Couples in B.C. with disabilities will soon receive boost to government benefits

Five pedestrians and cyclists hit by cars in 48 hours spark Burnaby RCMP warning

B.C. cities see large rent decreases while Vancouver reports much smaller drop

B.C.'s Helijet now offering travellers chance to rack up Aeroplan points in industry-first

“We want people to have the supports they need to live with dignity and independence, so we’re making a change for couples on disability assistance,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, in a release.

“To make people feel safe, welcome and included, we’re changing the spousal rule so that couples receiving disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people. I’m grateful to the self-advocates who led this call for change.”

Another change to disability assistance in the province begins on Thursday, Jan. 1.

Couples where one partner has the Persons with Disabilities designation will see an increased annual earnings exemption.

According to the Government of B.C., more than 4,300 families will be helped by the expanded earning exemptions.

Both announced changes will be automatic for eligible families, so no application is needed.

“With meaningful policy changes like this, the government can extend one more helping hand to people living with disabilities,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, in a statement.

“Having a disability should not mean living in poverty, and we look forward to a broader review of social assistance and disability rates as part of the CARGA agreement this year.”

The amount of financial support someone receives while on disability assistance depends on the size of their family, as well as whether another person in the family is designated as a person with a disability.

The most recent statistics on the Government of B.C. website outline current monthly payments as:

• $1,483.50 (single)
• $2,548.50 (you and spouse have Persons with Disabilities designation and no children)
• $1,828.50 (single parent with one child)
• $2,268.50 (you and spouse have Persons with Disabilities designation and one child)

The annual earnings exemption is currently $16,200 a year for a single person with the Persons with Disabilities designation, $19,440 a year for a family with two adults, where only one person has the Persons with Disabilities designation, and $32,400 a year for a family where both adults have the Persons with Disabilities designation.

“For many people with disabilities living below the poverty line, it is critical that we maintain consistent financial support that empowers them to live their best lives,” added Graham Morry, executive director, Nanaimo Association for Community Living, in a release. “Ensuring equal PWD funding for individuals regardless of marital status is a meaningful step in the right direction.”

James Chapman, who was at the Nanaimo Association for Community Living building to speak at the announcement, shared that he and his wife, Julie Black, are thankful for today’s announcement.

Chapman and Black are both on disability assistance while maintaining work.

“We’re both excited about this change,” said Chapman. “It was harder to do stuff after we got married than it was before. It will be good to be treated fairly.”

Canadians living with a disability can also receive support from the federal government in the form of the Canada Disability Benefit.

This benefit supports working-age Canadians with disabilities aged 18 to 24. The program is administered by Service Canada. The first month of eligibility began in June 2025, but you can still apply online.