This article summarizes British Columbia’s PWD payment dates, how to apply, and the disability benefits you can expect.
Residents of B.C. undergoing financial difficulties may be eligible for social assistance and welfare payments every month.
In addition, if you have been designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD), you could qualify for disability assistance.
PWD Benefit Dates 2023
BC PWD benefits are paid monthly in 2023 on these dates:
- January 18, 2023
- February 15, 2023
- March 22, 2023
- April 19, 2023
- May 17, 2023
- June 21, 2023
- July 19, 2023
- August 23, 2023
- September 20, 2023
- October 25, 2023
- November 22, 2023
- December 20, 2023
If you have set up direct deposits, the payment should hit your bank account on these dates.
If you collect cheques instead, they are usually delivered to your Service BC location a couple of days before direct deposits are completed.
What is the B.C. PWD Benefit?
PWD benefits are designed to help individuals who have significant disabilities and need financial and health support.
The financial assistance you receive is dependent on the size of your family and how many family members are designated as Persons with Disabilities.
Supplemental benefits are also available, including general and health supplements.
If you qualify for general PWD supplements, you could get extra money to pay for bus passes, camp fees, clothing, service dogs, Christmas expenses, travel security deposits, and more.
Health supplements are also available.
Learn more about the general health supplements available.
B.C. PWD Benefit Eligibility
To get PWD benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet the income and asset threshold
- Have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to last more than 2 years
- Be significantly restricted in your ability to perform daily living activities
- Require assistance (from another person, assistance animal, or assistive device) to complete daily living activities
PWD Income and Asset Eligibility
PWD recipients can work while receiving benefits. When they exceed specific thresholds, PWD benefits may be deducted.
The annual earning exemption is as follows:
| Scenario | Earnings Exemption (Annual) |
| Single adult recipient | $15,000 |
| Couple with one PWD recipient | $18,000 |
| Couple (both PWD recipients) | $30,000 |
Some assets, such as cash and personal property, are exempt as follows:
| Scenario | Exemption Limit |
| Single PWD recipient | $100,000 |
| Couple or family with one PWD recipient | $100,000 |
| Couple (both PWD recipients) | $200,000 |
Some assets are allowed and do not count towards your eligibility for PWD benefits, including:
- One vehicle used for day-to-day transportation
- Place of residence
- Tax refund
- Canada Child Benefit
- Goods and Services Tax Credit
- BC Child Opportunities Benefit
- BC basic family bonus
- Clothing, and more
View the list of exempt assets here.
How Much is PWD Benefit in 2023?
The PWD benefit amount you receive is based on your family size and the number of people with PWD designation.
The current rate table for 2023 is below:
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For example, you could get up to $1,358.50 monthly if you are single ($983.50 + $375) or up to $2,423.50 for a couple that are both designated as PWD and have no children ($1,853.50 + $570).
How To Apply For PWD Benefits in 2023
My Self Serve can be used to apply for income assistance and disability assistance.
If you need help with navigating the online platform, you can contact the Ministry at 1-866-866-0800. You also need to complete the Persons with Disabilities Designation Application.
Call the toll-free number or visit a Service BC office to request an application form.
The form is filled out by:
- The applicant
- Doctor or nurse practitioner (medical report section)
- A prescribed professional (assessor report section)
Some applicants can apply for PWD benefits using a simplified application process.
You may qualify for the simplified PWD process if you already receive benefits from:
- Community Living BC
- The Ministry of Children and Family Development At Home Program
- Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit
- BC PharmaCare Plan P-Palliative Care Benefits
Related:
I didn’t receive November in my bank?
The dates mention in the article above seem to be wrong.
Please see the government web site for an up to date list of the payment dates
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/payment-dates
2022 schedule
January 19, 2022 (for February 2022)
February 16, 2022 (for March 2022)
March 23, 2022 (for April 2022)
April 27, 2022 (for May 2022)
May 25, 2022 (for June 2022)
June 22, 2022 (for July 2022)
July 20, 2022 (for August 2022)
August 24, 2022 (for September 2022)
September 21, 2022 (for October 2022)
October 26, 2022 (for November 2022)
November 23, 2022 (for December 2022)
December 21, 2022 (for January 2023)
@Si: Yes, you are right! We recently updated the content to reflect the 2022 numbers. Cheers.
Edit on my last 2 comments. After checking the gov. web site it seems that their dates may be wrong as they have a total of 53 weeks in the year, i will check to confirm but please double check the dates so as to avoid confusion.
Hello does anyone know what time exactly that we get our PWD cheque March 23rd?
Checks (if mailed) can come a day before cheque issue day or can be up to two + days late. The exact time depends on when the mail is delivered to your box. If you have direct deposit it’s usually in (at least in my case) between 12-1 am on the cheque issue date.
Did anyone recieve more money from disability assistance on July 20th 2022? I got more and I don’t know if it is a mistake or not
It’s a long stretch between Sept.22 cheque and Oct 22?