NANAIMO, B.C. – The BC Greens and BC NDP have announced that, starting December 1, 2025, couples in which both partners receive disability payments will now receive the same individual support allowance.
In addition, beginning January 1, 2026, all couples receiving disability assistance will be eligible for full annual earnings exemptions for each partner—allowing them to keep more of the money they earn.
Through the Cooperation and Responsible Governance Accord (CARGA), the BC Greens and BC NDP have worked together to ensure that people receiving disability payments will not lose their benefits simply because they are in a relationship with another recipient.
“With meaningful policy changes like this, the government can extend one more helping hand to people living with disabilities,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.
“Having a disability should not mean living in poverty, and we look forward to a broader review of social assistance and disability rates as part of the CARGA agreement this year.”
For payments issued for the December 2025 benefit month, individuals living with disabilities could receive up to $1,483.50 if single, $2,662.00 if both spouses have a Persons with Disabilities designation and no children, $1,828.50 if a single parent with one child, or $2,433.50 if one spouse has a Persons with Disabilities designation and the couple has one child.
Removing barriers for accessing necessary support for individuals with disabilities was outlined in the BC Greens 2024 platform in order to reduce the complexity and accessibility of disability assistance. Ultimately, it was supported as a key initiative for CARGA.
As part of CARGA, the BC Government and BC Greens are in the process of a full review of social assistance and disability rates.
The BC Greens, alongside disability advocates, have been calling on the government to increase monthly allowances for people living with disabilities, saying the provincial rate is hundreds of dollars below the federally designated poverty line. Currently, people with disabilities in BC can get a maximum of $1,535 per month, while the Canadian level of poverty is over $2,000 per month.
“Advocates have worked tirelessly to urge this government to address the gaps in disability and social assistance programs,” added Botterell. “This is a social issue, and the BC Greens will continue to work so there are less barriers and complexity in the system. We need to help people live with dignity—not in survival mode. People with disabilities deserve equitable treatment across the country.”
See the Government release here and the full CARGA agreement here.
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Media contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | ryan.hook@leg.bc.ca