BC Crisis Supplement — Emergency Money for People on Income or Disability Assistance: Free, walk in or by phone, at 405 Highway 33 West, Kelowna, BC V1X 1Y2 (income assistance office). Who it's for: People eligible for BC income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance who face an unexpected need, have no cash available,….
Categories: Financial Aid
If you get income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance and something unexpected happens, you may get a one-time crisis payment. It is for needs that would put your health in danger if not met. ▸ Who can get this? • You are eligible for income, disability or hardship assistance, and • The cost or need was unexpected, and • You have no cash or money in the bank to cover it, and • Not meeting the need would put someone's physical or mental health in danger right away. • You do NOT have to try food banks, charities or the BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund first. ▸ What can it help with? • Food: up to $50 per person per month • Clothing: up to $110 per person in any 12 months • Shelter costs, like rent you suddenly can't cover • Hydro, heat, cooking fuel or water if you are behind on your bill. You can ask before you get a disconnection notice. • Other urgent needs, like a mattress and bed frame after bed bugs • Emergency repairs to a home you own, if the ministry approves the cost first ▸ How to ask for it 1. Online through My Self Serve (open 24 hours a day). 2. Call 1-866-866-0800 and use the self-serve phone system. 3. Go in person to the Kelowna office (405 Highway 33 West) or the West Kelowna office (3685 Hoskins Rd), or use the outside drop box. ▸ What you need • For hydro, gas or other utilities: proof you are behind on the bill. • For a second shelter payment within 12 months: papers that show your situation, if needed (for example an eviction notice or a housing offer letter). ▸ Good to know • You can get a shelter crisis payment only once in any 12 months. Exceptions include fleeing abuse, leaving homelessness, facing eviction, unsafe housing, moving into subsidized housing, or child-safety reasons. • It can only be paid for the month you ask for it. • It cannot pay for health items. Ask about health supplements instead. • If you ask 6 or more times in 12 months, the ministry may manage your payments for you. • The ministry pays for the lowest-cost option that meets the need.
Also known as: crisis grant emergency money welfare income assistance disability assistance PWD hardship rent food clothing hydro bill utilities shelter MySS, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (Government of BC)
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Community resources for Kelowna & West Kelowna