The BC Recovery Benefit is a one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for eligible families and single parents and up to $500 for eligible individuals.
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. Applications open December 18, 2020.
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.
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.
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 2019 income tax return.
If you haven’t already filed your 2019 tax return, file to the Canada Revenue Agency as soon as possible.
There are multiple ways to file, including:
- Online, by paper or by phone
- 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 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.
When to apply
Online applications open December 18, 2020. Support will be available by phone starting December 21, 2020.
You have until June 30, 2021 to apply.
4 Responses
Thank you
applied on the 3rd of January??? Have not received anything?
am applying for 500 recovery benefit
I helped my brother apply early January 2021 and he has yet to receive his $500.00 benefit. He was very late in getting his 2019 income done but it was completed. His 2020 income was also completed. Will he have to wait until the fall of 2021 to receive his benefit?