Vancouver Funding, Savings, & Benefits
Resources
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A monthly payment to help families with childcare costs. You can get help applying at childcare service centres, immigrant settlement service agencies, or Service BC locations.
This card grants free or significantly discounted attendance for a support worker at hundreds of recreational, entertainment, and cultural venues throughout Canada
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Helps parents in school with costs related to unsubsidized childcare and more. It also provides tuition for adult special education programs.
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If you’ve been in foster care or had a Youth Agreement, you may qualify for this program to help cover a range of costs while you go back to school, or attend rehabilitation, vocational or approved life skills program
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A monthly allowance for low-income people ages 60-64 whose spouse has died
Provides low-income families with funding so their children can play sports
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BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program
Provides farmers' market coupons to lower-income families and seniors participating in food literacy programs. Coupons can be spent at all BC farmers' markets that participate in the program to purchase fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs, nuts, fish, and meat.
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A full list of these organizations is available here
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BC Training and Education Savings Grant
Families are encouraged to start planning and saving early for their children’s postsecondary education or training. To help, the BC Government will contribute $1,200 to eligible children through this grant.
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Better Together – Paws Of Hope
Helps with the costs of pet food, supplies, and veterinary care
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A tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age
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A refundable tax credit providing tax relief for eligible low-income individuals and families who are in the workforce. Includes a disability supplement for individuals who are approved for the Disability Tax Credit.
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Provides free and low-cost pet services for people who are homeless, living outdoors, low-income and senior pet guardians in downtown Vancouver.
Helps families with children in need, as well as children’s organizations who provide beneficial programs. Funding is considered for a wide range of equipment and therapy.
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Blind or partially sighted persons who register with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind can receive a free Smartphone through the Phone It Forward program
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A directory of coupons in your area
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Free debt and credit counselling
Crime Victim Assistance Program
Supports persons across BC who have received an injury due to criminal activity. Funding is provided for income support, disability aids, prescription drugs, counselling, and more.
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A non-refundable tax credit helping disabled persons or attendants reduce income tax payments. Being eligible for the DTC can open doors to programs like the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Canada Workers Benefit, and the Child Disability Benefit.
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Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal
Hears appeals of ministry decisions denying social assistance, disability assistance, and child care subsidy. You have 7 days to appeal a denial.
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Uses an online survey to develop a customized list of federal and provincial benefit programs
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Financial Literacy and Coaching
Free financial education and one-on-one coaching, including help navigating government benefits and guidance on your particular financial situation
First Nations Health Authority Health Benefits Team
Provide guidance and information about benefits available under the First Nations Health Authority
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Low-income persons may qualify to receive no cost food from a local food bank. Find one near you.
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WRAGS offers free beds to people in need
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Free and Low-cost Resources in Vancouver
Food, clothing, and more
A free program that helps you access up to $3,200 for your child’s education
Supports persons who have received an injury due to criminal activity. Funding is provided for income support, disability aids, prescription drugs, counselling, and more.
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Provide access to 0% interest loans to cover a variety of needs
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Helping Families in Need Society
Distributes free household items to people in need
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Apply for and learn more about income assistance in BC
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Interim Federal Health Program
Covers certain pre-departure medical services for refugees coming to Canada for resettlement. This coverage includes assistive devices, medical supplies, and equipment, such as mobility aids, orthopedic and prosthetic equipment, and hearing aids.
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Helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation. Provides individual child grants, para-sports grants, community grants, and access grants.
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Provides financial assistance for fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under
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Kinsmen fund assistive equipment, and will consider even the most obscure devices if they will assist an individual in their quality of life, personal mobility, and independence
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Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC and the Yukon
Grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions
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Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Assistance
Offers income assistance, disability assistance, hardship assistance, and more to eligible persons
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Provides daily, nutritious meals to the homeless as well as warm clothing and blankets during the winter to help people get through the coldest months
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Public Guardian and Trustee Educational Assistance Fund
Funding to help people who have been in foster care pay for expenses to further their studies​
A list of federal government pensions you may be eligible for
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People with a modest income and a simple tax situation can get their taxes prepared for free. Volunteer tax preparation clinics can be held at any time during the year, however, most clinics are offered in March and April. Some examples of clinics are listed below.
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Circle of Eagle Lodge Society
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2008 Wall St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1B1
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778-685-5760
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First United Community Ministry
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501 Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P9
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604-681-8365 (Ext: 108)
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Khalsa Diwan Society
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Ross St, Vancouver, BC, V5X 4C5
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604-322-5613
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Tax AID Disability Alliance BC
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605 Robson St, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5J3
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1-877-940-7797
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Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre
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1607 Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1S7
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604-251-4844
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Low-cost clothing in Vancouver
The rent bank can offer a short term, no interest loan to families and individuals that live in the City of Vancouver who are at risk of eviction or essential utility disconnection due to a temporary shortage of funds. Rent bank loans can also be used for a security deposit if current housing is deemed unsafe or unsustainable.
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Variety – The Children’s Charity
Provides funding for persons with special needs 19 years and younger. Considerations of funding for adaptive equipment, specialized therapies, travel costs, tuition, and more.
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Parents under the age of 25 can qualify for help with childcare while they finish high school, including up to $1,500 per month per child to help cover the cost of childcare, as well as a space for their child in a care program at or near the school they are attending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can help me apply for funding?
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Many community organizations provide help with applying for funding and benefits. If you have access to the internet, a good resource to use is PovNet’s Find An Advocate tool, which can help you find support nearby.
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If you’re applying for disability assistance, contact Disability Alliance BC at 604-872-1278 or advocacy@disabilityalliancebc.org. You can also call the Disability Planning Helpline for guidance at 1-844-311-7526.
What other funding is out there?
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Many opportunities aren’t advertised. If you’re looking to save money or get extra financial support, try asking within an organization or business about whether any other discounts or funding opportunities are available.
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Check out BC Disability for extra opportunities
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I applied for funding but was rejected
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Getting funding’s a game of patience and persistence. It often takes multiple attempts to be successful, so cast applications widely, reapply, and don’t be discouraged.
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RISE Women’s Legal Centre provides free legal services to low-income women dealing with family law issues such as divorce, custody, protection orders, child support, and spousal support. Call them at 604-451-7447.
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I wasn’t paid all my government benefits
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Your first step should be to contact the ministry responsible for providing your benefits
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BC’s Ombudsperson can also investigate why someone’s not getting benefits they believe they are entitled to, or why they may be experiencing lengthy delays in receiving a public service. Contact their office at 1-800-567-3247.