British Columbians under 80 making less than 150k

are taking advantage of this... Shouldn’t you be too?

A simplified guide for anyone under 80 years old living in B.C.

If you're under 80 and earning less than $150,000, you may be missing out on thousands in benefits.

This guide breaks it all down.

For Families with Children

    • What it is: Monthly, tax-free payments for families with children under 18.

    • How much:

      • $1,750 for the 1st child

      • $1,100 for the 2nd

      • $900 for each additional child

    • Bonus: Up to $500/year extra for single parents.

    • Income eligibility: Starts to reduce over $29,526, phased out completely at $94,483.

    • How to get it: File your taxes. If you get the Canada Child Benefit, you’re automatically enrolled.

    • Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative: Up to $900/month off—no application needed.

    • Affordable Child Care Benefit: Apply if you earn under $111,000.

    • $10-a-Day ChildCareBC: Enroll in a participating center.

    • Young Parent Program: Parents under 25 can receive up to $1,500/month per child.

    • What it is: A one-time grant for your child’s RESP—no matching funds required.

    • Who qualifies: Children aged 6–9.

    • How to get it: Apply at your bank or credit union.

    • What it covers: Dental, vision, and hearing care for children under 19.

    • Eligibility: Household income under $42,000.

    • How to apply: Call 1-866-866-0800.

    • What it is: Up to $400/year per child for organized sports.

    • Eligibility: Based on family income and size (e.g., $65,250 for a family of 4).

    • How to apply: Before your child’s sports program begins.

For Renters & Homeowners

    • What it is: Rent increases are capped at 3% in 2025.

    • Notice required: 3 months’ notice from your landlord.

    • What it is: Up to $400 refundable credit.

    • Eligibility: Must have rented for at least 6 months in 2024; income under $83,000.

    • How to get it: Claim on your 2024 tax return.

    • For families and seniors:

      • Rent Bank: Emergency help with rent/utilities.

      • SAFER (Seniors 60+): Rent supplements.

      • Rental Assistance Program: For low-income working families.

    • How to apply: Use the rent assistance calculator or apply online.

    • What it is: Save up to $8,000 on property transfer tax.

    • Eligibility: Homes under $835,000 (partial savings up to $860,000).

    • How to get it: Your lawyer will apply when you buy the home.

    • What you can get: Up to $770/year in grants. Seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities may get more.

    • How to apply: Each year after receiving your tax bill.

For Seniors (60+)

  • Includes:

    • Old Age Security (OAS)

    • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

    • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

    • BC Seniors Supplement

    • Allowance for spouses and survivors

    How to apply: Use the Canada Benefits Finder to check your eligibility.

    • What it is: Rent supplement for low-income seniors.

    • Eligibility: Income under $37,240, paying over 30% of income to rent.

    • What’s covered: Nursing, personal care, rehab, palliative services, and day programs.

    • How to access: Through your health provider or local health authority.

    • BC Bus Pass: $45/year for low-income seniors.

    • Ferry Discount: Free weekday sailings.

    • Volunteer Driver Programs: Transport to medical appointments.

    • Eligibility: Age, health needs, and income (under $94,400 for a family of 6).

    • How to apply: Through BC Hydro or FortisBC.

When You Need It Most

    • New Rate (2024): $17.40/hour. Automatically applies to most jobs.

    • What it is: Monthly support for people without income or with disabilities.

    • How to apply: Online or through a local Ministry office.

    • Legal Aid: Up to 25 extra hours of free legal help for people fleeing family violence.

    • Includes: Individual and family therapy, addiction counselling.

    • How to access: Call 8-1-1 or search your local health services.

    • What’s included: Free patches, gum, lozenges, and prescription meds.

    • How to get it: Ask your pharmacist.

    • What’s covered: Resume help, job search support, wage subsidies, and training.

    • How to apply: Visit WorkBC in person or online.

For Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

    • Threshold: No tax if payroll is under $1 million.

    • Benefit: Stay at the 2% rate longer as your business grows.

    • What it is: Covers 80% of employee training costs (up to $10,000 per employee).

    • Apply before training begins.

    • Benefit: Restaurants, bars, and hotels buy at wholesale rates.

    • Rule: Apps can't charge restaurants more than 20% per order. New protections for driver pay and conditions.

Energy, Housing & Utility Help

    • Fact: Among the lowest in North America. Rate increases capped at 3.75% until 2026.

    • Income-qualified renters can receive 100% rebate (coming mid-2025).

    • Apply for a free portable air conditioner if you're low-income or medically vulnerable.

    • Up to $14,000 for upgrades like insulation, windows, and heat pumps.

Transportation Savings

    • What it is: $110 refund for most insured drivers as of January 2025.

    • Port Mann and Golden Ears remain toll-free.

    • Rate increases are limited to 3% per year with government funding.

    • Homes: 50% rebate (up to $350).

    • Apartments/Condos: Up to $137,000 for shared systems.

    • Workplaces & Indigenous Communities: Up to 75% back.

    • No fare or ID needed.

Health Care Savings

    • Includes pills, IUDs, hormonal implants, and emergency contraception.

    • Up to $19,000 for one IVF cycle per eligible person.

    • For families earning under $150K traveling for treatment.

    • Fully covered under PharmaCare. Call 1-833-804-8111.

    • Saves individuals up to $900/year, families up to $1,800/year.

Education & Training Support

    • Applies to all BC student loans since 2019.

    • Up to $3,500 for short-term skills training (19+).

    • Up to $4,000/year for low- to mid-income full-time students.

    • Includes two years of training, childcare, and financial supports.

    • Available at all BC public post-secondary schools.

    • Offered at many public schools and colleges across the province.

Final Tip: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

If you’re under 80 and earning under $150,000, you probably qualify for at least one of these programs—maybe several.

Check your eligibility today at B.C. Benefits Connector.