Persons with Disability Benefit
The Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act defines a person with disabilities as a person who is at least 18 years of age, with a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to continue for at least two years.
A person with the PWD designation may be eligible for:
- Monthly support and shelter assistance
- Medical coverage which includes Medical Services Plan and PharmaCare coverage with no deductible, as well as other health supplements such as dental and optical coverage
- A $500 earnings exemption per month
- A low-cost annual bus pass
- Exemptions from time limits and employment obligations for receiving assistance
Contact Information: www.eia.gov.bc.ca/publicat/bcea/pwd.htm
Nidus Personal Planning and Resource Center
The Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre is a non-profit, charitable organization. Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning. Personal planning is the act of making one or more legal documents that authorize your personal supporters to help you manage your affairs or make decisions on your behalf if you need assistance due to illness, injury or disability.
Contact Information: www.nidus.ca
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is an alternative for eligible home support clients. CSIL was developed to give British Columbians with daily personal care needs more flexibility in managing their home support services.
Contact Information: www.health.gov.bc.ca/hcc/csil.html
GF Strong Adolescent and Young Adult Program
The GF Strong Adolescent and Young Adult Program offers young people with acquired or congenital disabilities, living in British Columbia and the Yukon, with an opportunity to address their rehabilitation needs and the transitional tasks of adolescence.
Contact Information: http://gfstrong.vch.ca/programs/aya/
Bridges to the Future
Bridges to the Future is a community based resource program designed to help youth gain independence as they transition toward adulthood. The program was created in 2002 to support youth between the ages of 15-24 with physical disabilities. The program is situated in Victoria but serves residents of BC and the Yukon.
