British Columbians impacted by COVID-19 can access income supports, tax relief and direct funding from the federal and provincial governments
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people may wish to access more services online instead of in person. Through Service BC, people can set up a representation of their BC Services Card on their mobile device by following a few simple steps.
Once the mobile BC Services card is set up, it can be used to access a variety of online government services, without people having to appear in person or verify their identity again.
Access the Health Gateway through the her latest blog mobile card. It can be used to quickly and easily find the results of COVID-19 testing.
People can now make an appointment online before visiting Service BC. People can also call their nearest Service BC location.
People can get help and access government services through Service BC’s provincial contact centre from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time), Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays):
- Phone: 1-800-663-7867 (available in 120 languages)
- SMS text: 604-660-2421 (English only)
- Telephone device for the deaf: 711
The COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful event for individuals and families. Children and youth from military families across Canada can access a 24/7 confidential, free texting service for mental health and wellbeing support in both English and French.
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) provides $500 per week for up to 44 weeks per household for eligible people unable to work because they must care for a child under 12 years old or other family member requiring supervised care, who is unable to attend their school or regular care facility due to COVID-19.
- Have earned at least $5,000 (before deductions) in 2019, 2020 or in the 12 months prior to applying
- Have not received, for the same period, more than one recovery benefit, Employment Insurance benefit or workers’ compensation benefit
Many parents are now returning to work and once again require child care. If your child care provider does not have available space, you can use the online Child Care Referral Service or contact your local child Care Resource and Referral Centre to find local child care options..
Free and low-cost counselling services are available online, by video and phone through programs such as BounceBack, Living Life to the Full, Here2Talk, Foundry’s virtual services and more, for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Youth currently living in foster care, contracted residential agencies or with relatives through the extended family program can stay in their living arrangements past their 19th birthday, until .
As well, youth in the Independent Living Agreements and Youth Agreements programs will continue to receive financial support past their 19th birthday, until .
The Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program offers access to mental health supports, including cultural healing and wellness. The program also offers life skills programs for eligible young adults from the age of 19 up until their 27th birthday. More flexible criteria for accessing these programs will be in place until .
The hourly requirement for mental health and rehabilitation programs under AYA has been reduced to five hours per week . This will remain in place until .
Independent living and youth agreements will be extended, and participants in the Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program can continue to receive funding.
Young people can call the Kids Help phone line to access the mental health support they need during this difficult time.
- Toll-free support line hours
- Virtual connections to bring caregivers together
- Emotional supports
- Health care navigation
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day enables Indigenous people with limited or no access to their own doctors to make virtual appointments.
Federal
These are stressful and unprecedented times and the social impacts are being felt in our communities. Federal supports for women and children fleeing violence include shelters and organizations serving survivors of sexual assault and other gender-based violence.
Provincial
BC Housing has identified locations where vulnerable individuals, including those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, would be able to recover and self-isolate.
Access to designated spaces is by referral only. You can get a referral through your local health authority or BC Housing. Health authorities will identify people who require self-isolation and BC Housing will work with the health authorities and the operators to make these spaces available.