The Province of BC recently announced that couples in which both people are receiving Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefits will soon receive the same PWD support allowance (this unfortunately does not also apply to the shelter allowance) as they would if they were two individuals—a welcome change, but inadequate. Disability Alliance BC, the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition and the Centre for Family Equity have issued a joint letter to the Province, calling for the full removal of the spousal cap for all persons with disabilities and their households.

Read the full letter in PDF format or view the text below.

We will continue to monitor this issue and will inform the community of any further changes through our blog, social media and e-newsletter.

November 20th, 2025

Re: Spousal Cap Changes announced November 13th, 2025

Dear Minister Malcolmson, Minister Wickens, and The Honourable Premier Eby,

We are writing on behalf of the Centre for Family Equity, Disability Alliance BC and the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition. We are writing to you regarding the recent announcement by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction of changes to the spousal cap rules for persons with disabilities in BC.

We welcome the announcement that, starting December 1, 2025, couples where both partners receive disability assistance will receive the same support as if they were single, and that starting January 1, 2026, couples where one partner has the Persons with Disabilities designation will see increased earnings exemptions. This change is a meaningful and welcome step toward dismantling the outdated ‘spousal cap’ that for too long kept people with disabilities trapped in poverty.

We want to begin by congratulating and commending you for the changes, which will doubtlessly improve the quality of life, economic security, safety, and health of many people with disabilities in BC.

However, this admiral change and update to a discriminatory policy still leaves many people with disabilities and their children, youth and families who are still experiencing clawbacks on their income based on their partner’s income, or whose benefits are impacted by their spouse, behind.

Children and youth being raised in households impacted by parental disability status have a right to the full income of their parents and caregivers. The spousal cap assumes a non-disabled partner is responsible for the disabled partner’s livelihood and well-being. This circles back to outdated, patriarchal laws of many decades prior. The spousal cap is in direct opposition with a person’s right to independence and equal opportunity, and therefore discriminates against people with disabilities and their families.

Our organizations will continue to advocate for the full removal of the spousal cap for all persons with disabilities and their households, and for the elimination of all income clawbacks that keep people and families in deep levels of poverty. Until people are supported adequately regardless of relationship status, many will continue to live with insecurity and exclusion.

We advocate for policies that support access to income and greater pathways to labour market inclusion and attachment for those marginalized by poverty and disability.

We implore you to go the full distance and remove the spousal cap entirely for all people on disability assistance in BC.

We look forward to the Province moving quickly to fulfill the commitment to ending the spousal cap to ensure that no one with a disability and their family unit is left behind.

We would be happy to meet with you to discuss this matter further.

Best regards,

Viveca Ellis
Executive Director, Centre for Family Equity

Rowan Burdge
Provincial Director, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition

Helaine Boyd
Executive Director, Disability Alliance BC

Our Tax AID program is seeking volunteer tax preparers!

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications.

Our mission: to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community.

Program Description

Tax AID DABC partners with the Together Against Poverty Society, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Active Support Against Poverty Society, to provide free support to people with disabilities across BC to file their taxes.

Job Description

DABC is seeking several volunteers who are passionate about community work to join our Tax AID program, year-round. Volunteers will work one-on-one to assist people with disabilities with their income taxes, with supervision of the Senior Tax Advocate. Volunteers will work remotely and will be able to set their own schedule.

Skills and Assets

Successful Volunteers must have:

• 2+ years of experience with client tax filling, including self-employment taxes
• Good computer and technology skills; (Microsoft Office Suite, experience working with UFile is an asset)
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A strong desire to help and serve our community of people with disabilities
• An ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Successful Volunteers must also be able to:

• Pass a Criminal Record Check
• Obtain an EFILE number (personal tax filings are current; no outstanding tax debt; not in bankruptcy)

Duties

• Complete income tax returns in accordance with Revenue Canada guidelines
• Report questions or concerns to the Income Tax Clinic supervisor

Benefits of Volunteering

• Help individuals get or maintain uninterrupted access to benefits and credits
• Give back to the community
• Increase personal tax knowledge
• Gain new skills and improve existing ones
• Receive training, support, and reference materials including free tax software

Training and Orientation

• Orientation to Tax AID DABC programs, policies, and procedures
• Canada Revenue Agency online webinars
• Virtual supervision by Income Tax Clinic supervisor

Application Deadline: rolling application until all spots are filled

DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in applying, please submit a resume to Cynthia Minh, Director, Tax AID, cynthia@dabc.ca (Please indicate “Volunteer Tax Preparer” in the email subject line.

Open: November 13, 2025
Closes: November 28, 2025
Location: Vancouver, BC
Category: Community and Social Services Job
Type: Full-time
Salary: $54,000

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications. through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

Job Description

DABC is seeking a Community Advocate to join our Advocacy Access Team. The Advocate will be responsible for individual and community advocacy relating to provincial disability benefits (known as PWD). The Advocate will also acquire extensive knowledge about provincial and territorial disability assistance programs across Canada to expand our advocacy and supports

Responsibilities:

• Assist people with disabilities with applications and appeals relating to provincial disability (Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Persistent and Multiple Barriers)
• Facilitate workshops/webinars about provincial disability benefits for community organizations, people with disabilities, healthcare professionals, and other interested individuals and groups
• Conduct an environmental scan of available services related to disability assistance across the country to understand existing supports and prevailing gaps that can be mitigated with our support
• Be a resource for community advocates and individuals on policy and legislation governing disability assistance in BC and beyond

The successful applicant must:

• Have a minimum 2 years combined post-secondary education and/or applicable work experience
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
• Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities from a client-centered approach
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team
• Have strong analytical and research skills
• Have excellent organizational skills
• Be computer literate and proficient with word-processing software including the Microsoft Office Suite
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive client information

The following are strong assets for this position:

• Experience with provincial disability assistance benefits in BC (PWD/PPMB)
• Knowledge of provincial disability assistance benefits outside of BC
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Background in law, social work, or a related field
• Lived experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
• Experience with legal research
• Understanding of anti-oppression principles

Salary: $54,000 per year

This position offers the following benefits after a three-month probationary period:

• 15 days of paid vacation annually
• 18 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December
• Employee wellness spending account

Working hours and location

This position is full-time for 5 days per week at 8 hours a day (including 1 hour as a paid lunch break) and is a hybrid work opportunity; the successful candidate may be required to work at the Downtown Vancouver office two or three days a week, and at home the rest of the time. The position may also require occasional travel to other BC communities and beyond. During your initial training, you will be required to be in the office 5 days a week until successful completion of training.

The position is located in downtown Vancouver, on the traditional, ancestral and stolen lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

Commitment to Equity

DABC is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, people of colour, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long-term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to uphold the rights and dignities of people with disabilities.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Sharareh Saremi, Program Manager of Advocacy Access at sharareh@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Community Advocate B” no phone calls please.

Applications are due no later than midnight on November 28, 2025. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada.