Disability Assistance (British Columbia)

• Two pieces of identification for each applicant, including one photo ID and a second piece of ID.
• A social insurance number for all adult family members.
• Written confirmation of the need for a diet supplement from a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, or registered dietitian.
• A written request for extended medical therapies from a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner and therapist, including the therapist’s name and address, diagnosis, frequency and number of visits required, medical justification, and the date the 10 MSP visits were exhausted.
• A completed Certification of Authorization to Collect Information Form (HR4019) as an addendum if the applicant cannot attend the office in person.

Who is eligible?

• Applicants and recipients for income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance.
• Children under 19 may apply for income assistance.
• Children with disabilities who are likely to meet the eligibility criteria when they turn 18 may begin the Persons with Disabilities Designation Application process up to six months before their 18th birthday.

Who is not eligible

• People who are outside British Columbia for more than 30 consecutive days, unless prior authorization is obtained from the ministry.
• Persons receiving another nutrition-related supplement are not eligible for diet supplements.
• Persons receiving Medical Services Only, Transitional Health Services, persons in a special care facility, and persons in Life-Threatening Health Needs cases are not eligible for diet supplements.

Eligible expenses

• Therapeutic diet supplements for restricted sodium diet, diabetes, kidney dialysis, gluten-free diet, dysphagia, cystic fibrosis, ketogenic diet, low phenylalanine diet (PKU), and high protein diet for specific medical conditions.
• Extended medical therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, non-surgical podiatric medicine, and physical therapy.
• Medical equipment and devices such as canes, crutches, walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, toileting and positioning aids, hospital beds and related items, pressure relief mattresses, lift devices, and non-conventional glucose meters.
• Orthoses, including foot orthotics, footwear, braces, cranial helmets, torso or spine braces, orthosis accessories, and Aircast/walking boots.
• Dental and orthodontic services, including emergency dental services, basic dental services, orthodontic services, crown and bridgework.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• High protein diet supplements for medical conditions not on the approved list.
• Extra billing charges for extended medical therapies.
• Orthoses purchased without prior approval, except in cases of a life-threatening emergency.

• Applicants who disclose that they are fleeing abuse on the application or during the Stage 1 interview are given critical priority.

• Submit documents online through My Self Serve, by fax to 1-866-455-0855, or in person to any ministry or Service B.C. office.
• After completing the PWD Application Form (HR2883), return the form and any supporting documents for submission or submit it on the applicant’s behalf by fax to 1-855-771-8785 or by mail to Health Assistance, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, PO Box 9971 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9R5.
• If Section 2 (Medical Report) or Section 3 (Assessor Report) needs to be completed by another health or prescribed professional, contact the applicant to make specific arrangements.
• If the applicant is not able to attend your office in person, attach a completed Certification of Authorization to Collect Information Form (HR4019) as an addendum.

• For extended medical therapies, all documentation is forwarded to Health Assistance.
• The recipient is notified of the decision by letter.
• If Health Assistance approves a service, the service provider is notified via Purchase Authorization generated at Health Assistance.
• Therapies funded by Health Assistance must be pre-approved, and the ministry does not reimburse clients.

• Immediate need is assessed at Stage 1 for food, shelter, or urgent medical attention.
• One-time food and sundries vouchers may be issued only to meet the immediate need while eligibility is determined.
• Medical supplies requests are assessed by Health Assistance.
• Recipients can obtain PharmaCare coverage immediately by providing their Personal Health Number (PHN) to any pharmacy within BC.