Additional supports to help seniors in B.C. through the pandemic.
Latest Update - March 16th, 2021: Starting with payments issued in April 2021, individuals on income assistance and disability assistance will automatically receive a permanent $175 per month increase. Read the press release.
BC Senior's COVID-19 Crisis Supplement
Seniors in B.C. in receipt of the Senior's Supplement will automatically receive a temporary $300 supplement for April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December 2020 for eligible seniors. No application is required.
Note: The Senior’s Supplement is a provincial top-up paid to low-income residents of BC who are 65 years of age and older and who are receiving federal Old Age Security (OAS)/Guaranteed Income Support (GIS) payments or federal Allowance (formerly Spouse’s Allowance.
BC Recovery Supplement
Seniors in B.C. in receipt of the Senior's Supplement will automatically receive an automatic $150 temporary BC Recovery Supplement. The supplement will be automatically added to cheques issued in January, February, and March 2021. No application is required.
RRIF withdrawal minimum
The required minimum withdrawal from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) has been reduced by 25% for eligible Canadian seniors for 2020.
Other Resources
BC211: A provincewide information and referral service that matches seniors with volunteers who can help with basic needs, including grocery shopping and pharmacy drop-offs. If you are a senior looking for help with non-medical essentials, dial 211.
Better at Home: United Way’s Better at Home program helps BC’s older adults continue living independently in their own homes by providing simple, non-medical home support services. Its unique ‘seniors planning for seniors’ approach means older adults contribute to the design, operation and evaluation of their local program.
COVID-19: Resources for seniors and their caregivers: Learn how you can prevent COVID-19 and find tips on taking care of your physical and mental health.
WorkBC Resources for Mature Workers: As a mature worker, you may have a range of reasons to look for employment – you may want to start a new career, decide to work after retiring or face job loss late in your career. Use these tips to make the experience a positive one.
WorkBC Skills Training and Employment Supports for Workers Age 55+: This program provides the skills training and employment supports needed for people who are 55 years of age or older to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable employment.
