BC Tax Deferment
The BC Property Tax Deferment Program lets eligible homeowners postpone paying some or all of their annual residential property taxes on their principal residence. The deferred taxes become a low-interest loan secured against the home, repaid when the home is sold or transferred. People with disabilities, seniors (55+), and surviving spouses can use the regular program.
Use the equity calculator in the application before submitting to avoid a rejection. Deferring taxes can free up cash for daily living or disability-related costs while you stay in your home. You must still pay any utility charges, parcel taxes, or local improvement charges that are not eligible for deferment.
You may qualify if you are a person with disabilities designated under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act (or a parent or stepparent of such a person, or 55+, or a surviving spouse), you are the registered owner of your principal residence in BC, and you have at least 25% equity in the home. Fire insurance on the home is required.
Your property tax notice, proof you are designated as a person with disabilities under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act (or that you are 55+, a surviving spouse, or a parent of a person with disabilities), and confirmation of at least 25% equity in the home.
Apply each year through the provincial Property Tax Deferment Program page, which includes a built-in equity calculator to confirm you meet the equity requirement before you submit.
A common mistake is confusing deferment with a grant — deferred taxes are a loan that must be repaid with interest. Another is not having enough equity in the home. People also forget they must reapply each year and continue paying utilities and other charges that are not deferred.
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
BC Housing Rental Assistance Program
The BC Housing Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides monthly rent subsidies to low-income working families with children who rent in the private market. The subsidy helps make rent more affordable so families can stay housed while working.
View detailsBC Family Benefit
A tax-free monthly payment that helps eligible BC families with the cost of raising children under 18.
View detailsBC Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program provides monthly cash payments to help low-income BC seniors (60+) pay rent in the private market. The subsidy is calculated based on your rent and income, helping seniors on fixed incomes keep up with rising rents.
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
Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.
Languages: English, French
National
Inclusion Canada is the national federation working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families across Canada. Its Barrier-Free Benefits program provides free one-on-one disability benefits navigation support across Canada.
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.
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.
View details Legal ServicesFree legal services for low-income BC residents, including disability benefit appeals, human rights complaints, and access-to-justice programs.
View details RecreationProvides wheelchair sports and adaptive recreation programs across BC including basketball, tennis, rugby, and athletics for people with 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.
