B.C. hikes welfare, disability rates, hires for ICBC, Hydro, BC Housing
VICTORIA — British Columbia Premier John Horgan is making good on his campaign pledge to hike income assistance and disability rates by $100 a month.
The policy takes effect Sept. 20 and will be the first time the welfare rate has increased in a decade.
“Raising the rates is only the beginning,” Horgan said in a statement Thursday. “Our government is committed to bring forward a comprehensive poverty-reduction plan to lift children and families out of poverty.”
The rate hike means a single person on income assistance will be eligible for up to $710 per month, while someone on disability support can receive up to $1,133.