BC Grandparent Raising Grandchild Housing Help: SAFER and Rent Supplements

When a Grandchild Arrives and the Apartment Is Too Small

A one-bedroom apartment that worked fine for a retired grandparent doesn't work once a child moves in. You may need a bigger unit, but rent in most BC communities has climbed far beyond what a fixed pension covers. The gap between what you can pay and what a larger place costs is often the most urgent financial problem kinship caregivers face.

Grandparents raising grandchildren can check BC Housing programs such as SAFER and RAP. These programs may help with housing costs, but eligibility and payment amounts depend on each program's rules.

SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters)

SAFER is BC Housing's rent subsidy for eligible older renters. If you're a grandparent renting in BC, check BC Housing's current age, income, rent, and household rules before assuming you qualify.

The subsidy is calculated under SAFER's own rules. Confirm the current calculation with BC Housing before estimating a monthly amount.

Key details for kinship caregivers:

• Ask BC Housing how it counts the child's CCB or BCFB and any EFP maintenance when assessing your household.
• Confirm the current application route and required documents with BC Housing.

If your rent or household changes, tell BC Housing and ask whether your file needs to be updated.

Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is a separate BC Housing program for eligible working families with children. Its eligibility and income calculation are separate from SAFER; check the current BC Housing rules for whether your household qualifies.

BC Housing Waitlists

BC Housing operates subsidized housing across the province. Ask BC Housing which application route applies to your household and what waitlist information is current in your community.

If a grandchild joins your household while you are on a waitlist, update BC Housing about the household change and ask whether it changes your application details or assessment.

What EFP Covers for Housing

The Extended Family Program pays monthly maintenance of $1,549.20 or $1,726.33 depending on the child's age. Enhanced Out-of-Care support can also cover certain housing modifications; ask the worker what support fits your situation.

EFP caregivers can request Enhanced Out-of-Care (EOOC) support for specific housing modifications. General equipment or housing modifications can be approved up to $1,000 per year; a Director of Operations can approve up to $5,000 per year.

Emergency Shelter Situations

If the child's arrival creates an immediate housing crisis, contact BC Housing or a local community service agency to ask what emergency or transitional housing support is available in your community.

The MCFD social worker assigned to your EFP case can also connect you to local housing resources. This is one of the support services the EFP Written Plan is supposed to address.

For a complete map of financial supports available to BC kinship caregivers — housing, childcare, tax benefits, and ministry payments — the BC Kinship Financial Help Guide covers each program with application steps and eligibility criteria in one place.

See more British Columbia guides →