British Columbia

SAJE Income Supports

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program offers a number of supports to eligible youth and young adults. This page focuses on Income Supports.

The Income Support (both unconditional and conditional) is a part of the broader suite of services available within the SAJE program. It is intended to support young adults by increasing financial stability and independence, help prevent the experience of homelessness and avoid long-term system dependence.

  • The Unconditional Income Support (UIS) is available to eligible young adults with no requirement to participate in programming for up to 12 months (between a young person’s 19th and 20th birthday);
  • The Conditional Income Support (CIS) is available to support young adults with living costs while they participate in a post-secondary educational program; or a vocational training program; or attend a cultural program; rehabilitation program; a life-skills program or a combination of these programs, until their 27th birthday. While on CIS, program participation is required.

Further information about the SAJE Income Supports can be found in the Income Supports FAQ}.

Unconditional Income Support (IUS):

Young adults between the ages of 19 to 20 (up to your 20th birthday) with any of the following care experiences can receive an Unconditional Income Support (UIS) of up to $1,250/month to assist with living expenses. Young adults are eligible for an UIS if:

  • They reached their 19th birthday while on a Youth Agreement, a Continuing Custody Order or were under the personal guardianship of a director, OR
  • They achieved permanency between the ages of 12-19 (i.e., adoption after being in care),OR
  • They have 24 months of cumulative time in care between the ages of 12-19, in a range of in- and out-of-care statuses, OR
  • They were in a comparable arrangement under Indigenous law.

Conditional Income Support (CIS):

Following their 20th birthday, ongoing monthly support remains available until age 27 through the Conditional Income Support to young adults if they are participating or enrolled in:

  • Individualized or facilitated life-skills, rehabilitative, or cultural programming; for:
    • a minimum of five hours per week, OR
  • Post-secondary educational; vocational; apprenticeship training or programs not covered by the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (PTWP) / [Learning for Future Grant (LFG)] (link to new BW page)
    • a minimum of 60% of a full-time course load;
    • a minimum of 40% of a full-time course load (if you have a permanent disability), OR
  • A combination of educational, vocational, apprenticeship training, rehabilitative, life skills and/or cultural programming (a + b from above)

You can also use the SAJE Eligibility Check Form to learn which supports you may be eligible for.

To get more information about the SAJE program contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) by:

Phone: 1-866-623-3001 Email: [email protected]

Proof of legal status

A document showing citizenship or immigration status in Canada. For example:

  • citizenship certificate
  • confirmation document
  • record of landing, confirmation of permanent residence;
    • permanent resident card
    • visitor record
    • temporary resident permit
    • study permit
  • positive notice of decision
  • verification of status document
  • registration date with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
  • passport
  • foreign passport

Proof of  residency in Province

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Contact a SAJE Guide or MCFD’s SAJE Provincial Support Services (SPSS) to find out more information about the Income Supports at:

Phone: 1-866-623-3001 Email: [email protected]

ICFSAs may also have dedicated workers to assist Indigenous youth with planning for their transition to adulthood and accessing the SAJE program. If you are looking for an ICFSA please visit Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies/Delegated Aboriginal Agencies in BC - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).

Last updated: May 30, 2025