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Common Questions

I have an outstanding arrest warrant and I need welfare. What can I do?

Last reviewed November 2020 by the Clicklaw Editors

As of June 2010, people with outstanding arrest warrants may be cut off or ineligible for welfare in BC until they take steps to deal with the outstanding warrant.

  • Outstanding Warrants and Welfare, from People's Law School, provides a more general summary of when this rule applies and the exceptions to it.
  • Warrants, a BC Government webpage, contains information about who is included and exempt from receiving income assistance when an outstanding warrant exists. 

Need more help?

  • Find an Advocate, from PovNet, provides a list of community advocates who may be able to provide information or assistance regarding the welfare application process.
  • Community Law Program, from Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS), provides legal advice and assistance to low-income individuals. They may be able to help if you have already made a request for reconsideration and you have lost your appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal. See their fact sheet above for more details.
  • If you qualify for legal aid, Legal Aid Services, from Legal Aid BC (LABC), may be able to help you with your criminal case.
  • Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap

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tags
outstanding warrant, arrest warrant, cut off welfare