Home Breadcrumb caret Economy Breadcrumb caret Economic Indicators Applications open in May for B.C.’s emergency benefit The $1,000 tax-free benefit is for workers affected by Covid-19 By The Canadian Press | April 24, 2020 | Last updated on April 24, 2020 1 min read © Vlad Ghiea / 123RF Stock Photo Applications for the British Columbia government’s $1,000 emergency benefit for workers will open on May 1. The one-time, tax-free benefit is for those whose ability to work has been affected because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The government says in a news release that those who are eligible for the federal government’s emergency response benefits are also able to apply for the B.C. payment. Those asking for the payment must also have been a resident of B.C. on March 15, 2020, be at least 15 years old, have filed or agree to file a 2019 income tax return and cannot be on income or disability assistance. Finance Minister Carole James says the cash is further help for those who are worried about paying their bills and the government wants to help displaced workers support themselves and their families. Applications can be made online, and the government says it expects payments will be processed within days of the paperwork being filed. The Canadian Press The Canadian Press is a national news agency headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1917. Save Stroke 1 Print Group 8 Share LI logo