The BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction seeks to ensure that people on income or disability assistance do not encounter additional barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To accommodate the current COVID-19 virtual health-care model, the ministry has temporarily published electronic versions of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Application Form (HR2883) and the Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Application Form (HR2892).
The electronic versions will enable applicants and health professionals to access the application forms while minimizing the need for clients to attend ministry and health-care offices in person.
Application for the PWD and PPMB designations requires the submission of personal and sensitive information; best practice involves ensuring this information is reviewed and confirmed by clients before it is submitted to the ministry.
Where applicants are unable to attend health-care offices to complete their PWD or PPMB applications in person, the ministry has created new Certification of Authorization to Collect Information Forms (HR4018 and HR4019) where health professionals may assert they have received authorization from the applicant for the ministry to collect health and other personal information about the applicant from the health professional.
This new form is embedded with the electronic PWD and PPMB application forms, which are now available on the ministry's website.