BC Access Grant
The BC Access Grant for Students with Disabilities helps full-time post-secondary students with a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability cover education costs. It can replace up to $1,560 per year of student loan with grant money that does not need to be repaid, reducing debt for students with disabilities.
Complete disability verification early so the grant is ready when classes start. If you have a learning disability, a recent learning disability assessment is required. Ask your school's disability services office about other supports you can combine with this grant, such as assistive technology and note-takers.
You may qualify if you are a BC resident, a full-time student at a designated post-secondary institution, have a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability confirmed by a qualified professional, and demonstrate financial need.
A completed disability verification form signed by a qualified medical professional (for a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability), proof of enrollment in a designated post-secondary program, and your StudentAid BC application.
Apply through StudentAid BC as part of your student loan application, and complete the disability verification process so you are approved as a student with a disability.
A common mistake is applying for student aid without completing disability verification, which means the grant is not added. Another is not knowing the grant replaces loan money rather than adding to it, which actually lowers your debt. Students also miss related supports such as the Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities and the BC Access Grant for Deaf Students.
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
BC Transportation Supplement
A monthly transportation supplement included with BC disability assistance to help Persons with Disabilities (PWD) recipients with transportation costs.
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 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 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.
