Wednesday April 10, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated April 12, 2024]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Just one day after BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced a one-time benefit to seniors and families, there are reports of potential fraud through text messages that have nothing to do with the BC Government or BC Housing.
The $430 one-time benefit being issued to seniors on the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program and a one-time benefit to families on Rental Assistance Program (RAP) are being funded through a $12.3-million federal top-up for the Canada Housing Benefit, intended as one-time payments for low-income BC households in need.
The Province is providing $15.6 million to support the longer-term improvements to SAFER.
“Now criminals are trying to manipulate seniors & steal from them,” said Premier David Eby in social media about the vulnerability of some seniors.
BC Housing will never invite anyone to claim benefits through text messaging, the government says.
Statement from the Housing Minister:
In response to reports of potential fraud related to the Canada Housing Benefit, please see the following statement from Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing today April 10, 2024:
“We are aware of the fraudulent text messages that have been distributed referencing the Canada Housing Benefit. It is incredibly disheartening to hear that bad actors are trying to take advantage of vulnerable seniors and families, the day after we announced a one-time benefit to Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) recipients. BC Housing is actively investigating these messages and more information will be made public once additional details have been confirmed.
“In the meantime, BC Housing is working urgently to notify recipients and the public to ignore these fraudulent messages and to clarify that recipients would never be invited to claim benefits over text. I encourage recipients with any questions or concerns to contact BC Housing immediately at 604-433-2218 or 1-800-257-7756.”
===== RELATED:
New rental supports for BC seniors (April 9, 2024)