Disability is often a direct cause of poverty. Sadly, financial supports available for disabled people in Canada are insufficient. Below are some options for programs that can be helpful.
Helpful Links
Apply for BC Disability Assistance (PWD): Online application for Income Assistance and Disability support in BC.
The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI): is a provincial non-profit society dedicated to empowering and supporting families who have a family member with a disability. As the only grassroots, family-to-family organization of its kind in Canada, FSI stands out with its extensive and passionate volunteer network that provides peer-to-peer support, information, events and training and community. FSI’s supports and services are FREE for families across British Columbia.
Inclusion Canada’s Barrier-Free Benefits program: provides free, one-on-one assistance with disability benefits. Navigators are available to help individuals apply for benefits like the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), including help with the medical certificate, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also provide general information and advice on filing taxes and connect individuals with free services. Navigators guide individuals through the entire process, from beginning to end.
Empowering Connections Support Line: is a national support line for Autistic and neurodivergent people in Canada in October 2025. The support line, staffed by Autistic-led individuals, will offer connection and peer-informed care via phone, chat, virtual meetings, and email to reduce isolation and foster well-being.
BC Rehab Foundation: Offers an Individual Grant Program that provides funding for people with physical disabilities to help cover the cost of equipment. Eligibility criteria can be found here.
Login to My Self Serve: Online portal for recipients of Income Assistance and PWD to access information and communicate with the ministry.
Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction: Administers Income Assistance and PWD (Disability) programs in BC.
Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre: Offers information and resource referral, disabled parking permits, and a computer & technology school. Also assists with applying for disability, pensions and other applications.
Member of Legislative Assembly for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island: Hon. Sheila Malcolmson (Provincial): Contact for support navigating issues with provincial programs such as Income Assistance or Disability.
Member of Legislative Assembly for Nanaimo-Lantzville: Hon. George Anderson (Provincial): Contact for support navigating issues with provincial programs such as Income Assistance or Disability.
Member of Parliament, Nanaimo-Ladysmith: Tamara Kronis (Federal): Contact for support navigating issues with federal programs such as EI, CPP, GIS and more.
Library Delivery for Homebound residents: Free service offered by Altrusa Nanaimo Volunteers.
Island Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre: Sound of change initiative offers free refurbished Hearing Aids to low income and vulnerable adults.
Ask an Advocate: Helpful information for recipients of PWD, CPP and PPMB.
Disability Alliance BC: Offers resources and advocacy for disabled people in BC. Provides online publications.
Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS): Nanaimo Disability Advocate helps individuals apply for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits through the provincial government and for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) through the federal government.
Ceridian Cares: Offers grants between $200 to $5000 to help cover costs such as clothing and footwear, food and basic household needs and medical expenses. This is not an emergency resource as they can take up to 90 days to respond. To apply you must complete the Application for Grant form. The recipient of the grant may be any age, but an applicant can submit on behalf of a recipient.
Finautonome is a community-based organization dedicated to the financial well-being of people with disabilities. We offer free support and educational tools to help them more easily access the financial assistance that exists for them, through government programs and tax measures and to help them. Finautonome also offers free conferences in French.
The Disability Law Clinic (DLC): provides a Summary Advice and Referral Service which is a free, confidential legal service, directly to persons with disabilities from across BC.
Nanaimo Brain Injury Society: Works with those impacted by acquired brain injury to improve their quality of life.
Food Support
Loaves and Fishes Hamper 2 Your Home: a limited hamper delivery program in the Nanaimo area for people who are medically unable to make it to one of the free food markets.
Nanaimo Foodshare Good Food Box Home Delivery: Limited free local delivery available within Nanaimo and Parksville.
Meals on Wheels Nanaimo: Serves people who require a nutritious hot meal on a daily basis. Meals can be provided on an ongoing basis or short term if you are recovering from illness or surgery.
Housing
BC Housing Subsidized Housing Program: If you live in BC, have a low income and meet eligibility criteria, you may qualify for subsidized housing. Information and application here.
BC Housing Supportive Housing Program: Subsidized housing with on-site supports for single adults, seniors and people with disabilities at risk of or experiencing homelessness. These supports help people find and maintain stable housing.
Internet
Telus Tech for Good/Internet for Good programs: Discounted services for qualifying low-income applicants.
Rogers Connected for Success Program: Discounted internet, mobile, cable services.
Transportation
BC Transit HandyDART Nanaimo program: An accessible, door-to-door shared transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route transit without assistance from another person.
Fuel tax refund for persons with disabilities: Can help reduce your transportation costs.
Canada Revenue Refund on Gasoline Excise Tax: Can help reduce your transportation costs.
ICBC Disability Discount: Vehicle owners whose mobility is permanently impaired may qualify for a 25 percent discount off the cost of Basic Autoplan.
BC Ferries Accessible Fare Identification Card Application: Discounted fares are available for residents of British Columbia who have a permanent disability. To receive the discounted fare you must apply for a BC Ferries’ Accessible Fare Identification Card and present your card to the Ticket Agent when you arrive at the terminal.
Discounts
Easter Seals Access 2 Card Program: When an Access 2 cardholder (the individual with the permanent disability) presents their valid Access 2 Card at any participating venue partner, their support person receives free admission; the cardholder pays regular admission.
Cell Phone Disability Discounts: Available from Rogers, Telus, Koodo, Bell and Virgin
Fido Mobile Accessibility Discount Information: New and existing Fido Mobile customers with accessibility needs are eligible for a $10 monthly discount on all in-market postpaid mobile plans.
BC Parks Discounted Camping Program: Discounts available for seniors and people on provincial disability.
City of Nanaimo LEAP Program: Supports families in financial need to access Parks, Recreation and Culture programs and services.
BC Camp Fees Supplement: Funds may be provided to fully or partially cover the cost of attendance at a recognized camp for children of income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance recipients or recipients with Persons with Disabilities designation.
TD Bank No Monthly Fee Chequing Account: Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries are eligible for the TD Minimum Chequing Account for free.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 