CHILLIWACK, B.C. 鈥� Thousands of families in British Columbia can expect to see increased financial support in their bank accounts starting by mid-July.
B.C. Premier David Eby says about 340,000 families with children 鈥� 66,000 more than last year 鈥� will have access to the BC Family Benefit program after the province increased the income threshold for a family's eligibility.
Low- and middle-income families on the BC Family Benefit program will receive an additional 25 per cent over last year's funding, for an average increase of $445.
Eby says a family of four on the very lowest income level could get up to $3,500 this year through the program.
The government announced the funding boost in its budget in February and says the bonus will last for a year.
The province has also launched the BC Benefits Connector, a one-stop online website to provide support for people who need to access government benefits and programs.
鈥淲e know that even families that earn a decent income right now are keeping track of expenses and having to forego things for their kids, like summer camp fees or registration fees for sports,鈥� said Eby from a news conference in Chilliwack, B.C., Monday.
鈥淭his increase in accessibility of this grant means more families are going to benefit,鈥� added Eby.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2024.
The Canadian Press
