The BC Ministry of Finance has asked VISOA to inform our readers of changes to the process for applying for your Home Owner Grant.
Residents in municipalities no longer apply for the home owner grant through their municipal office. This process has now been centralized. Effective 2021, everyone now applies directly to the B.C. provincial government using a new, secure, online system that’s easy to use and will process applications faster. Homeowners can apply for their current year or their retroactive grants online at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. If the home owner would prefer to apply over the phone, they can call the contact centre toll-free at 1-888-355-2700 to speak with an agent.
Municipalities will no longer accept any applications.
You must apply for the home owner grant each year to receive it. Only one grant can be claimed for a property each year. The regular grant amount is $570 in the Capital Regional District, the Metro Vancouver Regional District and the Fraser Valley Regional District. For all other areas of the province the amount is $770. Properties assessed over $1,625,000 may receive a partial grant.
If you’re a person with a disability or senior aged 65 or older and you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible for the additional grant of $275 on top of the regular grant of $570. The total grant amount in these cases is $845 in the Capital Regional District, Metro Vancouver Regional District and the Fraser Valley. For all other areas of the province, the total grant amount is $1,045. Properties assessed over $1,625,000 may receive a partial grant.
For the purpose of claiming the home owner grant, you can have only one principal residence. Your principal residence is the usual place that you make your home. It’s where you live and conduct your daily affairs, like paying bills and receiving mail, and it’s generally the residence used in your government records for things like your income tax, medical services plan, driver’s licence and vehicle registration.
Find out if you qualify for the grant, and more information such as how it works if you are buying or selling a property at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant or by calling 1-888-355-2700 to speak with an agent.