BC Disability Assistance (Persons with Disabilities, PWD)

British ColumbiaDisabilityChecked November 1, 2026

BC disability assistance gives a monthly payment for living costs and rent, plus health supplements, to adults in British Columbia who have the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation and meet the income and asset rules.

How much

Rates effective December 1, 2025: a single person can get up to $1,483.50 a month ($983.50 support plus up to $500 for shelter). A couple where both adults have the PWD designation can get up to $2,662 a month ($1,967 support plus up to $695 for shelter). A couple where one adult has the designation gets $1,543.50 support plus up to $695 for shelter. Each person with the designation can also get a $52 transportation supplement, in cash or as a bus pass. From January 1, 2026 you can earn up to $16,200 a year (single), $23,400 (couple, one with PWD) or $32,400 (couple, both with PWD) without your assistance going down.

When it's paid

Monthly, paid ahead for the next month. The payment for December 2026 is issued on November 18, 2026 and the payment for January 2027 on December 16, 2026. Direct deposit is recommended.

Next payment date

November 18, 2026 · All payment dates

Who qualifies

You are 18 or older (you can start the application at 17½)
You have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to last more than two years
The impairment significantly restricts your daily living activities, and you need help from another person, an assistive device or an assistance animal
You meet the financial rules for assistance in BC
Your assets are worth $100,000 or less ($200,000 for a couple where both adults have the PWD designation); your home, one vehicle, an RDSP and assets in a qualifying trust are not counted

How to apply

Step 1: show you are financially eligible by applying for assistance on My Self Serve (myselfserve.gov.bc.ca)
Step 2: ask the ministry for the Persons with Disabilities Designation Application; it has your part, a medical report by a doctor or nurse practitioner, and an assessor report by a prescribed professional
If you get CPP disability benefits, Community Living BC services, the At Home Program or BC PharmaCare palliative care benefits, ask about the simplified application
For help call 1-866-866-0800 or visit a local office

What to have ready

Income and asset details for you and your spouse
Medical report from your doctor or nurse practitioner (part of the PWD application)
Assessor report from a prescribed professional (part of the PWD application)
Direct Deposit Request (form HR2648) with a void cheque or your bank account details

Add to a printable checklist with other benefits

Common mistakes to avoid

Only doing the financial part; disability assistance also needs the separate PWD designation application
Not sending the monthly report (HR0081) by the 5th of the month when you have earnings
Buying medical equipment or supplies before approval; health supplements need pre-approval
Not telling the ministry about a new bank account, which can delay your payment

Still being confirmed: The rate table page was updated July 7, 2026 but still shows rates effective December 1, 2025. Your shelter allowance depends on your actual housing costs, so your worker confirms your exact amount. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on November 1, 2026.

Canada Disability BenefitThe Canada Disability Benefit is a monthly payment for low-income working-age adults with disabilities. You need an…
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)The Disability Tax Credit lowers the income tax paid by people with a severe and prolonged impairment, or by family who…
Canada Pension Plan disability benefitCPP disability gives monthly payments to people under 65 who can't work regularly because of a severe and long-lasting…
Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond (RDSP)The government adds grant and bond money to a Registered Disability Savings Plan to help people with disabilities save…

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All British Columbia benefits

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.