BC Recovery Benefit
Apply now for the BC Recovery Benefit, a one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for eligible families and single parents and up to $500 for eligible individuals. You have until June 30, 2021 to apply.
Last updated: December 18, 2020
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How the benefit works
The BC Recovery Benefit (the benefit) is a one-time direct deposit payment for eligible families, single parents or individuals. Benefit eligibility is based on net income from your 2019 tax return. You must apply to receive the benefit.
Benefit rates
The amount you’re eligible for will be automatically calculated based on your income when you apply.
Families and single parents
$1,000 for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $125,000
Reduced benefit amount for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $175,000
The benefit defines a family as an individual and their spouse or common-law partner, unless they are separated. Both people must be residents of B.C. on December 18, 2020.
The benefit defines a single parent as an individual who is the principal caregiver to at least one child.
Individuals
$500 for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $62,500
Reduced benefit amount for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $87,500
Using 2019 income tax data
As with the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, in order to prevent fraudulent claims, applicants must provide 2019 income tax data to receive the benefit.
British Columbians need support now, and if the benefit relied on 2020 income tax data, payment wouldn’t be possible until approximately fall 2021.
Determine your eligibility
General eligibility criteria
Generally, the benefit is available to people:
Residing in British Columbia on December 18, 2020
Who are at least 19 years old on December 18, 2020, or meet specific eligibility criteria
Who filed a 2019 Canadian personal income tax return, or meet specific eligibility criteria
Who have a valid social insurance number, individual tax number or temporary tax number
If you receive a payment and we later determine that you’re not eligible for it, you will be required to repay it.
Note: If you’re applying for the family benefit, your spouse or common-law partner must also meet the general eligibility criteria.
Specific eligibility criteria
The follow circumstances may affect eligibility for the benefit.
What you need to apply
Net income from your 2019 tax return
You must provide your net income from your 2019 tax return. This number can be found on Line 23600 of your most recent 2019 income tax return.
If you haven’t already filed your 2019 tax return, file with the Canada Revenue Agency as soon as possible before applying for the benefit.
There are multiple ways to file, including:
Free tax clinics for people with modest income and a simple tax situation. Find a tax clinic
Social insurance number
When you apply, we’ll need your social insurance number, individual tax number, or temporary tax number to verify your eligibility.
Driver's licence number
If you have a B.C. driver’s licence, you must provide your driver’s licence number. This information will be used to help detect and stop fraudulent claims.
Direct deposit information
The benefit will only be issued by direct deposit. You must have an account with a Canadian financial institution to receive the benefit.
If you’re on income or disability assistance and don’t have a bank account, a modified application will be available early in the new year to help you apply for and receive the benefit.
Get your direct deposit information from a personal cheque or from your financial institution.
Be prepared to provide:
Branch (transit) number
Institution number
Account number
The image shows how to find the required numbers on a personal cheque.
Submit your application
You can apply online, over the phone or in-person at many Service BC locations. Applications are open until June 30, 2021.
All applications will be verified. Documentation that supports your proof of eligibility can be included on your application, but isn't required. If you don't include documentation, we may ask for it later.
Note: If you're applying as a family, submit only one application. Additional applications delay processing of payment.
Online applications
Applying online is the fastest way to get your payment.
Take your time when applying. Errors or incomplete information can cause long delays in processing your application.
This process takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
You can use your desktop, tablet or smart phone. Your personal information is protected and secure.
After submitting, we'll email you a confirmation number.
Phone applications
You can apply by phone with the help of our agents. Phone support starts December 21, 2020.
In-person applications
If you don't have a computer or access to the internet, you can visit a Service BC location near you to use a computer terminal. Terminals are not available at Service BC locations in Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver.
After you apply
Submit eligibility documentation
If you’re asked to submit additional documents to support your application, include your confirmation number or Case ID. You can submit in two ways.
Online
Use our secure document uploader tool.
By mail
BC Recovery Benefit
Ministry of Finance
PO BOX 9439 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9V3
We strongly recommend that you do not send personal information by email, due to the risk that it may get intercepted. We will process your supporting documents as quickly as possible, high volumes may result in lengthy delays.
Get your payment
After your application is approved, payment will generally be deposited to your bank account within 5 business days. We’ll notify you by email when your payment is processed. You’ll also receive a letter in the mail.
Repayments
You may need to repay the benefit if:
You applied and later realized you aren't eligible
You didn't apply and received a payment in error
We later determine that you're not eligible
How to repay
Bank deposit
The fastest way to repay is to have your financial institution return the payment. Provide your financial institution with:
Deposit date
Deposit amount
Payor name “Prov of BC”
Account number that the payment was deposited into
By cheque
If your financial institution can’t return the payment, you can mail us a cheque made payable to the Minister of Finance to:
BC Recovery Benefit
Ministry of Finance
PO BOX 9439 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9V3
With the cheque, include either:
Your confirmation number or Case ID from your application
A note that states you didn’t apply for the benefit if you received it in error
If your cheque is from a different account from the one the payment was deposited into, also include the account information where the payment was deposited so we can mark the payment as returned.