_edited.jpg)
Legal, financial & other resources
Community and Financial Resources in BC guide
Compiled from the Complex Chronic Diseases Program, this resource contains contact information to gain assistance on various financial assistance options (e.g., income tax help, government assistance programs, credit counseling), daily living support (e.g., public transportation, parking passes), accessing care (e.g., low cost dental and therapeutic treatments) and other supportive home services. Information contained in this guide is up-to-date as of June 2022.
Here are some specific sections from within the larger guide
​​
​​
​
​
-
Government Income Assistance Programs (when you can't work)
​
​​
-
Housing (advocacy, financial supports, accessibility, listings)
PainBC
Understanding and applying for the Disability Tax Credit
The ME|FM Society of BC is pleased to have partnered with Disability Alliance BC to prepare introductory information on applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
This recording reviews eligibility criteria, helpful tips and what to expect, as well as examples for ME|FM. Also introduced is an online tool the Disability Alliance of BC developed to support completing the DTC form.
​
The purpose of this recording is to provide introductory information for you to watch, rewind and rewatch, or send to someone who is helping you with the paperwork.
The Complex Chronic Diseases Program hosts live information sessions with Disability Alliance BC on the DTC. Our recording may be a helpful complement to this session, or support those who can’t attend a live session.
​
Disability Alliance BC also provides 1:1 consultations for application support.
Our recording may be a helpful complement to watch prior to your consultation. For more information about the DABC, please visit their website.
We gratefully acknowledge the support from the Wickerson Foundation for the continuation of our educational sessions and webinars.
​
Rogers Communications Services
​
Rogers Communications lists a number of accessibility services and solutions to try to better support communication in the community. A number of offerings are listed on their website. Additionally, Rogers customers with an accessibility need or a disability, may be eligible for a discounted Wireless plan ($20/month discount).
For more information, visit:
Good news from Telus!
TELUS is expanding its "Internet for Good" program to people living with disabilities who receive financial disability assistance from the provincial governments in British Columbia and Alberta.
TELUS’ "Internet for Good" program provides high speed broadband Internet at home for only $9.95 per month. Since 2016, the program has been available to families receiving the Canada Child Benefit from the federal government.
To support more Canadians, TELUS has expanded the program’s eligibility to also include more than 110,000 British Columbians and 69,000 Albertans living with a disability and receiving provincial disability benefits. This program expansion comes at a particularly critical time as the evolving COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how important it is to have a safe and reliable connection at home.
Read more...
Free portable air conditioners
Based on household income, you may be eligible, under BC Hydro's Energy Conservation Assistance Program, to receive a free portable air conditioner. This applies to both renters and homeowners. Other conditions apply - see here for more details and to apply online. This program is in partnership with the province of British Columbia.
Other resources
Bateman Horne Centre
Medical considerations when treating urgently ill patients with underlying ME/CFS
​
Government of Canada Disability Benefits
Listing of various federal government disability benefit programs and plans.
MS Resource Manual 2020 BC & Yukon Division
Many resources are applicable for ME and FM patients.
​
Human Rights in British Columbia
Fact sheet on discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities.
​
Human Rights 101
The law and particular cases relevant to people with ME and FM. Recorded 2018.
Summary Advice and Referral Service which is a free, confidential legal service.
