services for restaurants to opt into at their discretion
- Drivers are also protected
- Delivery companies cannot download costs onto them, ensuring drivers are paid their wages and gratuities
- New employment standards come into effect September 3, 2024 to regulate minimum wage, cover expenses and provide workers’ compensation coverage
What you need to do
- No action required
Learn more about the Food Delivery Service Fee Act
Learn more about fair pay, basic protections for gig workers
Help with home energy costs
More than two million individuals and families are getting hundreds of dollars every three months through B.C.’s climate action tax credit.
Electricity Affordability Credit
Households will get a $100 break on their electricity bills starting April 2024. No action required.
Climate Action Tax Credit
An individual can get up to $504 this year and a family of 4 can get up to $1,008. No action required.
Keeping BC Hydro rates low
BC Hydro customers continue paying among the lowest energy rates in North America.
Heat pump rebates
Income-qualified applicants can get up to $24,500 to cover the up-front costs of heat-pumps when switching from fossil fuel heating.
Free A/C program
Eligible households can apply to get one free portable air conditioner unit to help stay cool during extreme heat events. Apply online.
Home reno rebates
Households can get up to $14,000 in rebates to recover the cost of eligible renovations to make homes more energy efficient. Apply online.
How it works
- Households will get up to $100 credit on BC Hydro bills to help offset the cost of inflation
- Starting April 2024, the credit will automatically appear on bills in 12 monthly or 6 bi-monthly installments
What you need to do
- No action required.
- You’re eligible for the full credit if you had an active residential account as of March 31, 2023, and a pro-rated amount if you opened your account after April 1, 2023
How it works
- More low- and middle-income households will get a higher tax credit
- Tax credit amounts and eligible income thresholds go up July 2024
- Payments are issued quarterly: July, October, January, April. They are combined with the GST/HST rebates
Who’s eligible
- B.C. residents aged 19 and older who meet household income and family size thresholds
- Maximum payment for each household is based on income and family size. For example, a family of 4 can get up to $1,008/year:
- $504/year for you
- $252/year for spouse or first child in single parent families
- $126/year for each child
- The maximum income threshold to get a full or partial payment is:
- $66,271 for individuals
- $113,988 for families
- The income threshold will go up every year, with a goal to reach 80% of households by 2030
What you need to do
- No action required if you filed your 2023 taxes. Canada Revenue Agency will determine if you're eligible and will automatically send you payments
How it works
- BC Hydro customers continue to have the second lowest electricity bills in North America
- Rates have been kept below inflation for 6 years in a row (15.6% lower than the rate of inflation since 2017-18)
What you need to do
- No action required
Learn more
How it works
- Income-qualified applicants can get a rebate up to $24,500 to switch to high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently heated with oil, natural gas and propane
- Rebates can be applied up front, so you don’t have to pay the full amount out of pocket
- Household pre-tax income and family size thresholds increased to:
- 1 person: $99,891
- 2 people: $124,358
- 3 people: $152,884
- 4 people: $185,620
- 5 people: $210,528
- 6 people: $237,438
- 7+ people: $264,353
What you need to do
- Apply online
- Contact an Energy Coach if you have questions
How it works
- Eligible households can apply to get one free portable air conditioner unit to help stay cool during extreme heat events
Who’s eligible
- Owns or rents a home. Renters must get landlord consent
- Meets the BC Health criteria for being medically vulnerable to heat events (i.e., seniors or people with chronic health conditions)
- Meets before tax income thresholds based on family size:
- 1 person: $39,700
- 2 people: $49,500
- 3 people: $60,800
- 4 people: $73,800
- 5 people: $83,700
- 6 people: $94,400
- 7 or more people: $105,100
What you need to do
- Apply online through BC Hydro or FortisBC
- Call 1-800-224-9376 for help or if you don’t have an account
- Some people may be referred to the program by their regional health authority or home care program
Apply online with FortisBC (Nelson and Penticton areas)
How it works
- Households can get up to $14,000 in rebates to recover the cost of eligible renovations to make homes more energy efficient:
- $5,500 for insulation
- $2,000 for windows and doors
- $1,000 for heat pump water heaters
- $3,500 for heat pumps and electrical upgrades (some people may qualify for more)
- $2,000 bonus for completing multiple upgrades
- Must have a residential utility account with BC Hydro, FortisBC, or a municipal utility provider
What you need to do
- Review the list of eligible products and requirements
- Pay for the upgrades and installation by a qualified contractor, if required
- Apply for the rebate online within 6 months of the invoice date
Transportation savings
3.6 million drivers are getting $110 ICBC rebates and benefiting from 6 years of frozen basic rates.
ICBC rebate and frozen rates
Eligible drivers will automatically get a $110 rebate in 2024 and basic rates will remain frozen until March 2026 – marking 6 years without an increase.
No tolls on bridges
Drivers no longer pay tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges, saving commuters up to $1,500/year and commercial drivers $4,500/year.
Keeping ferry fares affordable
People who rely on BC Ferries to get to work, do errands or visit loved ones have been protected from high increases to keep fares down.
Electric vehicle rebates
Income-qualified people can get up to a $4,000 rebate to buy an electric vehicle. Apply before you buy.
EV charger rebates
Save money on installing EV chargers at home and at workplaces. Apply online.
Free or low-cost transit
Kids 12 and under ride free. Eligible students, seniors 60+ and people with disabilities can get a bus pass at a reduced cost.
How it works
- To keep insurance affordable, most ICBC customers who had an active basic insurance policy in February 2024 will automatically receive a $110 rebate between late May and July
- Basic rates also remain frozen until March 2026 – marking 6 years without an increase
What you need to do
- No action required. Rebates will be applied on an upcoming payment or by direct deposit, credit card refund or cheque, depending on how you paid for insurance
- Update your account if your address or banking information changed
How it works
- Bridge tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges were eliminated in September 2017 – years ahead of schedule – to save drivers money and shorten commute times on other routes
- Commuters save up to $1,500 per year and commercial drivers up to $4,500 per year
What you need to do
- No action required
How it works
- People who rely on BC Ferries to get to work, do errands and visit loved ones have been protected from high fare increases to keep ferry travel affordable
- Seniors travel free on weekdays on major routes
- Due to the rising cost of inflation, BC Ferries was expecting to have to increase fares by more than 9.2% every year until 2028
- The B.C. government has invested $500 million in new funding to help keep fare increases below 3% per year
What you need to do
- No action required
How it works
- To help make electric vehicles more affordable, people earning under $100,000/year can get a rebate when buying an eligible EV with a market value below:
- $50,000 for cars and SUVs
- $70,000 for larger vehicles (wagons, trucks and vans)
- People can only get one rebate during the lifetime of the program. If you received a rebate any time after 2015, you are not eligible
How much you get
Individual income and vehicle range determines the rebate amount:
- Income under $80,000: $2,000 (85 km range) or $4,000 (long-range)
- $80,001 – $90,000: $1,000 (85 km range) or $2,000 (long-range)
- $90,001 – $100,000: $500 (85 km range) or $1,000 (long-range)
What you need to do
- Apply for pre-approval online before you buy the car. You have a year to use the rebate
Find out if you qualify for a passenger EV rebate
EV rebates are also available for:
How it works
- Get a rebate for installing EV charging stations for homes and workplaces
- Home chargers – Get 50% (up to $350) rebate to install a Level 2 (240 volt) charging station in single-family, duplex and semi-detached homes
- Multi-unit apartments, condos, townhomes get up to:
- $137,000 for installing parking stall EV chargers
- $14,000 for installing standalone EV chargers
- Workplaces – Get 50% rebate (up to $14,000) per workplace
- Indigenous Communities – Get 75% rebate per charging station for condos, apartments and workplaces
What you need to do
- Learn more and apply online through your electricity provider. Some programs require pre-approval
Free transit for kids
- Kids aged 12 and under ride free of charge on BC Transit and TransLink services, including HandyDART, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express
- No action required. Kids do not need ID or a transit pass to board
- An adult may need to accompany younger children, or kids riding HandyDart, sea or train services
Learn how free for kids works in your community
BC Bus Pass program
- Reduced cost BC Bus Passes are available to eligible:
- Low-income seniors 60+ for $45 per year
- People on disability assistance for $52 per month
- Apply online for a BC Pus Pass or by phone at 1-866-866-0800
Learn more about the BC Bus Pass program
U-Pass BC for post-secondary students in Metro Vancouver
- Eligible students attending public post-secondary institutions within the Metro Vancouver area are automatically provided a U-Pass for access to TransLink bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain services, and discounts on West Coast Express
- Students pay for their U-Pass BC as part of their student fees
- $46 per month from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025
Health care savings
More than 300,000 people have received free contraceptives – saving up to $300 per year.
Free contraceptives
Birth control is now free in B.C. Save up to $300 per year. Talk to your pharmacist.
Free IVF treatment
Starting April 2025, people undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization will get one treatment for free.
BC PharmaCare plans
All B.C. residents can register for PharmaCare to help pay for medications and medical supplies.
Eliminated MSP premiums
People in B.C. are no longer charged Medical Service Program (MSP) fees. Saving families $1,800 per year.
Travel costs for cancer care
Eligible patients who need to travel for cancer care can have their hotel and transportation costs covered.
Opioid addiction treatment
People struggling with opioid addiction can get free coverage for medication-assisted treatment.
How it works
- Most forms of prescription birth control and emergency contraceptives are now free for any B.C. resident, saving up to:
- $300 per year on hormonal birth control pills
- $400 for IUDs
- If you’ve been prescribed a form that is not fully covered, ask your pharmacist about switching to an equivalent that is free
What you need to do
- Talk to your pharmacist. They can prescribe and provide contraceptives for free
- Implants and IUDs will need to be inserted by a doctor or clinic
How it works
- Starting April 2025, people who need access to fertility treatment may be eligible for one free round of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), saving up to $25,000
What you need to do
- Stay tuned. More information will be available once the program details have been finalized
How it works
- All B.C. residents can register for PharmaCare to help pay for:
- Many prescription drugs
- Some medical devices like insulin pumps and prostheses
- Some supplies like diabetes blood glucose test strips
- Pharmacy services
- The Fair PharmaCare is based on income. The less a family earns, the more help they get
- Additional plans are available to help cover the costs of special needs like long-term care, cystic fibrosis treatment, psychiatric medications, etc.
- One person can be covered under several plans
What you need to do
- No action required if you’re already enrolled
- If you’re not, register for BC PharmaCare online, by phone or by mail
How it works
- People in B.C. are no longer charged Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums for health coverage, saving:
- Individuals up to $900 per year
- Families up to $1,800 per year
What you need to do
- No action required if you’re already enrolled
- If you’re not yet enrolled, apply online for MSP, in person or by mail
How it works
- Eligible patients and their families can get help to cover costs when travelling for cancer care:
- Transportation costs including flights and ferries
- Lodging at Canadian Cancer Society Lodges or at hotels, motels or inns near your local cancer centre
- Applicants with a prior-year gross household income of less than $150,000 will be considered
What you need to do
- Contact the Patient and Family Counseling (PFC) team in your area
How it works
- People struggling with opioid use disorder can get free access to medication-assisted treatment to help stabilize their health
- PharmaCare will pay the full cost of most opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for B.C. residents
What you need to do
- Talk with a healthcare provider to find a treatment that works for you
- Fill your prescription at a pharmacy. If you’re not enrolled with MSP, a pharmacist can help
Education and training savings
Interest-free student loans have saved thousands of British Columbians a total of $40 million since 2019.
Eliminated interest on student loans
Students no longer pay interest on Canada-B.C. Integrated student loans.
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
Most B.C. residents can get $3,500 to cover short-term skills training in high-demand, well-paid careers.
BC Access Grant
Low- and middle-income students can automatically get up to $4,000 a year for full-time studies when applying for student aid.
Single parent employment initiative
Single parents receiving income or disability assistance can get job training and support. Visit WorkBC.
Free tuition for former youth in care
All former youth in care, no matter their age, can get a post-secondary education tuition free. Apply online.
Adult education upgrading
Adults can take high school courses for free to get a diploma or upgrade skills for post-secondary.
How it works
- Students are no longer charged interest on the B.C. portion of Canada-B.C. Integrated student loans
- This change went into effect in February 2019 benefiting all current and future borrowers
- The Government of Canada eliminated interest on the Canada portion in 2023
What you need to do
- No action required. You will not be charged interest on new loans
- If you had a loan prior to February 2019, the interest was automatically eliminated on your loan repayment statements
How it works
- Most B.C. residents 19 and older – regardless of financial need – can apply for a grant to cover up to $3,500 for short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions
- Eligible programs are selected to help people further their skills in high-demand, well-paid careers
- A persons’ lifetime maximum allotment is $3,500 but it does not need to be used all at once
What you need to do
- Review the list of eligible programs for Fall 2024 once it’s posted. Contact the post-secondary institution for information before applying
How it works
- Low- and middle-income students can get up to $4,000 per year for full-time studies
- The money is provided upfront and does not need to be paid back
- You may be eligible if you:
- Apply and qualify for full-time student aid
- Attend a B.C. public post-secondary institution
- Have financial need as assessed by the province
What you need to do
- No action required. You will be automatically assessed for the grant when you apply for a student loan
How it works
- Single parents receiving income or disability assistance for 3 months or more may be eligible for training and support to secure a long-term job. Supports can include:
- Up to 2 years of funded training or paid work experience
- Continued income or disability benefits while in training
- Child care and transportation costs
- Health coverage for dental, optical and PharmaCare
What you need to do
- Visit your local WorkBC location to meet with a case worker
How it works
- All former youth in care, no matter the age, can access full- or part-time studies at the undergraduate level for free at:
- B.C. public post-secondary institutions
- Native Education College
- Approved union-based trades training providers
- Students who meet the eligibility requirements can have tuition and fees waived so you do not have to pay them
What you need to do
- Apply online or call StudentAid BC at 1-800-561-1818
How it works
- Adults 18+ can take high school courses for free to:
- Work toward high school graduation or
- Upgrade skills for entrance to a post-secondary program
- Courses are tailored to the needs of adult students and may be:
- Offered day or evening
- Self-paced or teacher-directed
- Online or classroom learning
- Adult education programs are offered through school districts and many public post-secondary institutions
What you need to do
- Contact your local school district to find a learning centre
- Speak with an academic advisor to help figure out which courses and credits you need to reach your learning goals
Related information
Help in other languages
Service BC can guide you through Government of British Columbia programs and services. You can call the number below and get help in more than 220 languages.
Monday to Friday
7 am to 7 pm Pacific time
When you call, wait for an agent to answer the phone. Then say the name of the language you need support in. For example, say “French” in English instead of "français".