MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION

730 Grant Avenue, Courtenay BC V9N 2T3

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Toll Free: 1-866-866-0800

Fax 1-855-771-8778

Website: www.gov.bc.ca/sdpr

Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am 4:00pm Closed between 12 – 1, except for cheque issue days

Programs & Services

  • Income Assistance (welfare) and Disability Assistance
  • Employment Programs, referral to job placement programs, job training and specialized programs which support persons with disabilities and with persistent multiple
  • Supplementary Assistance provides health and other supports such as health services for people with disabilities, bus passes and fees for continuing care and alcohol and drug facilities

Emergency Social Services After-Hours:

4:30pm— 12:30am: 1-866-660-3194

12:30am- 8am: 1-800-663-9122

Programs & Services:

Crisis Supplement: If you receive income assistance, you may be able to get a crisis supplement from MSDPR in exceptional circumstances.

This benefit is available if:

  • An unexpected purchase is needed (example – furnace that requires replacement)
  • Failure to obtain an item that will cause imminent danger to physical health
  • Items needed that are not a health-care good or service
  • There is no other way (cash on hand or funds in bank) to get the item