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British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by COVID-19 can benefit from a new provincial benefit that provides a one-time, tax-free payment of $1,000.
Photo KMR Photography via flickr.com
More provincial emergency funding on the way
Published 2:52 PDT, Thu April 23, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
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Temporary relief is on the way for British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by COVID-19, with applications for the $1,000 BC Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) opening on May 1, 2020.
“This benefit is further help for British Columbians who are worried about paying their bills and making ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Finance Minister Carole James. “During these uncertain times, we want to get through this together by helping displaced workers support themselves and their families.”
The BCEBW is a one-time, tax-free $1,000 payment for British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people who are eligible for the new federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are also eligible for the BCEBW, including those who have run out of employment insurance (EI) benefits and subsequently qualify for the CERB.
To be eligible for the BCEBW, people must:
- have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020;
- meet the eligibility requirements for the CERB;
- have been approved for the CERB, even if they have not received a benefit yet;
- be at least 15 years old on the date of application;
- have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 BC income tax return; and
- not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance.
Starting May 1, applications can be made online, at any time, and a link to the application portal will be available at: www.gov.bc.ca/workerbenefit
Also starting May 1, people can call 778-309-4630 or toll-free within BC at 1-855-955-3545, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time) for general support or questions. Applications over the phone will begin on May 4.
Payments will start to go out within days of application. While there may be minor delays during the initial surge, government staff will be working to quickly process payments.
Learn more:
To review BCEBW eligibility and subscribe for notification when the application process opens online, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/workerbenefit
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