BC Announces $475 Million Investment to Expand Support for Children and Youth with Disabilities
On February 10, 2026, the Government of British Columbia announced a major expansion in support of children and youth with disabilities and their families. This includes a significant investment of $475 million over the next three years to create new programs and strengthen services across the province. This is a huge step forward for equity for British Columbians with disabilities.
As part of this initiative, a new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit will provide direct funding to families based on each child’s functional support needs up to $6,500 or up to $17,000 per year, which also expands the eligibility criteria beyond the current, limited system.
If your family may be eligible, we strongly encourage you to learn more about the new benefit and supplement by speaking to your social worker or government contact to understand how the changes apply to your situation. Reaching out early will also help you prepare for April and beyond when the new benefit begins rolling out.
For families considering our camp programs that open registration on February 17, we encourage them to apply to camp and use the new funding to support the fees charged. The BC Government plans to roll out the funding in April 2026, and billing will be handled after this date. We are open to any questions from families regarding our approach to billing for this summer.
In addition, a new income-tested B.C. Children and Youth Disability Supplement will also become available in 2027 to families with any child under age 18 who is eligible for the federal Disability Tax Credit. The supplement will provide up to $6,000 per year, which families can use to pay for therapies, supports and services they believe are most helpful.
This announcement is a positive step toward a more equitable and supportive BC, and we are excited to see the provincial government take meaningful progress to help children and youth with disabilities. At Easter Seals BC/Yukon, we are here to walk with you through this transition. Please reach out to us at any time at info@eastersealsbcy.ca.
More information is available on the Government of BC’s website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs
Read the Government of BC’s press release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026CFD0002-000136
