ESEBC does not directly administer these programs. Our role is to connect you with the right supports and information to help reduce financial barriers and improve quality of life for people living with epilepsy and their families in British Columbia.
Education & Training Supports
- Jaymie-Lynn Robertson Memorial Bursary
Each year, ESEBC offers bursaries to students living with epilepsy. These bursaries are available to those pursuing university, college, technical, vocational, or arts training programs. The goal is to encourage continued education while recognizing the additional challenges that students with epilepsy may face. - Grants and Scholarships for Higher Education (StudentAidBC)
Provides non-repayable financial assistance to students studying at public and private post-secondary institutions in BC. These grants and scholarships are designed to support learners with demonstrated financial need so they can complete their education without accumulating additional debt. - Gert Vorsteher Educational Bursary (BC Rehab Foundation)
This program awards $5,000 bursaries to BC residents with physical disabilities, including epilepsy, who are pursuing post-secondary studies. Funding supports tuition, equipment, and resources to promote independence and employment opportunities. - BC Disability Education Awards
A collection of bursaries and grants for BC residents with disabilities, including the BC Access Grant, supplemental bursaries, and awards from community foundations. Supports can range from $400–$12,000 depending on the program. - Disability Awards Database
A national, searchable database where students with disabilities can find hundreds of scholarships and bursaries tailored to their situation. Many awards are specific to BC institutions. - StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
Offers up to $3,500 for short-term skills training in high-demand fields. This grant helps workers, including those living with disabilities, gain access to career-focused training programs without taking on debt.
Employment Supports
- WorkBC Employment Services for People with Disabilities
WorkBC offers a wide range of career services for people with disabilities, including job search support, career counseling, skills training, and wage subsidies for employers. The program helps individuals overcome employment barriers and assists with accommodations and workplace integration. - Single Parent Employment Initiative
Provides single parents receiving income or disability assistance with training, childcare, and transportation supports. The initiative also allows parents to remain on assistance while upgrading their skills or completing training programs that lead to sustainable employment. - Training Tax Credit
A refundable income tax credit available to apprentices and employers who are enrolled in Industry Training Authority (ITA)-approved apprenticeship programs. This credit helps offset the costs of training and encourages career advancement.
Disability & Income Assistance
- Applying for Disability Assistance (PWD)
If you live with epilepsy and your condition significantly limits your daily activities, you may be eligible for designation as a Person with Disabilities (PWD). Disability assistance provides financial support, medical benefits, and access to additional supplements such as medical equipment or transportation assistance. - Persons with Persistent and Multiple Barriers (PPMB)
For individuals facing long-term health conditions that make it difficult to maintain employment. The program offers financial aid while recognizing that additional barriers may prevent someone from qualifying immediately for PWD designation. - Income Assistance
Provides basic financial support for people with no other resources. Income assistance is intended to be temporary while individuals transition toward work, training, or longer-term disability supports. - General & Health Supplements
While receiving disability or income assistance, individuals may also qualify for a range of supplements including funding for guide dogs, crisis supports, school start-up costs, and special diets or nutritional supports. - Transportation Supports
People on disability assistance can access subsidized bus passes, annual transit passes, or cash transportation supplements to help with essential travel.
Savings & Tax Credits
- Access RDSP
A partnership between BCANDS, Disability Alliance BC, and Plan Institute that helps people with disabilities navigate the Disability Tax Credit and open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). This program ensures that individuals and families understand eligibility and maximize available funding. - Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
A long-term, tax-deferred savings plan that allows individuals with disabilities to save for the future. The government provides matching grants of up to $3,500 per year (to a lifetime maximum of $70,000) and bonds of up to $1,000 per year (to a lifetime maximum of $20,000). Unused entitlements can be carried forward for up to 10 years. - CRA Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
A non-refundable tax credit that helps reduce the amount of income tax owed by a person with a disability or their supporting family member. The DTC includes an additional supplement for children under 18. - Child Disability Benefit
A tax-free monthly payment provided to families who care for a child under the age of 18 who has a severe and prolonged disability. This benefit is in addition to the Canada Child Benefit. - CRA Medical Expenses Tax Credit – Service Animals
Provides tax relief for costs related to animals that are specially trained to assist people with severe epilepsy, autism, diabetes, blindness, deafness, or mobility challenges. Eligible expenses include the cost of the animal, training, and care.
Housing & Basic Needs
- BC Housing Assistance
Offers subsidized housing and affordable housing programs across the province. BC Housing partners with nonprofits, health authorities, and other government agencies to provide options for low-income individuals, families, and those with disabilities. - Rental Assistance Program & Renters’ Tax Credit
Provides financial help for low-income working families and renters struggling with housing costs. The new BC Renters’ Tax Credit also offers an annual refundable tax credit to eligible renters. - Home Owner Grants & Property Tax Deferment
People with disabilities who own their homes may qualify for grants to reduce annual property taxes or defer payments through a low-interest government loan. - SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters)
Provides monthly rent supplements to low-income seniors age 60 and over, including those with disabilities, to make rental housing more affordable. - Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities
Helps homeowners recover some of the costs of renovations that improve accessibility or safety in the home. - BC Food Banks
A province-wide network of food banks offering emergency food, grocery vouchers, and community-based programs to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Nutritional & Health Supports
- Monthly Nutritional Supplement (MNS)
Available to people designated as Persons with Disabilities who have chronic, progressive health conditions. The supplement helps cover the cost of nutritional products and supplements that are medically necessary to prevent health deterioration. Applications must be supported by a medical professional and reviewed by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. - Medical Travel & Utility Supports
Provides financial help for medical transportation, accommodation while traveling for treatment, and utility deposits for those on income or disability assistance.
Indigenous & Community Supports
- Indigenous Disability Canada / BCANDS
A provincial and national leader in supporting Indigenous peoples living with disabilities. Services include RDSP navigation, student support, nutritional supplement adjudication, and case management. - Community Living BC (CLBC)
A provincial Crown agency that funds supports and services for adults with developmental disabilities. CLBC provides help with supported employment, residential services, day programs, and skill development.
Charitable Supports
- Variety – the Children’s Charity
Provides children with special needs in BC with the equipment, therapies, and services they require to reach their full potential. Variety often funds items not covered by healthcare or government programs.