You can apply for one-time, tax-free B.C. emergency benefit May 1

VICTORIA – Applications for the British Columbia government's $1,000 emergency benefit for workers will open on May 1.

The one-time, tax-free benefit is for those whose ability to work has been affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government says in a news release that those who are eligible for the federal government's emergency response benefits are also able to apply for the B.C. payment.

Those asking for the payment must also have been a resident of B.C. on March 15, 2020, be at least 15 years old, have filed or agree to file a 2019 income tax return and can not be on income or disability assistance.

Finance Minister Carole James says the cash is further help for those who are worried about paying their bills and the government wants to help displaced workers support themselves and their families.

Applications can be made online and the government says it expects payments will be processed within days of the paperwork being filed.

The application portal will be available here, starting on May 1.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2020.