Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Provides low-income seniors and persons with disabilities access to a bus pass as part of their disability assistance or at a reduced cost, for transit systems throughout the province.

Helps low-income families with the costs of basic dental care, prescription eyewear and hearing assistance for their children. Contact your dentist, optician, audiologist, or hearing instrument provider directly to access benefits under the Healthy Kids Program.

Provides information about disability resources and services from across government to help individuals with disabilities and their families better understand the programs, services and resources that are available in BC.

Provides assistance with the cost associated with an unusually expensive therapeutic diet that is required as a result of a specific medical condition or special dietary need. Program includes diet supplements, short-term nutritional supplements, monthly nutritional supplement, or natal supplement/infant formula.

Provides after-hour emergency service to recipients of income assistance when local ministry offices are closed. Services provided include meeting an emergency need for lodging and transportation to people who qualify for income assistance based on financial eligibility. Assistance provided is short term and only intended to meet the immediate emergency need until the recipient or applicant can contact the local ministry office either the next morning or following the weekend.

Requests for transportation to or from a medical facility may also be given provided there is a valid reason given for travel after hours and or there is an endorsement or confirmation for the request from a medical or health professional.

Provides optical coverage to adults receiving income or disability assistance. Coverage includes routine eye exams every two years, new eyeglasses, and repairs to lenses or frames.

Routine eye exam coverage is also provided to seniors aged 65 and over, and children aged 18 and under.

Provides support services to youth with developmental disabilities and their families as they transition to adulthood. Navigators act as a single point of contact and help to coordinate plans that include an individual's goals and decisions, find government and community services, and bring together a support network of people who can support the youth's transition into adulthood.