Closed
Source verified July 11, 2026
Independent Living BC Program
Subsidized support for independent living
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: The Assisted Living section now shows detailed eligibility, access, and cost rules, including a 70% monthly rate and an extra hydro or heat charge of up to $18 per unit.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: The Assisted Living section now shows detailed eligibility, access, and cost rules, including a 70% monthly rate and an extra hydro or heat charge of up to $18 per unit.
Assisted living criteria and cost details added
The Assisted Living section now includes detailed eligibility criteria and access instructions for adults who can live independently and make decisions on their own behalf, including priority-based access once eligibility is confirmed. It also spells out the monthly cost formula at 70% of after-tax income and adds permitted extra charges such as hydro or heat up to $18 per month per assisted living unit, plus a refundable security deposit based on half of the client rate. The new material also describes temporary rate reduction options for serious financial hardship and expands the residence-selection guidance with tour, location, language, and service considerations. Overall, the program page now provides a much fuller description of who qualifies, how access is arranged, and what additional charges may apply.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Publicly subsidized Assisted Living in British Columbia supports seniors and people with physical disabilities who can live independently but need a supportive environment. It provides housing, hospitality services, meals, housekeeping, and personal care or medication management assistance, with monthly rates based on 70% of after-tax income.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Prince George
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Accommodation.
- Hospitality services, including meals, housekeeping, recreation supports, and emergency response.
- Personal care and medication management assistance.
Documents Needed
- Consent form allowing the Canada Revenue Agency to share your income information with the Ministry of Health.
- Signed declaration agreeing to pay the monthly subsidized assisted living rate.
- VCH Application and Terms of Services.
- Service Provider Occupancy/Residency Agreement.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Seniors
- People with physical disabilities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Privately purchased care-related services are not permitted.
Selection criteria
- Access is on a priority basis once eligibility has been determined.
- Client needs are considered.
- Existing supports are considered.
- Urgency of the response required is considered.
- Those with the greatest need and urgency receive access first.
How to apply
- Contact your local Health Centre or your Community Case Manager; if you do not have a Case Manager, call the Community Access Line and they will help you.
- The Community Case Manager will discuss subsidized Assisted Living with you and do an assessment to determine if you are eligible.
- If you are eligible, the Case Manager will provide information about the various subsidized sites and suggest a preliminary tour of a suitable setting.
- If you are still interested after the tour, you and your Case Manager continue with your application to the VCH Assisted Living program.
- When a suitable suite is available, your VCH Case Manager will contact you and arrange an interview to confirm eligibility and that your needs have not changed significantly.
Processing and Agreement
- VCH staff review your eligibility and place your name on the application list for your preferred site.
- The Case Manager notifies you about availability and the estimated waiting period, and clients with urgent needs may be placed ahead of you on the application list.
- When a suitable suite is available, your VCH Case Manager contacts you and arranges an interview.
- Final approval for Assisted Living does not occur until after the interview with the Assisted Living provider and the VCH Case Manager.
Additional information
- Referral is not required.
- Services and programs vary between communities.
- There are privately operated, non-subsidized assisted living sites where VCH has no involvement in the funding or access process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Independent Living BC Program Program
What is the Independent Living BC Program?
Publicly subsidized Assisted Living in British Columbia supports seniors and people with physical disabilities who can live independently but need a supportive environment. It provides housing, hospitality services, meals, housekeeping, and personal care or medication management assistance, with monthly rates based on 70% of after-tax income.
Who is eligible for the Independent Living BC Program program?
To be eligible for the Independent Living BC Program program, you must:
The applicant must require both assisted living services and hospitality services.
The applicant must be able to make decisions on their own behalf, or live with a spouse who is willing and able to do so.
The applicant must be at risk in their current living environment and agree to pay the assessed client rate and any additional optional charges.
What expenses are eligible under Independent Living BC Program?
Accommodation.
Hospitality services, including meals, housekeeping, recreation supports, and emergency response.
Personal care and medication management assistance.
Who can I contact for more information about the Independent Living BC Program?
You can contact BC Housing (BCH) by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Independent Living BC Program available?
The Independent Living BC Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Independent Living BC Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Independent Living BC Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Independent Living BC Program?
Independent Living BC Program is funded by BC Housing (BCH)