[Finances] British Columbia Subsidies

The question on much of my mind about becoming a choice mom is simply:

"Can I afford it?"

On initial look, things look a bit grim for the Vancouver scene...



"That single parents are much more likely to live below the poverty line is a fact throughout Canada"

"Poverty is a single mom issue", from Ralph Sultan, Economist's SFU Speech

"Half of children in families led by single mothers are poor"

These statements are hella scary.

That said? There are many demographics of single mothers. Choice moms have a leg up in a lot of respects. Most choice moms have a chance to plan ahead, and know that there finances are up for the lifestyle that they want for their family. There is no expectation of a second income from a partner (and thus risk of losing it), and no worry about child support coming on time(or not coming at all). You are absolutely aware of all your vices (drat you, chocolate and espresso!) and how they fit into your budget. This is an advantage that unplanned single parent families or single parents via divorce do not have. The flip side is that you are also absolutely aware that you are the only breadwinner... If you lose your job, things get ugly.

Things that can help out while parenting, no matter your economic status government subsidies.
Note that the Canada Government website does have calculators on which you can triple check your eligibility before budgeting in that extra money.

Some possible subsidies include:

The Universal Child Care Benefit. : Everyone in Canada received this one. For each child under six that you have in your household, the government will send you a check for $100 per child.You do need to apply for this.

The Canada Child Tax Benefit: This is an income dependent subsidy. You can follow this link to see if you would be eligible.. Most people will incomes under $70000 per family will be. Again, you would need to apply for this.

The National Child Benefit Supplement: This is an income dependent subsidy, the amount of which varies dependent on your income. If you are unemployed, this will add about $500 a year, per child, to your income. If you make over $43000 a year, you will not be eligible for this.

Rental Assistance Program (RAP): If you are a low income parent (under $35000, according to this particular set of hoops),  you may be eligible for rent money assistance. You need to have been employed within the last year, have at least one child, not be on EI or living in subsidized housing. Check out the RAP Subsidy to apply.