Provincial supports for people living with disabilities in British Columbia.
PWD status is a legal designation that lets eligible individuals receive:
For a single person, PWD Assistance pays up to $1,483.50 a month for basic needs and shelter.
PWD Assistance: information and applicationA provincial Crown corporation that funds supports for people 19 or older who have a developmental disability.
CLBC also funds supports for adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) who need significant help with day-to-day tasks.
CLBC: information and applicationSupport for children and youth with severe disabilities and complex health care needs, including medical equipment and services for eligible children.
At Home Program: information and applicationA reduced-cost annual bus pass for eligible low-income seniors and people receiving disability assistance. Valid on BC Transit and TransLink services across the province.
BC Bus Pass: information and applicationThe Guaranteed Access Program (GAP) provides a one-time, tax-free payout to a person's loved ones when they pass away.
It is available to individuals who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate or who receive benefits through a federal or provincial disability support program. It is offered through a Canadian insurer.
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.
GAP: information and applicationHelps eligible people with the cost of certain permanent home renovations that improve accessibility, functionality, or mobility at home for people over 65 or people with a disability.
Information and how to claimA loan program for eligible B.C. homeowners that lets you defer your current year's property taxes.
Information and applicationB.C. residents with a severe and permanent physical or mental disability can get an annual Non-Tidal Angling Licence at a reduced fee.
Information and applicationLets people with disabilities who receive income assistance camp at frontcountry BC Parks campgrounds without paying the base camping fee.
It is available to people enrolled in programs such as Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, the At Home Program, or Indigenous Services Canada Disability Income Assistance.
Information and applicationPharmaCare 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.
Helps B.C. residents pay for many prescription drugs, dispensing fees, and some medical devices and supplies. Coverage is based on income: the less you earn, the more help you get.
100% coverage of many prescription drugs and dispensing fees, some medical devices and supplies, and certain over-the-counter drugs and health products. Funded by the First Nations Health Authority.
100% coverage of eligible prescription costs for B.C. residents receiving income assistance through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR), or in the care of or in an agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). SDPR and MCFD send eligibility information to PharmaCare, so you do not need to apply.
100% coverage of certain psychiatric medications for B.C. residents of any age with clinical and financial need (for example, annual income below $42,000).
100% coverage of eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies for permanent residents of licensed long-term care facilities registered with Plan B. Not all facilities are registered, so you may want to ask before moving in (or moving a loved one in).
100% coverage of eligible digestive enzymes in the Plan D formulary, and partial or full coverage of other products depending on your other PharmaCare plan. You must be registered with a provincial cystic fibrosis clinic, which arranges coverage.
100% coverage of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies for children and teens with a severe disability or complex health care needs who receive benefits through MCFD's At Home Program. MCFD submits your information to PharmaCare.
100% coverage of eligible palliative care medications in the Plan P formulary for B.C. residents of any age at the end stage of a life-threatening illness who wish to receive palliative care at home.
100% coverage for 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. Present your prescription and your Personal Health Number at a pharmacy and pay $0.
100% coverage of nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, and some or all of the cost of certain prescription smoking cessation drugs, for B.C. residents of any age.
Covers antiretroviral drugs for HIV-positive individuals through the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program.
Covers eligible medication management services provided by pharmacies, such as clinical services, medication reviews, and publicly funded vaccinations.
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)
Governments offer a wide range of programs and services for people with disabilities, with total funding of more than $5 billion a year.
Many provincial and federal government agencies and non-profit organizations in Canada provide support to people with disabilities.
Assistive devices and disability support: information and applications
