Bills and Debt Assistance

Customer Crisis Fund (CCF)
The Customer Crisis Fund (CCF) is a program offered by BC Hydro to assist residential customers who have been disconnected or are at risk of disconnection due to unpaid bills. The CCF is intended for those who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties, such as job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or the death of a family member.
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To be eligible for the CCF, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Be the BC Hydro residential account holder or authorized representative
  • Live at the address where the bill is in arrears
  • Have a balance in arrears of less than $1,000
  • Have experienced a life event within the past year that caused a temporary financial crisis
  • Have made previous attempts to pay their bill
  • Have used all legal income sources
  • Be ready and able to provide documentation
  • Apply online or at a Service BC location
Grants are $600 for electric heated homes and $500 for non-electric heated homes, and do not need to be repaid and are limited to one per year.

Phone: 211
Elsewhere in BC: 1-844-708-3208 / 604-909-486

Consolidated Credit Counselling Services of Canada Inc

The Credit Counselling Society is a non-profit organization that provides free credit counseling, resources for financial education and financial literacy, and assistance to individuals in financial hardship.

The Credit Counselling Society's services are available in several languages, including Cantonese, Farsi, Arabic, and Spanish.

Hours:
  • Mon - Thurs | 5:30 am - 5 pm
  • Friday | 5:30 am - 3 pm
  • Saturday | 6 am - 11 am
  • Sunday | Closed 
Location: CF Pacific Business Centre
  • Suite #1500 - 701 West Georgia Street
Phone: 844-329-7615
Email: [email protected]

Note: The Credit Counselling Society's Vancouver satellite office is by appointment only and can be contacted by phone, email, or through the online contact form.

Vancouver Rent Bank

The Housing Stability Loan Program is a service that provides one-time, interest-free loans to people who are at risk of eviction, homelessness, or utility disconnection due to temporary financial difficulties. The loans can be used to pay for rent, security deposits, and necessary utilities (ex. gas).

Eligibility for the program is determined by the following criteria:
  • Applicants must be at least 19 years old and residents of the City of Vancouver
  • Applicants must have a reliable source of income and meet the criteria for low income
  • Applicants must have legal status in Canada
  • Applicants must have an active bank account

To apply for a Housing Stability Loan, candidates must provide proof of income, statements of expenses, valid identification, and proof of tenancy. The maximum loan amount for a single borrower is $1300 and $1800 for families. Repayment of the loans is spread out over a 24-month period.

In addition to providing financial assistance, the Program also offers resources to help individuals better manage their limited financial resources.
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Hours:  Thursdays | 11 am - 2 pm
Location: 920 East Hastings St., Vancouver 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-566-9685 | 604-569-3779

Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy 

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) is a government agency in Canada that supervises bankruptcy and insolvency processes.

Services:
  •  maintains an online public log of business reorganizations, consumer proposals, and receiverships.
  •  is responsible for raising awareness of stakeholders' rights and obligations in the insolvency system.
  • ​provides general bankruptcy information and investigates complaints to ensure the fairness and transparency of the insolvency system for all parties involved.

Credit Counselling Society - Vancouver Office

The Credit & Debt Counseling Services (CDCS) is a non-profit organization that provides private credit counseling and debt consolidation assistance.

Services:
  • offers free credit counseling sessions in-person or over the phone, using a solution-focused approach to help individuals find the best path forward for their financial situation.
  • assists individuals in creating customized budgets to manage their finances.
  • offers debt repayment plans for a nominal fee, based on a sliding scale.
  • conducts educational seminars and workshops on budgeting, credit, and debt management.

Location: Justice Access Centre (VJAC)
  • Suite 290 – 800 Hornby Street
Phone: 604-527-8999 / 1-888-527-8999