Accessing financial and community support can be a critical part of life for individuals with disabilities and their families in British Columbia. This guide provides a clear overview of the federal and provincial funding programs, employment supports, and benefit navigation services available in BC. Whether you are looking for income assistance, help with education costs, or assistive technology for work, this page connects you to key resources and official application portals to find the support you need.
Quick Jump Navigation
Provincial Financial Assistance | Employment Programs & Supports | Childhood Benefits | Federal Disability Benefits | Free Navigation Services | Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities | National & BC-Based Organizations
Provincial Financial Assistance Programs in BC
Core provincial programs offered by the Government of British Columbia for eligible residents with disabilities
BC Provincial Programs for People with Disabilities
The province offers income assistance, health supplements, and employment support for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
Website: BC Government – Provincial Programs for People with Disabilities
Employment Programs and Supports
Programs available to help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment
Hire Employees
This is a resource hub for employers in British Columbia. It offers guides and information on finding and hiring talent, with a focus on diverse workforce groups like apprentices, co-op students, and temporary foreign workers. It also provides advice on creating an inclusive workplace.
Website: Hire Employees
Wage Subsidy Program
This page details a program where employers can receive a temporary subsidy to cover a portion of an employee’s wages for up to 24 weeks. The core wage subsidy program remains available for hiring unemployed WorkBC clients who need skills and work experience.
Website: Wage Subsidy Program
Assistive Technology Services
This service provides equipment and devices (like ergonomic furniture, hearing devices, or vehicle modifications) to help individuals with disabilities or functional limitations overcome work-related barriers. Eligibility depends on residency, work status, and the specific employment-related need.
Website: Assistive Technology Services
Access Employer Resources
This is the main landing page for employer resources on WorkBC. It features a menu with links to key topics, including hiring employees, the wage subsidy program, and business management resources. The specific link provided is a subpage that directs to the main Assistive Technology Services page.
Website: Access Employer Resources
Childhood Benefits
Financial supports for families in BC raising a child with a disability
At Home Program
Provides medical benefits and respite funding.
Website: BC Government – At Home Program
Autism Funding
Available for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Website: BC Government – Autism Funding
Federal Disability Benefits for BC Residents
Federal programs administered by the Government of Canada, available to all Canadians including British Columbians
Visit Our Guide: National Disability Funding & Supports in Canada
Free Disability Benefits Navigation Services
The Government of Canada funds organizations to provide free, one-on-one help to individuals and families struggling to understand or apply for federal and provincial disability benefits and tax credits. These navigators can help with forms, eligibility, and accessing the full range of supports.
Find a Navigator in BC:
Disability Alliance BC
A primary provider of benefits navigation and advocacy services within the province.
Website: Disability Alliance BC
National Services
These are national organizations that provide services across Canada.
National Directory of Navigation Services
Official Government of Canada updated directory of all funded navigation services across Canada.
Website: National Directory of Navigation Services
Plan Institute
Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) / BCANDS
Indigenous Disability Canada (BCANDS) gives culturally focused navigation, support, and advocacy for Indigenous peoples with disabilities and their families.
Website: Indigenous Disability Canada
Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities
British Columbia Student Aid offers grants to support post-secondary students with documented permanent or persistent/prolonged disabilities. This includes the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities ($2,800 per loan year) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (up to $20,000 per loan year) for education-related costs.
B.C. Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Read Our Complete Guide: Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities
Provincial Financial Aid: Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities in British Columbia
National Charitable & Condition-Specific Organizations
Organizations offering supplemental support including funding, equipment, advocacy, and community resources
General Support Organizations:
- Rick Hansen Foundation: Focuses on removing physical and attitudinal barriers.
- March of Dimes Canada: Runs programs like the Home and Vehicle Modification Program.
- Easter Seals Canada: Provides mobility equipment funding and accessible camps.
- Neil Squire Society: Empowers people with disabilities through assistive technology and employment programs.
Condition-Specific Support:
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada: Supports those with neuromuscular disorders through equipment funding and clinic access.
- Cerebral Palsy Canada Network: Provides research and resource information for the cerebral palsy community.
- Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Canada: Offers national programs and advocacy.
- Brain Injury Canada: A national source for education, awareness, and support.
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB): Offers programs and advocacy for people with sight loss.
