Government Assistance
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction - British Columbia
Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience, and during this time of mourning, it's essential to honor the life that has passed away. In situations where there are limited financial resources available to cover funeral expenses from the deceased's estate, family, or the sponsor of a deceased sponsored immigrant, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction in the province of British Columbia may offer assistance to help with these costs. This service is available to all residents of British Columbia.
When a death occurs, it's necessary to establish a legal representative for the deceased, as outlined in Section 5 of the Cemetery, Interment, and Funeral Services Act. Typically, this legal representative is a family member. However, in cases where no suitable relatives are available or able to fulfill this role, the ministry can step in to make arrangements with a funeral home and provide payment for the necessary services.
Once the legal representative has determined that there are insufficient resources within the deceased's estate, family, or the sponsor of a deceased sponsored immigrant to cover funeral expenses, they have the option to apply to the ministry for financial assistance.
Funeral Costs - Province of British Columbia
For further details or inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction by calling their toll-free number at: 1-866-866-0800. They are here to provide guidance and support during this challenging time.
More information:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/funeral-costs
Public Guardian and Trustee - British Columbia
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) plays a vital role in providing a range of financial and personal care management services for adults in various capacities, including Committee of Estate, Committee of Person, Power of Attorney, Representative, Litigation Guardian, and Pension Trustee. For a majority of adult clients, the PGT serves as the Committee of Estate under the Patients Property Act, assuming legal and financial responsibility for managing their affairs. In addition to this role, the PGT may also undertake other responsibilities, either separately or in conjunction with their Committee of Estate role.
When appointed as the Committee of Estate, the PGT collaborates with the client to establish an effective management plan, encompassing tasks such as property and investment management, bill payment, asset protection, and pursuing compensation when necessary. In the capacity of Committee of Person, the PGT acts as a substitute decision-maker for an individual's health and personal care needs.
For more information and details about the services provided by the Public Guardian and Trustee, please visit their official website at http://www.trustee.bc.ca.
Contact Information for the Greater Vancouver Regional Office: Address: 700-808 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L3 Phone: 604.775.1007 Fax: 604.660.9498
The PGT is dedicated to assisting and safeguarding the well-being of individuals in need within British Columbia.
Last Post Fund - British Columbia Office
The Last Post Fund is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to ensuring that every veteran receives a dignified funeral and burial, regardless of financial limitations. As part of its mission, the Last Post Fund administers the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program, which offers funeral, burial, and grave marking benefits to eligible Canadian and Allied veterans.
In addition to its role in delivering the Funeral and Burial Program, the Last Post Fund actively supports various initiatives aimed at commemorating Canadian veterans. This includes managing its military cemetery, the National Field of Honour, and providing military markers for unmarked veterans' graves.
Financial support for the Last Post Fund is generously provided by Veterans Affairs Canada and private donations. The National Office of the Last Post Fund is located in Montreal, Quebec, and it has representation in every province and the United Kingdom.
For over a century, the Last Post Fund has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that eligible veterans are not deprived of a dignified funeral, burial, and headstone due to financial constraints. Its primary mandate is to oversee the Funeral and Burial Program on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada.
For more information about the Last Post Fund and its services, please visit their official website at http://www.lastpostfund.ca/.
Contact Information for the British Columbia Office (including Yukon): Address: 203 - 7337, 137th Street, Surrey, BC V3W 1A4 Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-268-0248 Telephone: 604-572-3242 Fax: 604-572-3306 Email: lpfinfowest@lastpost.ca
The Last Post Fund continues to honor the memory of veterans and fulfill its vital mission in British Columbia and across Canada.
WorkSafeBC – British Columbia
WorkSafeBC (Workers' Compensation Board) provides valuable support and assistance in the unfortunate event of a work-related death. To help you understand the available resources and financial assistance, WorkSafeBC offers an informative booklet that you can reference.
This booklet provides an overview of the benefits and services offered by WorkSafeBC in cases of work-related deaths, ensuring that affected individuals and their families have access to the necessary information and support during these challenging times.
For detailed information and to access the booklet, please visit the following link: WorkSafeBC Death Benefits Information Booklet.
WorkSafeBC remains committed to promoting workplace safety and providing assistance to those in need during difficult circumstances.
ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia)
In the unfortunate event of a collision involving a B.C. motorist, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) offers funeral and death benefits to those affected, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Funeral expenses and death benefits are available through ICBC's Accident Benefits program. These benefits cover funeral costs and provide death benefit payments for the policyholder, their spouse, and their children. Spouses include married partners and common-law partners, including those in same-gender relationships. To be eligible for common-law and same-gender partner benefits, the partners must have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two continuous years immediately preceding the right to claim.
The amount of death benefits can vary depending on whether the policyholder was the primary wage earner in the household and if there are any children or dependents involved. In the case of a deceased child, the benefits are provided as a lump sum, whereas benefits for adults consist of a lump sum and weekly payments over a period of 104 weeks.
It's crucial to note that you have a limited timeframe to take action. To claim these benefits, you must return your Accident Benefits form to your adjuster within 90 days after the collision. Failing to meet this deadline may result in losing your eligibility for these benefits.
For further assistance and information, please contact ICBC using the following contact details:
B.C. Lower Mainland:
Phone: 604-661-2800
Elsewhere in B.C., Canada, and the U.S.:
Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-663-3051
Call Centre Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ICBC is committed to assisting individuals during difficult times and providing the necessary support in the aftermath of accidents.
