B.C. families get additional $450 with boosted climate action tax credit

Starting this week, more than 80% of families and individuals in British Columbia will automatically receive an enhanced climate action tax credit.

“Many British Columbians are still worried about how they can cover costs such as transportation so they can return to work, pay for groceries and find day camps for their children,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance.

“The enhanced climate action tax credit puts extra money in the pockets of British Columbians for their household expenses and to spend at local businesses. This is a needed boost as we work together to restart the economy.”

Eligible individuals will receive up to $218, children will receive up to $64 in a one-time increase and a family of four will receive up to $564.

That is a $174.50 boost for individuals, a $51.25 increase for children and a lift of $451.50 for a family of four.

Prior to B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan, the scheduled July payment was up to $43.50 per adult and up to $12.75 per child.

An eligible family of four was set to receive up to $112.50.

The enhanced credit is part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan.

The plan includes the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers that was recently expanded to include workers whose jobs were affected by COVID-19 between March 1-15.

British Columbians will receive the climate action tax credit along with their federal GST/HST returns.

Those who are eligible for the enhanced benefit will automatically receive it if they have completed their B.C. 2019 income tax return.