New for 2021, applications for the BC Home Owner Grant must all be submitted directly to the province, either online or by phone. Your municipality can no longer accept your home owner grant application.
What's Changing?
With long wait times on the phone, the provincial government is encouraging homeowners to apply online. You'll need the jurisdiction and roll number for the property you're applying for, as well as your social insurance number. This system will also let you check the status of your grant application online.
If you need to claim the grant retroactively for 2020, you will also use the provincial application.
If you don't have access to a computer at home, you can visit a Service BC location to user a computer terminal. There is an automated self-serve phone system if you are applying for the regular grant or senior grant; an agent will not assist with the self-serve application. If you don't mind waiting on hold, you can apply by phone with help from an agent on weekdays between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
What's Staying the Same?
Only one qualifying owner can claim the grant for a property each year. If you meet the qualifications for a higher grant amount as a senior, veteran, or person with a disability, you must be the one who applies for your property, although anyone with your permission can apply on your behalf.
Late payment penalties may apply to your property taxes if your grant application isn't received before the tax due date (July 2nd across most of the province). However, you can still apply for the home owner grant up to December 31st of the current tax year, even if you haven't paid your property taxes.
If your property taxes are collected with your mortgage payment and paid by the lender, they will not apply for the home owner grant on your behalf. You will still need to apply for the grant yourself, and then let your mortgage lender know the amount of the grant you've claimed.
We provide information related to home ownership in BC as part of our service. Any inquiries about the changes to the BC Home Owner Grant should be directed to the provincial government.
If you're interested in exploring your mortgage options with our team, let's start the conversation! Fill out our online form or give us a call at 250-590-6520 (toll-free 1-855-590-6520).
Auxilium Mortgage Corporation is based in Victoria, BC and works with clients locally and across Canada. The Auxilium team has over 100 years of combined financial experience and access to dozens of lenders to help you meet your goals.
