BC Disability Assistance (PWD) — Monthly Shelter Allowance
If you get BC disability assistance, you also get a monthly shelter amount to help pay your rent. This is on top of your support money. The most you get depends on how many people are in your household. For one person it is up to $500 a month, and it goes up to $1,140 for ten people (starting December 1, 2025). It covers your actual rent up to those limits.
What you get
Up to $1,140
Who it's for
You qualify if you get BC disability assistance with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation and you have rent or shelter costs to pay.
This takes you to the official website
Depends on your household size and income.
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
What to do next
Check off each step as you go — we'll remember where you are.
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The fine print
More details about the money
Maximum monthly shelter allowance by family unit size (disability assistance rate table, effective December 1, 2025): 1 person $500; 2 persons $695; 3 persons $790; 4 persons $840; 5 persons $890; 6 persons $940; 7 persons $990; 8 persons $1,040; 9 persons $1,090; 10 persons $1,140; plus an additional $50 for each additional dependant beyond unit size 10. The allowance covers your actual shelter costs up to these maximums.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Recipients of BC disability assistance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act (with the PWD designation) who have actual shelter costs. Eligibility is based on the PWD designation plus income and asset rules.
Good to know
Shelter allowance maximums confirmed exactly against the official BC disability assistance rate table (effective Dec 1, 2025). The shelter portion mirrors the income assistance table; the disability support allowance (not shown here) is higher. Confirm the current effective date before quoting.
Official sources we checked
- https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/bc-employment-and-assistance-rate-tables/disability-assistance-rate-table
- https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/disability-assistance/on-disability-assistance
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