PPMB
The Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) category provides a higher rate of income assistance and additional supplements to people receiving BC income or hardship assistance who have long-term barriers to employment that are not expected to be overcome in the short term. It sits between general income assistance and the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation.
Complete both parts of the application carefully and include medical evidence of how long your barriers have lasted and why they are long-term. If your situation changes or worsens, ask to be reassessed. If you later qualify for the PWD designation, that usually provides a higher rate and broader supports.
You may qualify if you already receive BC income assistance or hardship assistance, have a health condition that has lasted at least one year and is expected to continue, and face long-term barriers to employment that are not expected to be overcome in the short term. PPMB cannot be assessed for the spouse of a PWD-designated recipient.
A completed PPMB application (a single two-part form), medical or supporting documentation of your long-term barriers, and confirmation that you are an income assistance or hardship assistance recipient.
You must already be receiving income assistance or hardship assistance. Request a PPMB application from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction; the ministry will assess it and contact you with a decision.
A common mistake is confusing PPMB with the PWD designation — PPMB is a separate category with different criteria and is not assessed for spouses of PWD recipients. Another is not completing the full two-part application. People also miss that you must be an existing income assistance recipient to apply.
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Fair PharmaCare
Income-based help with the cost of eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies for BC residents. Everyone with MSP is registered; lower income means more coverage sooner.
View detailsAt Home Program (BC)
Provides medical and respite supports for eligible BC children with severe disabilities so they can live at home with their families rather than in care.
View detailsBC Bus Pass Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
A reduced-cost annual transit pass for eligible low-income seniors and persons with disabilities in British Columbia.
View detailsFree disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
Vancouver, BC
DABC is a provincial cross-disability organization that supports British Columbians with disabilities through advocacy, public education, and direct assistance. Its Advocacy Access program provides one-to-one help applying for provincial and federal disability benefits.
National
Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.
Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request
National
The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.
Languages: English, French
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
Provides augmentative and alternative communication assessment, equipment and support for eligible adults with communication disabilities.
View detailsOffers programs, equipment subsidies, camp funding, recreation and support for people with cerebral palsy.
View detailsProvides peer support, information, advocacy and community resources for people with spinal cord injuries and related physical disabilities.
View detailsAccessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
