• BC Housing has confirmed that until further notice, existing SAFER clients who had their GIS reduced or cut due to receipt of CERB/CRB income in 2020 and who are approved for Income Assistance (IA)/Disability Assistance (DA) top-up assistance on their reduced income, will be allowed to continue receiving SAFER to minimize hardship caused by the loss of GIS.
• The exemption of the SAFER Policy rule regarding IA/DA is solely limited to existing SAFER clients who were approved and receiving SAFER prior to July 2021, for which both of the following conditions apply: o The client is actively receiving SAFER as of the date of IA/DA application; and,
• The client is GIS-eligible and applied for IA/DA due to hardship because of the reduction/loss of GIS as of July 2021 due to receipt of CERB or CRB in 2020.
• The exemption does not apply to new SAFER applicants: New applicants will not be eligible for SAFER if they are in receipt of income from IA/DA regardless of the reason.
• Seniors can contact the BC Housing SAFER line at 604-433-2218 for more information.

General info about SAFER is here: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs/SAFER