Ways British Columbians could get money from the government this September

As summer is coming to an end, many B.C. residents are likely getting their fall budgets in order, and some extra money from the government never hurts.

For those British Columbians worried about the new expenses the fall season will inevitably bring, the government’s benefits, credits, and rebates could provide some relief.

Here’s how and when you’ll receive more money from the provincial and federal governments this fall.

B.C. Family Benefit

While the B.C. Family Benefit amounts returned to normal amounts this summer (meaning no more bonus), and eligible families in the province are still set to get their payments this fall.

According to the province, the amounts are the following for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit period:

• $145.83 per month for the first child
• $41.66 per month for the first child in a single-parent family
• $91.66 per month for the second child
• $75 per month for each additional child

If the adjusted family net income is more than $29,526 but less than $94,483, the BCFB is reduced by four per cent of the portion of the adjusted family net income over $29,526.

However, if the adjusted family net income is between $29,526 and $94,483, the BCFB is not less than:

• $64.58 per month for the first child
• $62.50 per month for the second child
• $60.41 per month for each additional child

If the adjusted family net income is $94,483 or more, the remaining BCFB is reduced by four per cent of the portion of the adjusted family net income over $94,483 until it is reduced to zero.

Receiving the benefit doesn’t come with complicated steps. You and your spouse or common-law partner must file a T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return.

Your child should also be registered for the Canada Child Benefit, which means they will also be automatically registered for the B.C. Family Benefit. If you haven’t registered for the Canada Child Benefit, you can do so online.

Families will receive their benefits on Sept. 19.

Childcare savings

For families that depend on childcare, eligible British Columbians receive up to hundreds of dollars per child to reduce their fees, thanks to the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative.

The eligibility is for children up to the age of 12.

According to the province, families can receive up to $900 per month per child to reduce parent fees for full-time care, whereas part-time care receives a pro-rated amount.

You can use this online tool to estimate your child care cost savings.

Families do not need to apply, and savings are passed on directly by providers each month through reduced costs for each child in a participating licensed child care centre.

And for families with a pre-tax income of $111,000 or less, the Affordable Child Care Benefit might help cover the costs of childcare. This is effective September 1.

Families should apply for funding before the end of the month in which they incur child care expenses.

B.C. Access Grant

As students are headed back to school, those attending post-secondary institutions may need an extra boost.

The province’s B.C. Access Grant is offered to full-time low-and middle-income students, who could be eligible for up to $4,000 per eight-month school year (up to $117.65 per week of study) for those enrolled in undergraduate programs less than two years long.

Up to $1,000 per eight-month school year (up to $29.41 per week of study) is offered to students enrolled in undergraduate programs that are two or more years in length.

Individuals may be eligible if they apply and qualify for full-time StudentAid BC financial assistance, and have at least $1 of financial need assessed by the province. They also must be attending a B.C. public post-secondary school.

Eligible students do not need to apply because they’ll be automatically assessed when they apply for a student loan.

Canada Disability Benefit

This is a new government benefit designed to provide financial support to Canadians living with a disability who are between 18 and 64 years old.

Applications opened in June. If you qualify, you’ll begin receiving payments the month after your application is received and approved.

“You may receive back payments for up to 24 months from when we get your application, but not for any previous months of eligibility prior to June 2025,” notes the federal government.

If eligible, your first payment will be on the third Thursday of the month following your approval. The September payment should hit bank accounts on Sept. 18.

To learn more about the new benefit, who’s eligible, and how much you can get, check out Daily Hive’s guide.

Canada Pension Plan

The CPP is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of eligible Canadians’ income when they retire and is paid for the rest of their lives.

To receive money from the government, you must have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP and be at least 60 years old.

You’ll receive your full pension even if you’re under 70 and still working; contributing to the CPP post-retirement benefit can increase your pension.

The amount you receive will depend on when you decided to start your pension, the amount you contributed, how much you earned throughout your working life, and how long you contributed to the CPP. New beneficiaries aged 65 will receive an average monthly payment of $899.67.

The maximum monthly payment you can receive at age 65 is $1,433. In September, the CPP payment will be sent out on Sept. 25.

Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a federal benefit that is combined with the B.C. Family Benefit (BCFC) into a single monthly payment.

The CCB payment increased in July, which is the start of the new benefit year.

Check and see if your family is eligible for a CCB payment. This payment will go out on Sept. 19.

Veteran Disability Pension

The following Canadians can qualify for the Veteran Disability Pension:

• A member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces
• A member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• A Second World War or Korean War Veteran (includes Merchant Navy), or an eligible civilian who served in the Second World War

Those eligible must have a diagnosed medical condition or disability and demonstrate that it was related to their service. Eligible veterans can also receive a lifetime monthly benefit or lump sum for Pain and Suffering Compensation. The amount received depends on the disability. Payments range from $69.60 to $1,391.98. The Veteran Disability Pension amounts will go out on Sept. 26.

With files from Isabelle Docto