Advocacy and Support Services
These agencies provide assistance in getting support services.

Advocacy Access: 1-800-663-1278

Assists people with disabilities in applying for BC Disability Benefits and CPP Disability Benefits. Also works with clients on appeals and tribunals.

B.C. Coalition for Persons with Disabilities: (604) 875-0188
www.bccpd.bc.ca

College of Physicians and Surgeons: 1-800-461-3008
www.cpsbc.bc.ca/patient/accepting/acceptindex.htm

Call or log on for names of doctors accepting new patients in your area.

Co-operative Housing Federation of BC: (604) 879-5111
www.chs.bc.ca

List of co-ops in B.C. accepting tenant applications and related information.

Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) Employment Insurance (E.I.):
1-800-206-7218

Provides a percentage of previous wage during periods of unemployment. There is a waiting period.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – Disability Pension: 1-800-663-1278

Disability pension for those qualifying.

Legal Services and Legal Aid – Abbotsford/Mission Office: (604) 852-2141

Assists people on a limited income in getting legal support.

Law Line Legal advice: 1-866-577-2525 (Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, except Wednesday-closes at 2:30pm)

Offers legal support for people who have low income. Proof will need to be offered.

Medical Services Plan (MSP): 1-800-663-7100
www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp

A person with a low income is eligible to apply for Premium Assistance (reduced rate for medical insurance). Temporary Premium Assistance is available to individuals unable to pay any premiums due to unexpected hardship. Try calling during off hours.

Ministry of Human Resources
Abbotsford Office: (604) 870-5811
Mission Office: (604) 814-1000
www.mhr.gov.bc.ca

BC Benefits (welfare), Disability Benefits, and employment counseling. Employment assistance workers administer the program.

PharmaCare: 1-800-387-4977
www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare

The Fair PharmaCare Program is for people on a limited income who require prescription drugs. It provides a cap on the amount paid for prescription drugs based upon income. Application forms are available from your local pharmacy.

A Helpful Hint: If you are on B.C. Benefits (Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers – PPMB or Persons with Disabilities – PWD), you can get your medications for free. However, some medications are not covered through MSP so check with your family doctor, pharmacist, support groups, or other consumers for guidance. If medications are not covered, your doctor may suggest a different psychiatric medication or you may qualify for Plan G which can provide medication for free.

BC Health Guide Online: www.bchealthguide.org

Links you to a world of health information.

24-hour BC Health Guide Nurse Line: 1-866-215-4700

Enquiry BC: 1-800-663-7867
www.gov.bc.ca

This toll-free service can link you 8am-5pm to any government office in the province for free.