The BC Government announced the first increase in welfare rates in 12 years. The ministry Increase to Income Assistant Rates Fact Sheet says the rate increase will take effect on client's March 28th cheque. All income assistant recipients will receive $50 more for shelter and employable singles will recieve $50 more support. The ministry also has an Increases to Income Assistance Rate Table with details on the increases. The Raise the Rates Coalition says that although they were were asking the Provincial Government to raise welfare rates by 50% and index them to inflation, it is a significant stride towards better income assistance.