Benefits, taxes & finances

This website helps you find benefits and support in British Columbia, from federal and provincial governments. You can start by answering questions using their interactive tool, or browse all benefits that are available.

This page provides step-by-step instructions for applying for welfare benefits. It tells you about eligibility criteria, immediate needs assessment, and tips for dealing with the ministry.

Explains what financial help older adults in British Columbia can get from government sources. It covers Old Age Security, the Canada Pension Plan, employment insurance, and welfare benefits for older adults.

This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It explains the types of welfare benefits available, including income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance, along with eligibility requirements and rates. It also discusses recent changes in BC welfare law.

This site was created for people living in Canada with a severe mental or physical disability or who have trouble with daily activities and need help from another person, an assistive device, or an animal. The website is also for caregivers, family members, and organizations who provide access to support benefits.

This web page links to self-help guides that explain various benefits and programs, and how to apply for them. The guides are also available in Arabic, Persian, Punjabi, and Spanish.

This page features self-help guides about the Canada Pension Plan disability benefit (CPP-D), including how to fill the application form and how to appeal if your request is denied. The guides are also available in Arabic, Persian, Punjabi, and Spanish.

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities. This guide is intended to help you complete each of the steps needed to (1) become eligible for an RDSP, (2) open an RDSP, and (3) manage your money.

This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It explains the types of welfare benefits available, including income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance, along with eligibility requirements and rates. It also discusses recent changes in BC welfare law.

Helps you understand your tax return and how income taxes work, including who has to pay and what income is not taxable. It explains the deadline for filing, and explains what tax information you need. It links to a tool to estimate your income tax obligation. It also provides information on what you can do if you disagree with your assessment.

Provides tax information that may affect you when you retire, including the types of income you might receive, as well as deductions and credits you can claim.

This website has information about tax benefits and requirements that apply to Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are subject to the same tax rules as other Canadian residents unless their income is eligible for the tax exemption under section 87 of the Indian Act.

Personal and general tax information for BC residents. Includes information about the provincial sales tax (PST), homeowner grant, property transfer tax, sales taxes, income taxes, property taxes, natural resource taxes, insurance taxes, tax audits, rulings and appeals, eTaxBC, and tax changes.

The Canadian Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can help reduce the taxes you or someone who supports you owe, and offers other great benefits. To apply, your health care provider needs to fill out the DTC Certificate (form T2201). This tool is designed to give them the info they need from you so they can fill out that form.

This page explains your rights and responsibilities that come with having a bank account, practical tips to protect yourself, and how to work out problems.

Practical, step-by-step information on your legal rights and responsibilities when borrowing money. Topics include getting a payday loan, cancelling a payday loan, borrowing money from a friend or relative, co-signing or guaranteeing a loan, lending someone money, and student loans.

Practical, step-by-step information on credit reports. Topics include ordering your credit report, who has access to your credit report, fixing a mistake on your credit report, improving your credit score, and taking charge of your credit report.

Explains your rights and steps you can take if you invest and things go sideways. Topics include what problems can arise when you invest, hiring an investment adviser, and the differences between investing in a public or a private company.

Information about your rights and responsibilities when dealing with a bank or a federally regulated trust, loan, or insurance company. Includes information on banking, credit cards, mortgages, credit and loans, investments, and fraud.