British Columbians can now apply online for the new COVID-19 recovery benefit.
The BC Recovery Benefit is a one-time, tax free cash payment of $1,000 for families and single parents with annual incomes under $125,000.
Single individuals making less than $62,500 a year will get $500.
Families or single parents earning up to $175,000 will get a reduced benefit amount, as will single people with an annual income of up to $87,500.
The online portal for the recovery benefit opened for applications as of 8:30 a.m. Friday morning. The benefit will be open to applications until June 2021.
To apply for the benefit you will need:
- Your 2019 income tax return
- Your 2019 income tax notice of assessment, and if applicable, your spouse’s 2019 income tax notice of assessment
- Your social insurance number and your spouse’s, if applicable
- Direct deposit information, including branch, institution and account numbers
- B.C. driver’s license or confirm if you don’t have one
More information on eligibility criteria and application information can be found on the government’s website.
Starting Monday, Dec. 21, it will be possible to apply for the benefit over the phone, toll-free at 1-833-882-0020. The call centre will be open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
Up to 350 call centre agents will be available for the first week of applications to help answer questions or complete applications over the phone.
However, the provincial government says call volumes, web traffic and delays with banking institutions may result in longer wait times during the first few weeks of the benefit.
