Estimate what you would pay for publicly subsidized home support, assisted living and long-term care in BC, using the income amounts from your CRA Notice of Assessment.
BC Government Care Cost Reference
Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) funded services
BC operates an income-tested home and community care system. Clients pay a portion of the cost based on their after-tax income; the province funds the rest. The three main cost streams — home support, assisted living, and long-term care — each use a different formula, all anchored on your Notice of Assessment.
| Program | Formula | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Support | Remaining income × 0.00138889 / hour | No minimum | No cap — scales with income |
| Assisted Living | 70% of after-tax income | $1,163.90/mo single $1,772.90/mo couple | Market rate of the unit |
| Long-Term Care | 80% of after-tax income above $19,500 | $1,466.20/mo | $4,073.40/mo |
| Scenario | Est. LTC monthly | Est. AL monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Low: $20,000 net income, single | ~$1,500 | ~$1,167 |
| Moderate: $35,000 net income, single | ~$2,500 | ~$2,042 |
| Higher: $60,000 net income, single | ~$4,073 | ~$3,500 |
| GIS-only senior | ~$1,466 | ~$1,164 |
Use the interactive calculator below for a more specific estimate — it applies the full adjusted-income formula including earned-income caps, family-size deductions, and RDSP exclusions. For enrolment, start with VIHA Find Care or call 8-1-1 HealthLink BC.