More than 20,000 British Columbians applied for the province’s pandemic recovery benefit of up to $1,000 for families and $500 for individuals within hours of online applications opening Friday.
The high volume slowed the process Friday, with some users saying they received an error message while using the site.
A Finance Ministry spokeswoman said there were about 2,500 applications in the first few minutes of the application going live Friday. Those applying are being urged to be patient.
Finance Minister Selina Robinson has asked the public to be respectful to Service B.C. call centre staff as they help people apply for the benefit, which was promised by the B.C. NDP during the election campaign.
An estimated 90 per cent of adults in the province are eligible for the benefit, and applications will be accepted until June.
Families, which includes married and common-law couples without children, and single parents with household incomes up to $125,000 will receive $1,000, while those with incomes up to $175,000 will receive a reduced amount.
Individuals with incomes up to $62,500 will receive $500. Those earning up to $87,500 are eligible for a reduced benefit.
Applicants for the benefit must be at least 19 years old by Dec. 18 unless they are the primary caregiver of a child or living with a spouse.
Online applications can be made here.
They can also be made in-person at a Service B.C. location or by phone at 1-833-882-0020 starting on Monday. Up to 350 call centre agents will be available during the first week to answer questions or to help complete applications, but the province is encouraging people to apply online to receive their benefit quickly.
People can expect to receive the direct deposit within five business days of completing their application.
