Two-Year Independence Test
- To encourage individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, BC Employment and Assistance applicants are required to demonstrate they have been financially independent for at least two consecutive years to be eligible for income assistance.
- To be eligible for income assistance, at least one applicant in a family unit must have been financially independent for at least two consecutive years.
- Applicants are considered to have been financially independent if they have worked for at least 840 hours or earned at least $7,000 in each of the two consecutive years.
- This requirement does not apply to a number of groups which include:
- Persons designated as Persons with Disabilities;
- Persons under age 19;
- Persons with dependent children or pregnant women;
- Persons who have fled abuse within the past six months;
- Persons with a two-year diploma, bachelor degree or higher; and
- Persons with a medical condition that currently prevents them from working or prevented them from working for at least six months during the two years immediately preceding their application for income assistance.
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The Ministry of Social Development Info Line at:
1 866 866-0800
For more information:
