BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) Extra Assistance - Persons Fleeing Abuse

Provides eligible BCEA applicants or recipients with financial assistance to move if they are experiencing threats to their physical safety from a spouse or relative. An applicant is given critical priority for an assessment when they disclose that they are fleeing abuse on the application or during the first interview, so that they do not remain in the abusive relationship because of financial need. The applicant is exempt from certain requirements that could be a barrier to them escaping the abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, psychological) and remaining independent of the abusive situation; they are exempt from work search requirements and employment-related obligations for up to six months, and if applicable, from certain citizenship requirements. Assistance may include moving, transportation, and living costs such as rent, storage, security deposit, and utilities). Assets or income tied to the abusive spouse or relative are not considered. Staff ensure in the interim that the immediate needs of the applicant and dependent children are met such as food, shelter, and medical needs. If minor dependents are involved, the Ministry of Children and Family Development must be contacted if there is reason to believe the children are at risk. Phone hours are from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, except from 8:30 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays of issuance of cheque welfare week.