Victoria, BC – As part of Budget 2025, the B.C. government has announced significant enhancements to the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), aimed at helping more low-income families and seniors afford rising rental costs.
“With the rising cost of living, we’re enhancing supports through the RAP and SAFER programs to ensure more families and seniors can access essential financial help,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These changes will help people stay in their homes in the communities they love and allow us to support more people as they manage the challenges of rent and living expenses.”
Starting April 1, 2025, the expanded eligibility and increased benefits will assist over 30,000 households across B.C., with automatic benefit increases for existing recipients.
Key RAP Enhancements:
- Household income limit raised from $40,000 to $60,000, nearly doubling eligible families from 3,200 to almost 6,000.
- Average family supplement increased from $400 to $700 per month.
- Single provincial rent ceilings introduced based on household size, now subject to annual review and adjustment.
- Employment income requirement removed, allowing more low-income families not receiving assistance to qualify.
Key SAFER Enhancements:
- Household income limit increased from $37,240 to $40,000, potentially aiding up to 1,600 more seniors.
- Average monthly supplement increased by nearly 30%, raising the average benefit to $337.
Dan Levitt, B.C. seniors advocate, welcomed the SAFER improvements, stating:
“The SAFER program is an essential support for low-income B.C. seniors living on fixed incomes who are struggling with the rising cost of rent, groceries and other items needed for healthy aging. I’m pleased more seniors will be eligible to receive SAFER, however, I’d still like to see the SAFER program be indexed to inflation and have government commit to ensuring the program is meeting its goal to have recipients paying no more than 30% of their income on rent.”
The enhancements aim to provide increased flexibility and stability for low-income renters as they navigate B.C.’s high cost of living.
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