Disability
benefits wayfinder

Providing information about the four key disability benefits for persons with disabilities in British Columbia.

This site was created for people living in British Columbia with a severe mental or physical disability or if you have trouble with daily activities and require help from another person, assistive device or animal.

It can be used by people with disabilities, caregivers, family members and organizations who provide access to benefits support.

View key benefits Help getting started

Are you Indigenous?

If you are Indigenous there are many things that affect the benefits you can get and the dollar amounts you can get from them.

Benefits information for Indigenous

Not sure where to start?

Learn about the benefits and how to use the site.

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Four key disability benefits

Start by selecting one of the four disability benefits shown below.

On each benefit page, you will be introduced to the benefit, including who is eligible to apply and taken step-by-step through the application process.

Within each step will be tips, examples, frequently asked questions (FAQ), resources, challenges you may encounter and who to contact for help.

You will also find out what to expect after you apply and the next steps to take if your application is approved or denied.

Persons with Disabilities designation (PWD)

For persons living in British Columbia with a severe mental or physical disability who need help with daily activities from another person, assistive device, or service animal. Having this status gives you access to money and programs in B.C.

$1,358 per month for single person with no dependents.

Canada Pension Plan–Disability benefit (CPP-D)

If you are under 65 and unable to work because you have a severe and long-term disability, you may qualify for this benefit. You must have made contributions to Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

2021 monthly payments:

  • Basic rate: $510.85
  • Average rate: $1,031.55
  • Maximum rate: $1,413.66
  • Children’s rate: $ 257.58

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

For persons living with a severe mental or physical disability, have trouble with daily activities or need help from another person and/or rely on an assistive device or service animal. This tax credit can also help you get access to other federal benefits.

2021 Maximum disability amount: $8,662.
2021 Maximum supplement for persons under 18: $5,053.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a savings plan that helps Canadians with disabilities save for the future. Even if you have no money to save, the government will still put away some savings for you.

You could get up to $90,000 in grants and bonds. The government may match each dollar you save with up to three dollars more!

Setting you up for success

Tips for a successful application

Hear from peers and experts on key tips towards a successful application.

Hear from others

Trouble finding a family doctor?

Are you struggling to find a family doctor who can support you in your application? There are altnerative professionals who may be able fill out the form for you.

Medical form help

How do I describe my “impacts on daily living”?

Included are some examples of how you might describe impacts on daily activites.

Impact on daily living

Arthritis and Depression

Identify key symptoms of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Depression.

Describing disabilities

How do I set up a My Self Serve (MSS) account?

Submit your application, view personal messages from the ministry, and more via this B.C. website.

My Self Serve

What happens if I’m denied?

If your application for a benefit is denied, you may still have options, including reapplying.

Application denied

Explore more benefits

When finished with the four disability benefits, learn about other benefits you can receive.

If you already have the 4 key benefits on this site, you can look for other benefits you may be able to get. Please look at our Benefits wayfinder tool which will show other disability and non-disability related benefits available.

Explore more benefits