Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
The Income Assistance program was designed to provide temporary supplemental income. The goal of the program is help with living costs while the client searches for employment. For women fleeing abusive and violent homes, income assistance can help get them back on their feet and moving toward independence.
What You Should Know About Accessing Income Assistance:
How to Apply for Income Assistance:
If you have access to a computer and the Internet you may apply for Income Assistance online. Otherwise you must visit your local BC Human Resources Centre. In Quesnel, this is located at the Quesnel Service Canada Centre at 238 Reid St.
When you arrive you will be given an application to fill out. Help is available if you need it. You will also be given an "intake appointment" for a later date. Usually this is about three weeks after your first visit. Your application will be reviewed at this appointment. You may also be given the date(s) of upcoming Orientation Sessions.
If eligible, Income Assistance benefits won't be granted until the entire application process is completed.
Quesnel Service Canada Centre (BC Human Resources Centre)
283 Reid Street, Quesnel, BC V2J 2M1
What You Should Know About Accessing Income Assistance:
- You may be eligible for Income Assistance if you are out of work, underemployed, between jobs or you require childcare while you are working. (You can find an eligibility checklist at www.mhr.gov.bc.ca.)
- In order to maintain your eligibility for Income Assistance you must follow the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Human Resources. This includes actively searching for work while receiving Income Assistance benefits. You must demonstrate what methods you have been using to find a job and what kind of jobs you have applied for. You must also show what employers you have talked to and any job interviews you've had or will have.
- You will be required to attend an orientation session when you apply for Income Assistance. You will learn more about how Income Assistance works and its rules. You will also learn valuable job search tips and about other resources that are available. The orientation session is mandatory in order to complete your application for benefits. It is not a guarantee that Income Assistance will be granted.
- The amount of financial assistance you may receive is based on several factors. They include your current income level (if any) and the number of minor children that live with you.
How to Apply for Income Assistance:
If you have access to a computer and the Internet you may apply for Income Assistance online. Otherwise you must visit your local BC Human Resources Centre. In Quesnel, this is located at the Quesnel Service Canada Centre at 238 Reid St.
When you arrive you will be given an application to fill out. Help is available if you need it. You will also be given an "intake appointment" for a later date. Usually this is about three weeks after your first visit. Your application will be reviewed at this appointment. You may also be given the date(s) of upcoming Orientation Sessions.
If eligible, Income Assistance benefits won't be granted until the entire application process is completed.
Quesnel Service Canada Centre (BC Human Resources Centre)
283 Reid Street, Quesnel, BC V2J 2M1