Image Credit: Flickr / Government of BC

By Richard Zussman / Global BC

COVID-19

British Columbians can now apply for the $1,000 emergency benefit for workers

May 1, 2020 | 11:59 AM

VICTORIA — Applications are now open for the $1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers.

Finance Minister Carole James spoke Friday about the benefit put in place to help those who have been unable to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province has said the money will start being distributed next week.

James said in the first 45 minutes of the application being open on Friday, they have already received more than 16,000 submissions.

To be eligible for the emergency benefit, you must:

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1. Have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
3. Have been approved for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, even if you haven’t received a federal benefit payment yet
4. Be at least 15 years old on the date you apply
5. Have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return
6. Not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance

James said this is just one measure available to British Columbians during this challenging time.

“Other supports we’re providing include the rent subsidy through B.C. Housing for up to $500 a month for renters, and that’s paid directly to landlords,” she said.

“There’s an automatic boost of $300 a month for the next three months for people on income assistance or disabilities who are ineligible for CERB.”

She said said in July about 86 per cent of British Columbians are going to see an increase to their climate action tax credit of up to $174 for each adult and $51 for each child.