Starting Dec. 1, 2025, couples where both members receive disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people.

In addition, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, couples where one partner has the Persons with Disabilities designation will also benefit from an increased annual earnings exemptions, allowing them to keep more of the money they earn.

“We want people to have the supports they need to live with dignity and independence, so we’re making a change for couples on disability assistance,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “To make people feel safe, welcome and included, we’re changing the spousal rule so that couples receiving disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people. I’m grateful to the self-advocates who led this call for change.”

The changes fulfil commitments made in the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2024 B.C. NDP election platform and the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord (CARGA) between the B.C. NDP and the B.C. Green Party caucuses signed in December 2024.

“With meaningful policy changes like this, the government can extend one more helping hand to people living with disabilities,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. “Having a disability should not mean living in poverty, and we look forward to a broader review of social assistance and disability rates as part of the CARGA agreement this year.”

More than 6,500 families will benefit from the change to equalize support rates and more than 4,300 families will benefit from the expanded earning exemptions, ensuring they can retain more of their income.

“For many people with disabilities living below the poverty line, it is critical that we maintain consistent financial support that empowers them to live their best lives,” said Graham Morry, executive director, Nanaimo Association for Community Living. “Ensuring equal PWD funding for individuals regardless of marital status is a meaningful step in the right direction.”

The changes will be automatic for eligible families, with no application required.

“We’re both excited about this change,” said James Chapman, speaking about his and his wife Julie’s lived experience. “It was harder to do stuff after we got married than it was before. It will be good to be treated fairly.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2017, the B.C. government has made five increases to income and disability assistance rates, the largest by any B.C. government.
• Since 2017 the rate for a single person is up $450 per month, a 74% increase.
• Budget 2025 invests $1.6 billion over three years to support more than 250,000 people receiving assistance.

Learn More:

To learn more about services for people with disabilities, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities

To learn more about the agreement between the B.C. government and the B.C. Green Party, visit: https://bcgreens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Agreement-in-Principle.pdf

A backgrounder follows.