British Columbia

Utility Security Deposits

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Utility Security Deposit can help people getting income, hardship, and disability assistance with the cost of getting electricity or natural gas service.

You may be able to get this benefit if your electricity or natural gas provider needs a security deposit, and you have no other means to get service connected or to keep your service from being disconnected.

You can get a utility security deposit for both electricity and one for natural gas at the same time. A utility security deposit is issued only for security deposits required by the utility provider and not for arrears in payment or connection fees.

If you get a Utility Security Deposit, you must sign a Repayment Agreement/Acknowledgement of Debt (Repayable) (HR2663A). This means that you promise to pay the government back for the deposit. Your security deposit will normally be paid back by taking a monthly amount from your regular assistance payments. Deduction starts on the second cheque issue after the utility security deposit is issued. The recovery amount on all outstanding deposit debts is $20 per month. You can pay it off sooner if you like.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction may provide a utility security deposit to or for a family unit that is eligible for income assistance, hardship assistance, or disability assistance if all of the following conditions are met:

  • The utility security deposit is necessary to enable the family unit to get the services of the electricity or natural gas utility.
  • The recipient agrees to repay the amount paid, and
  • The utility security deposit is the minimum amount required by the utility provider to get utility services.

To apply for the utility security deposit, meet with your Employment and Assistance Worker (EAW) who will review your eligibility and process your request.

If you are deemed ineligible for the utility security deposit, your EAW will explain the reason(s) for this and clearly explain the options available, including information on the reconsideration process.

Last updated: April 1, 2021