Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Apply for Income Assistance

Government of British Columbia
Income assistance in BC, including for Indigenous people living off reserve, comes from the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. This website explains who is eligible and how to apply online for income assistance.
Last reviewed October 2025
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Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning (BC) Webinar

Plan Institute
A webinar to help you learn how to arrange your estate and prepare a will, and the various ins and outs of setting up a trust specifically for your loved one with a disability. It covers the different types of trusts available, and how to arrange your will so it doesn’t affect disability benefits.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Family Law

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It includes an overview of the family law process, as well as the law relating to marriage, common-law relationships, divorce, support, and adoption.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Trusts

Government of British Columbia
Explains how trusts work for those who are receiving disability assistance, or accommodation or care in a private hospital or a special care facility. Includes information on types of trusts, how to set up trusts, trust payments, and more.
Last reviewed December 2025
Logo with "Plan Institute" and three overlapping green circles to the right, and the words “for caring citizenship” below.

RDSP Tutorial

Plan Institute
This online tutorial helps you learn about Canada’s Registered Disability Savings Plan. It consists of four chapters: about RDSP, getting started, opening RDSP, and other info. Each chapter has a list of questions or topics that you can navigate to directly.
Last reviewed December 2025
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Estate Planning for Disabled Beneficiaries in British Columbia

Heritage Trust
Estate planning can secure the financial well-being of your disabled child or grandchild. This comprehensive guide on financial planning for disabled people in BC covers the definitions of disability, tax benefits, government assistance, estate-planning options like trusts and RDSPs, decision-making support, and available resources.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Mental Health and Discrimination

People’s Law School
The law helps protect anyone with a mental disability from discrimination. Learn what amounts to discrimination based on a mental disability, and the steps to take if you’re discriminated against.
Last reviewed July 2024
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Ending Mandatory Retirement

Government of British Columbia
Explains that employers can’t force you to retire because of your age, although your employer can offer you a reward or bonus to retire. It explains there are some jobs with age limits because of the duties or needs of work or because of safety issues or dangers. It also explains pension and insurance benefits.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo is a stylized person in a wheelchair going up a path towards the sun. The organization name is below.

CSIL Online Workbooks

Spinal Cord Injury BC
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is an alternative way for people with disabilities in BC to receive home support services. These online workbooks give people with disabilities the information they need to apply and manage the transition to becoming a CSIL employer.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Victims

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It contains an overview of the support, resources, and legal options that are available to victims of crime.
Last reviewed November 2025