B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers now available online

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — B.C. residents out of work due to COVID-19 can now apply online for a new $1,000 provincial benefit, and the finance minister hopes that helps people struggling to pay rents.

The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers is a one-time, tax-free payment for those whose ability to work has been affected by the pandemic and are receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

There were 16,389 applications in the first 45 minutes the benefit became available, Finance Minister Carole James said Friday.

Asked whether the province will be able to support workers and businesses once federal benefits end, she said the province is working on a solution for sick pay.

“The premier and others will have more to say about that in the next few weeks,” James added.

“The benefit we’re talking about today is a one-time benefit, but there are a number of benefits that are three months. And as I said, the day we brought in our action plan, we’ll be reviewing all of those based on how much of opening of the economy we’re seeing, what kind of progress we’re making, so there will be reviews for example on the tax deferrals as we get into the summertime to make a determination around the Oct. 1 date. So those are things we’ll be looking at as we go along.”

Premier John Horgan announced a $5-billion action plan in March to help British Columbians and businesses cope with the coronavirus pandemic. Of that, $1.1 billion is relief to workers and their families.

Regarding rent, James said the new B.C. benefit is meant to help with that.

“We do believe people, if they’ve applied for the CERB, they’ll be receiving the $2,000 a month. If they receive the benefit for tenants, they can get up to $500 a month, and then the additional $1,000 payment, we hope, will bridge that over the next couple of months,” she added.

Discussions around illegal suites will happen with the Residential Tenancy Branch Ministry of Housing, she added.

“But we’re going to do everything we can to be able to make sure that the supports are in place, and that people are able to get through this difficult time,” James said.

“I think it’s important to remember, again, on the timelines for these benefits. You know they are put in place as temporary benefits and the hope is as the economy starts opening up, you will see people able to go back to work, able to pay their rent, able to pay the taxes that are in place. And, and do that in a safe way.”

To be eligible for the B.C. benefit, people must:

• have been a resident of B.C. on March 15, 2020;
• meet the eligibility requirements for the CERB;
• have been approved for the CERB, even if a federal benefit payment has not yet been received;
• be at least 15 years old on the date of application;
• have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return; and
• not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance.

James said applying online is the quickest way to receive the benefit, using a social insurance number and direct deposit information.