Eligibility criteria

Individuals

• $500 for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $62,500
• Reduced benefit amount for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $87,500

Using 2019 income tax data

As with the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, in order to prevent fraudulent claims, applicants must provide 2019 income tax data to receive the benefit.

British Columbians need support now, and if the benefit relied on 2020 income tax data, payment wouldn’t be possible until approximately fall 2021.

Determine your eligibility

General eligibility criteria

Generally, the benefit is available to people:

• Residing in British Columbia on December 18, 2020
• Who are at least 19 years old on December 18, 2020, or meet specific eligibility criteria
• Who filed a 2019 Canadian personal income tax return, or meet specific eligibility criteria
• Who have a valid social insurance number, individual tax number or temporary tax number

If you receive a payment and we later determine that you’re not eligible for it, you will be required to repay it.

Note: If you’re applying for the family benefit, your spouse or common-law partner must also meet the general eligibility criteria.

Specific eligibility criteria

The follow circumstances may affect eligibility for the benefit.

Families

Income tax return