4.2 Support | British Columbia Disability Programs
Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Assistance
PWD status is a legal designation that allows eligible individuals to receive:
• Disability assistance (financial support)
• Health supplements (like dental, medical supplies, and equipment)
• Transportation support (e.g., BC Bus Pass)
• Earnings exemptions (you can earn income without losing full benefits)
Persons with Disabilities Assistance pays up to $1,483/month for basic needs and shelter.
Community Living BC (CLBC)
Community Living BC (CLBC) is a provincial Crown corporation that funds supports for people 19 years or older who have a developmental disability.
CLBC also funds supports for adults with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and who need significant help with day-to-day tasks.
At Home Program
The At Home Program is designed to support children and youth with severe disabilities and complex health care needs. The program provides a range of medical equipment and services for eligible children.
BC Bus Pass Program
The BC Bus Pass Program offers an annual bus pass at a reduced cost to eligible low-income seniors and individuals receiving disability assistance in British Columbia. This pass is valid on BC Transit and TransLink services across the province.
Guaranteed Access Program (GAP)
The Guaranteed Access Program (GAP) is designed to provide a one-time, tax-free payout to a person's loved ones at the time of their passing.
This program is available to individuals who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate or are receiving benefits through a provincial disability support program.
Participants contribute a small amount each month in return for a one-time lump sum payment (minimum $10,000) to the person of their choosing.
PharmaCare BC
PharmaCare has 12 plans that help B.C. residents pay for prescription medications, medical devices and supplies, and pharmacy services. One person can be covered by several plans.
Fair PharmaCare Plan
Fair PharmaCare helps B.C. residents pay for many prescription drugs and dispensing fees, and some medical devices and supplies. Fair PharmaCare coverage is based on income. The less you earn, the more help you get.
First Nations Health Benefits (Plan W)
100% coverage of many prescription drugs and dispensing fees, some medical devices and supplies, as well as certain over-the-counter drugs and health products. Plan W is funded by the First Nations Health Authority.
Income Assistance (Plan C)
100% coverage of eligible prescription costs for B.C. residents who are:
• Receiving benefits and income assistance through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR); or,
• In the care of or in an agreement with Ministry of Children and Family Services (MCFD).
SDPR and MCFD send eligibility information to PharmaCare. You do not need to apply to PharmaCare for this coverage.
Psychiatric Medications (Plan G)
100% coverage of eligible costs for B.C. residents of any age with clinical and financial need (i.e., if your annual income is lower than $42,000). The plan covers certain psychiatric medications.
Long-term Care (Plan B)
100% coverage of eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies for permanent residents of licensed long-term care facilities registered with PharmaCare Plan B. When someone becomes a permanent resident of a Plan B facility, they are automatically covered under Plan B.
Not all facilities are registered with Plan B. You may wish you ask before moving in (or moving a loved one in) to a long-term care facility whether the facility is covered by Plan B.
Cystic Fibrosis (Plan D)
100% coverage of eligible digestive enzymes in the Plan D formulary and partial or full coverage of other products in the formulary, depending on your other PharmaCare plan (i.e., Plan C, Plan F, Plan W, or Fair PharmaCare). For coverage, you must be registered with a provincial cystic fibrosis clinic. The cystic fibrosis clinic arranges Plan D coverage for their patients.
Children in the At Home Program (Plan F)
100% coverage of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies for children and teens with a severe disability or complex health care needs, who is receiving full benefits or medical benefits through the The At Home Program of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). MCFD submits your information to PharmaCare.
Palliative Care (Plan P)
100% coverage of eligible costs for medications used in palliative care and in the Plan P formulary For B.C. residents of any age who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and who wish to receive palliative care at home.
Assurance Plan (Plan Z)
100% coverage to any B.C. resident with Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. Plan Z currently covers contraceptives and Mifegymiso, opioid use disorder treatment (OAT), and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) medications. Generally, you simply present your prescription and Personal Health Number, which is on your BC Services Card, at a pharmacy, and pay $0.
Smoking Cessation (Plan S)
100% coverage of nicotine gum, lozenges or patches, and some or all of the cost of certain smoking cessation prescription drugs. B.C residents of any age can get help to stop smoking or using other tobacco products.
British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Plan X)
Plan X covers antiretroviral drugs for HIV-positive individuals through the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Drug Treatment Program.
Medication Management (Plan M)
Plan M covers individuals for eligible medication management services provided by pharmacies, such as clinical services, medication reviews, and publicly funded vaccinations.
Assistive Devices and Disability Support
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are "items that ease the strains of daily activities at home, at work, or at play. They include medical equipment, mobility aids, information technologies, practical aids, and gadgets to suit many different needs." - Health Canada
Government offers a vast array of programs and services for people with disabilities with total funding at more than $5 billion a year.
Support for People with Disabilities
There are many provincial and federal government agencies and non-profit organizations in Canada that provide support to people with disabilities.
Home Renovation Tax Credit
The home renovation tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities can assist eligible individuals with the cost of certain permanent home renovations to improve accessibility, functionality or mobility at home for persons who are over the age of 65 or persons with a disability.
Property Tax Deferment Program
The Tax Deferment program is a loans program available to eligible B.C. homeowners. It allows you to defer your current year property taxes.
Angling Licence Fee Reduction Program
This application is to be completed by any B.C. Resident with a severe and permanent physical or mental disability who wishes to obtain an annual Non-Tidal Angling Licence for a reduced fee.
Social Services Camping Fee Exemption
The Social Services Camping Fee Exemption in British Columbia allows individuals with disabilities who are receiving income assistance to camp at frontcountry BC Parks campgrounds without paying the base camping fee.
This exemption is available to those enrolled in programs such as the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefit, the At Home Program, or Indigenous Services Canada Disability Income Assistance.
