Online applications now open for BC Recovery Benefit

Online applications are now open for the BC Recovery Benefit.

The provincial government estimates that 3.7 million individuals and families are eligible for the cash – about 90% of all British Columbian adults.

As of this morning, the following is available:

• $1,000 for families with annual incomes under $125,000. Families earning up to $175,000 will qualify for a reduced benefit amount. Single-parent families also qualify for these benefit amounts

• $500 for single people with annual incomes under $62,500. Single people earning up to $87,500 will qualify for a reduced benefit amount

The website set up to apply for the benefit, however, at times failed to load earlier this morning.

For those without access to a computer or the internet, starting Monday, Dec. 21, call centre agents will be available to assist people who need help applying or those who want to apply over the phone:

• Toll-free within North America: 1 833 882-0020

• Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays), from 7:30 am to 5 pm (Pacific time)

Up to 350 call centre agents will be available for the first week of applications to help answer questions or complete applications over the phone, the government said.

But it warned of potential delays due to the volume of calls.

"I'd like to thank the BC public service for getting this program up and running so quickly and to the hundreds of Service BC call centre staff who will be helping British Columbians apply for their BC Recovery Benefit," said Minister of Finance Selina Robinson.

The BC Recovery Benefit application page went live at 8:30am this morning. It's experiencing extremely high volume. We ask that everyone please be patient, we are aware that some are having difficulty and we are working on the issue.

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) December 18, 2020

"Please be patient and respectful to staff over the holidays as call volumes may result in longer wait times."

Upon successfully submitting their application, the benefit should arrive within five days, the government explained.

To apply and be eligible for the one-time, tax-free benefit, people must:

• Have been a resident of British Columbia on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020;

• Be at least 19 years old on Dec. 18, 2020, unless they are the primary caregiver of a child or cohabitating with a spouse;

• Have filed a 2019 income tax return;

• Have their 2019 income tax notice of assessment, and if applicable, their spouse's 2019 income tax notice of assessment;

• Have their Social Insurance Number, and if applicable, their spouse's;

• Have their direct deposit information, including branch, institution and account numbers; and

• Have their BC driver's licence or confirm they do not have one.

People can apply until June 2021.

In the new year, the provincial government said it will introduce a modified application process for people receiving disability and income assistance who do not have banking services, or who have barriers to filing income taxes.