Notices:

BC Recovery Benefit – Up to $500 for individuals and up to $1000 for families – TAX FREE

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:

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:

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

Sample image of a personal cheque.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

  1. 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?

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