Image: MLA Kelli Paddon / B.C. Premier David Eby (centre), pictured at a news conference Monday morning at Jinkerson Park in Chilliwack, says low- and middle-income British Columbians can expect to see an increase in the B.C. Family Benefit payments this summer, just four months ahead of the provincial election.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

B.C. Family Benefit payments

As election nears, Premier David Eby visits Chilliwack Monday to tout increased B.C. Family Benefit payments

Jun 24, 2024 | 9:52 AM

CHILLIWACK — B.C. Premier David Eby says low- and middle-income British Columbians can expect to see an increase in the B.C. Family Benefit payments this summer, amid a large budget deficit his party will generate this year as the provincial election approaches soon this October.

During a visit to Jinkerson Park in Chilliwack Monday morning (June 24), Eby said increased B.C. Family Benefit payments arriving in bank accounts this summer will assist families with rising expenses due to what it calls inflation.

“With global inflation and high interest rates driving up daily costs, we know families are being hit hard right now,” said Premier David Eby. “We’re increasing support to low- and middle-income British Columbians through an expanded BC Family Benefit. Getting a little extra money to families for the basics is one of the ways we’re helping people who are feeling squeezed right now.”

Eby did not reference the projected $8 billion deficit that his B.C. NDP government will incur in this year’s election-year budget. According to the Vancouver Sun, that deficit will come from $6.2 billion more in spending to fund a new B.C. Hydro rebate, more money back for families, and a program to pay for in-vitro fertilization.

Eby says families can expect to get an average of $445 more than last year with a one-year bonus added to B.C. Family Benefit payments.

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About 340,000 families with children, which is 66,000 more than last year, will receive the benefit through monthly deposits in their bank accounts or mailed cheques starting in mid-July. The provincial government anticipates that a 25 per cent increase through the bonus means a family of four could potentially receive as much as $3,563 annually, while a single parent with one child could receive as much as $2,688.

“With rising costs of food, clothes, childcare and housing, parents are struggling to get by,” said Katie Bartel, a Chilliwack parent. “Families are looking for support from their schools, communities and the government. The BC Family Benefit bonus plays a vital role in reducing child poverty, supporting healthy child development and fostering economic stability within communities. By investing in the well-being of children, the B.C. government can help alleviate financial burdens and create more opportunities for all families to thrive, ensuring a more equitable and inclusive society.”

The BC Family Benefit is a payment from the Government of B.C. delivered to people by direct deposit or cheque as a payment from the Canada Revenue Agency, and arrives as a combined payment with the federal Canada Child Benefit.

The B.C. government believes is also making it faster and easier for people to access benefits and to connect to services to help save money with the launch of B.C. Benefits Connector. Residents can obtain more information through this one-stop online resource with clear steps on what people need to do to access government benefits and programs: https://gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector